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
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
What happened to the ICC case against Benjamin Netanyahu?
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. But since then, he's visited the US and Hungary and news of the ICC case has grown quiet. So what's happened to the proceedings? What plays are being made behind the scenes? And is the "breakdown" of multilateral organisations like
Is a global recession inevitable?
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shock waves through the global economy. Supply chains are in disarray, inflation is surging and oil prices remain high. With no end in sight to the US-Iran war, is a global recession inevitable? And does that metric even matter? On this episode of Global Roaming, Latika and Geraldine examine how the US economy is holding up and what
The President vs the Pope: How Trump's 'holy war' is stoking old rivalries
Trump's AI-generated image of himself as the Pope has drawn harsh criticism. He also called the Pope “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” in a Truth Social post. What does Trump gain from these bizarre allusions to Christianity?Are MAGA’s Christian nationalists tearing open long held wounds between the Catholic and Protestant faith in the United States?Hamish Macdona
Indonesia Rising: Can Australia keep up with our neighbour's rapid growth?
Australia's close neighbour is changing before our eyes. By mid-century, Indonesia is forecast to become the world’s fourth largest economy – imagine that!So how is Indonesia's economy really performing? Is democracy making a difference? And how will President Prabowo Subianto tackle the challenge of building infrastructure across an archipelago?In the first episode of Global Roa
Keir Starmer is ‘fed up’ and so are the British. Is the UK doomed?
Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting global headwinds and now the war in the Middle East have hit the British hard. So with some of the world's highest energy costs and a stretched defence force, what does the future hold? Can Britain's deeply unpopular prime minister, Keir Starmer, survive the upcoming elections? And will this fallen empire ever rise again? On this episode o
How Hungary trumped Orbán
Péter Magyar has beaten Viktor Orbán in Hungary's election, ending 16 years of autocratic rule. Hundreds of thousands of Hungarians celebrated in the streets of Budapest as the results were announced.Maygar won in a landslide, meaning his government has the power to enact significant reform, including bringing Hungary back into the EU fold.Hungarians voted for change of governmen
Peacemaker or playmaker? Where China stands on Trump's war in the Middle East
The war in the Middle East is sending shock waves through global supply chains, so where does this leave economic superpower China? Will it emerge as a genuine global leader or merely make a profit from global disorder?Does Beijing see the US and the President Trump's instability as a threat or opportunity?In this episode, Geraldine and Latika go roaming to find out if China want
Is Israel using Lebanon to sabotage peace in the Middle East?
The ink hadn't even dried on the initial US-Iran ceasefire last week when Israel launched an unprecedented bombardment on Lebanon's capital, Beirut. Latika Bourke and Laura Tingle speak to a seasoned analyst from the International Crisis Group in Lebanon, who gives a unique insight into the fissures in Lebanese society. Is Hezbollah putting Iran's interests over Lebanon's? Will t
A Matter of Facts: Wikipedia co-founder on freedom of speech vs disinformation
Is Wikipedia a relic of a more utopian version of the internet? Or is it the citizen-led antidote that we need?In the final episode of Global Roaming's Matter of Facts mini-series, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales joins Hamish and Geraldine to discuss how much we should value freedom of speech over stifling active disinformation.This episode is part of a companion series to Hamis
Could Australia and Asia supply our own energy and cut out the Middle East?
The Middle East conflict has triggered a reckoning in global energy supplies. So as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touches down in Singapore for talks to shore up fuel supplies, are there opportunities amidst the disruption? Could Australia work with South East Asia to develop more resilient energy supply chains? In this episode, Hamish and Geraldine travel to Jakarta, Indonesia
Can Cubans survive under Trump's fist?
The war in Iran has aroused worldwide fears: what happens if a country runs out of oil? Because of severe US restrictions, Cuba has faced that reality, having been without oil for three months.Latika and Kylie speak to correspondent Ruaridh Nicoll who has been travelling across the country to find out how the Cubans are surviving.Guest: Ruaridh Nicoll, journalist, freelancer, and
Trump and the Iran ceasefire: what happens next?
A ceasefire is declared after Donald Trump agrees to a two-week pause in attacks on Iran, contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But is this a genuine de-escalation or a strategic pause? A reprieve that the world has been desperate to see or statecraft in action? In this episode of Global Roaming Geraldine and Latika speak to one of the UK's leading war and military
Soft power, hard lesson: what can Australia learn from unhappy Asian students?
Australia's education system is one of our most successful export industries, worth an estimated 54 billion dollars. But as perceptions that our universities are "mediocre and overpriced" rise, is the opportunity to use education as a way to build stronger relationships with south east Asia passing Australia by? This episode Hamish Macdonald and Kylie Morris go to Ho Chi Minh Cit
A Matter of Facts: How mainstream media lost public trust
In our previous Matter of Facts mini-series episodes, we covered why our brains are vulnerable to misinformation, and how disinformation is affecting democracies. Today, we examine the public's trust (or lack thereof) in mainstream media.For decades, news outlets functioned to bridge the gap between the public and those in power. So, how did faith in traditional journalism erode,
The lives of Australian diplomats: what it's like to be on the front line of world politics
Today, a special episode recorded at the Manly Writer's Festival 2026 where Geraldine speaks to three highly experienced diplomats -- Ian Kemish AM, Dr Robert Bowker, Dr Lachlan Straun. They talk about the challenges they faced in foreign negotiating rooms, how accurate the media representations of diplomats are, and whether there is a distinctly Australian style of diplomacy.Gue
Greater Israel: Is Netanyahu pursuing an expansionist dream?
As the war in the Middle East rages, Israel is waging offensives on multiple fronts. The state is pounding Iran and Beirut with missiles and drones. Ground troops are pushing deep into southern Lebanon and occupy half of Gaza. The expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank has become "unconstrained" and increasingly violent. Is this Benjamin Netanyahu pursuing his expansio
Is Trump already past the point of no return in Iran?
Iran has withstood US and Israel's offensive more effectively than those who attacked it had expected. They've made the most of geography - and shown just how vulnerable the global economy is.Despite this, Iran's allies, Moscow and Beijing, have been keeping their distance. But what about Yemen's Houthis? What difference could they make in this war?And at what point will the Gulf
Will Japan be pulled into defending the Strait of Hormuz?
President Trump’s campaign to pull allies like Australia and Japan into defending the Strait of Hormuz is growing more urgent by the day. Japan's pacifist constitution is seemingly at odds with the US calling for them to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Former Japanese ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, insists there are ways the country can contribute without
AI-generated content in political campaigns: how far will we let this go?
Disinformation accelerated by AI is affecting democracies worldwide at an extraordinary pace. Governments overseas are wielding it against their own citizens. Meanwhile closer to home, perceptions of AI interference in elections have us questioning everything. It's an information war being fought on several fronts.We finally have some empirical data on this new phenomena. So, how
Is it time to ditch Australia's 'good doggy' diplomacy?
With a rogue United States causing havoc in the Middle East, is it time for Australia to abandon its 'good doggy' approach to US foreign policy?In the final instalment of Global Roaming's three-part series, The World Reordered, hosts Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are joined by one of Australia's most respected military thinkers, who argues Australia needs to 'grow up'.Gue
Are you there Australia? It's me, South East Asia
How much do we Australians really understand South East Asia? Australia has long prioritised neighbours further north when it comes to our strategic alliances, but as China rises as a great power, have our blind spots become our greatest weakness? Michael Wesley joins Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke (The Nightly) to make the case for appraising South East Asia as more than a h
William Dalrymple: Why we shouldn't tear down statues
In a broad-ranging conversation, Hamish Macdonald speaks to historian and host of the hit podcast Empire William Dalrymple about the pitfalls of trying to understand the contemporary world without a firm grasp of the past, whether India can replicate its success as an ancient superpower and how countries like Australia and Britain deal with uncomfortable truths from their past.
Is Australia as vulnerable as we think we are?
The world is getting more dangerous. The closure of the Straight of Hormuz has sent shock waves around the world. The price of oil has skyrocketed and with fuel shortages now reaching Asia, Australia faces 'crunch time' on its energy security.So how vulnerable are we right now? And how do our perceptions shape our foreign policy? Rory Medcalf from the ANU's National Security Coll
The Matter of Facts: Why our brains are vulnerable to disinformation
To celebrate Hamish Macdonald's new television series The Matter of Facts, we'll be taking a deep dive into the global ramifications of mis- and disinformation. First up is the world of AI deepfakes. Generative artificial intelligence has us questioning our own eyes and ears, and the rapid pace at which we're consuming information is quite literally changing our brains. How do we
These are Iran's emerging power players
With Ali Larijani killed, and the whereabouts of the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei unknown, who is calling the shots in Iran? Iranian-American historian Arash Azizi joins Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald to talk through the emerging power players, like Mohammad Bagher Ghabliaf and Saeed Jalili, and how much would genuinely change under their potential leadership. Guest
Is cultural heritage an overlooked casualty of war?
With thousands dead and millions displaced in Iran, the humanitarian price of the US-Israel war will be steep. But there's another priceless casualty of war: art. With multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran sustaining damage, how do you protect a nation's cultural heritage during war time? Latika Bourke and Kylie Morris are joined by Basia Solokowska, who served as Defence
How Iran became Trump's 'Operation Epic Folly'
The so-called Operation Epic Fury isn't working according to Trump's plan, if he has one at all. Now, as Iran's blockade Strait of Hormuz threatens the global economy, will Trump's allies in NATO and Asia answer his calls for military assistance? Latika Bourke and Geraldine Doogue speak to Richard Haass, a foreign policy stalwart who has sat in US negotiations with Northern Irela
Is Australia inadvertently funding Russia's 'war machine'?
There's no way Australia could possibly be supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, right? According to Ukrainian MP Anastasia Radina, think again. During a visit to Australia to rally support for her besieged country, this episode the Ukranian MP sits down with Hamish Macdonald and Kylie Morris to argue the case for Australia to stop buying refined oil from India because of its
Your Call: The history of China the CCP would rather not tell
Our inbox at Global Roaming is chockers with requests to take a closer look at China's history. So this episode, we're sharing a Sydney Writer's Festival panel recorded at the State Library of NSW with Frank Dikötter, pre-eminent China historian. Hear Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue speak to Dikötter about rummaging through smuggled archives to challenge CCP narratives of C
Is this the next nation in Putin's sights?
The Baltic nation of Estonia knows a little about what Russia is like. One of Russia's closest neighbours, they were part of the Soviet Union until gaining independence in 1991. But is its independence being threatened? Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald speak to the Minister about Putin's "master plan" and his message for Australia's leaders.Guest: Estonia's Minister for Fore
Why Nepal's potential new leader is spitting straight fire at the ballot box
Last year's Gen Z protests in Nepal saw the Parliament building set ablaze, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli step down. In the first election since, it looks like the 35-year-old rapping former Mayor of Kathmandu could be next leader of the Himalayan nation. But with impacts of the war reverberating through Nepal's massive migrant diaspora, can Balendra Shah fulfil his promise of
Why this NYT correspondent thinks the Middle East war will be over in a week
Could the war in the Middle East be over in a little over a week, or is that wishful thinking? With global oil markets in unprecedented territory as they react to Trump's ever-changing timeline on the US-Israel war on Iran, the prospect of peace seems a distant reality. The New York Times chief diplomatic correspondent, Steven Erlanger, however, offers a more hopeful view. He spe
How the Iranian women's football team made a daring break for freedom
The Iran football team's decision not to sing the national anthem during the AFC Women's Asian Cup was an act of silent protest. Now, after days of rallies, and a phone call from US President Donald Trump, five of the players have been granted humanitarian visas by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. What could happen to the remaining players?Hamish Macdonald and Kylie Morris are j
Your Call: The US-Israel war in Iran
Geraldine Doogue and Kylie Morris are joined by regional expert and former army officer Rodger Shanahn to answer your questions about the situation unfolding in the Middle East. Is the bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh girl's school a war crime? What does Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu want from Iran? Guest: Rodger ShanahanGet in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global
Is the Middle East caught in an unstoppable 'escalation trap' of all-out war?
In just twenty four hours, a US submarine has torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Turkey, a NATO member state, has shot down an Iranian ballistic missile. And while Israel hammered Tehran and southern Lebanon with fresh rounds of strikes, Trump is considering arming Kurdish forces. The death toll is climbing into the thousands.In less than a week, has the US and Isr
The three things history tells us happens after 'regime change'
Iran, Venezuela, Iraq, and Afghanistan all have something in common: They've been subject to foreign-imposed regime change by the United States. So as regional war spreads across the Middle East following another stunning Trump intervention, can 'regime change' ever work? Alex Downes, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University, st
How the MAGA-backed Warner Bros deal is a takeover of American culture
From Barbie to Casablanca, Warner Bros studios have fundamentally shaped western popular culture. So will its $110 billion dollar takeover by Paramount re-write the script for American cinema as we know it? And with Trump's least favourite cable news channel, CNN, also changing hands in the deal, who is the 'nepo baby' now in charge, what is his connection to MAGA?Geraldine Doogu
Has Trump thrust the US into another forever war?
It's been just three days since Israel and the US launched their war on Iran and Trump is already floating the possibility of deploying US troops on the ground, as so-called precision strikes on Iran spiral into far more dangerous regional conflict. So, as casualties rise into the thousands and violence rips across the Middle East, what's driving the full-scale attack on Iran?
Can Trump and Netanyahu bomb their way to regime change?
With Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, and Trump promising military operations will continue until "all objectives" are achieved, it's unclear what American and Israeli calls for regime change will lead to. Hamish Macdonald, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke (The Nightly) are joined by two guests to unpack the extraordinary attacks against Iran. From Abu Dhabi, Mohamad Ali Harisi sha
Is Iran on the brink of freedom?
With the Supreme Leader of Iran killed by military strikes, what happens next in Iran?Announcing his death, President Trump called Ayatollah Ali Khomeini "one of the most evil people in history."But does regime change follow the audacious attack by Israel and the US, or do they become mired again in a Middle Eastern war with no guaranteed outcome?And what about the Iranian people
How Mexico got stuck between Trump's fury and Cartel fire
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is stuck in a political trap. On the one hand, Trump has threatened to intervene if she doesn't tackle the country's cartels. On the other, her strike against notorious 'El Mencho' this week sparked violence and unrest, with some cities like Guadalajara shutting down for days. But is killing El Mencho the end of America's fentanyl woes, or the
Why the end of Ukraine's winter feels like a 'message of hope'
Four years ago, Vladimir Putin rolled Russian tanks into Ukraine at the start of a full-scale invasion. Now, as peace talks lead by Trump and the USA fail to make progress, there is no easy end in sight for the most deadly conflict in Europe since World War Two. With host Latika Bourke (The Nightly) in Kyiv for the anniversary of the war, she joins Kylie Morris in speaking to off
Could Andrew's arrest save the Royal Family from themselves?
With the possibility of charges against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, being removed from the line of succession could be the last of the former Prince's worries. But with the House of Windsor in freefall following the latest Epstein revelations, have King Charles and Buckingham Palace been transparent about what they knew, and when? Andrew's unauthorised biographer, Andrew Lownie,
'Take a look in the mirror': ex-Pentagon official on why Australia should stand by the US
Should Australia turn its back on the United States? And what's at stake if it did?
