If You're Listening

Donald Trump started his presidency by picking a fight with Colombia. The US threatened its Central American neighbour with massive tariffs if it didn't accept planes full of handcuffed deportees. Colombia backed down — and that has serious implications for the rest of the region. President Trump is gearing up for negotiations over deportations and his new favourite issue, ownership of the Panama Canal. This week on If You're Listening, can one of the most divided, violent and vulnerable parts of the world find a way to fight back against President Trump's agenda? Are you in Adelaide? On March 1 we're performing live, with all new stories at the Adelaide Festival Writers' Week. Tickets are selling fast: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/if-you-re-listening/Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RhRPA57_iQE?si=UhVFsMF5RIHgbUoX

Donald Trump has liked the idea of tariffs for a long time, since before his first term as president. Now that he’s back in office he’s using them to do all sorts of things — threaten other countries, crack down on drug importation and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. He’s starting with a 25 per cent tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, a move that would have huge implications for America’s economy and its relationship with its closest neighbours. President Trump is promising it’s just the beginning, and that this won’t make goods more expensive for Americans. It’s been a long time since most developed countries have used tariffs in this way, but there is one US ally with a recent memory of something like it. In this episode of If You’re Listening, what can we understand about tariffs from Australia’s recent past?We're coming to Adelaide! Find tickets to our live show at Adelaide Festival Writers' Week here: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/if-you-re-listening/Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDTPrMoGHssAfgMMS3L5LpLNFMNp1U_Nq 

In the streets of Tbilisi, citizens grapple with a pivotal decision: align with the EU or submit to Putin's influence. The ruling party's recent victory sparks protests as Georgia faces pressures from both West and East. Billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili's allegiance to Russia raises concerns over the nation's sovereignty. Historical struggles for independence and a fervent desire for democratic reforms highlight the resilience of the Georgian people against external manipulation. It's a poignant tale of a nation at a geopolitical crossroads.

We want to know what you think of the show so we can make it better in 2025! Give us your feedback here: https://forms.office.com/r/w0hT5fzuxgHunter Biden has been a main character in far-right conspiracy theories for years, and Donald Trump’s associates have spent significant effort searching for proof that could lead to his prosecution. In the end, Hunter reportedly provided the only evidence that has mattered: a laptop full of terribly embarrassing and potentially incriminating material. The story of how that laptop found its way to Trump’s favourite lawyer Rudy Giuliani is almost too bizarre to believe. But the Biden family story has been improbably tragic for decades, and it was those tragedies that have seemingly steered the outgoing president to pardon his son despite the very real cost to his own reputation, and the country.Follow If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R75Jqu0ySM&list=PLDTPrMoGHssAfgMMS3L5LpLNFMNp1U_Nq

The discussion delves into the International Criminal Court's efforts to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over war crime allegations. It contrasts global responses to figures like Putin and Hamas while zooming in on the historical context of international justice following World War II. The complexities of international law and the political challenges of enforcing accountability are examined, bringing attention to the court's struggles and the implications for global governance. This case could redefine how the world views crimes against humanity.

A Chinese cargo ship linked to undersea cable disruptions raises alarms of potential sabotage in the Baltic Sea. Historical contexts reveal that undersea cables have been vulnerable since World War I, underscoring their importance in today’s internet infrastructure. As internet traffic surges with cloud services and AI, the risk of targeted attacks is heightened. Geopolitical maneuvers by Russia and China could threaten global connectivity, posing critical questions about international justice effectiveness in face of cyber threats.

The discussion dives into the aftermath of January 6, exploring how Donald Trump’s social media ban inadvertently fueled his comeback. It reveals the powerful impact of censorship on conspiracy theories and political narratives. Listeners learn about Trump's transformation into a victimized figure, rallying his supporters amid societal divisions. The contrast between Trump and Alex Jones highlights the varying fates of those ostracized. Ultimately, reflections on a polarized America shed light on the turmoil and desperation that shapes current political dynamics.

This engaging discussion delves into the fraught loyalties within Trump's circle during and after his presidency. It highlights a tense dinner between Trump and the FBI Director that reveals the pressures of political allegiance. The conversation shifts to the chaotic events at Lafayette Square, showcasing the resistance from military leaders against Trump’s controversial orders. With a focus on shifting allegiances and the moral dilemmas faced by officials, the podcast paints a vivid picture of the complexities surrounding Trump's legacy as he gears up for another campaign.

Join John Lyons, ABC's Global Affairs Reporter, as he dives into the geopolitical shake-up following Trump's presidential return. With world leaders already reaching out, he discusses the urgent global implications for countries like China and Taiwan. Amid reflections on election tensions, Lyons emphasizes the mixed emotions in Washington and examines voter motivations shaped by disenfranchisement. The conversation captures the unique atmosphere as the U.S. braces for another political upheaval.

Emma Shortis, an expert in US history and politics at The Australia Institute, joins to analyze Donald Trump's historic victory as the 47th President of the United States. They dive into how the Democrats misstepped while the Republicans thrived. The conversation highlights shifting voter dynamics, especially among suburban white women swayed by Trump’s messaging. Emma discusses the far-right implications of Trump's mandate and what it means for the future of American politics.