The Inside Story Podcast

Join Micheal O'Hanlon, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Marina Mirren, a Postdoctoral Researcher at King's College, as they dive into the ambitious Golden Dome defense system. They discuss its potential to protect the U.S. from advanced missile threats and the looming risk of a new arms race. The conversation reveals challenges of space-based defense, the urgency of upgrades in response to global threats from countries like North Korea and Russia, and the importance of maintaining international security while supporting U.S. allies.

Traditional allies are putting pressure on Israel. The UK has paused trade talks and sanctioned West Bank settlers. And the EU is threatening to review its entire relationship with Israel. Is this a turning point in international policy? And will it make any difference for Palestinians?  In this episode:  James Moran, Former EU Ambassador to Egypt and Jordan. Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow, Chatham House. Zaid Belbagi, Managing Partner, Hardcastle Advisory.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel expands its war on Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are again forced from their homes. Israel's prime minister has vowed to seize all of the strip. So as its humanitarian crisis worsens, who can stop Benjamin Netanyahu's plans? In this episode:  Afif Safieh, Former Palestinian Diplomat.  Lex Takkenberg, Senior Adviser, Question of Palestine Program, Arab Renaissance For Democracy and Development. Meron Rapoport, Editor, Local Call. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Europe's Super-Sunday elections see a pro-EU candidate defeat a hard-right rival in Romania, a centrist win in the first round of Poland's presidential election, and a victory for the incumbent government in Portugal. So can Brussels breathe a sigh of relief? Or is the far-right still rising as a political force? In this episode:  Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Piotr Buras, Head, European Council on Foreign Relations' Warsaw office. Antonio Costa Pinto, Professor, Political Science, University of Lisbon. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Global hunger has hit a new high. The United Nations says nearly 300 million people faced acute hunger last year. And the outlook for 2025 is bleak due to wars and cuts in aid. So which countries are experiencing the worst of the global food crisis? And who are the most vulnerable? In this episode:  Chris Gunness, Former Director, Communications, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine and the Near East. Elise Nalbandian, Regional Advocacy and Campaign Manager, Oxfam, Africa. Sara Hayat - Specialist in Climate Change Law and Policy. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

In this engaging discussion, Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent defense analyst, shares insights into Russia's military strategies. Anatol Lieven, a security policy expert, analyzes shifting geopolitical dynamics amid the conflict. Peter Zalmayev offers a unique perspective on Ukraine's political landscape. The trio delves into recent peace talks focusing on the complexities of a prisoner exchange and the challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire, highlighting the unresolved demands from both sides and the implications of military aid on negotiations.

Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, Hassan Barari, Professor at Qatar University, and Alon Pinkas, former Israeli Ambassador to New York, delve into a transformative period for US-Gulf relations under Trump. They discuss the economic pledges made during Trump's Gulf tour and how Gulf nations may be shaping U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on Israel's evolving role, missed diplomatic opportunities, and the regional tensions regarding Iran and the Gaza conflict, highlighting the complex interplay of alliances and interests.

Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor in Chief at The Gulf Times, shares insights on Qatar's pivotal role in U.S.-Gulf relations during Trump's visit. Andreas Krieg from King’s College discusses the shifting geopolitical landscape and security concerns in the region. Paul Musgrave from Georgetown University analyzes U.S. leverage in dealings with Gulf states. They explore significant economic agreements, including a deal with Boeing, and the implications for regional stability and diplomacy, revealing the intertwined nature of politics and economics in the Gulf.

In this insightful discussion, guests Sinan Hatahet, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, and Omar Alshogre, Director of Detainee Affairs at the Syrian Emergency Task Force and a Syrian refugee, analyze the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria. They delve into the complexities of rebuilding a battered nation, the hopes of its citizens for economic revival, and the challenging path of transitional justice for victims of the civil war. Both highlight the need for caution amid optimism about future changes.

In this engaging discussion, Jayant Menon, a former lead economist at the Asian Development Bank, and Huiyao Wang, founder of the Center for China and Globalization, dive into the intricate US-China tariff negotiations. They explore how the recent deal aims to prevent a full-blown global trade war and its implications for the world economy. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of both nations, the challenges of unilateral trade policies, and the critical importance of cooperation for future growth. Will this ceasefire spark renewed business confidence?