The Inside Story Podcast

Olesia Horiainova, co-founder of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center and former advisor to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, teams up with Vasily Kashin from the Russian International Affairs Council. They dive into the complexities of a proposed direct meeting between Russia and Ukraine to potentially end the war. Discussion highlights include the implications of a ceasefire, the historical context of Russia's demands, and Ukraine's firm stance on sovereignty. The ever-evolving dynamics of the conflict create a tense backdrop for any peace negotiations.

Elijah Magnier, a seasoned military and political analyst, joins Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor of The Economist, to dissect the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan. They discuss the unprecedented military escalations, including the use of strike drones. The evolving military strategies of India are highlighted, especially following recent terror attacks. Moreover, they examine the changing dynamics in regional air power and the complex geopolitics of Kashmir, emphasizing the diminishing role of the U.S. in mediation.

A ceasefire has been announced to stop a bitter conflict over one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Kashmir has repeatedly been troubled by a dispute dating back nearly eight decades between India and Pakistan. Will the latest truce resolve differences going back to colonial times?  In this episode:  Victoria Schofield, British Biographer and Historian.  Radha Kumar, Negotiator, Kashmir Crisis. Ayesha Jalal, Professor, Tufts University.  Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A new Pope has been elected, the first from the US to lead the Catholic Church. It's church that's divided between progressives and traditionalists, and in a world polarised by conflict and widening political division. So, what role might Pope Leo XIV play within his church and on the world political stage? In this episode:  Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor of World Catholicism at DePaul University  Joanne Pierce, Professor Emerita at the Department of Religious Studies at College of the Holy Cross Neil Thorns, Director of Advocacy and Communications at CAFOD, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

International concern is mounting over the India-Pakistan conflict - as both are armed with substantial nuclear arsenals. Atomic bombs have only been used twice - eighty years ago on Japan. What nuclear risks do the current hostilities pose? In this episode:  Dan Smith, Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Susi Snyder, Programme co-ordinator at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Elizabeth Threlkeld, Senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US president has announced he'll stop attacks on Yemen. Donald Trump says he made the decision after the Houthis assured him they'll end their strikes on American ships in the Red Sea. They had been targeting vessels after Israel launched its war on Gaza. But will Israel also stop its air strikes? And what does this mean for Yemen?  In this episode:  Maysaa Shuja Al Deen, Senior Researcher, Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies. Ahmed Al Ashwal, Political and Military Analyst. Nabeel Khoury, Former US Diplomat.  Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump says Hollywood is 'dying fast'. The US President blames foreign countries for the crisis. And he has ordered a 100% tariff on imported films and those produced outside the United States. But how will the tariffs work? And what will be their larger impact? In this episode:  Jonathan Handel, Entertainment Lawyer and Journalist.  Chris Southworth, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom.  Kamran Pasha, Hollywood Director, Screenwriter and Novelist.  Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Cardinals of the Catholic Church gather in Rome to elect the next Pope. Whether a moderniser or conservative wins, big challenges await them within the church and on the global political stage. So what are they? And what could be the future direction of the Church? In this episode:  Gerard O'Connell, Vatican Correspondent, America Magazine.  Michel Mondengele, Country Director, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor, World Catholicism, DePaul University. Host: Folly Bah Thibault  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Starvation threatens the people of Gaza due to Israel's blockade. Food and vital supplies are running out across the strip. Yet, Israel is calling up sixty-thousand more reservists to intensify military action. So why is this happening?  In this episode:  Olga Cherevko, Spokeswoman, United Nations Office, Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Gaza City. Sami Al-Arian, Director, Center for Islam and Global Affairs, Istanbul Zaim University. Neve Gordon, Professor, International Law, Queen Mary University of London. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The United Nations says a funding crisis is putting millions of people in danger. An internal review of the organisation is also reported to be looking for drastic cuts and reforms. That's after its biggest donor, the US, has slashed foreign aid. So what's next for the UN? In this episode:  Sherine Tadros, UN Representative, Amnesty International. Martin Griffiths, Director, Mediation Group International.  Stephanie Fillion, Independent Correspondent covering the United Nations. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook