The Inside Story Podcast

US President Donald Trump meets with five Central Asian leaders, seeking deals on critical minerals, energy, and trade. But can Washington gain a foothold in a region long dominated by Russia — and where China’s influence is rapidly expanding? In this episode:  Zhumabek Sarabekov, Acting Director at the Institute of World Economics and Politics in Kazakhstan William Courtney, Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation & former US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Dakota Irvin, Senior Analyst at PRISM Strategic Intelligence Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Join Mark Pfeifle, a Republican strategist and former White House Deputy National Security Advisor, Jeremy Mayer, a political science professor, and David Bolger, Democratic strategist, as they delve into the chaos of the government shutdown. They explore who’s truly at fault, with Mayer placing heavier blame on Republicans. Discussion flows to the filibuster's role, health care concerns, and the public's response to political posturing. Can everyday challenges – like airport delays – force Congress to find common ground? Tune in for insights!

Russia and China pledge to strengthen their relations. President Xi Jinping has met the Russian Prime Minister and called for more cooperation, to deal with what he called a 'turbulent external environment'. Can the traditional allies weather the challenges posed by the US and other western nations? In this episode:  Richard Weitz, Senior Non-Resident Associate Fellow, NATO Defense College. Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation.   Andrey Kortunov, former Director General, Russian International Affairs Council. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Hope for a humanitarian truce in Sudan. The parliamentary Rapid Support Forces and the Army agree in principle with the US plan to stop fighting. But with violence spreading beyond the North Darfur region, can Washington's proposal succeed?  In this episode:  Amjad Farid, Executive Director, Fikra for Studies and Development.  Mathilde Vu, Advocacy Manager for Sudan, Norwegian Refugee Council.   Susan Page, Professor, Practice, University of Michigan Law School Ford School of Public Policy.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa, joins Yinka Adegoke, Africa editor at Semafor, and James Barnett, research fellow at the Hudson Institute, to dissect Trump's controversial claims about Christian persecution in Nigeria. They discuss how Trump's rhetoric reflects U.S. political narratives rather than Nigerian realities. The conversation highlights the broader insecurity affecting all faiths, the role of governance failures, and how climate change fuels violence. They also explore Nigeria's diplomatic missteps and the need for constructive U.S. assistance.

Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, discusses the polarized political landscape fueling the government shutdown. Marena Lin, co-founder of Project Restore Us, highlights the severe impact on SNAP recipients and food insecurity, revealing families are skipping meals. Lastly, economist Chris Tilley analyzes the shutdown's economic risks, including potential recession implications and labor market disruptions. Together, they explore the delicate balance of politics and essential social programs amid this crisis.

Tito Magoti, an independent Tanzanian human rights lawyer and activist, discusses the dire state of human rights amidst ongoing repression. Nicodemus Minde, a researcher specializing in East African governance, reveals how electoral injustices fuel protests. Fergus Kell, a political analyst, critiques the implausible election results and emphasizes the need for a new constitution. Together, they explore the intense public anger, the legacy of past leadership, and the persistent demands for justice in a nation grappling with oppression and unrest.

Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, and William Lee, chief economist at the Milken Institute, delve into the tactics of the U.S.-China trade war. They discuss China's ambitious long-term goals and the implications of recent concessions. The trio debates whether the U.S. is retreating or just pragmatically de-escalating, while exploring the precarious nature of the truce and the potential roadblocks posed by Taiwan and security issues.

Hamid Khalafallah, a researcher on Sudan's governance and humanitarian needs, highlights the horrific atrocities in El Fasher. Bakry Eljack, a public policy professor, discusses the risk of violence spreading further and the challenges of international diplomacy. Justin Lynch, from the Conflict Insights Group, addresses the role of foreign backing in prolonging the conflict and the complexities of tracking arms flows. Together, they explore urgent measures for civilian protection and potential pathways to achieve a ceasefire.

In a riveting discussion, Brian Wong, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, explores the crucial role of rare earth minerals in modern technology and why China dominates their supply. Gracelyn Baskaran, a mining economist, outlines the national security motivations behind the U.S. desire for rare earth deals. Henry Huiyao Wang, head of the Center for China and Globalization, argues for cooperation over conflict in resource politics. They dive into the geopolitical implications and the challenges of diversifying supply chains.