Tony Diver, Associate Political Editor at The Telegraph, discusses the controversial Chagos Islands deal and its geopolitical ramifications, including rising tensions with China and implications for UK-US relations. Bruce Peabody, Political Science Professor, tackles the contentious idea of Trump serving a third term, reviewing six constitutional scenarios that could make it possible. They explore the complexities of the 22nd Amendment and the potential for Trump's camp to navigate uncharted legal waters in pursuit of another presidency.

Sarah Newey, an Asia correspondent with firsthand insights from Myanmar, discusses the devastating impact of a recent earthquake amidst a brutal civil war. She explains how this disaster may weaken the junta's grip on power and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute's International Security Program, analyzes Australia's evolving defense strategy against China's assertiveness. He addresses the controversy over defense spending increases and the implications of recent military provocations. Together, they shed light on critical geopolitical challenges.

Kurt Mills, Executive Editor of The American Conservative, offers deep insights on U.S. foreign policy. Anders Vistisen, a Danish MEP, discusses Greenland’s sovereignty in light of recent U.S. ambitions for annexation. Charly Salonius-Pasternak analyzes Arctic geopolitics, including security implications from the 'Signal-gate' incident. The trio examines how American actions could destabilize global dynamics, especially in relation to Russia and NATO. They engage in heated debates about nationalism, diplomacy, and the complexities of foreign relations in a changing world.

Raphael Geiger, Istanbul correspondent for Süddeutsche Zeitung, discusses the recent protests in Turkey following President Erdogan's controversial arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Highlighting youth-led movements, he emphasizes the aspiration for democracy amidst governmental oppression. Meanwhile, Henry Bodkin, a Jerusalem correspondent, delves into the political unrest in Israel, sparked by Netanyahu's actions and the firing of Shin Bet's director. This conversation uncovers the alarming erosion of democratic values in both nations.

Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent at The Globe and Mail, shares insights on Canadian fury towards Trump's annexation rhetoric. He discusses how the current political climate is intensifying nationalism among Canadians and shaping their identity. The podcast explores the historical parallels with geopolitical tensions like those in Ukraine and critiques media portrayals of these issues. MacKinnon also highlights the unforeseen impacts of the ongoing tariff war on Canadian industries and the evolving dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations.

Violence has reignited between Israel and Hamas, just two months after a shaky ceasefire. Extensive airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in a rising death toll, largely impacting children. A Palestinian aid worker shares insights from the ground, while personal stories illuminate the human cost of the conflict. The discussion also delves into the broader geopolitical implications and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution amidst escalating humanitarian crises. Families grapple with the emotional toll and the ongoing hostage situation adds to the complexity.

Over the weekend, the United States launched what it called 'powerful and decisive' airstrikes against the Houthis, the Iranian backed rebel group that controls much of Yemen. The Houthis say the death toll so far stands at 53, including two children. American officials said the strikes aimed at the Houthi leadership and came in response to the group's threat to resume strikes on shipping in the Red Sea. But it's not just about Yemen. On Monday afternoon, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, and from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of Iran.'Iran, he said, will be held responsible and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire. So what does this new wave of strikes mean for the people of Yemen and for the wider Middle East? Roland Oliphant speaks with Farea Al-Muslimi, research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program.Plus: as a UN helicopter is attacked in South Sudan raising fears of a return to civil war, we hear diary extracts from Dr Ryan McHenry who spent three months working with MSF in the country's arduous circumstances.Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, Memphis Barker, a Telegraph foreign correspondent in Alberta, explores the separatist sentiments in Canada and the controversial idea of annexation, revealing surprising opinions from locals. Tom Wright, a strategic advisor in the Biden White House, offers a deep dive into U.S. relations with Russia and China. The conversation addresses national security concerns, emotional ties to independence in Alberta, and the complicated diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict, all while examining the currents of U.S. foreign policy under both Trump and Biden.

On this Bonus episode, Roland Oliphant speaks with Reza Pahlavi, the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979. The Crown Prince has lived in exile ever since, but he now believes the regime could be heading for collapse and is positioning himself as the potential figurehead of a democratic transition. We asked him why he thinks Iran is headed for a revolution like the one that overthrew his father, why he believes he could lead such a change, and what he thinks Western governments should do in this delicate moment in Iranian history.This episode is part of a new series of regular bonus material that Battle Lines will be releasing every month. From extended interviews with key political and defence figures to deep dives into the state of the world's biggest militaries, all you need to do to hear these episodes as soon as they're released is subscribe to The Telegraph and link your subscription in Apple Podcasts. For more information, click here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/contact-us/telegraph-subscription-bonus-content-apple-podcasts/Read more'Iran’s Crown Prince: My country is on the brink of a revolution like that of 1979' by Roland Oliphant:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/02/23/crown-prince-reza-pahlavi-iran-on-the-brink-of-revolution/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Iran carries out military drills with Russia and China, Venetia Rainey chats to Telegraph reporter Akhtar Makoii about the country's attempts to build up its army with new weapons and new capabilities. They also discuss Iran's renewed attempts to strike a nuclear deal, and why Donald Trump's threatening letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might backfire. Plus: The war in Sudan continues to rage with no sign of resolution. The Telegraph's global health reporter Lilia Sebouai and photographer Simon Townsley gained rare access to Sudan's Nuba Mountains. They tell Roland Oliphant the stories they heard first-hand, including the way mass rape is being used as a weapon of war by the Rapid Support Forces.Read more'Iran unveils new ‘stealth fighter’ drone for bombing and reconnaissance' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/04/iran-unveil-stealth-fighter-drone/'Putin agrees to help Trump start direct talks with Iran' by Akhtar Makoii:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/04/putin-agrees-help-trump-direct-talks-with-iran/'Dispatch: Children reduced to skin and bones in war-torn Sudan’s forgotten famine' by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/sudan-war-famine-nuba-malnutrition-starvation-conflict/Children as young as four among victims of gang-rape and ethnic cleansing in war-torn Sudan by Lilia Sebouai and Simon Townsley:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/child-victims-of-gang-rape-and-ethnic-cleansing-sudan-war/Contact us with feedback or ideasbattlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.