The Inside Story Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is Mark Carney correct about the rupture of the world's rules-based order? Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

The world's rules-based order is ruptured, says Canada's prime minister Mark Carney — in a speech at Davos that avoided mentioning the US president. Donald Trump hit back — but Carney's words have been widely praised and analysed. So, is he right?

In this episode:

Lionel Barber, Former Editor of The Financial Times
Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo
Donnacha O Beachain, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University

Host: Adrian Finighan

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What are the implications of Israel bulldozing the UNRWA headquarters? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

International condemnation as Israel bulldozes the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Occupied East Jerusalem. The UN says razing the compound is against international law. What are the implications?

In this episode:

Shireen Salti, political analyst who specialises in Palestine-Israel public affairs
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and a former lawyer at UNRWA
Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz Newspaper

Host: Adrian Finighan

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How will EU leaders respond to Donald Trump's most recent tariff threats? Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs against seven EU countries and the UK for opposing his plans to take control of Greenland. EU leaders are considering how to respond. What are their options? And what are the dangers for both sides?

In this episode:

Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel
Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of bne IntelliNews
Pieter Cleppe, European policy analyst and Editor-in-Chief of BrusselsReport.eu

Host: Maleen Saeed

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Are there wider implications for Kurds after the Syrian army offensive? Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

The Syrian army has taken territory long held by Kurdish-led forces before declaring a ceasefire. The lightning offensive changes the balance of power in the country. Are there wider implications for Kurds in the region — beyond Syria?

In this episode:

David Des Roches, Professor at the Thayer Marshall Institute
Mohammed Salih, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Elijah Magnier, Military and political analyst

Host: Maleen Saeed

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Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

Will the Syrian army end up controlling all the country's Kurdish-held areas? The army has made significant territorial gains after intense battles with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in recent days. So, how will this play out within Syria and the wider region?

In this episode:

Omar Abu Laila, Syrian Affairs Analyst.
Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, University College Dublin.
Kamaran Palani, Kurdish Principal Investigator, PeaceRep Iraq Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Host: James Bays

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Who stands to gain the most from Canada-China deal? Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Resetting ties with China. Canada's Prime minister visits Beijing hailing what he calls "a new partnership adapted to new global realities". The two countries are under pressure from U.S. tariffs. So, who stands to gain the most from this deal?

In this episode:

Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation; which is a Canadian think tank.
William Lee, Chief Economist and Managing Director at Global Economic Advisors.
Jean Charest, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister.

Host: James Bays

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What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire? Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

What are the hurdles to implementing the next phase of the ceasefire in Gaza? The US says it's a transition to disarmament and reconstruction. But with Israel repeatedly violating the ceasefire, is that transition even possible?

In this episode:

Xavier Abu Eid, political analyst and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization negotiation team
Yezid Sayigh, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Middle East Center
Yossi Beilin, former Israeli Justice Minister

Host: James Bays

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Why does the US have a large military presence in the Gulf? Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

What purpose does the massive U.S. military presence in the Gulf serve? Washington argues it maintains stability and security in this region. But with the escalating tensions in the region, will it protect America's allies and interests?

In this episode:

Rashid Al-Mohanadi, Vice President of Center for International Policy Research
Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor in the School of Security Studies at King's College London
Kenneth Katzman, Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center

Host: Adrian Finighan

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Why is the investigation into Jerome Powell causing global concern? Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

International alarm after the Trump administration announces the first-ever criminal investigation into the head of the US Federal Reserve. Jerome Powell says the probe is politically-motivated. So why is this case causing so much concern worldwide?

In this episode:

Eric Ham, political analyst and former U.S. Congressional staffer in Washington DC
Justin Urquhart-Stewart, investment manager and co-founder of Regionally, an online investment service in London
David McWilliams, economist, author and podcast host in Dublin

Host: Adrian Finighan

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What's at stake in Uganda's upcoming elections? Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Uganda holds elections on Thursday, with President Yoweri Museveni hoping to extend his four decades in power. Supporters of his main opponent, musician Bobi Wine, allege harassment and intimidation. So what's at stake for one the world's youngest populations?

In this episode:

Robert Kabushenga, Host of The Bad Natives Podcast
Alex Vines, Africa Programme Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations
Joseph Ochieno, Commentator on African affairs

Host: Adrian Finighan

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