If You're Listening
ABC Australia
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 13, 2023 • 18min
Can Zelenskyy get the world to care about Ukraine again?
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a new problem. As well as fighting Russia, he also has to fight Israel and Hamas for the world's attention.The shift in attention to Gaza has already meant Ukraine has lost crucial support.The question is — can Zelenskyy get the world to care about Ukraine again? And if not, what will that mean for the war?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fSMBo3xGBQ
Dec 6, 2023 • 19min
What is China's "panda diplomacy"?
Discover the intriguing world of China's panda diplomacy, where pandas serve as diplomatic tools and symbols of friendship. Explore the challenges of panda reproduction in captivity and how China's shift from aggressive to more diplomatic strategies signals a potential return to peaceful relations with the West.
Nov 29, 2023 • 16min
Can OpenAI save us from a robot apocalypse?
Guest Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses the potential risks of AI, OpenAI's mission to develop AI while ensuring safety, unconventional approaches of AI, concerns and controversy surrounding the firing of the CEO, and the need for government intervention.
Nov 22, 2023 • 18min
China's play to win the heart of the Pacific
China is using cash to try and shore up support in the Pacific.In Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital, they just built most of the venues in the Pacific Games precinct.And China is not alone. Like a geopolitical version of The Bachelor, China, Taiwan, Australia and the United States are all trying desperately to win Honiara's heart.This tussle has caused panic in Taipei and Canberra, anger in Beijing and Washington, and actual violence in the Solomons.It's hard to think of a more perfect example of trouble in paradise.Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzF_o11VvuQ
Nov 15, 2023 • 17min
How North Korea makes a fortune stealing crypto
As international sanctions have cut into North Korea's ability to import and export things, they've become desperate for cash.They've been running crazy schemes to get it — smuggling, stealing, lying, cheating, swashbuckling — but that's nothing compared to what they make from stealing cryptocurrency.In fact, most of their foreign currency now comes from stolen crypto.So, can anything be done to stop the world's first nuclear-armed crypto bro, Kim Jong-un?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Catch up on our series about the Israel-Gaza conflict on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7eK8MO7c0Q
Nov 8, 2023 • 16min
Can Israel rescue the hostages?
Explore Israel's famous rescue mission in Uganda, the tragic loss of hostages and an Israeli officer, and the global impact of heroic soldier Yoni. With 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the pressure is on Benjamin Netanyahu to rescue them, but can he? The podcast discusses Israel's reputation for hostage rescue, the difficulties of negotiation, and the suggestion of a military approach.
Nov 1, 2023 • 17min
Who is Hezbollah, the group backing Hamas?
While Israel tries to defeat Hamas, they also have to worry about a much more dangerous paramilitary group on their northern border: Hezbollah.The express purpose of Hezbollah, which formed 40 years ago, is also to eradicate Israel.It would be a nightmare for Israel if Hezbollah swings in and backs Hamas up.So where did Hezbollah form, why do they hate Israel, and what hand did Israel have in their creation?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Catch up on our series about the Israel-Gaza conflict on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ4x0gAzJx4
Oct 25, 2023 • 20min
How did Hamas catch Israel by surprise?
In this episode, the podcast explores how Hamas managed to surprise the well-resourced Israeli intelligence community. It delves into topics such as the intelligence failure during the Israel-Gaza conflict, defense mechanisms implemented by Israel, extremist activist Ben-Gavir, overlooked warnings and signs leading up to the attack, and Operation Alaksa Flood carried out by Hamas.
Oct 18, 2023 • 19min
How a quadriplegic charity worker became the founder of Hamas
Explore the origins of Hamas and the rise of its founder, Ahmed Yassin, from a disabled refugee to one of the most influential men in Palestine. Delve into the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict, including overpopulation, unemployment, and the targeting of Arab workers by terrorists. Learn about Yassin's transformation from a charitable worker to the founder of Hamas and his controversial views on Jews. Discover the rise of Hamas as a powerful political movement in Gaza, their surprising victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections, and the current humanitarian crisis in the region.
Oct 11, 2023 • 16min
The ridiculous assassination plot that sent Haiti into chaos
In 2021, a doctor from Florida met with a group of men to plan the overthrow of the Haitian President.The plot triggered a series of events which led to the President's death, the almost total collapse of the government, and the rise of mob rule in Haiti.So why is Kenya now being sent in to save the day?Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Find more If You're Listening on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhcd5oos_P4
