Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas?

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…

Will Pakistan's land trade routes with Iran undermine the US?

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, Pakis…

How is Israel replicating its Gaza tactics in Lebanon?

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…

Why is the UAE withdrawing from OPEC?

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 Ex…

Can the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prevent a disaster?

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:  …

Will elections make a difference to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation?

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, F…

What are the implications of this latest unrest in Mali?

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-ordin…

How serious are the divisions within NATO?

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 - form…

Who's in control of AI?

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…

How will an EU loan to Ukraine play out on the battlefield?

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…