The Lede

On this episode of the podcast, New Lines’ Kwangu Liwewe discusses the poorly understood BRICS group with Gustavo de Carvalho, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of heavy sanctions against the group should they pursue a rumored policy of moving away from the U.S. dollar. Produced by Finbar Anderson

Following the dramatic recent political developments in Syria, Ammar Azzouz, author of “Domicide: Architecture, War and the Destruction of Home in Syria,” and Wendy Pearlman, author of “The Home I Worked To Make: Voices From the New Syrian Diaspora,” join New Lines’ Lydia Wilson on The Lede to discuss how conflict and exile have shaped Syrians’ idea of home, and how that might change in an uncertain future. Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this week’s episode, acclaimed journalist and author Robert Kaplan joins New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai on The Lede for a discussion on Donald Trump, the Iraq War and his new book “Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis.” Further listening: The American Experiment From Outside and Within — with Hari Kunzru and Faisal Al Yafai Produced by Finbar Anderson

Will 2025 bring resolutions to the many news stories of the previous year? Four of New Lines’ editors consider the upcoming second Donald Trump presidency, the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, possible turbulence in Europe and the future for Syria. Further listening: Survival and Statehood in Ukraine — with Yaroslav Trofimov Produced by Finbar Anderson

Returning to the podcast, Mary Kaldor, professor emeritus of global governance at the London School of Economics, joins New Lines’ Lydia Wilson for a discussion on how to end the various intractable wars still raging in 2025, from Gaza to Ukraine. Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this rerun episode of Global Insights on The Lede, originally aired in July, host Kwangu Liwewe discusses the inexorable rise of soccer stars of African origin with former Nigeria star player Segun “The Mathematical” Odegbami and soccer journalist Ponga Liwewe. Produced by Finbar Anderson

In this special Christmas episode of The Lede, New Lines’ most culinary-minded discuss the mysterious, thrilling and sometimes bloody origin stories of their favorite dishes, and go head-to-head in the annual Christmas quiz. Produced by Finbar Anderson

Rasha Elass, Editorial Director at New Lines, shares personal stories and insights on Syria’s turbulent past. Kareem Shaheen, the Middle East Editor, analyzes the sudden fall of the Assad regime. The discussion unpacks the emotional resilience of families amid ongoing hardships and the haunting realities of Sednaya prison. They also explore the shifts in power dynamics, the cries for leadership in a post-Assad Syria, and the hope for a democratic future amidst uncertainty and collective trauma.

Bestselling historian Katja Hoyer joins New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai on The Lede to discuss her history of East Germany, reunification and the former state’s most famous living politician, Angela Merkel, who has just published a major new memoir. Produced by Finbar Anderson

This week’s episode of Global Insights on The Lede looks at the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, with insight from Itamar Mann, a professor at the University of Haifa’s Faculty of Law, New Lines’ Middle East Editor Kareem Shaheen and Global Insights host Kwangu Liwewe. Produced by Finbar Anderson