Saturday Extra - Full program podcast

Colum McCann, acclaimed Irish author known for 'Let the Great World Spin', discusses the essential yet vulnerable role of undersea cables in our digital lives. Mayone Jones analyzes the shifting political landscape in South Africa, dissecting its complex relationship with the Trump administration. Hanan Khashoggi shares her emotional fight for justice for her husband, Jamal Khashoggi, emphasizing the challenges of accountability. David Armitage tackles the controversial clash between Harvard's diversity initiatives and political pressures, highlighting the importance of academic freedom.

Trita Parsi shares insights on the tumultuous U.S.-Iranian relations and the fallout from the Iran nuclear deal. Lizzie C. Lee discusses the escalating trade war, emphasizing China's strategies amid economic tensions. Les Danielson reflects on how tariffs are squeezing American farmers, while A.C. Grayling tackles the intricacies of cancel culture and the current culture wars. Lastly, Jonathan Roberts reveals the fascinating details of a human-robot half marathon, exploring the future of robotics in society.

Economist Warwick McKibbin on how Trump's tariffs are up-ending the foundations of modern trade, and inflicting maximum damage on the global and US economies.  A rare look inside Myanmar after the quake and a new film about the Australian war correspondent Peter Greste's imprisonment in Egypt in 2013.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, in a country already torn by war. The quake was felt across Southeast Asia, and there are warnings there could be tens of thousands dead.

Just nine weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump is certainly shaking things up. Prominent conservative commentator Scott Jennings explains why MAGA supporters are happy with the changes. Plus, we discuss what to expect from next week's pre-election budget and get the latest news from Kyiv, where things seem to be getting worse despite all the talk of a peace deal. 

International politics and business, and the things that matter to Australians.

Also on the show,  Richard Tognetti reflects on the Australian Chamber Orchestra turning 50 and Britain’s High Commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell heads home after long diplomatic stint.

The latest from Washington after tense meeting in the White House.Plus, the view from Moscow with the BBC's Steven Rosenberg and why are spy thrillers dominating the airwaves?

Gideon Rachman on why American culture wars, international security and European politics can no longer be disentangled.Plus, David Wenham brings the lovable, small-time criminal Johnny Spiteri back to the screen. Spit's still got the mullet and the thongs, but there’s a whole new story.

Michael Fullilove joins Saturday Extra from Munich where US Vice President JD Vance has shocked delegates, accusing European governments of retreating from their values, and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech.And David Rennie from The Economist poses the question; could there be a 19th century style carve-up of the world between great powers? A big, beautiful Trump deal with China?