Sensemaker

A deep look at Iran's crackdown after mass protests and the near-total internet blackout. Emerging video evidence reveals overwhelmed hospitals and morgues. Discussion of casualty figures, mass arrests and possible executions. Analysis of U.S. threats and naval movements and whether military action could change the regime's fate. Exploration of why protests erupted now and what the movement's future might hold.

Some 60 countries have been invited to join the Board, and each would have to pay a billion dollars if they want to become permanent members. Trump will be its inaugural Chairman, a position he can hold for life. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a vote of support in the house of Lords, the government is under increasing pressure to ban social media for under 16s. But will Keir Starmer back a ban?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer:  Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire :  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Richard Lambert, a British journalist and former chairman of the British Museum, dives deep into the Smithsonian's challenges under political fire. He outlines the museum's immense role in education and research, revealing its reliance on federal funding. Lambert explores Trump's controversial 'Restoring Truth and Sanity' executive order, aimed at reshaping American history narratives. He also evaluates Lonnie Bunch's leadership amidst threats of funding cuts and potential self-censorship, highlighting the precarious future of cultural institutions.

Dr. Paul Morland, a demographer and expert on population trends, explores the contentious topic of declining birth rates and their implications. He discusses the economic factors, like housing costs and childcare, that deter parents. Cultural shifts toward delayed marriage and changing life aspirations also contribute to lower fertility. Morland warns about the potential consequences of an ageing population, from economic strain to social care challenges, while emphasizing the importance of personal choice amid these trends.

Andreas Osthagen, Research Director for Arctic and Ocean Politics at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, delves into the intriguing dynamics of Svalbard, an archipelago of growing geopolitical interest. He discusses the historic 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty granting Norway sovereignty while ensuring equal access for all signatories. The conversation highlights Russia's concerns over its proximity to Svalbard and Norway's tightening regulations. As Arctic shipping routes expand, Osthagen predicts that Svalbard will increasingly capture global attention.

Nigel Inkster, a former senior security official and advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, dives into the controversial proposal for a new Chinese embassy in London. The discussion raises serious concerns about potential cyber threats and espionage activities, particularly given the embassy's proximity to critical infrastructure. Inkster also explains how this embassy could streamline diplomatic operations and what it signifies about UK-China relations, sparking a debate on the implications for national security and monitoring the Chinese diaspora.

Over 30,000 homes in South East England have been left without water for days, causing major disruptions to schools and businesses. Local residents express frustration over the unpredictable supply. The outages have caught parliamentary attention, with concerns about past service failures at South East Water. Experts discuss the negative impact of private equity ownership on maintenance and rising climate change challenges. Comparisons are made between water companies' responses, highlighting the need for investment and resilience.

Kathleen Bush Joseph, a lawyer and policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, sheds light on the growing power of ICE during Trump's administration. She discusses the broadening of ICE's targets, moving beyond just criminals to include everyday locations like workplaces and courts. The conversation highlights the surge in arrests, soaring deportation numbers, and the alarming rise in ICE funding. Joseph also addresses the challenges of accountability for affected families and the ongoing public backlash against aggressive immigration enforcement.

On the 8th of January, the Metropolitan Police released a report into failures in vetting and recruitment of officers involved in misconduct or criminal offences. Host: Ada BarumeWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Casey MagloireAdditional reporting: Madeleine Parr Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.