The Inside Story Podcast
Episodes
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...
What can Trump do to break Beijing's monopoly?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is Donald Trump so interested in rare earth minerals? The US President has struck a number of deals in his tour of Asia this week while China keep...
What's the significance of the RSF taking control of Sudan's el-Fasher?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sudan's army says it's pulled out of el-Fasher in the north Darfur region. The area is now said to be under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Supp...
What's next for the Kurdistan Workers' Party after withdrawing from Turkey?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From armed struggle to politics. The Kurdistan Workers' Party says it's withdrawing from Turkey after a decades-long fight for a Kurdish homeland...
What are the challenges facing Trump's Gaza plan?
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump says an international stabilisation force will operate in Gaza soon. Hours later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sai...
How bad is the drug problem in the US and what's Trump's strategy?
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US strikes near Venezuela - which President Donald Trump says are targeting drugs gangs. That's disputed, but the major military mobilisation has...
Are US-Israeli relations in upheaval?
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Israeli parliament votes to annex the occupied West Bank - a move unlikely to become law but described as an 'insult' by the U.S. vice president. ...
Is Trump losing patience with Russia over the Ukraine war?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. President Donald Trump sanctions Russia's two biggest oil companies - after scrapping a summit with President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war.&...
Has the world lost the fight against malaria?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has the world lost its fight against malaria? A new report suggest the resurgence of the mosquito-borne disease could cause more deaths, particularly ...
How will China tackle its many challenges in the coming five years?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How will China tackle its many challenges in the coming five years? Its Communist Party's top leadership is meeting behind closed-doors to draft ...
How will the ceasefire in Gaza be enforced?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel breaches the Gaza ceasefire killing dozens of Palestinians. Now, it says it's returned to the deal but warns Hamas it hinges on handing ov...
Will the ceasefire hold between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a week of cross-border violence, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to an immediate ceasefire. Islamabad accuses its neighbour of harbouring ar...
Will dispute over return of Israeli captives' remains threaten Gaza ceasefire deal?
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hamas hands over the remains of another captive as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. Eighteen bodies remain in Gaza and the group says it n...
Will the ceasefire make genocide harder to prove?
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Palestinians are returning to 16 million tonnes of rubble and there's concern evidence that lies under the ruins could be erased. So, will the ce...
When will Israel reopen Gaza's Rafah Crossing?
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Palestinian Authority says it's ready to operate Gaza's only gateway to the outside world - a vital window to the outside world. But for now, the ...
What does freedom for Palestinians look like under Israeli occupation?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released as part of the ceasefire deal describe what they went through in Israeli jails. But with many of...
How will Donald Trump enforce his plan for Gaza?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How will Donald Trump enforce his plan for Gaza? In his address to the Israeli Knesset and in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, the US President urged leader...
What's the US planning for the Middle East?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's the US planning for the Middle East? President Donald Trump came to the region on Monday to cement his plan for peace in Gaza. He says the...
Why has Israel detained thousands of Palestinians since 1948?
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel agrees to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners as the ceasefire holds. It has detained tens of thousands since its occupation of Pal...
Has another Palestinian Nakba been averted?
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Holding onto their land. After resisting forcible transfer, Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza during the ceasefire. Both Israel an...
What next for the Palestinian resistance movements after the ceasefire?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Demilitarisation and no role for Hamas and other factions in the future governance of Gaza.That's part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan wh...
What impact has the war had on Israeli-US relations?
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A ceasefire agreement for Gaza - and cautious hopes among Palestinians of an end to two years of genocide. US president Donald Trump announced the dea...
What's next for US - Venezuela?
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A US military build-up and strikes on boats near Venezuela. President Donald Trump says he's targeting drug gangs - without presenting evidence. Venez...
What are the consequences of France's political crisis?
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
France's political turmoil deepens - President Emmanuel Macron's fifth prime minister in less than two years quits after just 27 days and his governme...
Will Syria's parliamentary elections lead to a democratic transition?
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will parliamentary elections in Syria lead to a democratic transition? The country has held its first indirect vote since the overthrow of the al-Assa...
Could there ever be peace if Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories?
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Talks to implement Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza are underway. The proposal aims to end Israel's war on the strip, but ignores its decade...
Is peace in Gaza within reach?
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. president tells Israel to stop bombing the strip. Now, negotiations will seek to implement the plan. So, are they likely to work? A...
What's the impact of the first government shutdown in the US in seven years?
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
That's come after the Senate failed to agree on extending federal spending. Hundreds of thousands of employees are affected. But how is it b...
Are Russia and Europe moving closer to conflict?
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
European leaders meet to discuss Russia and the Ukraine war - after a surge in attacks by both sides in September. More sanctions are under discussion...
Are the UK's Keir Starmer's political days numbered?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A vital speech for UK prime minister Keir Starmer to rally his party - hoping to reverse dismal poll ratings a year on from a huge election win. ...
Can Trump's new plan end Israel's genocide in Gaza?
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A 20-point plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump to end the war on Gaza with Israel's prime minister by his side. It's been welcomed interna...
Should Israel be banned from international sport events?
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Calls for Israel to be banned from global sports and cultural competitions are growing. Many argue it should not take part in international events whi...
What are the implications of the UN reimposing sanctions on Iran?
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Iran is once again under pressure for its nuclear programme. The UN has reimposed sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. Tehran insis...
Can Microsoft’s move to cut ties with the Israeli army make a difference in Gaza?
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel has spied on millions of Palestinians using Microsoft's powerful technology. Now, the high-tech giant says it's cancelled some of its serv...
Can Trump’s offer to lift sanctions bring Turkiye and the US closer?
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reviving ties between Turkiye and the U.S. Donald Trump hints at lifting sanctions on Ankara buying F-35 jets during a meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdog...
Will Donald Trump's plan for Gaza work?
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will Donald Trump's plan for Gaza work? The U.S. President has presented a proposal to end Israel's war on the strip. And he's secured firm ...
How important is the UN General Assembly in today's world?
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Contrasting speeches and world visions at the United Nations General Assembly. Attacks on the validity of the UN from US President Donald Trump before...
Why are so many countries falling behind on AI?
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is the tech revolution of our times. But more than 100 countries are falling way behind those leading the AI surge and are los...
What's happened to diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war?
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
NATO sends more forces east after Russia is again accused of violating a member state's airspace. Ukraine hit by some of the largest drone strike...
What are the chances for peace in Sudan?
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A mosque bombed in Sudan is the latest atrocity in a conflict that's caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, says the UN. A new US-led political...
Will the US and China reach a deal on TikTok?
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will the US and China reach a deal on TikTok? Donald Trump says an agreement is well on the way, after a call with Xi Jinping. But why is the Chi...
How relevant is the United Nations in the Gaza war?
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yet again, the US blocks a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. It's the sixth time Washington has used its veto power sinc...
Will a suspension of free trade agreements with Israel stop its genocide?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The European Commission calls for a suspension of free trade agreements with Israel in response to the war on Gaza. It also wants to sanction two...
Will a UN report accusing Israel of genocide make a difference for Gaza?
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, says the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry. Israel's accused of committing genocidal...
How important is this year's UN General Assembly?
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The United Nations General Assembly meets to debate next week. Crises including the Gaza genocide, Ukraine war and climate change are placing the...
What's behind the anti-immigration protests in the UK?
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More than a hundred thousand people demonstrate in London against immigration - with arrests after violent clashes with police. The rally was organise...
What are the chances that the Russia-Ukraine war will end?
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russia and Ukraine target each other with large-scale drone attacks. Tension rises in Europe after Russian drone incursions in Poland and Romania. US ...
How might Gulf states react to Israel's strike on Qatar?
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
International condemnation at the UN Security Council for Israel's attack on Qatar. Qatari prime minister meets US President Donald Trump ahead of a r...
What's fuelling this trend of political violence in the US?
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An attack that exposes the deep polarisation in America. The shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has triggered fears of a cycle o...
How far will the US go in defending Tel Aviv?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much of a burden has Israel become for the US? Washington stands accused of shielding Benjamin Netanyahu's government as it continues its genocide...
How will Israel's strike on Qatar affect the Gaza ceasefire deal?
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Israel's strike in Qatar is condemned around the world. Benjamin Netanyahu says it targeted leaders of Hamas. It comes as he's expanding Isr...
What's behind the French prime minister resigning?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
France's prime minister quits after losing a confidence vote in parliament. There's a sense of deja vu. The country is in a deep financial crisis that...