Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today
Move beyond the headlines to see how the past defines our world. Whether it's a local or international story, Rear Vision's expert analysis gives you the background you need to understand today's news.
Episodes
Why do white people still own most of South Africa's land?
More than 30 years after apartheid ended in South Africa, why is it still the most unequal country in the world?Guests:Bulelwa Mabasa - Director and Head of Land Reform, Werksmans AttorneysProfessor Ruth Hall - Director, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies at University of the Western CapeWandile Sihlobo - Chief Economist, Agricultural Business Chamber of South Afri
How an obsession with time has come to enslave us
The English language is dotted with expressions that betray a distrust of time – we talk of “racing against time” or we express a frustration that “time is not on our side”. In this episode of Rear Vision, we look at the history of time as a concept. Why time from the Industrial Revolution onwards became wedded to ideas of progress and productivity. And how at both a personal and
The American Israel lobby – powerful political force or antisemitic fiction
Depending on who you talk to the American Israel Lobby is either one of the most powerful forces in US politics or an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.In this Rear Vision we explore the history and ask if the Israel Lobby exist? And if it does what impact it may have had on US politics and US foreign policy in the Middle East.
Ebola – a fifty-year history of outbreaks, fear and misunderstanding
Once again communities in Central Africa are plagued by Ebola and the current outbreak shows no sign of being brought under control any time soon. What have medical researchers and practitioners learnt about the nature of the virus over its fifty-year history and just as importantly, how it’s spread? Given its deadly nature, why isn’t there more concern about the possibility of g
Pacific pit-stop: cannabis to cocaine
Drug trafficking across the Pacific. Why is it increasing and can it be stopped?
Alberta Separatists and the grey hand of foreign interference
Separatist sentiments are stirring in the Canadian province of Alberta. Voters will soon cast their ballots in a referendum on whether to begin moves to formally separate from the rest of the nation. We look at the history of separatism in Canada and at the pernicious impact of foreign interference.Guests:Marcus Kolga - Director of DisinfoWatch. Senior fellow, Macdonald-Laurier I
Pine Gap - 60 years of Secrecy
How a Cold War listening post in outback Australia has become a nerve centre of U.S. surveillance
Why Australian history has always had a revisionist edge
Our understanding of the past has always been contentious and ripe for argumentation. How we think and write about historic events changes as new sources of information are found, and fresh details emerge about people and events. In this episode, as part of ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Australian Books, we hear from three leading Australian authors about the history of Australian
The Red Sea - maritime mayhem at Bab el-Mandeb
Today the Red Sea’s crucial choke-point at the Bab el-Mandeb is becoming as infamous as the Strait of Hormuz.
Reality check - why a belief in human rights has never really been universal
Dictators and autocrats deride human rights as a “western concept” – think Vladamir Putin and Xi Jinping, among others. They reject the narrative that a global concern for individual freedoms has steadily grown since the end of WWII. What if they’re correct? At least partially so. What if international support for the ideal of universal human rights was never really as strong as
North Korea - powerplay in the Northwest Pacific
This year has seen an uncharacteristic flurry of meetings and engagement between North Korea, China and Russia.Is a North Asia bromance blossoming or are we seeing a calculated collaboration?
Israel Lebanon and the Palestinian story
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon that flared up in March this year is not new. Despite having no major border dispute or a struggle over resources, Israel and Lebanon have been in conflict for decades. The history of Lebanon’s relationship with Israel and how it continues to be shaped by the story of the Palestinian people.
Hezbollah: Resistance fighters or terrorists
Hezbollah has been a key political and military player in Lebanon for decades. In 2000 it forced the Israeli military out of Southern Lebanon and since then has been in almost constant conflict with Israel. Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, that conflict has escalated resulting in an invasion of Southern Lebanon by the Israel military. For many in the Arab
Whatever happened to Libya?
Fifteen years ago, events in Libya dominated world headlines. In 2011, during the “Arab Spring”, Western leaders pledged their determination to free the Libyan people from decades of oppression under Muammar Gaddafi. NATO jets were deployed. Today, a decade and a half later, Libya is effectively two nations not one, tyrany still rules, and the plight of the Libyan people has larg
Islam in Australia - history and hysteria
Despite their long history in this country, Muslims in Australia are often the flashpoint for immigration fears and concern about extremism.
Understanding slavery as an enduring form of economic and social control
The United States has just imposed new tariffs on Australia and other countries for supposedly not doing enough to combat forced labour in international supply chains. Analysts say the move is political, but regardless it does once again highlight the ongoing issue of slavery. Slavery has been a constant of human history from ancient to modern times. The human rights group Walk F
War damage - the cost of rebuilding after conflict
What happens when the bombs and the fighting stop? Who pays for all the damage?It’s estimated that rebuilding Gaza alone, will cost more than US$70 billion. What strategy is needed to turn battlefields and ruins into peace and prosperity?
Are France’s indo-pacific ambitions coming unstuck?
The government of Emmanuel Macron is struggling to deal with ongoing tension and resentment in France’s external territory, New Caledonia. The latest diplomatic and legislative efforts to determine the archipelago’s future have failed, and recent local elections have only cemented the stalemate between pro-independence supporters and those New Caledonians who want to remain a par
Gas to grain - when fertiliser supply stops
One third of the world's fertiliser is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. How did fertiliser supply become so concentrated in the Middle East and what happens when this supply is suddenly at risk?
The true story of the American Revolution
Americans are preparing for an orgy of red, white and blue as the 250th anniversary of their Declaration of Independence draws near. But what’s not likely to be widely mentioned is the fact that the conflict wasn’t just a revolution against British rule, it was actually America’s first civil war – a bloody and divisive internal conflict. And those rebels who rejected the Crown an
Saudi Arabia and the U.S - a marriage of convenience under strain
As the war in the Middle East teeters on a peace deal, the carefully managed relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States is starting to show cracks.
Beyond NATO – is it finally time for a pan-European Army?
Despite constant criticism from the Americans, European NATO members are actively rebuilding and strengthening their militaries. Some are even beginning to think beyond the Alliance and the United States, to an independent united European fighting force. NATO members will meet in early July for their 36th summit.Guests:Dr Hugo Bromley – Historian of manufacturing, geopolitics, an
Trump might be sceptical of nuclear diplomacy, but it’s worked between enemies in the past
President Trump has made it clear he doesn’t think diplomacy on its own will stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.So what does history tell us about what actually works? We’re looking back at one of the greatest nuclear risk reduction efforts ever — when the US and Russia joined forces to contain the weapons fallout from the Soviet collapse and convince countries like Ukrain
America – land of the free, home of the gerrymander!
Gerrymandering is endemic in the United States and could determine the outcome of this year's mid-term elections. It has been a feature of the American political system since the beginning of the republic, according to Princeton University's Samuel Wang. So, how did the self-styled “world’s greatest democracy” end up with a system that former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzen
Russia's Oil story - pipelines to Putin
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect economies around the world. But Russia has not only escaped the financial fallout, but has prospered.
Who has the power and right to declare war in a democracy?
It may surprise you to know that the Australian parliament has no real say over whether the country goes to war. In the United States its effectively the same, with analysts saying the US Congress has now basically ceded its war powers to the president. A process, by the way, that began long before the arrival of Donald Trump. In this episode we look at how that happened and why
Capital gains tax in Australia — the essential backstory
The Federal Government is hoping tax reform will help address the widening generational wealth gap and rebalance the tax system in favour of younger people.One policy being targeted for an overhaul in this year's budget is the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount.Australia started taxing capital gains in the mid-1980s to tackle tax avoidance and evasion which was a huge problem
Is Scottish independence once again in play?
In 1707 the Scottish national parliament was disbanded, not to be reconvened until 1999. How and why Scotland regained its own Assembly is the story of rising Scottish nationalism and Westminster’s attempts to dampen such feelings and keep Scotland in the Union. On May 7th, Scots go to the polls, and the outcome could impact significantly on both the nationalist cause in Scotland
Cuba and the US President - from FDR to Trump
IN 1959 Fidel Castro transformed Cuba into a socialist state. And ever since then, American presidents have been trying to undo it.Now it’s Donald Trump’s turn – and he’s determined to succeed.
The history and future of women in combat
Australia’s incoming Chief of Army, Lt. General Susan Coyle, will be the first woman ever to hold the Army’s top post. Her appointment in the lead-up to Anzac Day reflects a change that’s been decades in the making. The true history of warfare is the story of men and women together on the battlefield. But in the early 20th century that reality changed, and at the same time, femal
Ending conflict — the art of negotiation
It’s a truism of peace talks that we’re not negotiating with our friends but rather with our enemies. And when our enemies have been designated as terrorists and murderers, it’s not an easy task. How have violent conflicts ended in the past and are there lessons we can learn from previous peace negotiations?GuestsYoussef Mahmoud, Senior Advisor at the International Peace Institut
Australia’s energy security and resilience
The conflict in the Middle East has led to a sharp rise in energy prices – and highlighted the issue of Australia’s energy security. Why haven’t we all transitioned to renewables? The story of Australia’s energy transition and why it’s had so many false starts and missteps.
Flags, “flag-shaggers” and the co-opting of historic symbols
Wrapping yourself in the national flag has become a common practice for far-right activists right across the Western world, particularly anti-immigration demonstrators. In the UK the co-opting of the Union Jack and the flag of St George has become so common it’s now described in derogatory terms as “flag-shagging”. In this episode, we explore the historic power of national flags
Pete Hegseth - war monger or true believer?
Pete Hegseth U.S. Secretary for War (previously Defense) is one of the most powerful people on the planet. He says that two things have defined his life – his military service and his religious faith.
Beijing’s justification for wanting to invade Taiwan
Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are due to meet in Beijing in the near future, following a March postponement. China’s wish to subsume democratic Taiwan is certain to be one of the topics on the summit agenda. President Xi has reportedly instructed his military to be at capacity for an invasion by 2027, so 2026 could be Taiwan’s last year of freedom. Some analysts fear US mil
Innovation — from the spinning jenny to AI
A wide-angle lens on the history of Innovation.An unprecedented surge in human ingenuity has created six great waves of innovation.What drove these breakthroughs? And where are we headed?
Singapore and the long shadow of Lee Kuan Yew
The government of Singapore this year sacked the leader of the Opposition — that's the way things happen in Singaporean politics. Though it looks like a model Westminster democracy, critics say it's actually a one-party state, dominated for more than 60 years by the People's Action Party. So, how is it that such a prosperous and modern nation has never managed to free itself from
China and the U.S - on a collision course in Latin America?
China is now the number one trading partner of South America.How realistic are U.S. plans to dominate the Western hemisphere?
High speed rail in Australia - is it a dream that can ever become a reality
High speed rail spread around the globe from the 1960s when the first bullet trains took off in Japan. Rear Vision looks at why previous attempts to introduce high speed rail in Australia have failed.Japan opened the world's first high-speed rail line - between Tokyo and Osaka - in time for the 1964 Olympics. Japan’s ‘Bullet Train’ was the first to run on a dedicated line – a hig
Central bank independence − a tradition under threat
Since the 1970s central banks around the world have increasingly become “independent” of government. They’ve developed that way over time to ensure that monetary policy isn’t impacted by partisan political motives. But there are those who now seek to turn the clock back and to rein in that independence. The current US president is at the front of the pack.Guests:Cristina Bodea –
Bangladesh 2026 - at a turning point
Bangladesh is having its first free and fair election in over 18 years.Rear Vision looks back at the tumultuous history of this young nation.
From bicycles to “build your dreams” — how China conquered the global car market
Only a few decades ago China was known as the land of the bicycle – today it’s an automotive goliath. The PRC is now the world’s biggest car manufacturer and exporter. It also has the largest domestic car market. We explore how it achieved such a dramatic turnaround in only a few short decades. And what role European and American car makers inadvertently played in creating a supe
Controlling global oil — the backstory
Since the start of the 20th century, oil has been the lifeblood of global development. Today, the story behind oil — and the politics of supplying oil and denying oil.
Weaponised trade and a return to gunboat diplomacy
From sanctions to tariffs to seizing oil fields — it feels like we've entered a new age of economic warfare. But experts say we're really just returning to the past. To the time before the rules-based international order was established at the end of the Second World War.Gunboat diplomacy it seems is once again de rigueur.GuestsWilliam Alan Reinsch — Senior advisor, Center for St
The story of Iran, a CIA Coup, a Revolution and the turbulent history that followed
For just over three weeks huge street protests have swept across Iran and threatened to topple The Islamic Republic regime of Iran. The regime has responded with a brutal crackdown on dissent and imposing a total internet blackout. President Donald Trump has urges Iranians to keep protesting and has promised that 'help is on its way'.So how should we understand what’s happening i
Donald Trump and the wrecking ball: The end of the world as we know it
Is the liberal international rules-based order – that has underpinned international relations for the past 80 years - about to collapse. The United States once its greatest champion is withdrawing funding from hundreds of international organisations, and at the same time unending the global economy by imposing of tariffs across the board. What might this mean for global security,
Not so tolerant Allies: The story of Canada and the United States
President Trump not only want to make America great, he also wants to make it bigger and incorporating Canada as the 51st state would certainly do that – except for the fact that Canada is a sovereign nation. The story of Canada and the United States and why President Trump wants to turn Canada into the 51st States of the Union.
Greenland Donald Trump and the politics of empire
President Trump wants to buy or take control of Greenland from Denmark. But Denmark has made very clear, they don’t have the right to sell Greenland because Greenland is owned by the people of Greenland. Donald Trump is not the first US president to try and buy Greenland. The story of Greenland and America’s many attempts to gain control of the largest island on the planet.
Finland: A mad prepper nation or a role model for all small to medium democracies
As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous and uncertain place – how prepared are we in Australia to face these new challenges? This week on Rear Vision the story of one nation that take security and preparedness very seriously – Finland
Australia's superannuation system
This year, the Australian Labor government changed the country's superannuation rules — and reduced the 15% tax concession on balances over 3 million dollarsIs this enough? And is our retirement system serving its purpose?
Pauline Hanson – Australia’s Greatest Political Lazarus
Back in 1996 Pauline Hanson – rocked Australian politics when she was elected to the House of Representative in the seat of Oxley espousing anti-Asian and anti-Aboriginal views. But her time in Canberra didn’t last. Two years later she lost her seat.Over the next two decades Hanson stood for re-election 8 time, failing at each attempt. She looked like a spent force in Australian
The World Trade Organization
Rear Vision traces the story of the World Trade Organization from its origins as The GATT - and asks whether the WTO can still play a meaningful role in managing the trade realities of the 21st century?
Australian universities in crisis
Australian universities are confronting a firestorm, the loss of foreign students, the lay-off of academics, the underpayment of staff and radical changes to domestic university fees.Why is our university sector in so much trouble?Guests Raewyn Connell, professor emerita at the University of SydneyProfessor Glyn Davis, The Australian idea of a universityHannah Forsyth, historian
Sudan Part two— a war we’ve all ignored for too long
Sudan is engulfed in a civil war. We know little about it, but we should. Sudan sits at the crossroad between Africa and the Middle East, and many of its neighbours, the UAE, Egypt, Russia, and Saudia Arabia – are directly or indirectly involved in this conflict.In this second part of our series on Sudan - Sudan’s deeper history and the regional factors that are shaping the curre
The story of Sudan Part 1
The history of the current conflict in Sudan is complex and long, but it's a history that matters. Sudan sits at the crossroad between Africa and the Middle East, it controls a strategic trading port on the red Sea, Port Sudan, it has large gold reserves and is the point where the Blue and the White Nile meet before flowing into Egypt. All of which make it important in the region
America's radical left - part 2
Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.
America's radical left - part 1
Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.
The Gulf states - on a Middle East tightrope
The six countries of the Persian Gulf. From their rapid arrival on the world stage to their influence in Middle East politics today.
Venezuela, the United States and drugs
Venezuela - the latest country on US President Donald Trump's radar in his fight against drugs.
India and China - true partners or rivals?
India and China - one of the most complex and consequential relationships in modern geopolitics.
Northern Ireland 1998 - what can we learn?
In 1998 The Good Friday Agreement was signed in Britain and Ireland, bringing an end to 30 years of violence, murder and religious conflict.How did this come about? and are there lessons we can learn?
Israel Palestine and the move for peace - Is this a tipping point?
The last two months has seen a shift in international politics as Israeli westerns allies move to recognise a Palestinian state. Could this be a historical tipping point in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, like the moment that led to the end of Apartheid in South Africa in the 1990’s. Rear Vision explores the similarities and difference between the Anti-Apartheid moveme
Brazil - Bolsonaro's legacy
Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.
Australian security - Is United States our best option?
Since the end of WW2, the security alliance between Australia and the United States ANZUS has been the cornerstone of our foreign policy and security. And the AUKUS agreement announced in 2021 by Prime Minister Morrison only deepens that alliance. But just how well has the alliance served Australia and will the AUKUS deal enhance our security or lead us into a war with China we d
Drones and how they are changing modern warfare
It was after the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington – that the drone became America’s weapon of choice in war on terror. Unpiloted planes, capable of finding and destroying target on the other side of the world, known as – Reaper or Predator Drones.But it’s over the past 25 years the use of drones - both civilian and military - has really taken off globally
Controlling The Pacific
Since the end of World War II, America has dominated the Pacific, but China’s expanding economy and growing military might is challenging that dominance
Australia’s Green Iron plan
What can Australia do to maintain its mineral wealth in a decarbonising world? Rear Vision drills down into our coal and iron-ore industries. And asks, can Green Iron save us?
The history of the Israeli Settler movement
The Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem are are illegal under international law. They are a key stumbling block to the creation of a viable Palestinian state. Yet for 50 years they have increased in number and size. Today, the story of the Israeli settler movement and its impact on Israeli politics.
Rear Vision - The rise of Vladimir Putin
Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990's, Vladimir Putin has emerged as a powerful player in world events. How has this happened?
Could the Baltic States be the new Ukraine?
The Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – once part of the Soviet Union - are now all members of NATO. But Latvia and Estonia both have large Russian speaking minorities. Analysts worry that Russia could use these minorities as an excuse to impinge on their sovereignty. Could the Baltic States become the new Ukraine and if so, would the rest of NATO invoke article 5 and
War in Ukraine - the military story
The history of the Russia Ukraine conflict. The situation in Ukraine today and why Russia invaded.
Australia's superannuation system
The rise and rise of Australian superannuation. Having now reached the 4 trillion dollar mark we ask, How did we get here? And is our retirement system serving its purpose?
2014 and Ukraine's relationship with Russia
After 1991 Ukraine followed the bumpy path of many post-Soviet states, attempting to forge a modern democracy next door to a powerful neighbour with interest and influence in its internal affairs. The 2014 political crisis in Ukraine turned into a tug-of-war between the Russia and the West.Russia’s occupation of Crimea, an autonomous region in Ukraine, become a test of US power a
The history of immigration and detention in the so-called land of immigrants: United States of America
The United States like to see itself as a nation of immigrants, yet it’s always had a difficult relationship with immigrants. The history of US immigration and detention policy from the nation's founding in 1776 through to Donald Trump.
Israel's nuclear history
This week on Rear Vision, the story of Israel's nuclear industry.
Iran's nuclear program
This week on Rear Vision we revisit the story of Iran's nuclear industry.
The assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
The story behind the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on October 16, 2017.
Rare Earth minerals
Rare earth minerals are in the headlines. Their supply and who control’s them, are ringing alarm bells, as Tariff negotiations put world trade on edge.Rear Vision looks into their backstory, their significance, and their role in today's geopolitics.
A new Gilded Age
Periods of rapid technological and social unrest are not unique. Over 100 years ago, many of the same conditions existed. What can we learn from this period in American history known as The Gilded Age - and what might it tell us about where the country is heading.
The silencing of Voice of America
Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.
