Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald
A war breaks out, a leader emerges, a revolution unfolds. How did it happen, and what are the implications for you? Award-winning journalists Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald are joined by two new hosts, former foreign correspondent Kylie Morris and journalist Latika Bourke in London. Every day, they'll be discussing the biggest world events and how to make sense of them. Along with expert guests, they take a single topic and examine it with Australian eyes. Challenging, thoughtful and fun, Global Roaming is your user's guide to what the world is talking about.
Episodes
From deepfakes to rape threats: AI is supercharging abuse of women in public life
Is the abuse worth it?A growing body of research suggests women in public life are facing a wave of online harassment that has been amplified by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns.In this episode of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke examine the implications for democracy. If women are increasingly targeted with sexualised
Is the Iranian regime more afraid of peace than war?
Arash Azizi says Iran's rulers may be more afraid of peace than war.While the world watches Donald Trump, the American-Iranian historian argues the real story is the stasis inside Tehran. A collective leadership built around a 13-member National Security Council, with parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf the strongest figure, now calling the shots. Azizi says they stepp
Is Israel driving Palestinians off the occupied West Bank for good?
Antony Loewenstein says Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has turned "almost apocalyptic".The independent Australian journalist has reported from the territory for more than 20 years. On a trip to the area last month, Loewenstein says he witnessed near-daily attacks on a Palestinian family. It comes as the United Nations says Israeli settler violence has reached
Could a US tech giant switch Australia off with one click?
Labor MP Ed Husic has a blunt warning: a handful of US tech firms could switch off the AI tools Australia runs on.On 15 July the Prime Minister used a national address to label artificial intelligence (AI) a national interest, announcing a new Office of AI inside his department, mandatory rules for large data centres, and a digital duty of care for big tech.At the same time Sydne
Borneo's vanishing rainforest: Omar Musa on palm oil, power and colonial ghosts
Fresh from winning the 2026 Miles Franklin Award, writer and artist Omar Musa joins Global Roaming to take us into the rainforests of Borneo, a place where environmental destruction, colonial history, economic development and cultural identity collide.Drawing on the themes of his award-winning novel Fierceland, Musa explores how palm oil transformed Malaysian Borneo: lifting many
What's behind the global rise of far-right populism?
Pauline Hanson sat down with Tommy Robinson, one of Britain's most notorious far-right figures. So why did the interview happen, and what does it say about the rise of right-wing populism globally? From Luton to Moscow, the money behind the far right has gone global. Journalist Daniel Trilling traces cash flowing from the United States and Canada to fund Islamophobic activists in
Is FIFA selling the World Cup? The revolt against Gianni Infantino
Should the FIFA World Cup be sold to private investors?That was the proposal by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that shocked the world and FIFA council members.Though the proposal has been abandoned after a swift backlash, Infantino now faces a leadership crisis that could see him booted from the top position, with others already vying to take his place. But bigger questions rema
Is Australia about to blow its one shot at space?
Australia has been offered a seat in space, but time is running out.The European Space Agency has invited Australia to send its first government astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, to the International Space Station (ISS).The catch? The ticket likely costs about $100 million and the ISS is set to deorbit around 2030. The offer stands for a few months longer, at most.Deputy Directo
Should Israel remain a Jewish state? A look at Gaza's future.
What does the war in Gaza mean for the future of Israel, Zionism and Jewish identity?Peter Beinart has become one of the most prominent and controversial Jewish voices challenging Israel's political direction. Once a supporter of a two-state solution, he now argues that lasting peace can only come through equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians, regardless of religion or ethni
Is Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey conservative, woke, or something else entirely?
Christopher Nolan's blockbuster adaptation of The Odyssey has become far more than a film. It's sparked fierce arguments about race, masculinity, Western civilisation, Christianity, leadership, and the culture wars.Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald are joined by Quillette founder Claire Lehmann to unpack why Nolan's retelling has generated such intense debate. From Elon Musk'
Farage vs Binface: the by-election Britain can't ignore
Reform party leader Nigel Farage has survived scandals, electoral defeats, and years of attacks from Britain's political establishment.But could he be unseated by a man dressed as a Darth Vader rip-off, in a by-election he called himself?Michael Crick is a veteran UK broadcaster, and author of One Party After Another: The Disruptive Life of Nigel Farage. He claims that even a Far
AI is a bubble, not a revolution. Cory Doctorow explains why
AI is everywhere. Governments are racing to regulate it, companies are pouring hundreds of billions into it, and workers are wondering what it means for their jobs.But what if the AI revolution isn't inevitable?Technology commentator and science fiction writer Cory Doctorow joins Global Roaming to argue that today's AI boom looks a lot like a financial bubble, and the world could
Russia in revolt: Is Putin a failing tsar?
A prominent Russian billionaire has publicly raised concerns about the direction of the war in Ukraine. Some observers see it as evidence that support for Vladimir Putin is beginning to crack.But the West is misreading the situation, according to veteran Russian journalist and political analyst Konstantin von Eggert.He argues Russia's problems run far deeper than Putin himself, t
Daniel Ortega is cancelling elections. Is Nicaragua's democracy dead?
Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has declared there will be no more elections. The frail 80 year-old former Sandinista guerrilla seized power in 1979, was voted out, clawed his way back in 2006, then jailed opponents, banned parties and had security forces shoot dead hundreds of protesters. He has since installed his wife Rosario as co-president and moved to scrap the vote for
Can Andy Burnham govern an ungovernable Britain?
Britain is on its seventh prime minister in a decade, and the new one has inherited a fractured union. Can Andy Burnham govern a country many now call ungovernable?Burnham replaces Keir Starmer, who resigned in June after barely two years, worn down by policy reversals, poor local election results, and slipping public confidence. He arrives promising a "circuit breaker": a new ec
Does Trump lie? Reuters' Editor-in-Chief won't say the word.
Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni won't use the word "lie" when referring to Donald Trump, telling Global Roaming he instead "says things that are not true."It's a careful answer from the woman running one of the world's biggest and most trusted news agencies.Founded 175 years ago, Reuters has thousands of journalists stationed in over 165 countries and supplies the orig
Nowhere is safe: Sudan's drone war on its own people
Sudan's war has entered its fourth year.Drones are now striking schools, hospitals and fuel stations, and the world's largest humanitarian crisis keeps falling off the radar. More than 13 million people have been displaced since fighting broke out between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.Last year the RSF was accused of genocidal violence in the city of El F
Indonesia is changing, Australia's being left behind
Indonesian language teaching will be extinct in Australia by 2031, warns a parliamentary inquiry into Australia's Asian capability.Australia talks constantly about the importance of Asia, but is failing to build the skills needed to understand our closest neighbours.At the same time, Indonesia is on track to become one of the world's largest economies and an increasingly influent
The Democrats are a 'total mess' and leaderless. Can they stop Trump?
For decades, there were some things Democrats and Republicans agreed on. America should lead the world, NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) matters, and the US-Israel alliance is untouchable. As Trump rips up international alliances, inside the Democratic Party anger over Israel's war in Gaza has ruptured the old pro-Israel consensus.Last week 103 House Democrats, nearl
Marine Le Pen and the French far-right are back
Just a year ago, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party appeared finished after being convicted in an embezzlement case and barred from seeking office. Now, Marine Le Pen is back in the race, after a Paris appeals court upheld her conviction but shortened her ban from seeking public office, paving the way for her 2027 presidential bid. With the National Rally party
Iran is done backing down. Is Trump's war now unwinnable?
Is Donald Trump trapped in a war with Iran he cannot end? The ceasefire has collapsed, and the warships are back.Chicago University's Professor Robert Pape has been modelling conflict for over 20 years and says both sides look to be caught in an escalation trap: a long war neither can walk away from. Pape tells Global Roaming's Latika Burke and Steve Canane why every off-ramp has
Can rugby league keep China out of the pacific?
China is pushing harder for influence across the Pacific. Australia is responding with defence agreements, new security partnerships and rugby league.As Pacific leaders gathered in Brisbane for State of Origin, Canberra was expanding its regional diplomacy through sport, including the multi-million-dollar PNG Chiefs NRL deal. At the same time, China's rare intercontinental ballis
Has Israel entered a constitutional crisis? Netanyahu, the courts and a battle over press freedom
Every night in Israel, one TV channel stands out.Channel 13 is among the few major outlets willing to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.Now, a dispute over the channel’s ownership has become a flashpoint in a wider battle over press freedom, judicial independence and the future of Israeli democracy. Anat Saragusti, Director of press freedom at the Union of
Will Indonesia's $44bn new city ever become the capital?
Indonesia's next capital was supposed to showcase the country's future: a purpose-built city in the jungles of Borneo designed to ease pressure on Jakarta and signal Indonesia's ambitions on the world stage.But Nusantara now faces a critical political test. Former president Joko Widodo pushed the project past the point of no return, yet his successor, Prabowo Subianto, appears fa
Getting Lucky... Again: Alan Finkel - Fixing the Rocky Road to Net Zero
In this Global Roaming limited series, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are inviting big thinkers from different fields to consider how Australia can not just survive - but thrive - in a more challenging world. In this episode, Australia's former Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel shares his thoughts on how Australia can feasibly get to net zero, and harness our potential as a c
Getting Lucky... Again: Michael Stutchbury's Economic Wake Up Call
In this Global Roaming limited series, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are inviting big thinkers from different fields to consider how Australia can not just survive - but thrive - in a more challenging world. In this instalment, Michael Stutchbury - Former editor-in-chief of the Australian Financial Review and Executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies, says
Getting Lucky... Again: Lydia Khalil - Tackling New Security Threats
In this Global Roaming limited series, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are inviting big thinkers from different fields to consider how Australia can not just survive - but thrive - in a more challenging world. In this episode the Lowy Institute's Lydia Khalil shatters the perception that our geography alone is enough to protect us from the insidious new security threats tha
Getting Lucky... Again: Peter Varghese - Re-thinking Australian foreign policy
In this Global Roaming limited series, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are inviting big thinkers from different fields to consider how Australia can not just survive - but thrive - in a more challenging world. In this episode former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Varghese attempts to shake Australia out of our complacency and excite us about
Getting Lucky... Again: Hannah Ferguson - Making Caring Cool
In this Global Roaming limited series, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are inviting big thinkers from different fields to consider how Australia can not just survive - but thrive - in a more challenging world. First up is Hannah Ferguson, the CEO of Cheek Media, who has disrupted Australia's traditional media landscape. She shares her ideas for re-connecting Australians to
Does Martin Luther King III still have a dream?
When Martin Luther King the third visited Australia earlier this year, we sat down with him to find out how he has harnessed his father’s dream of an oasis of freedom and justice now in the 21st century. Martin Luther King III was ten years old when his father, the hero of the modern US civil rights movement, was assassinated for his advocacy against racism. King III has picked
Prof Brian Cox on whether Elon Musk owns the moon
Since we first broadcast this episode in February, much has happened space wise; there was the NASA Artemis mission bringing a lunar colony closer to reality, Jeff Bezo’s rocket launch that exploded, Space X became the biggest IPO in history and Elon Musk reached beyond the skies as the world’s first trillionaire.But as tech billionaires compete for NASA contracts, from Elon Musk
What does Trump actually want from Iran?
Back in February despite uprisings, sanctions and the ongoing conflict with Israel negotiations were underway between the US and Iran over its nuclear ambitions. Those negotiations saw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rushing to Washington to influence any potential deal.Two weeks later Israel and US made their first military strikes.A vital question at the time was: how
Was Epstein running a Russian spy operation?
A Russian spy? Secret kompromat? The latest Epstein file drop, the most comprehensive since the notorious sex offender's death, has us questioning everything.
Is the Middle East caught in an unstoppable 'escalation trap' of all-out war?
It was just a few weeks into the Israel and the US military operations against Iran. Iran had retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory; there were civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure on both sides. But for all the bravado and swagger of the US and Israel might the Iranians survive this or has the US and Israel's military campaign against Iran
What's left to explore? The secrets of space unlocked Part 2.
In part two of our conversation with one of the world’s most respected living explorers, Terry Garcia, we take you to space.The ethics, exploration, archaeology and who should act as the guardians of space exploration.Is there a risk of exploitation by tech barons?Should the rules for ocean exploration be adapted for space?Terry Garcia helps us unlock the secrets of our planet be
Lebanon in the balance: will the ceasfire hold?
As the United States and Iran continue to dispute the details of a peace deal to the end war one thing is certainly clear; those with the least confidence in a permanent ceasefire are likely in Lebanon.
Starmer’s gone: So can the ‘King of the North’ win back Britain’s working class?
Keir Starmer came to power with an overwhelming majority, but despite some key reforms, it took him less than two years to be rejected by the public and many members of his own party.His successor will be Britian's seventh prime minister in just ten years.Enter the ‘King of the North’. Andy Burnham, beats Starmer hands down when it comes to charisma and popularity. But he’s untes
Data Centres: The next gold mine or black hole? Lessons from America
Across America communities are pushing back against the data centres powering artificial intelligence. Water quality, noise and the drain on water and electricity are some of the reasons.While money being generated by AI centres and the potential to generate more accelerating exponentially, many Americans are skeptical that funds will flow back to their communities.With Australia
On the radar: Inside Iran with Karishma Vyas
On this episode of Global Roaming's new 'On the Radar' series we are joined by the ABC's Asia editor, Karishma Vyas who gives us an inside track into the regime's tactics as the Iran and US peace deal is negotiated and an insight the scam centres popping up across Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia that she recently visited.In May Karishma was one of the only Western reporters allowed t
What's left to explore? Our planets secrets yet to be unlocked
In part one of this special episode of Global Roaming we speak to one of the world’s most respected living explorers.Terry Garcia was recently in Australia warning that we are pushing the ocean to its limits while systematically dismantling the scientific institutions needed to understand and respond to that threat.Australia has a leading role to play in the recovery of our ocean
The man who could end the ‘tumble dryer’ of British Prime Ministers?
It's being called the by-election of the century. If Andy Burnham returns to Westminster, he could be one step closer to replacing Keir Starmer as Labour leader and perhaps becoming Britain's next Prime Minister. With Starmer facing mounting criticism and Reform UK surging in the polls, Burnham has emerged as one of the few Labour figures capable of uniting voters across the poli
World Cup fever: is it still the ‘beautiful game’?
World cup fever is sweeping Australia. But as politics, deportations and soaring ticket prices collide with football's biggest tournament, can the beautiful game ever be separated from the world around it? Guest: David Goldblatt, Writer, broadcaster and academic. Author of Injury time: Football in a State of Emergency
Architects and artisans: the winners and losers after the Iran US peace deal is signed
While the ink is beginning to dry with a peace deal between the US and Iran allowing the oil to flow again and global trade to resume another war is brewing and it could potentially be more lethal.Right now Europe has a billion-dollar trade deficit with China, exacerbated by US sanctions, the closing of the Strait of Hormuz but more importantly a changing world order and alliance
Why is Elon Musk tweeting about riots in Belfast?
From violent anti-immigration riots in Belfast to a mass political movement of 'cockroaches' in India, what should we be paying attention to in the world this week?Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are joined by former Australian diplomat and managing editor of geopolitical news site International Intrigue to talk the hottest topics in global affairs - plus, you're AUKUS feed
Where is Aung San Suu Kyi?
The former President of Myanmar seems to have disappeared inside the country's prison system. Now her son has an impassioned plea, demanding 'proof' of life. Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, has not heard from his mother since 2023. Kim contests the international media's narrative that his mother betrayed the Rohingya so she could keep the
Is Australia being transparent about exports to Israel?
As the world's attention shifts to the Strait of Hormuz, a group of Palestinian human rights organisations have filed an application against Australia's Minister for Defence, Richard Marles. They say the government isn't being transparent about Australia's arms exports to Israel, and are asking for the release of documents related to potential sales. Defence denies the supply of
Will Netanyahu survive the next Israeli election?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has to call an election before October 27. But as war with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon drags on, his popularity is tanking. Even US President Donald Trump has reportedly called him "effing crazy" over his aggressive military stance.Israeli journalist and commentator Nadav Eyal joins Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke to talk about the d
Malcolm Turnbull and Richard Marles on AUKUS
Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has said of AUKUS that "we don't need to be a pair of shoes hanging out of America's backside". Is that a fair characterisation of Australia's position vis a vis AUKUS? Are we getting the short end of the stick with this deal, and sacrificing our sovereignty to boot? This episode originally broadcast on December 20, 2024 as part of our 6-part AU
Can Canada lead the middle powers away from Trump?
Standing ovations are rare at Davos, the annual World Economic Forum conference. But Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tore the roof down with a speech calling on the world's middle powers to forge a united path away from the hegemony of American power. And Trump isn't happy about it. Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke speak to former Canadian Liberal Party leader Michael Ignat
New AUKUS Submarine Deal: Have we been sold a dud?
In the 'deal of the century', Australia was supposed to acquire a brand new, top of the range nuclear submarine. In the navy, they are known as the APEX predators of the sea, the 'optimal' defence machine. But this week the AUKUS submarine deal was downgraded or ‘streamlined’. Now, instead of receiving a brand new, top of the range nuclear submarine, we are getting three second
No problems with AUKUS: Scott Morrison says stick with the plan
Changes to the AUKUS deal that mean Australia only gets second hand submarines from the Americans have prompted some wobbles this side of the Pacific. But the architect of the $370 billion deal told Global Roaming the deal is a dynamic one, and he has no regrets.
A turning point for Türkiye? Erdogan moves against his rivals
Moves by President Erdogan to arrest and imprison two of his key political rivals have prompted warnings that Türkiye is sliding into authoritarianism. There are fears he may change the constitution next to stay in power.
Happy Birthday Mr President: cage fighting at the White House
President Donald Trump is throwing himself an 80th birthday to remember. Cage fighting on the White House lawns, organised by his best mate, and UFC CEO, Dana White. It's a spectacle the President's backers hope will resonate with young men, once his biggest fans, but whose support for him is cratering.
'Indonesia Rising': Is now the time to embrace our neighbour?
To mark the end of our popular 'Indonesia Rising' series, a special episode sharing your feedback and questions.Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue reflect on your thoughts about economic opportunity, big ideas for the future, and concerns over diplomatic blind spots. Oh, and there are some beautiful personal stories along the way.
Global Roaming LIVE - Two veteran foreign correspondents share their stories
What actually is foreign news in 2026, when stories of the world's pain and joy are accessible in the click of a button? And who can we trust to tell it? Recorded live at the Sydney Writers' Festival, Hamish and Geraldine talk to two veteran foreign reporters, about their careers and how to tell honest human stories in a world jam-packed with information.
'Welcome to Iran' - a correspondent's surreal week in wartime Tehran
Getting a journalist visa for Iran is not an easy feat at the best of times, and this is not the best of times.ABC Asia editor Karishma Vyas talks to Kylie and Latika from Tehran, where she's had a glimpse of how the capital is operating in wartime, the control still exercised by the authorities, and the level of need felt by everyday citizens.
Springtime in Prague: Why is Europe feeling optimistic?
At a leading European security and policy conference in Prague, Latika buttonholes one of Australia's top political scientists to interrogate an unusually upbeat, even optimistic, mood.Is it that Europe's leaders are getting used to dealing with Donald Trump? Or could it be Ukraine fending off the Russians, with increasing success? The answer is worth a listen.
'If you're weak you'll get invaded': Poland prepares for war with Russia
On the frontline with Russia, Poland is now spending a massive $90 billion on defence, bolstered by a loan from the EU and multinational forces from Europe and the US stationed in the country. In Warsaw, the view is that the only way to stop Russia is deterrence.Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has condemned what he calls the disintegration of NATO from within, declar
Indonesia Rising: 'WhatsApp' Diplomacy with Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia
On this episode of Global Roaming's 'Indonesia Rising' series, Hamish Macdonald is granted a rare glimpse into how diplomacy is done in 2026 by Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier.Gone are the days of formal emails and deals done behind gated walls. Ambassador Brazier uses social media and a 'street style' diplomacy that is winning Indonesian hearts, minds and cruci
Does AUKUS make more sense (or less) in a conflicted world?
AUKUS has a confidence problem. In a bid to reassure industry over the slow pace of AUKUS, the Australian and US governments are set to announce future collaborations under Pillar Two of the deal, with unmanned underwater vehicles top of the list. But industry aside, what about the heavy lifting to be done in building public confidence?
Is the tide turning in favour of Ukraine?
Is the unthinkable becoming possible? For the first time in two years, Ukrainian forces have regained more territory than was lost to Russia. Armed with locally made drones, and missiles, Ukraine has hit targets in Moscow, and is damaging Russian morale. Its campaign against military manufacturing has proven effective. Russia's spring campaign has failed to meet its objectives, a
Africa's population is about to double. Who will power it?
The latest outbreak of Ebola in the Congo is the kind of crisis we most hear about when Africa rates a mention on our televisions, or in our feeds. But there is a lot of change, and an immense complexity across that great continent, that escapes attention. Prompted by a listener's feedback, this episode Geraldine and Latika ask how Africa will power the massive growth required by
Philippines' 'Game of Thrones': Senate moves to impeach the Vice President
High stakes political chaos is unfolding in the Philippines with a missing Senator, an ex-President in the Hague, and bitter, duelling family dynasties.The drama is happening as a trial gets underway in the Philippines to impeach Philippine Vice President, Sara Duterte, the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte who is currently in the Hague being tried for crimes against humanity.With one
Indonesia has high speed rail. How come Australia can't get there?
Indonesia's 'WHOOSH' train does exactly that. The high speed link from Jakarta to Bandung used to take three to four hours, now it's a 35 minute journey, peaking at speeds of 350 km/hour.It's a remarkable piece of high tech infrastructure, but it's also been the subject of corruption investigations and questions over debt to China.
Australia's Delta advances, but who's missing from this Eurovision?
Challenging, thoughtful and fun — a user's guide to what the world is talking about.
Enter the "dealmaker": Donald Trump in Beijing
Going into the summit in Beijing between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the narrative from China is that President Trump is weak and distracted. Beijing sees the Iran war, and mid term elections on the horizon as weaknesses for President Trump, who last month postponed his planned meeting with President Xi on account of the war. President Trump arrives with his own agenda, with tra
What the world needs now: a Trump-Xi summit free of fireworks
In this over-stimulated moment in international affairs, observers have set a low bar for success for the summit this week scheduled between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.A lack of fireworks would be nice, they say. In the Asia Pacific, there's hope for a summit where President Trump doesn't rile Beijing's emotions, and that instead ushers in a period of stability. What are the ch
Populist Britain: Is two-party politics over in the UK?
The UK's local council elections last week saw Labor lose Wales for the first time in 100 years. Reform UK and the Greens also made big strides in traditional Tory and Labor heartland. Old loyalties are breaking down, and with it Britain's traditional political system.What does this mean for the UK's first-past-the-post electoral system? What foundation does this lay for Scottish
Indonesia Rising: What does it mean to be Indonesian?
Indonesia is one of Australia's nearest neighbours but the nature of its people, art and culture remain a mystery to many.In the fourth instalment of Global Roaming's Indonesia Rising, hosts Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue leave the politics behind for a deeply personal insight into Indonesian identity and the country's rich history of literature, poetry and art.Guest: Laks
Is Australia ready for drone warfare?
From Ukraine to Iran, the rapid advancement of cheap and mass-produced drones is reshaping battlefields around the world.Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, only four militaries around the world were using small drones. Now, according to today's guest on Global Roaming, there are more than 40.Host Hamish Macdonald visits a counter-drone technology factory in a
Is the Iran war supercharging the energy transition?
The war with Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil and gas prices through the roof.As countries scramble to secure energy supplies, sales of rooftop solar and electric vehicle sales are soaring. Is the war forcing the world to break its fossil fuel addiction? And how viable are alternative low-emissions fuels? Guest: Dani Alexander, the chief executive of the Un
'If you're weak you'll get invaded': Poland prepares for war with Russia
On the frontline with Russia, Poland is now spending a massive $90 billion on defence, bolstered by a loan from the EU and multinational forces from Europe and the US stationed in the country. In Warsaw, the view is that the only way to stop Russia is deterrence.Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has condemned what he calls the disintegration of NATO from within, declar
Is Russia's time as a dominant power coming to an end?
Russia has crossed the threshold of losing more soldiers than it's able to mobilise. Some troops are paying their commanders to get a spot at the back of the Russian forces. Others are deserting entirely. And when soldiers do return home, they often bring the violence with them.President Putin controls a powerful pro-war narrative, which helped rationalise this war of choice to h
Indonesia Rising: The struggle to reclaim history
Indonesia declared independence from Dutch rule in 1945, sparking a violent revolution. It was the first country to do so in the wake of World War II and a move that quietly shaped the Global South into what it is today. How did the revolution start? What effect did it have internationally? And why is it not marked as a significant moment of global history?Guest: David Van Reybro
If Australia can't trust the US, can it trust Japan?
There’s an important meeting in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s diary.On Monday, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, will touch down in Australia for high‑level talks with the Albanese government, following Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s trip to Tokyo to shore up fuel and fertiliser supplies.So, are friends in need friends indeed? Australia wants fuel from our f
The Iran trap: No peace no war
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth denies Trump's war on Iran has hit a "quagmire", but the reality on the ground tells a different story. With an ongoing stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic efforts yielding little progress, the war appears to have hit a stalemate. So what or who decides how this ends? And what does the United Arab Emirates' split from the Organisatio
Why is the US so prone to political violence?
On Saturday evening a gunman attempted to storm the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington DC. The act of political violence - the third assassination attempt of US President Donald Trump - occurred just three days before the 30th anniversary of Australia's deadliest mass shooting, the Port Arthur massacre, which prompted sweeping gun reform.So why h
The AI arms race: How the US and China are fighting for the future
Artificial intelligence is reshaping power, cyber security and geopolitics, but can anyone really control it? From the US-China AI arms race to Taiwan's chip power, hosts Kylie Morris and Waleed Aly dive into the rapidly changing world of AI and the limits of democratic powers to regulate it. What can we make of Anthropic's decision not to release its powerful Mythos model? And d
Indonesia Rising: How do you ban social media on an archipelago?
On this episode of Global Roaming's mini-series, Indonesia Rising, Hamish returns to Jakarta to speak to Indonesian communications minister Meutya Hafid.How effective has Indonesia's social media ban for children under 16 been? What can Australia learn from its approach? And does the minister support President Prabowo's plan for "bottom-up" economic growth?Meutya has a strong con
Anzac special: Finding peace in a time of war
On the eve of Anzac Day, the Global Roaming team comes together to discuss war, peace and what Australia's national day of remembrance means as conflict rages around the globe. What's missing from daily coverage of conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Europe? Does the way we talk about war need to change? And where are the peacemakers? Hosts: Latika Bourke, Kylie Morris, Ham
