What does a surge in nuclear weapon spendings mean for the future?

The nine countries believed to hold nuclear weapons have spent a record $119bn on their arsenals. The US budget was more than all the others combined, according to an anti-proliferation group. So why the huge surge? And what does it mean for the future of disarmament? In this episode:  Tariq Rauf,…

What are the implications of the unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

Turmoil in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. A banned group has been protesting against a court ruling that kept in place legislative representation for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. What are the political implications of the demonstrations? In this episode:  Maria Iqbal Tarana, Senior Leader…

How could the Chinese president's visit to North Korea reshape geopolitics?

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea. Beijing is Pyongyang's main political and economic backer. Xi has voiced his opposition to what he called hegemonism and power politics. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region? In this episode:  Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre f…

Why are racial issues so prominent now in the UK? 

Protests in the UK after the release of police video of an 18-year-old stabbing victim handcuffed by officers after his attacker alleged racial abuse. The case has caused outrage with the Prime Minister rejecting claims of police bias against white people. So, why are racial issues so prominent now…

Why the World Is Watching Armenia's Vote

Armenians are voting in pivotal parliamentary elections. With Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan facing pro-Russia rivals, why is the outcome being watched so closely in Brussels, Moscow and Washington? In this episode:  Richard Giragosian - Director of the Regional Studies Center think-tank Kenneth R…

What's next for Lebanon after the ceasefire?

The US has announced another ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. But Israeli strikes continue and Hezbollah remains engaged. Can the truce hold, and what lies ahead for Lebanon? In this episode:  Heiko Wimmen - Project Director for Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, International Crisis Group Nimrod Novik…

Can the Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo be stopped?

The head of the World Health Organization seems confident and says there's hope. But with an already volatile security situation in the region, what are the risks of the virus spreading? In this episode:  Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, Emergency Director for the World Health Organization Africa Dr.…

Will the EU's new migration proposals work?

A proposal to tighten EU migration policy. Negotiators from the European Parliament and Council have provisionally agreed on a new deal. It includes the deportation to third countries of people whose applications are rejected. But where would that leave the rights of those seeking safe haven in Eur…

Why is Lebanon such a central issue to Iran?

Lebanon under Israeli attack - while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?  In this episode:  Naim Salem, Professor of …

Is the US-backed Gaza peace process in serious danger?

Israel continues killing Palestinians in Gaza and threatens to seize more of the Strip - all in breach of October's ceasefire deal. Attacks go on everyday, with more than 900 killed since then. So, is the US-backed peace process in serious danger?  In this episode:  Muhammad Shehada, Senior Fellow…