The Inside Story Podcast

Is the US-backed Gaza peace process in serious danger? 01.06.2026 23min

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 at the European Council on Foreign Relations Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project  Tamer Qarmout, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's at stake in Ethiopia's elections? 31.05.2026 24min

What's at stake in Ethiopia's elections? The governing party is seeking to cement its power, but in a country embroiled in conflicts and deeply fragmented, will this vote solve Ethiopia's many woes? And how are these elections viewed across the Horn of Africa? In this episode:  Samuel Getachew, Journalist and Ethiopian politics and security commentator. Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London. Bizuneh Yimenu, Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Queen's University Belfast.  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is the Russia-Ukraine war entering a new phase? 30.05.2026 24min

NATO says it's ready to defend allied territory against Russian attacks. Ukraine warns Moscow is preparing for a major aerial assault, and appeals for more military support. Both sides seem confident they are advancing on the battlefield. So, is the war entering a new phase? In this episode:  Olesia Horiainova - Co-founder of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre   Donald Jensen - Adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University     Alexey Muraviev - Russian defence and security specialist Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's next after scrapping the 'Black Code' in France? 29.05.2026 24min

France has repealed a controversial law called Code Noir, or Black Code. It classified people in its colonies as property. But why now? What does it mean for the millions of victims of French colonialism?  In this episode:  Liliane Umubyeyi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the African Futures Lab Marlene Daut, Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University Anne Giudicelli, Global relations specialist and former security analyst for the French Foreign Office Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's driving anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa? 28.05.2026 24min

What's behind the recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa? Thousands of foreign workers are under increasing pressure to leave the country. So, what's driving this anti-migrant sentiment that many have called xenophobic? And is politics involved?  In this episode:  William Gumede, Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand Lindywe Zulu, member of the ANC Committee on International Relations and a former South African Minister of Social Development Ashraf Essop, immigration lawyer Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Why is Israel ramping up attacks in Lebanon despite a ceasefire? 27.05.2026 24min

Israel intensifies its military action in Lebanon, killing and injuring dozens of people, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Iran insists those attacks must also end as part of any deal with the United States. So, why is Israel ramping up its strikes? In this episode:  Najat Aoun Saliba, Independent Member of the Lebanese Parliament Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Michael Mulroy, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will Pope Leo's encyclical on AI have an impact on big tech? 26.05.2026 23min

In the first keynote policy statement of his papacy, Pope Leo has warned that artificial intelligence must be for the benefit of humanity, not geopolitical or corporate dominance. Will his views have any impact on big tech and governments?  In this episode:  Gerard O’Connell, Senior Vatican correspondent for the Catholic magazine, America Aya Ibrahim, Senior Visiting Fellow at the AI Now Institute Elaine Burke, Science and technology writer and host of the podcast, For Tech's Sake Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is a US-Iran deal taking shape? 25.05.2026 24min

A possible US-Iran deal to end the conflict is taking shape. While mediators try to bridge some critical divides, Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? And will they throw a spanner in the works? In this episode:  Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel Analyst at the International Crisis Group Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Paul Musgrave, Professor of U.S. Government at Georgetown University Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What could be the lasting legacy of the US-Israeli war on Iran? 24.05.2026 24min

The Iran war has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November. So, even after it ends, could this war have long-lasting implications?   In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Associate Professor, University of Tehran.  Christopher Hill, Former US diplomat.  Abdullah Al Shayji, Professor, Political Science, Kuwait University.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world? 23.05.2026 24min

The US and India are seeking to mend ties after a year of diplomatic see-saw...tariffs imposed then quickly scrapped because of the war in Iran.  It's one example of how international relations and conflict have become more complex and interlinked in recent years.  So, is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world?  In this episode:  Brahma Chellaney - Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research.  Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy.  Shaun Rein - Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group.  Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

What are the implications of US sanctions in Lebanon? 22.05.2026 24min

Israel keeps up its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire. The US has sanctioned nine people, including two Lebanese army officers accused of links to Hezbollah. It comes while Washington brokers more talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. So, why these sanctions now? In this episode:  David Wood, Senior Lebanon Analyst at the International Crisis Group Randa Slim, Middle East Program Director at the U.S.-based Stimson Center  Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics  Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Do aid flotillas make a difference for Palestinians under Israeli blockade? 21.05.2026 24min

Detained and ridiculed by a senior Israeli minister. The mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists has sparked global outrage. They were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. So, what difference do flotillas make? In this episode:  Ahmed Abo Askar, Engineering student who lobbies for sponsorship for orphans in Gaza Dan Perry, Former Chief Editor of the Associated Press in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Carne Ross, Former British diplomat at the United Nations Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's the significance of Putin's visit to China? 20.05.2026 24min

Amplifying an 'unshakeable bond' in a 'turbulent' international situation. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing: their 40th meeting as presidents. What's the significance of the Russian leader's visit, a week after Donald Trump was in the Chinese capital? In this episode:  Andy Mok, Author of ‘The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance’ Pavel Devyatkin, Non-resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft  Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University, specialising in Chinese foreign policy Host: Scott McLean  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Does Ukraine have the advantage against Russia right now? 19.05.2026 24min

A huge attack in the Moscow region and unrelenting strikes on its energy facilities — Ukraine is taking the war deeper into Russia. Russian oil refineries are burning, and its ground offensive is stalling. So, does Ukraine have the advantage at the moment?  In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative Pavel Felgenhauer, Russian Foreign Policy Analyst Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will Cuba be forced to accept the US president's demands? 19.05.2026 24min

Running out of fuel. Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on as the United States ramps up economic pressure and military threats. Washington is now offering aid - but at a cost. Will the system set up by the Castros break down? In this episode:  Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian's Cuba Correspondent Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist Javier Farje, Journalist and historian specialising in Latin American affairs Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Will the new Ebola outbreak in Africa spread? 17.05.2026 25min

A global health emergency - the World Health Organisation raises the alarm over a new Ebola outbreak. The virus has killed nearly 90 people in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda so far. Will it spread further? In this episode:  Ariel Kestens, Head, Kinshasa Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Dr Margaret Harris, Lecturer, United Nations Institute for Training and Research. Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Former Deputy Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Can Pakistani violence sabotage a fragile truce between their neighbours? 16.05.2026 24min

Recent attacks in Pakistan have killed nearly 50 people, many of them security forces. The Pakistani Taliban says it is behind them. Islamabad accuses Kabul of backing the armed group. Can the violence sabotage a fragile truce between the neighbours? In this episode:  Masood Khan, Former Permanent Representative of Pakistan, United Nations  Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council. Obaidullah Baheer, Adjunct Lecturer, American University of Afghanistan.   Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Could differences over Taiwan lead to conflict between the US and China? 16.05.2026 24min

Donald Trump calls his visit to China 'incredible', and Xi Jinping says it was a 'landmark' meeting. But the Chinese president's comments about Taiwan are raising concerns. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington? In this episode:  Ali Wyne, Senior Research and Advocacy Adviser for US-China relations, The International Crisis Group Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalization Wen-Ti Sung, Nonresident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Global China Hub Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What will be discussed during the Lebanon-Israel negotiations? 14.05.2026 24min

As Israeli attacks in Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire, the United States is hosting the third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Hezbollah opposes the meeting in Washington. But can the process help find a way forward for Lebanon after decades of war?  In this episode:  Ali Rizk, Security and Foreign Affairs Analyst in Beirut Jennifer Gavito, former acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Is Eurovision's future under threat because of Israel's participation? 13.05.2026 24min

Five nations boycott Eurovision, citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat?  In this episode:  Steve Wall, musician, actor, and member of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign Jonathan Hendrickx, Assistant Professor in Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen Ori Goldberg, Political commentator in Tel Aviv  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube