Understand

Justin Webb, former BBC US correspondent and co-presenter of Americast, discusses the US electoral system, primaries, caucuses, and party conventions. He explores the significance of Super Tuesday, variations in delegate allocation, and potential disruptions in the 2024 election. Assessing the current state of Democratic and Republican nominations, Webb highlights Joe Biden's strong position and the competitive race within the Republican party.

What role have the USA and Iran played in the region? Where do we stand on the 'two-state solution'? Katya Adler and guests explain the history and context of the decades long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and assess what happened to the peace process. In this episode we set out how global players have tried to influence the region at times of peace and at times of war.

Exploring the views of Lebanon, Hezbollah, Egypt, and Jordan on Israel and the Palestinians. Discussing Hezbollah's formation and role, as well as the US, UK, and EU designating it as a terrorist organization. Examining Lebanon's complex relationship with Israel, limited work opportunities for Palestinians, and Hezbollah's influence. Highlighting Jordan's efforts for peaceful relations and pro-Palestinian sentiment. Exploring Egypt's unique relationship with Israel and challenges Arab countries face in supporting Palestinians.

What is Hamas, what do they stand for and what do they want now? As part of our series explaining the context of today’s conflict, Katya Adler and guests take a closer look at the group responsible for orchestrating the recent attacks on Israel. They are regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the UK, but how are they seen by Palestinians? As well as being a militant group and an Islamist movement, they are in charge of governing more than two million people in the Gaza Strip. How did they come into being and what are they hoping to achieve?

Katya Adler and guests explain the context of the conflict, exploring issues and history that will help you get to grips with what’s going on today. In this episode we'll look at what’s shaped modern Israel.

Katya Adler, Journalist and Middle East expert, explains the history and context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on life in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the restrictive living conditions, poverty, and challenges faced by Palestinians. The podcast also explores the creation of Israel, the Balfour Declaration, Jewish immigration restrictions, and the events leading up to the Arab-Israeli war in 1948.

When so-called "generative" Artificial Intelligences like Chat GPT and Google's Bard were made available to the public, they made headlines around the world and raised fears about how fast this type of AI was developing. But realistically, what harm could AI do to people? Is it an existential threat, or could it become one? And if things got really bad, couldn't we just switch it off or smash it up with a hammer? Technology has already completely altered our lives, and Artificial Intelligence may transform our world to an even greater degree. This series is your chance to get back to basics and really understand key technology terms. What's an algorithm? Where is "the Cloud" and what exactly is Blockchain? What's the difference between machine and deep learning in artificial intelligence, and should we all be using Bitcoin? Our experts will explain in the very simplest terms everything you need to know about the tech that underpins your day. We'll explore the rich history of how all these systems developed, and where they may be going next.Presenter: Spencer Kelly Producers: Ravi Naik and Nick Holland Editor: Clare Fordham Programme Coordinator: Janet Staples

AI is now able to do some types of work faster and cheaper than human beings, and some workers have already found themselves out of a job. Earlier this year, a report from Goldman Sachs said that AI could potentially replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs, and a different survey of 12 thousand people suggested that a third were worried their bosses would replace them with AI. So is AI coming for your job? What type of workers are most at risk, and if you aren't replaced, could you find yourself working alongside an AI? Technology has already completely altered our lives, and Artificial Intelligence may transform our world to an even greater degree. This series is your chance to get back to basics and really understand key technology terms. What's an algorithm? where is "the Cloud" and what exactly is Blockchain? What's the difference between machine and deep learning in artificial intelligence, and is it just jobs under threat, or is it much worse than that? And before we get to the destruction of humanity, should we all be using Bitcoin? Our experts will explain in the very simplest terms everything you need to know about the tech that underpins your day. We'll explore the rich history of how all these systems developed, and where they may be going next.Presenter: Spencer Kelly Producers Ravi Naik and Nick Holland Editor: Clare Fordham Programme Coordinator: Janet Staples

At its simplest, an algorithm is a sequence of step-by-step instructions designed to give a result. They are the building blocks of every computer program and are there to ensure every digital device gives the right results on request. For example, when we type a search query into Google, its algorithms try to give us the result we're seeking. In the case of Social Media, the algorithm's job is to keep followers on a platform, by showing engaging, interesting, and relevant posts. But over the years they’ve increasingly been entrusted with life-altering decisions, such as A-level results during the pandemic.So how are algorithms being used? Why do many people distrust them, and try to beat them?Technology has already completely altered our lives, and Artificial Intelligence may transform our world to an even greater degree. This series is your chance to get back to basics and really understand key technology terms. Where is "the Cloud" and what exactly is Blockchain? What's the difference between machine and deep learning in artificial intelligence, and is it just our jobs under threat, or is it much worse than that? And before we get to the destruction of humanity, should we all be using Bitcoin? Our experts will explain in the very simplest terms everything you need to know about the tech that underpins your day. We'll explore the rich history of how all these systems developed, and where they may be going next.Presenter: Spencer Kelly Producers: Ravi Naik and Nick Holland Editor: Clare Fordham Programme Coordinator: Janet Staples

Artificial Intelligence is already here. It's being used in products and services you already use, and is working behind the scenes in medicine, transportation, robotics, science, education, the military, surveillance, finance , agriculture, entertainment, retail, customer service, and manufacturing. How is is AI being used in these sectors, and for what purpose? And with the release of chatbots that can emulate human writing, we're now seeing websites that say they're "powered by Chat GPT". What does that mean? Technology has already completely altered our lives, and Artificial Intelligence may transform our world to an even greater degree. This series is your chance to get back to basics and really understand key technology terms. What's an algorithm? where is "the Cloud" and what exactly is Blockchain? What's the difference between machine and deep learning in artificial intelligence, and is it just our jobs under threat, or is it much worse than that? And before we get to the destruction of humanity, should we all be using Bitcoin? Our experts will explain in the very simplest terms everything you need to know about the tech that underpins your day. We'll explore the rich history of how all these systems developed, and where they may be going next.Presenter: Spencer Kelly Producers: Ravi Naik and Nick Holland Editor: Clare Fordham Production Coordinator: Janet Staples