Episodes
Joe Biden has announced his bid for re-election in 2024, despite declining approval ratings and being the oldest president in US history. Given the lack of significant challengers from within his own party and the possibility of facing Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, can he secure a second term? Guests: Candice Kerestan International Chair of Democrats Abroad Adolfo Franco Donald Trump’s Former Campaign Lawyer Iwan Morgan Emeritus Professor of US studies at University College...
Published 04/27/23
Published 04/27/23
Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, launched a heated verbal attack on Ukraine during a recent UN council meeting in Moscow. The West responded by condemning Russia's invasion, calling it a violation of the UN Charter. Despite the diplomatic exchanges, violent clashes for control of Bakhmut, a key city in the conflict, continue on the ground. Can diplomatic efforts alone bring about a resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine? Guests: James Carden Columnist for Asia...
Published 04/25/23
Tunisia's political landscape is in turmoil following the recent arrest of opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi. The move has been met with widespread condemnation from both the US and EU, who have voiced concerns over the state of democracy in the country. We speak with the daughter of the opposition leader, Yusra Ghannouchi, about the arrest. Then we discuss with other panelists on what the future holds for the country Guests: Yusra Ghannouchi Daughter of Opposition Leader Rached...
Published 04/24/23
The Vatican has finally disavowed a 500-year old doctrine that European colonialists had used to justify their conquests, after years of calls for action from Indigenous communities throughout the Americas. While some believe that this repudiation helps to correct past injustices, others wonder if it's too little, too late to undo the harm that was done. Guests: Mark Charles Co-author of 'Unsettling Truths' David McCallum Executive Director of the Discerning Leadership Program Rachel...
Published 04/20/23
After years of conflict, Yemen sees hope for peace as warring parties exchange prisoners. This development has raised optimism for an end to the war that has caused the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions. However, the road ahead is uncertain, and the world watches to see if this positive momentum will lead to a lasting resolution. Guests: Hussain Albukhaiti Pro-Houthi Journalist Najeeb Ghanem Yemeni MP Ibrahim Jalal Yemeni Conflict and Defence Researcher
Published 04/19/23
Sudan's generals engage in a fierce struggle for control leading to a surge of violence, with four days of heavy fighting resulting in nearly 200 casualties. Can Sudan overcome this hurdle and achieve lasting peace? Guests: El-Waleed Madibo Analyst Hamid Khalafallah Programme Officer for Constitution Building in Sudan at IDEA Cameron Hudson Senior Associate at CSIS for Africa Program
Published 04/18/23
Ethiopia is facing backlash over its decision to dissolve regional forces in 11 states and merge them with the national army, triggering violent protests in Amhara state. Some see the move as necessary to end ethnic divisions, while others view it as a betrayal of the regional forces and a potential threat to the country's stability and unity. Guests: Ledet Muleta Communications Director of Ethiopia Shall Continue Omer Redi Senior Journalist and Political Commentator on Ethiopian...
Published 04/17/23
The recent release of the newest version of ChatGPT has got some tech leaders worried it's all moving way too fast. Twitter CEO Elon Musk and thousands of others have signed an open letter calling for a six-month ban on the 'dangerous race' to make artificial intelligence as advanced as humans. Guest Nicolas Miailhe Co-Founder of The Future Society Signatory of the Open Letter ‘Pause Giant AI Experiments’ Alexandra Seymour Associate Fellow at CNAS Technology and National Security...
Published 04/14/23
This is the worst US intelligence leak since Edward Snowden, but how much has been compromised? Files purporting to show highly classified Pentagon intelligence have emerged online. Washington has vowed to 'turn over every rock' to find the source. But with highly sensitive assessments of the war in Ukraine now in the public domain, can the damage be undone? Guests: Andrij Dobriansky, Director of Communications for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Viktor Olevich, Lead expert...
Published 04/13/23
Malaysia's parliament has introduced laws to end mandatory death sentences for crimes including drug trafficking and murder. But it does not abolish capital punishment. The law gives judges the discretion to decide on appropriate punishment on a case-by-case basis. Guests Ramkarpal Singh Malaysian Deputy Law and Institutional Reform Minister Heng Zhi Li MCA Youth Civil Society Movement Bureau Chief Phil Robertson Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Richard Dieter Death Penalty...
Published 04/12/23
The UK is planning to house asylum seekers on barges after the suspension of their initial plan to send them to Rwanda. This new tactic is the latest in a series of controversial measures aimed at managing immigration and discouraging asylum seekers from coming to the UK. Guests: David Campbell Bannerman, Chairperson of The Freedom Association Amanda Jones, Barrister at Great James Street Chambers John Howarth, Director at Politics Without Borders
Published 04/11/23
Beijing remains ‘neutral’ after talks with France and the EU in China. While Emmanuel Macron and Ursula Von der Leyen's attempt to change Beijing's position on Ukraine was unsuccessful, the three-day tour resulted in significant business and diplomatic discussions. Guests John Herbst Senior Director of Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and Retired US Ambassador to Ukraine and Uzbekistan Anne-Elisabeth Moutet French columnist for The Daily Telegraph Andrew Leung International and...
Published 04/10/23
Forever chemicals are known to cause life-threatening diseases. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency has imposed strict limits on toxic PFAS in drinking water, question remains whether local municipalities are equipped to effectively test the toxins, especially with an estimated 200 million Americans affected. Can regulators truly protect us from forever chemicals? Guests: Richard Connor Editor of UNESCO's World Water Development Report Marc Edwards Environmental Engineering...
Published 04/07/23
Amidst rising tensions between China and the US, China has deployed warships near Taiwan, viewing the US visit by Taiwan's President as a provocation. Meanwhile, Taiwan's former president has visited China, stating "we are all Chinese." Are escalating tensions between the two superpowers, putting Taiwan at greater risk of Chinese aggression? Guests: Lin Ching-Yi Spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party Xu Qinduo Former China Radio International Chief Correspondent Lai...
Published 04/06/23
After being indicted on 34 felony counts, including falsifying business records, concealing information from voters, and paying hush money to an adult film star, Donald Trump is claiming election interference and arguing that the legal system is being used for political gain. However, Democrats refute his claims and emphasize that everyone, including Trump, should be held accountable under the law. Guests: Adolfo Franco Donald Trump’s Former Campaign Lawyer Steve Okun Former Lawyer in...
Published 04/05/23
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's opposition, is appealing his conviction for defamation. The opposition parties allege that his sentencing is yet another example of the Modi government's authoritarian tactics. However, the BJP leaders argue that Gandhi's case highlights his party's arrogance and that the judiciary is following the proper legal procedures. Guests: Sudhanshu Mittal Senior BJP Leader Sanjay Jha Former National Spokesperson for Indian National Congress Party Sanjay...
Published 04/04/23
The recent school shooting in Nashville has once again sparked a heated debate over gun control in America. The question on many people's minds is whether this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for change in the country's gun laws or if the status quo will remain. Guests: John Lott Crime Prevention Research Center President Allen Louis Linton II Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at ACM Larry Barton Professor of Crisis Management and Public Safety at UCF
Published 04/03/23
We may have survived Covid-19, but now some scientists are concerned about the potential of antimicrobial resistance, which renders antibiotics ineffective. In the first part of the show, with our guest, we examine the eight new cases of the Marburg virus recently detected in Tanzania, raising the question of whether we are prepared for a potential global outbreak. Then, we discuss with our other panelists reports of a 'post-antibiotic world' and what that looks like. Guests: Angelique...
Published 03/31/23
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans for judicial reform have been delayed due to the persistent protests. However, it remains to be seen whether the demonstrations will continue to sweep the nation despite the delay. Guests: Peter Lerner Director General of Histadrut Global Mitchell Barak Former Aide to PM Benjamin Netanyahu Jeremy Saltan Former Knesset Faction Director of the Yamina Party
Published 03/30/23
Amnesty International's annual report highlights double standards in human rights globally. We first speak with Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard on how the world reacted to the war in Ukraine versus other human rights atrocities. On the second part of the show, we examine the deadly protests in Kenya and questions whether rising inflation is truly causing suffering or if the protests are a political move to destabilise the government. Guests: Agnes Callamard Amnesty...
Published 03/28/23
Pro-Khalistan protests have been spreading from the UK to the US and Canada while the hunt for Amritpal Singh, a hardline Sikh separatist, remains ongoing. Who is Amritpal Singh, and what are the reasons behind the growing demands for an independent Sikh state at this time? Guests: Puneet Sahani Sikh Activist Raman Malik BJP Spokesperson Gurcharan Singh Member of the Dal Khalsa UK Ajai Shukla Journalist and Retired Colonel of the Indian Army
Published 03/27/23
With over a million furious citizens taking to the streets, the ongoing protests in France have become increasingly violent. President Macron refuses to back down on pension reform arguing reforms are necessary for the country's benefit. Protesters are accusing him of setting the nation ablaze. As the protests have continue without any signs of abating, can France restore stability and calm the situation? Guests: Isabelle Attard French Anarchist Federation Member Patricia...
Published 03/24/23
Russian President Putin says China's proposed peace plan has the potential to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, although Western nations have dismissed it as flawed. Following the recent visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Russia and discussions with Putin, it remains unclear whether Russia and Ukraine are any closer to achieving peace, leaving the effectiveness of China's peacemaking efforts in question. Guests: Victor Gao Chair Professor of Soochow University Julia Melnikova Program...
Published 03/22/23
South Africans take to the streets in response to an ongoing energy crisis, leading the government to send in the military to confront the protesters. The demonstrators are calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down due to the severe and ongoing power cuts. Is the ‘National Shutdown’ a political power play orchestrated by the Marxist EFF or a genuine reflection of South Africans' frustration with the energy crisis. Guests: Xolani Xala Chairperson of the African National Congress in...
Published 03/21/23