The Foreign Desk

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a rising political leader in Sri Lanka, discusses the dramatic shift from traditional political dynasties to new leadership amid the country's evolving landscape. He delves into the motivations behind the public's call for change, particularly in light of the economic turmoil. Dissanayake articulates the monumental challenges ahead, including tackling corruption while trying to expand welfare. He also explores the political risks of a snap election and how these hurdles could shape future reforms in Sri Lanka.

Miroslav Lajčák, a key diplomat in Balkan peace efforts, Christian Schmidt, a political stalwart for regional stability, and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, former president of Croatia, delve into the challenges faced by the Western Balkans. They discuss rising nationalist sentiments, the stalled EU integration process, and the historical complexities affecting relations, especially between Serbia and Kosovo. The conversation emphasizes the need for decisive EU action and the importance of grassroots engagement in policy-making to ensure lasting peace.

Local elections in Jammu and Kashmir make a historic comeback after a decade of absence. The significance of this shift is examined within the context of India-Pakistan relations. Challenges faced highlight the evolving political landscape, including the participation of previously boycotting factions. The return of the Awami-Ithahad party and its leader adds further depth, with renewed discussions around autonomy and the potential rise of extremism impacting upcoming global elections.

Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, an expert in European defense, joins an insightful discussion about the continent's security challenges. The talk highlights Europe's need for self-sufficiency in defense amidst rising geopolitical threats. They discuss NATO's shift towards a stronger deterrent posture post-Ukraine invasion and the crucial role of air defense advancements, including AI integration. The conversation also covers Poland's growing defense contributions and the urgent need for collaboration among European nations to ensure readiness against evolving threats.

As Germany enforces tougher checks on all its borders, Andrew Mueller questions what this will mean for the Schengen Area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Oleksii Reznikov, former Ukrainian defense minister, as he shares insights on national resilience during conflict. Czechia’s foreign minister, Jan Lipavský, discusses the delicate balance of EU harmony in a turbulent political landscape. General Chris Badia highlights NATO's evolving priorities in response to Russian aggression. Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of 'SME', addresses the challenges faced by democratic journalism amid rising far-right narratives, emphasizing the critical need for truthful reporting in today's climate.

Andrew Mueller, a keen commentator on social media regulations, dives into Brazil's landmark decision to ban the platform X. He unpacks the tensions between free speech and the need to curb disinformation. The discussion highlights the legal clash with Elon Musk’s company and raises crucial questions about social media's role in managing misinformation and hate speech. Mueller offers insights into the broader implications of this bold move on global digital governance.

Simon Bouvier, Paris bureau chief for Monocle, and Yair Zivan, an Israeli author and advisor, join Michèle Flournoy, a former US defense official, to discuss the precarious state of centrism. They dive into the challenges faced by centrists in a starkly polarized political landscape, especially in France under Macron. The conversation also touches on the tension between Trump’s foreign policy instincts and norms, the delicate balance in Gaza, and the essential role of compromise in navigating modern governance. This compelling dialogue reveals how pragmatism is crucial for a sustainable political future.

Andrew Mueller, a sharp commentator on conflicts and international relations, dives into the recent flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah. He unpacks why this intense conflict quickly fizzled out, revealing surprising insights into the minimal damage inflicted by both sides. Mueller also highlights the performative nature of modern warfare, contrasting Hezbollah's cautious tactics with those of Hamas. The discussion sheds light on how military actions often serve as strategic signals in the complex landscape of Middle Eastern conflicts.

In this discussion, Christopher Lord, the U.S. editor for Monocle, joins Middle Eastern analysts Julie Norman and Yossi Mekelberg, along with former negotiator Aaron David Miller. They analyze the shifting U.S.-Israel relationship amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and how a change in Democratic leadership could affect foreign policy. The conversation touches on the Democratic National Convention's stance on Israel and Palestine, the impact of domestic protests on U.S. policy, and the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.