Commercial vessels under attack.The blockades by the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global trade.The crisis highlights the danger conflicts and territorial disputes pose to shipping. Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas? In this episode: Rockford Weiz - Director of Fletcher Maritime Studies program at Tufts University George Theocharidis - Professor of Maritime Law and Policy at the World Maritime University Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime E...
May 02, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1523
Pakistan opens land trade routes to Iran, allowing the transit of goods. It's a much-needed reprieve for both economies. But does it undercut Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran? And how will it impact the Islamabad-mediated talks to end the war? In this episode: Mushahid Hussain Syed, Pakistani defence and foreign policy specialist Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, specialising in U.S.-Iran relations Ross Harrison, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute i...
May 01, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1522
Widespread destruction by Israel of houses and civilian facilities in Lebanon, leaving a fifth of the population out of their homes. Israel's defence minister says tactics used in Gaza are being replicated in Lebanon. So, what are the similarities? In this episode: Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon Researcher at Human Rights Watch. Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of Mideastwire.com, a Beirut-based news service Yasmine Chawaf, Global ...
May 01, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1521
The United Arab Emirates quits OPEC. The oil-producing bloc is losing one of its most important members. It comes during the worst global energy crisis of modern times, caused by the Iran war, which has hit the UAE hard. So why now - and what's the impact? In this episode: Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy Cornelia Meyer, CEO of Meyer Resources and an oil and gas Specialist Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at the global risk intelligence company, ...
Apr 29, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1520
The UN Secretary General has given a dire warning about the waning influence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It's being reviewed in the shadow of a tense ceasefire between the US and Iran. Will the agreement survive? And is it enough to prevent a nuclear disaster? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Coordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the US Arms Control Associatio...
Apr 28, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1519
Palestinians exercising their democratic right to vote. But the municipal elections alienated most factions. The Palestinian Authority's party, Fatah, and its affiliates claimed victory. Will the elections make a difference to the people under Israeli occupation? In this episode: Ahmed Fattouh, Fatah spokesperson Jalal Abukhater, Policy Manager at 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media Xavier Abu Eid, Political analyst and former PLO Communications Director Host: Imran Khan...
Apr 27, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1518
Former enemies in Mali, including an Al-Qaeda-linked group, join forces to target military sites. The defence minister has been killed. Russian mercenaries backing the government have come under attack. What are the implications of this unrest? In this episode: Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Co-ordinator for West and Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies. Nicolas Normand, Former French Ambassador to Mali. Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Analyst, Development Reimagined. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us...
Apr 26, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1517
Divisions widen within NATO. US president Donald Trump is furious after a refusal by European member states to join the Iran war. Reports say he's considering measures against the UK and Spain. So, how serious is the rift for the future of the military alliance? In this episode: Carne Ross - former British Diplomat and founder of the non-profit advisory group, Independent Diplomat. Eli Bremer - Retired Major in the US Air Force and a Republican Strategist Pablo Calderon Martinez - Head of Politi...
Apr 25, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1516
Reports of unauthorised access to one of the most powerful artificial intelligence models yet developed. Nothing malicious, the owners say, but it has intensified focus on such technology falling into the wrong hands. In this episode: Ramesh Srinivasan, Professor at UCLA Department of Information Studies, AI and technology specialist Marc Einstein, Research Director and Global Head of AI Research at Counterpoint Research & Digital Transformation analyst Adrian Monck, Senior Adviser on AI and...
Apr 24, 2026•23 min•Ep. 1515
Ukraine reopens a pipeline, enabling the delivery of Russian crude to some EU countries. In return, it gets a multibillion-dollar loan, while Moscow rakes in oil revenue. How will this complex deal play out on the battlefield? In this episode: Marina Miron, Researcher in Defence Studies at King’s College London Maximilian Hess, Author of 'Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West' Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu Host: James Bays Connect with us: ...
Apr 23, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1514
Within the EU, a split is growing over how to respond to Israel's actions in the Middle East. Some members want to suspend a trade deal. But its staunchest allies have foiled the move. Can a divided bloc become a voice against Israel's aggression? In this episode: Bobby McDonagh, a former Irish ambassador to the EU, Italy and the UK Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator Dan Perry, the publisher of 'Ask Questions Later' on Substack and former Edi...
Apr 22, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1513
A report by the UN and European Union estimates it will take 71 billion dollars to rebuild Gaza. About a third of that is needed to restore essential services destroyed by Israel's war. So, how will Gaza be rebuilt, and who will pay? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and former Communications Director for the Palestine Liberation Organization Sultan Barakat, Professor of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and a specialist in post-conflict reconstruction Raja Khalidi, ...
Apr 21, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1512
Ukraine attacks oil facilities in Russia, which is benefiting from higher fuel prices and sanctions relief due to the Iran war. It comes after Moscow launches intense aerial attacks on its neighbour. How is the Iran war affecting Russia and Ukraine? In this episode: Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times Michael Bociurkiw, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host...
Apr 20, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1511
Defending democracy ... The slogan of left-leaning world leaders in Spain meeting to counter the growing influence of the far right. Meanwhile in Italy, right-wing figures aim to build momentum. So, who will shape the global agenda? In this episode: Ruth Ferrero-Turrion, Professor, Political Science, Complutense University of Madrid. Georgios Samaras, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, King's College London. Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow, Bruegel. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts...
Apr 19, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1510
He's accused of links to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also failed government security checks. Yet Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US. Now, the prime minister is under pressure to resign. But will he? And how will the fallout impact the UK Labour Party? In this episode: Denis MacShane - Former UK Foreign Office Minister of State and Labour MP Jennifer Nadel - Co-founder of the cross-party think-tank Compassion in Politics Giles Kenningham - Founder of Trafalgar Strategy...
Apr 18, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1509
Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct talks in decades. But as Israel considers Hezbollah a threat, is a lasting peace agreement possible? And how much influence does Iran have in Lebanon? In this episode: Joe Macaron, Middle East geopolitical analyst Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X , Instag...
Apr 17, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1508
China tells its ally Iran that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily, underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the war on China, and what role is it playing? Host: James Bays In this episode: Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington DC Shaun Rein, Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai Nader Habibi, Professor of Practice in the Economics of the Middl...
Apr 16, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1507
Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's war on Gaza, so why have there been difficulties between them? Host: James Bays In this episode: Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament Sven Kuhn Von Burgsdorff, former EU ambassador to the occupied Palestinian territories Eve Geddie, Director of the European Institutions Office at...
Apr 15, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1506
Donald Trump in a war of words with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. president refuses to apologise for criticising Pope Leo's opposition to the Iran conflict. He says the pontiff should stay out of American affairs. So, is this political interference or a moral duty to speak out? And what are the consequences? Host: Folly Bah Thibault In this episode: Cornel West, Professor and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at the Union Theological Seminary Adolfo Franco, US Republican strategist C...
Apr 14, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1505
Hungary's opposition has defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban by a landslide. He governed for 16 years with a far-right agenda often described as 'authoritarian'. What led to his loss? And what does the outcome mean for the EU, US, and Russia? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and a former member of National Assembly of Hungary Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of European Council on Foreign Relations and the Former Swedish Prime Minister Kim Lane Scheppe...
Apr 13, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1504
The Iran war has created risks to food security from higher energy costs and shipping restrictions. The world's fertiliser production has been badly hit due to attacks on Gulf chemical plants. Where is food supply most at risk and could there be a lasting impact? In this episode: Mourad Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, Steve Keen, Eco...
Apr 12, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1503
A negative political and public reaction in Israel to the ceasefire with Iran - regardless of the respite it brings. No pause for Israel's army however or its victims - hundreds killed in Lebanon and more dead in Gaza. Has Israeli society become conditioned to permanent war? In this episode: Ilan Pappe - a historian and professor at Exeter University Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaper in Tel Aviv Haim Bresheeth - professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of ...
Apr 11, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1502
Opinion polls in Hungary suggest long-time prime minister Viktor Orban has a battle on his hands in Sunday's election. The outcome will be keenly awaited in Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and Brussels. So why is this election so important outside of Hungary? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, a former member of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Kiss, political scientist, director of the Danube Institute and former political adviser in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office Daniel Kelemen, law and ...
Apr 10, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1501
The bombing of Iran has stopped, but the bombing of Lebanon has not. Even as Iran and the US say they'll try to work out their many differences at the negotiating table in Pakistan, Israel is busy ramping up its attacks on what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The group has been a key player in Iran's axis of resistance for decades. So how far is Tehran willing to go to protect its allies? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rob Geist Pinfol...
Apr 09, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1500
Donald Trump has found his Iran off-ramp — but what has it cost? After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. Has the world order been changed by Trump's war on Iran? And can any of it be walked back? Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube...
Apr 08, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1499
The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies, but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with the US to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. In this episode: Afshin Shahi, a Middle East political analyst Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist Maximilian Hess, founder of Enmetena Advisory and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTub...
Apr 07, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1498
Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war began. Tehran accuses the UN's nuclear watchdog of inaction, which the IAEA rejects, saying the situation is of deep concern. But why are the attacks happening? And what risks do they pose? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Alic...
Apr 06, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1497
The war in Iran is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In violation of the ceasefire, Israel has severely restricted aid and maintained its air strikes. The US-brokered deal is meant to be in Phase 2 but appears to be in limbo. So, who could step in to help Palestinians? In this episode: Dr Mohammed Tahir, Orthopaedic surgeon, worked in Gaza. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Xavier Abu Eid, Former Communications Director, PLO. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJ...
Apr 05, 2026•19 min•Ep. 1496
The war in the Middle East has worsened the economic crisis in Pakistan. Most of its energy supplies are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked for five weeks. In this episode: Kaiser Bengali - Economist and former head of the Policy Reform Unit for the Balochistan Chief Minister Michael Kugelman - Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Ali Salman - Founder and CEO of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us...
Apr 04, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1495
Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office Host: Rishaad Salamat Co...
Apr 03, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1494
