The Inside Story Podcast
The Inside Story Podcast -- where we dissect, analyse and help define major global stories.
Can the Doha Framework end the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo?
Can the Doha Framework end the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo? Kinshasa has handed over 15 prisoners to a powerful rebel alliance. It's part of an agreement signed last year in the Qatari capital. So, what are the hurdles to lasting peace?
In this episode:
Kambale Musavuli, Analyst, Center for Research, Congo-Kinshasa.
Felix Ndahinda, Researcher, Great Lakes region, specialising in conflict resolution, peace and transitional justice.
Abdulla Al Etaibi, Assistant Professor, International Affairs, Qatar University.
Host: Per Nyberg
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instag...
What are the hurdles facing the Mecca agreement?
What are the hurdles facing the Mecca agreement? The defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East. So, who stands to gain from the new alliance? And how is it viewed in the region and beyond?
In this episode:
Abdulaziz Alghashian - Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Gulf International Forum
David Des Roches - Professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute
Zaid M Belbagi - Managing Partner at Hardcastle Advisory
Host: Anna Burns-Francis
Connect with us:
@A...
How fragile is Lebanon's uneasy peace?
New Israeli attacks in Lebanon, after soldiers were killed for the first time since a fragile truce with Beirut began in June. It comes despite more Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome in a U.S.-brokered peace process. So where do things stand now?
In this episode:
Maha Yahya, Director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut Jennifer Gavito, Former U.S. Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Rami Khouri, Distinguished Public Policy Fellow at the American University of BeirutHost: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPo...
Is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepening?
A surge in missile and drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine with civilians killed on both sides. Little movement on the diplomatic front, while U.S. attention is largely focused on Iran. So, what's next for Europe's worst conflict since World War Two?
In this episode:
Andrey Kortunov, Russian affairs analyst and a former Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Oleksiy Goncharenko, a Member of the Ukrainian parliament Thomas Graham, Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New YorkHost: Mohammed Jamjoom
Connect with us:
@AJ...
How much of a challenge are wildfires to Europe?
How much of a challenge are wildfires to Europe? Rapidly spreading blazes are scorching the continent, destroying forests, farmland, homes and businesses. They're becoming bigger and more difficult to control. So, what's fuelling the flames?
In this episode:
Paleologos Paleologou -- Geographer and an Associate Professor of Forest Protection at the Agricultural University of Athens Marta Yebra, Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, Australian National University Carlo Buontempo, Director of Copernicus Climate Change ServiceHost: Mohammed Jamjoom
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Will Israel withdraw from Gaza if Hamas disarms?
Israel says it has doubts about Hamas disarming. The group and other Palestinian factions in Gaza have agreed to lay down their weapons. But they say it's dependent on the withdrawal of Israeli troops — which Israel has refused to do unless they disarm. Where does this leave Gaza?
In this episode:
Xavier Abu Eid, Political analyst and former adviser to the Palestinian negotiating team Michael Mulroy, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Nimrod Novick, Former special envoy and senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Shimon PeresHost: Frankie McCamley
What does the US hope to gain from Venezuela's government-opposition talks?
Venezuela's government and a section of the opposition plan to hold talks, backed by the United States. But prominent opposition politician and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado has been excluded. So, what can the talks achieve and what's Washington seeking to get from it?
In this episode:
Elias Ferrer, Political Economy Analyst. Vanessa Neumann, Founder and CEO, Asymmetrica. Charles Shapiro, Former US Ambassador to Venezuela.Host: Frankie McCamley
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Why did thousands of migrants cross into Spain's Ceuta?
Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spain's north African territory of Ceuta from Morocco. While most of them have since returned - Spain's been condemned by right-wing politicians in Europe and the United States. Is the criticism about border management or is it politics?
In this episode:
Anna Terron Cusi - Spain’s former Secretary of State for Immigration and Emigration, who's now a Senior Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute. Daniel Gros - Director of the Institute for European Policymaking at Bocconi University and an Advisor to the EU parliament. Deborah Fleischaker - Former Acti...Does FIFA need private investment?
FIFA is facing a growing backlash after its proposal to sell a stake in its top events. Europe's governing body UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if this plan goes ahead. So, does FIFA need private investment?
In this episode:
Chris Brady, Football finance expert and Chief Intelligence Officer for the Sportsology Group Bassirou Sakho, FIFA-licensed football agent and professor in the sports department at the Sorbonne University Keir Radnedge, Football journalist covering politics and business and a former Editor of World Soccer magazineHost: Scott McLean
Connect with us:
@AJ...
Will Saudi Arabia be dragged further into the war in Iran?
Anger in Iraq after Saudi Arabia attacked an umbrella paramilitary group with ties to Iran. Riyadh accuses the Popular Mobilization Forces of targeting its oil facilities. As the US-Iran war drags on, what are the risks of the conflict spreading?
In this episode:
Ahmed Rushdi, Head of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation, a policy think-tank and research organisation Ahmed Al Maimouni, Head of Research at the Rasanah International Institute of Iranian Studies And Muhanad Seloom, Assistant Professor in Critical Security Studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate StudiesHost: James Bays
Connect w...
What will it take to stop the conflict in Sudan?
Sudan's army says it's regained control of a highway connecting the capital to North Kordofan state. The area has become the latest front in the conflict with paramilitaries, which has killed tens of thousands of people. Will it be enough to shift the outcome of the fighting?
In this episode:
Sanosi Zakaria, Editor-in-chief of the Sudan Mirror and former Sudanese army officer Shashwat Saraf, Sudan Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council Elbashir Idris, Sudan analystHost: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Will Peru's Keiko Fujimori administration move beyond her father's legacy?
Peru is getting its ninth president in ten years. Keiko Fujimori is taking the reins more than 25 years after her father's polarising presidency. But the scars of that era still divide Peru. Will her government move beyond his legacy?
In this episode:
Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Chile Renata Segura, Programme Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group Christopher Sabatini, Director of the Latin America Programme at Chatham HouseHost: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and Y...
What will it take to bring the wildfires under control in Europe?
Europe engulfed in flames as wildfires spread rapidly. Hundreds of thousands forced from their homes; swathes of land scorched. Climate change has contributed to this unprecedented fire season. But what will it take to bring the situation under control?
In this episode:
Eduardo Rojas, Chairman of the Board, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Soraya Fettih, Global Campaigns Coordinator, 350.org. Laurie Laybourn, Executive Director, Strategic Climate Risks Initiative.Host: Per Nyberg
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Why are settler attacks on Palestinians intensifying?
Israel says it's planning a major military operation in the occupied West Bank. Settler attacks on Palestinians are intensifying, becoming increasingly violent. As Israel is gearing up for an election, how does this escalation serve Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right partners?
In this episode:
Alon Pinkas - Former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York
Sari Bashi - Human rights lawyer and executive director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel
Mairav Zonszein - Senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, focused on Israel and Pales...
What's the significance of the US-Saudi nuclear deal?
What's the significance of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal? The two countries signed an agreement to co-operate on what they say is generating energy for civilian purposes. But in a volatile Middle East, could this deal lead to a new global nuclear arms race?
In this episode:
Abdulaziz Alghashian, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at Gulf International Forum Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center Simon Mabon, Author, ‘The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia and IranHost: Frankie McCamley
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTu
Can India's youth-led protest movement bring lasting change?
India's government is under pressure. Tens of thousands of students are on the streets - demanding the Education Minister's resignation. What started as a protest after exam papers were leaked has turned into a campaign for better living conditions. So, can the youth-led movement bring lasting political change?
In this episode:
Amulya Dhawan, Political Science and Sociology student at Ashoka University and media volunteer with the Cockroach Janta Party MK Venu, Founding Editor of The Wire Yamini Aiyar, Visiting Professor of Practice at The Watson School of International and Public Affairs, Brown UniversityHost: Anna Bu...
Will the US-Iran war dominate discussions at the ASEAN summit?
Southeast Asian nations are gathering for the 2026 ASEAN Summit where topics such as Myanmar and regional security are on the agenda. But officials are gathering amidst an escalating war between the US and Iran. So, will the conflict overshadow the other issues facing ASEAN?
In this episode:
Richard Heydarian, Political Scientist. Phar Kim Ben, Professor in ASEAN studies at International Islamic Univerisity of Malaysia. Don McLain Gill, Lecturer at De La Salle University.Host: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
How will Khalil al-Hayya's leadership shape Hamas?
Khalil al-Hayya has been appointed head of the Hamas political bureau. He played a major role in the ceasefire talks to end Israel's devastating war on Gaza. How significant is his election for both Hamas and the Palestinian territory?
In this episode:
Ibrahim Fraihat, Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Muhammad Shehada, Senior Fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations. Max Rodenbeck, Project Director for Israel and Palestine at International Crisis Group.Host: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
How will Zelenskyy handle the growing political crisis at home?
Ukraine hits back after Russia carries out one of its largest missile attacks of the war. At the same time, Kyiv is dealing with demonstrations and the political fallout following the dismissal of the defence minister. How will the president handle the crisis?
In this episode:
Olesia Horiainova, Co-founder and deputy head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center Glenn Diesen, Professor of International Relations at the University of South-East Norway Bob Seely, Foreign affairs security analyst and stakeholder in the defence tech company, TrypillianHost: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJ...
What will the appointment of Andy Burnham as the UK's new prime minister mean?
From mayor to prime minister. Labour Party leader Andy Burnham has promised to steer the UK in a new direction. He'll have to balance challenges at home with growing uncertainty abroad. So, what will his appointment mean for Britain's role and position on the international stage?
In this episode:
Jonathan Tonge, Professor of Politics, University of Liverpool. Laurel Rapp, Director, US and North America Program, Chatham House. Mihir Sharma, Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Public Policy Research.Host: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
What can be done to bring the attacks in Gaza to an end?
No safety or security for Palestinians in Gaza. A truce is in place, but Israeli strikes target the Strip nearly every day. Hundreds of people have been killed since it took effect in October. So, what's the purpose of the ceasefire deal? What can be done to bring the attacks to an end?
In this episode:
Xavier Abu Eid - political analyst and former Communications Director for the Palestine Liberation Organization Julie Norman - Associate Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaperHo...
Are countries prepared to cope with extreme weather?
Extreme weather is causing havoc across much of the world, from record-breaking heatwaves to drought, storms and floods. Scientists warn it's the new normal and that the consequences of climate change are likely to get even worse. So, how will governments cope?
In this episode:
Daniel Gilford, Climate Scientist at Climate Central Alexandre Borde, Environmental economist and CEO of Cibola Partners Benjamin Horton, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment and Professor of Earth Science, City University of Hong KongHost: Sami Zeidan
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebo...
How is the US tech industry regulated?
Apple is taking OpenAI to court. The tech giant is suing the artificial intelligence company, accusing it of stealing trade secrets. With the AI race in overdrive, firms are competing to release the latest products. But how's that competition being regulated?
In this episode:
R 'Ray' Wang - CEO and principal analyst of Constellation Research Nick Akerman - New York attorney and former assistant special Watergate prosecutor Toby Walsh - Chief Scientist, AI Institute at the University of New South Wales SydneyHost: Anna Burns-Francis
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Ins...
What legacy did Qatar's former Emir leave behind?
He's the man behind Qatar's rise on the international stage. Former Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has died. He'll be remembered as the architect of modern Qatar. What lessons will be learned from his legacy?
In this episode:
Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Former Economic Advisor, Office of the Emir of Qatar. Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor, School of Security Studies, King's College London. Patrick Theros, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Gulf International Forum.Host: Scott McLean
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Why is Pakistan deporting thousands of Afghan migrants?
Pakistan carries out another wave of deportations of thousands of Afghan migrants and refugees.
It cites national security concerns. But is politics involved in the rising tension between the neighbours? And how is Kabul dealing with the influx of returnees?
In this episode:
Arafat Jamal - Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan Obaidullah Baheer - Adjunct lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan Kamran Bokhari - Senior Fellow with the Middle East Policy Council in Washington DC Zahid Mahmood - Pakistani defence analyst and former senior officer of the Pakistan ArmyHo...
Will NATO member states get involved in securing the Strait of Hormuz?
This year's NATO summit in Turkiye is overshadowed by the Iran war. The U.S. wants allies to help it protect shipping in the vital waterway, but what are the risks?
In this episode:
David Des Roches, Professor at Thayer Marshall Institute and former NATO Operations Director Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer of Iranian Studies at Australian National University Patrick Bury, Defense and Security Specialist at University of Bath and a former NATO analystHost: Adrian Finighan
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
How will Mali's junta respond to growing rebel attacks?
Mounting violence in Mali. A coalition of rebels and armed groups has carried out another series of assaults, highlighting the military government's failure to contain the attacks. With the junta under increasing pressure, how will it address this growing security threat?
In this episode:
Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Nadina Ronc, independent geopolitical and security analyst Bram Posthumus, political and economic analystHost: Scott McLean
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
What are the implications of right-wing populism across Latin America?
Promising to crack down on crime and promoting strong ties with President Trump - right-wing populists are winning elections across Latin America. Is this a passing phase coming out of voters' economic and safety concerns or a lasting shift? And will this tie the region more to the United States?
In this episode:
Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Chile. Oliver Stuenkel, Associate Professor, School of International Relations, Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil. Javier Farje, Journalist and Historian.Host: Scott McLean
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebo...
How did Ukrainian strikes cause a fuel crisis in Russia?
Long lines at petrol stations in one of the world's largest energy producers. Relentless Ukrainian strikes have caused a fuel crisis in Russia. Will economic pressure turn into a political problem for President Vladimir Putin - and move the Kremlin towards talks with Kyiv?
In this episode:
Alexander Bratersky - Political Analyst and an Independent Journalist. Oleksiy Goncharenko - Ukrainian Member of Parliament. Theresa Fallon - Director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies.Host: Mohammed Jamjoom
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Is China's new ethnic unity law a step towards forced assimilation?
China's new ethnic unity law has come into effect. Rights groups and activists overseas say it will further shrink the rights of minorities. Will the law help forge a shared national identity, as Beijing says? Or is it a step towards forced assimilation?
In this episode:
Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation Zumretay Arkin, Vice President, World Uyghur Congress William Yang, Senior Analyst for Northeast Asia, International Crisis GroupHost: Mohammed Jamjoom
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Could water become a flashpoint between Islamabad and New Delhi?
Pakistan has said India's suspension of a decades-old treaty could amount to an act of war. And tensions between the two are already high. So, how could they avoid a further escalation?
In this episode:
Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of the independent investigative news organisation, The Wire Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Zeeshan Salahuddin, Advisory Director at Tabadlab, a think-tank and consultancy on geopoliticsHost: Mohammed Jamjoom
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Why are Sudan's Rapid Support Forces battling for control of el-Obeid?
The Rapid Support Forces are trying to seize the strategic southern city of el-Obeid from the Sudanese military. Rights groups are warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. But why is the battle to control the city so important?
In this episode:
Ali Mahmoud Ali, Sudan Researcher with the Armed Conflict, Location & Event Data project Kholood Khair, Founding Director of Confluence Advisory, a think tank founded in Khartoum with a focus on Sudan Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public HealthHost: Mohammed Jamjoum
Connect with us:
How is South Africa dealing with immigration?
A June 30th deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, has come and gone. Thousands protested across the country, against what they say is a broken immigration system. So, what's driving this debate? And what are the political, economic and diplomatic costs?
In this episode:
William Gumede, Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary General of South Africa's governing ANC party Richard Pithouse, Distinguished Research Fellow at The Global Centre for Advanced StudiesHost: Imran Khan
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Ins...
How far will Iraq's new government go to crack down on corruption?
Several senior politicians have been detained in a wave of arrests. The government says it's just the beginning. But is this about graft, or is politics involved?
In this episode:
Ahmed Rushdi, President of the think-tank, House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation Renad Mansour, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Manuel Pirino, Regional Advisor for Middle East and North Africa at Transparency InternationalHost: Imran Khan
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Can the International Court of Justice help end the conflict in eastern DRC?
The Democratic Republic of Congo takes Rwanda to the International Court of Justice. Kinshasa seeks to hold Kigali responsible for the war in the eastern DRC. But can international law help end one of Africa's longest running conflicts?
In this episode:
Demas Kiprono, Executive Director at the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya. Kambale Musavuli, Analyst at the Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa. Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London.Host: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Why is Crimea so critical to the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Crimea under a state of emergency. The move comes as Ukraine intensifies attacks on the Russian-controlled region. Kyiv says its aim is to press Moscow to end the war. But is that realistic? And why is Crimea so critical to the wider conflict?
In this episode:
Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist who focuses on Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Yulia Kazdobina, Senior Fellow in the Security Studies Program at the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council.
Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham.
Host: James Bays
Con...
How much disaster aid will the US provide to Venezuela?
Death and destruction after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The disaster comes just months after U.S. forces abducted the former president. So, how may that impact the flow of aid from Washington? And what kind of politics are at play?
In this episode:
Jan Eagland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council Chris Gilbert, Professor at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela Michael Shifter, Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University Paul Dobson, political analyst and independent journalistHost: James Bays
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and You
Has Marco Rubio's tour of the Gulf reassured US allies?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his three-day tour of the Gulf. Regional states want a greater say in security--after coming under attack during the Iran war. So, can Washington rebuild trust with its regional allies? And will Gulf states be able to steer the future of the Strait of Hormuz?
In this episode:
Abdulla Banndar Al Etaibi, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Gordon Gray, Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Sina Toossi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, focusing o...Why does Israel want to be less dependent on US weapons?
Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that it strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally?
In this episode:
Alexandre Vautravers, Security and defence policy specialist Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle Eas...Why do the UK's prime ministers keep resigning?
Keir Starmer is the latest to step down, after nearly two years in office. He'd been expected to put an end to the political chaos. So, what went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of the UK?
In this episode:
Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder of the cross-party think tank Compassion in Politics. Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. Zaid M Belbagi, Managing Partner at Hardcastle Advisory.Host: Imran Khan
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
