The Lede

On this episode of The Lede, veteran CNN correspondent Hala Gorani sits down with New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai for a discussion on identity and belonging following the publication of her new memoir, “But You Don’t Look Arab: And Other Tales of Unbelonging.”

In this edition of Global Insights, New Lines Culture Editor Lydia Wilson sits down with host Kwangu Liwewe to discuss the upcoming election in the United Kingdom, which despite potentially heralding a change in government for the first time in 14 years, seems to be a bit lackluster. Produced by Finbar Anderson

Cambridge academic Shruti Kapila and New Lines host Surbhi Gupta discuss the Indian election results and the future of democracy in India. They explore Modi's campaign, the evolution of Dalit politics, and the revival of the Congress party. The podcast examines the implications of the elections on Indian politics, emphasizing the shift towards a more balanced power structure and the ongoing contest of ideas between political parties.

While the conflict in Gaza plays out on a tiny strip of land a fraction of the size of Los Angeles, its impact on the wider Middle East region has been huge. New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai speaks to the Guardian’s Ruth Michaelson, Chloe Cornish of the Financial Times and independent journalist Tara Kangarlou to assess how the war has changed the political and economic landscape in Turkey, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Further listening: Living in a State of Hopelessness: On the Ground in Israel — With Lisa Goldman On the Ground in Gaza — With Arwa Damon In the Firing Line — With Joumana Haddad Further reading: The Cost of Leaving Gaza How the War in Gaza Is Shaping the 2024 Elections — And the Future of the Democratic Party Produced by Finbar Anderson

On June 8, 1924, two climbers set off for what they hoped would be the first-ever summit of Mount Everest. As the mist closed in around them high up the mountain, they would never be seen alive again. A century later, the mystery of whether they reached the top continues to inspire fascination and debate, but is perhaps not the most interesting thing about the doomed expedition, anthropologist and former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis tells New Lines’ Finbar Anderson on this week’s episode.

In the two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian influence in Africa was at a low ebb. But that’s all changed, New Lines Global News Editor Amie Ferris-Rotman tells Kwangu Liwewe on this week’s Global Insights on The Lede. Ferris-Rotman and Liwewe discuss Russia’s past in Africa and its more recent neocolonialist enterprises on the continent, as well as the private military companies acting as Russia’s enforcers and how Russian influence compares to the “long, slow game” played by China. Produced by Finbar Anderson

Alma Guillermoprieto, a veteran Mexican correspondent, discusses Mexico's upcoming election not focused on leading candidates but potential historic change. She shares her sadness about Nicaragua's situation, her disinterest in politics, and her views on power dynamics and personal interests.

On this week’s episode of The Lede, New Lines' Lydia Wilson sits down with extremism researcher Elizabeth Pearson, whose book “Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation,” was published in December 2023. Pearson explains how her research challenged established thinking around extremism, and how she came to the understanding that misogyny and masculinity play a much bigger role in the radicalization process than has been previously thought. Produced by Finbar Anderson

Explore the evolution of Bosniak identity post Bosnian War and the need for a liberal democratic future in Bosnia with Jasmin Mujanović. Discover the challenges and potential solutions for nationhood in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a conversation with Faisal Al Yafai. Unpack the complexities of Bosnian national identity, Bosniak nationalism, and the historical ties of the Bosniak community to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ruby Lal’s new biography of the Mughal Princess Gulbadan brings to life the princess’s remarkable seven-year pilgrimage, from her home in the harem of her nephew Emperor Akbar in India to the holy city of Mecca. Surviving shipwrecks and expulsion orders from the Ottoman Sultan, Gulbadan eventually returned to India where she would go on to write groundbreaking works.  Lal joins New Lines’ Rasha Elass on The Lede to discuss her book “Vagabond Princess: The Great Adventures of Gulbadan,” which is based on Gulbadan’s own long-forgotten writings. Produced by Finbar Anderson