The Inside Story Podcast
Episodes
What happens when the US–Russia nuclear arms control treaty ends?
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed...
What are the obstacles in the US-brokered peace talks with Russia and Ukraine
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Talks brokered by the U.S. seek to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Many civilians in Ukraine are suffering in freezing temperatures after Russ...
Why are there mixed reactions to the US-India trade deal?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
India and the U.S. announce a trade deal, with relief from some of President Donald Trump's harshest tariffs. He says India will stop buying Russian o...
Will there be conflict again between Iran and Israel?
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is yet again in Israel to discuss growing tensions with Iran. The two sides have been trading threats. At odds for ne...
How will the open Rafah border crossing impact Palestinian lives?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gaza's Rafah border crossing reopened but under strict Israeli conditions. The crossing is once again operational as part of the US-brokered ceasefire...
How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in Balochistan?
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How will Pakistan deal with growing security challenges in the southwestern province of Balochistan? Another coordinated attack by separatists has kil...
How much control will the US have over Venezuela's oil?
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Caracas says it's opening up the sector to private players. That follows Washington's dramatic intervention in the country in early January. ...
What is the significance of Keir Starmer's visit to China?
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China this week with a large delegation of business people and cultural figures. He received a warm wel...
What does the new time on the Doomsday Clock represent?
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Doomsday Clock has reached the closest ever point to midnight. That's according to the atomic scientists who run it. They say more wars, aggressio...
What is in the trade deal between India and the European Union?
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest trade deals in history was struck by India and the European Union, months after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on both...
What will be the impact of finding the last Israeli captive's body?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The last Israeli captive's body found in Gaza — where many thousands of Palestinians lie buried under rubble. Israel, as part of its long-standi...
Why has the US launched a violent crackdown on immigration?
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recent fatal shootings by federal U.S. immigration agents have sparked outrage and protests.They're accused of using excessive force and indiscriminat...
What's the fallout for America's allies around the world?
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sort out your own security. That's what the U.S. is telling its allies as the Pentagon adopts a new national defence strategy. Washington is now ...
Why has TikTok become an issue in the US?
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After being under threat for years - Tiktok will continue to operate in the United States. The Chinese platform reached a deal to create a new Am...
Will the Board of Peace be able to achieve global peace?
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It was initially supposed to oversee the postwar arrangements in Gaza. Now, the newly created, so-called Board of Peace is expected to deal with ...
Is Mark Carney correct about the rupture of the world's rules-based order?
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The world's rules-based order is ruptured, says Canada's prime minister Mark Carney — in a speech at Davos that avoided mentioning the US presid...
What are the implications of Israel bulldozing the UNRWA headquarters?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
International condemnation as Israel bulldozes the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says...
How will EU leaders respond to Donald Trump's most recent tariff threats?
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs against seven EU countries and the UK for opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. EU leade...
Are there wider implications for Kurds after the Syrian army offensive?
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Syrian army has taken territory long held by Kurdish-led forces before declaring a ceasefire. The lightning offensive changes the balance of power...
Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas?
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? The army has made significant territorial gains after intense battles wi...
Who stands to gain the most from Canada-China deal?
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Resetting ties with China. Canada's Prime minister visits Beijing hailing what he calls "a new partnership adapted to new global realities". ...
What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza? The U.S. says it's a transition to disarmament and reconstruction. But w...
Why does the US have a large military presence in the Gulf?
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What purpose does the massive U.S. military presence in the Gulf serve? Washington argues it maintains stability and security in this region.&nbs...
Why is the investigation into Jerome Powell causing global concern?
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
International alarm after the Trump administration announces the first-ever criminal investigation into the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Jerome P...
What's at stake in Uganda's upcoming elections?
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda holds elections on Thursday, with President Yoweri Museveni hoping to extend his four decades in power. Supporters of his main opponent, musici...
Will Trump get his way with Greenland?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. President Donald Trump has said repeatedly he wants to take over Greenland— an idea rejected by most people living there. There's alarm in ...
How volatile is the situation in Iran?
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Widespread unrest, killings and arrests in Iran during protests sparked by a collapse in the local currency. The leadership says it will listen t...
What are Saudi Arabia's plans in southern Yemen?
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are Saudi Arabia's plans in southern Yemen? Riyadh says it will soon host a dialogue between the main players. It comes after the Southern T...
What is the impact of US withdrawal from dozens of international agencies?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from dozens of United Nations and international agencies? Washington says the organisations threaten its sov...
Can the tension in Aleppo be contained?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Renewed clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo between the army and Kurdish fighters are undermining efforts to achieve national unity. The violenc...
Can the security guarantees by Ukraine's western allies be implemented?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The so-called Coalition of the Willing says it is going to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees if a peace deal is agreed with Russia. ...
What are the implications for Cuba after the capture of Maduro?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Venezuela's closest ally, Cuba, is on edge after the capture of president Nicolas Maduro and U.S. politicians' warnings to Havana. U.S. President Dona...
How will Maduro's capture affect Russia and China?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. came despite his country's long-standing alliance with both China and Russia. Both hav...
Does the US attack on Venezuela signal a new aggressive strategy?
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has been sharply criticised by his allies, but not by Western nations despite questions about i...
What are the implications of Trump capturing Nicolas Maduro?
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US special forces capture Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro - in a daring attack that's taken the country and the world by surprise. He'd denied ac...
How fragile is the US healthcare system?
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How fragile is the US healthcare system? Millions of Americans face a sharp increase in their insurance premiums. That's after Congress failed to rene...
Why is there a wave of public anger in Iran?
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Angry protests across Iran as the country faces economic turmoil. The president is calling on the government to hear the protesters' demands.&nbs...
After a decade of alliance between Saudi-UAE, what's triggered a rupture?
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From close allies to rivals. The United Arab Emirates says it's pulling its troops out of Yemen. That's after an ultimatum by the Saudi-back...
Can the growing tensions between China and Taiwan be contained?
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tension is running high between China and Taiwan. Beijing is carrying out its biggest-ever military drills off the island, saying they're a warning to...
Are the sectarian tensions in Syria a threat to President al-Sharaa?
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Renewed sectarian anger grips parts of Syria. Alawite protesters confront government supporters and masked men attack security forces. Alawi...
What's the significance of Israel recognising Somaliland?
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia. That's angered Mogadishu, as well as African and Ar...
Do Donald Trump's strikes in Nigeria serve any purpose?
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US President says they are against ISIL, claiming it targets Christians in the country.But are his allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria...
Has the fight against Al-Shabab failed?
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UN experts say the group remains a major threat to stability in Somalia and neighbouring countries.And it is still able to carry out attacks repeatedl...
Does Occupied West Bank land seizure undermine peace?
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel is escalating the confiscation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and approving new illegal settlements at an unprecedented scale.It...
Is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026?
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After another year of fighting, is peace on the horizon for Sudan in 2026? Khartoum has come up with a plan to end the conflict, but the UN warns the ...
How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How will the Syrian government deal with its growing security challenges? Renewed fighting between the army and Syrian Democratic Forces is highlighti...
Can diplomacy end the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia?
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the ongoing fighting between Thailand and Cambodia - does diplomacy stand a chance? The two sides have held their first face-to-face meeting in a r...
How volatile is Bangladesh's political situation?
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Political tension and unrest in Bangladesh after the assassination of a student leader of last year's uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Electio...
Why are European farmers protesting the EU-Mercosur agreement?
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
European farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement. That's as signing has been postponed until January, due to disagreements in Europe. T...
What might Trump do to get the Gaza ceasefire agreement back on track?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Daily Israeli breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement threaten the entire peace process, says the Qatari prime minister, who helped broker the deal f...
What are the dangers of Trump ramping up pressure on Venezuela?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russia and China voice support for Venezuela after Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Nicolas Maduro. The US blockades sanctioned oil tankers i...
Can Afghanistan avert a hunger crisis?
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of people in Afghanistan face acute food insecurity, the UN warns. The crisis is exacerbated by sharp cuts in global aid funding and the...
What's behind South America's shift to the right?
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chileans have elected their most conservative leader in decades. Jose Antonio Kast's victory is another sign South America is veering to the righ...
How will the US respond to the killing of three of its soldiers in Syria?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How will the US respond to the killing of three of its soldiers in Syria? Washington blames the Islamic State for the attack and vows retaliation...
Why has Trump eased sanctions on Belarus now?
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US president Donald Trump eases sanctions on Belarus after it frees more than 100 political prisoners. Stiff European sanctions remain in place agains...
How dangerous is the situation in DR Congo?
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US and UN warn violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo could escalate into a regional conflict. Hundreds of people killed as Rwandan-backed M...
Why does Europe want to restrict migration?
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty-seven European nations which are signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights want the treaty changed to restrict migration. Opponent...
Could the Ukraine war be nearing an end?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
European leaders have sent new peace proposals for the war in Ukraine to U.S. President Donald Trump. Loss of territory to Russia and use of frozen Ru...
Will Australia's under 16's social media ban work?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australia has become the first country in the world to ban social media use for children younger than 16. The move has divided public opinion there, b...
What does the government crackdown on protesters mean for Tanzania's future?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tanzania's government is under pressure. Opposition activists are angry about an election that they say was a sham and had called for protests to coin...
Can Southeast Asia keep rebuilding after its deadliest storm season?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly two thousand dead and hundreds missing in one of the worst storm seasons in Southeast Asia's recorded history. Cyclones, typhoons and back-to-b...
What kind of Syria is the new government building?
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hope, promise and enormous challenges. It's been one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and even while it celebrates, the count...
Who stands to benefit the most from the Putin-Modi summit in India?
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From limo diplomacy to a ceremonial guard - Vladimir Putin got a red-carpet welcome in India this week.He was there to talk trade ties and energy supp...
What are the implications of Trump calling Somali-Americans 'garbage'?
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Surrounded by his cabinet, US President Donald Trump described Somalis living in America as 'garbage'. The comments have been widely condemned, but no...
Why is France's Macron in China visiting Xi Jinping?
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
France's President Emmanual Macron visits China for a three-day state visit - at a tricky time in relations. Under discussion - trade and the Uk...
Who benefits from India's sweeping new labour reforms?
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
India is rolling out a set of simplified labour codes to modernise outdated laws. Unions describe the changes as sweeping and aggressive. So...
Can former colonial powers be held accountable for past atrocities?
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
African leaders want colonial-era abuses recognised and criminalised. Algeria says a legal framework would ensure reparations are neither a gift ...
What would it mean for Israel if Netanyahu is pardoned in his court cases?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked for a presidential pardon to end his criminal prosecution. He says it will unite the public b...
What are Trump's real intentions with Venezuela?
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Venezuela accuses Washington of colonialism after President Donald Trump said he's shutting down its airspace. The country's on high alert after ...
What does the resignation of Zelenskyy's top aide mean for Ukraine?
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A corruption scandal in Ukraine claims its biggest scalp yet - with the resignation of President Volodomy Zelenskyy's top aide. Andriy Yermak had been...
Could military service become reality again in European countries?
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
France is to bring back a form of military service. That comes weeks after Germany announced plans to assess young people's suitability for military d...
Why was there a coup in Guinea-Bissau and what are the implications?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The military seizes power in Guinea-Bissau - a day before Sunday's presidential election results were due to be announced. The African Union and...
Can the US help end the Ukraine - Russia war?
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Little sign of peace in Ukraine - but trans-Atlantic diplomatic efforts to end the war are intensifying. Ukraine and its European allies are vyin...
What are the risks as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalate?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pakistan accused of air strikes killing civilians in Afghanistan. A day earlier, a suicide bomb in Pakistan killed three security personnel. Recent pe...
What are the implications of Israel killing Hezbollah's top military commander?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An Israeli air strike on Beirut kills Hezbollah's top military commander, its highest-level target during a ceasefire that came into force a year ago....
Was the G20 summit a success without the US?
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Africa's first ever G20 summit - and the first boycotted by a member, the United States. Its host, South Africa hails it as a success with a declarati...
Are people switching off from the climate change debate?
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Division at the COP30 climate change summit in Brazil - a more difficult message to tell to the world than progress. Scientists, politicians, media an...
Is Trump negotiating Ukraine's future to favour Russia?
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Trump administration has crafted a controversial 28-point peace framework with Russia to end the Ukraine war. The plan demands some painful conces...
How is the rising military spending changing warfare?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Annual military spending is rising globally at its steepest level since the Cold War. And after a break of more than 30 years, the US says it might re...
What's behind the worsening global hunger crisis?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The World Food Programme is warning more than 300 million people face critical levels of hunger next year. The United Nations body says that's double ...
Why are Palestinians divided over Trump’s Gaza peace plan?
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan wins UN Security Council backing. A mixed reaction from Palestinians: the Palestinian Authority welcomes t...
Will Sheikh Hasina face justice in Bangladesh?
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for ordering the crackdown on last year's student-led uprising. 1,400 peo...
Are Israeli-backed human trafficking networks transferring people out of Gaza?
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa is investigating how 153 Palestinians from Gaza arrived without proper documentation. It's raised fears: Was the chartered flight or...
Is sports betting out of control?
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's one of the biggest betting scandals in sporting history.Turkish football is facing a gambling crackdown that's seen hundreds of players and offic...
What does Ukraine’s corruption scandal mean for morale — and its donors?
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is confronting his most serious political test since Russia’s invasion. Elected in 2019 on a promi...
Why is Iran's capital facing the worst drought in recorded history?
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Iran's capital is facing its worst drought in recorded history. The President warns the only option may be to evacuate Tehran. Some commentators call ...
Are Europe and Russia close to a confrontation?
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ukraine's President says Moscow is testing Europe's red lines. Unidentified drones are being spotted at some of the busiest airports and military site...
How will the Syrian president's visit to the White House impact the region?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A landmark meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House.The historic sit-down signals a major shift in US-Syria rela...
Is war one of the biggest threats to the world’s climate?
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leaders are in Brazil for this year’s climate summit to map a path to cutting emissions. But wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, are unleashin...
Is Mali about to fall to an al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group?
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Al-Qaeda-linked fighters have blocked fuel deliveries to Mali’s capital for two months. They want to seize territory and drive out Western influ...
Why is Israel ramping up its attacks on Lebanon?
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Israeli military is ramping up its attacks on Lebanon, violating a year-long ceasefire. It's carrying out similar breaches in Gaza and occupy...
Can Trump break Russia’s grip on Central Asia as China’s influence grows?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump meets with five Central Asian leaders, seeking deals on critical minerals, energy, and trade. But can Washington gain a foot...
Can both sides in Congress compromise and reopen the US government?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Long queues at American airports. Thousands of unpaid federal workers surviving on food banks. The longest government shutdown in U.S. histo...
Can Russian and China relations survive US and other western nations?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russia and China pledge to strengthen their relations. President Xi Jinping has met the Russian Prime Minister and called for more cooperation, to dea...
Can the US's ceasefire plan for Sudan succeed?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hope for a humanitarian truce in Sudan. The parliamentary Rapid Support Forces and the Army agree in principle with the US plan to stop fighting. But ...
Why is Trump claiming that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US president Donald Trump threatens Nigeria with military action claiming Christians are being persecuted. The government and Christian groups in...
How can the US government shutdown be resolved?
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's no sign of an end to the US government shutdown. 1.4 million workers are going without pay, while some people on federal aid are worrying...
What's behind the violence in Tanzania?
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tanzania's incumbent President has been declared re-elected with with 98% of the vote - in an election, denounced by the opposition as a sham...The go...
What tactics did China and the US use in their trade war?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China and the US ease their trade war...for now. Concessions from both, with some of the most painful measures put on hold for a year. So, what ...
What can be done to stop the bloodshed in Sudan?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reports of massacres by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces in Darfur - after the army was pushed out of the region. Tens of thousands of civilians are now f...