The Inside Story Podcast

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Is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world? May 23, 2026

Show notes

The US and India are seeking to mend ties after a year of diplomatic see-saw...tariffs imposed then quickly scrapped because of the war in Iran.

It's one example of how international relations and conflict have become more complex and interlinked in recent years.

So, is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world?

In this episode:

Brahma Chellaney - Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research.
Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy.
Shaun Rein - Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group.

Host: Scott McLean

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What are the implications of US sanctions in Lebanon? May 22, 2026

Show notes

Israel keeps up its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire. The US has sanctioned nine people, including two Lebanese army officers accused of links to Hezbollah. It comes while Washington brokers more talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. So, why these sanctions now?

In this episode:

David Wood, Senior Lebanon Analyst at the International Crisis Group
Randa Slim, Middle East Program Director at the U.S.-based Stimson Center
Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics

Host: Scott McLean

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Do aid flotillas make a difference for Palestinians under Israeli blockade? May 21, 2026

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Detained and ridiculed by a senior Israeli minister. The mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists has sparked global outrage. They were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. So, what difference do flotillas make?

In this episode:

Ahmed Abo Askar, Engineering student who lobbies for sponsorship for orphans in Gaza
Dan Perry, Former Chief Editor of the Associated Press in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Carne Ross, Former British diplomat at the United Nations

Host: Tom McRae

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What's the significance of Putin's visit to China? May 20, 2026

Show notes

Amplifying an 'unshakeable bond' in a 'turbulent' international situation. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing: their 40th meeting as presidents. What's the significance of the Russian leader's visit, a week after Donald Trump was in the Chinese capital?

In this episode:

Andy Mok, Author of ‘The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance’
Pavel Devyatkin, Non-resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University, specialising in Chinese foreign policy

Host: Scott McLean

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Does Ukraine have the advantage against Russia right now? May 19, 2026

Show notes

A huge attack in the Moscow region and unrelenting strikes on its energy facilities — Ukraine is taking the war deeper into Russia. Russian oil refineries are burning, and its ground offensive is stalling. So, does Ukraine have the advantage at the moment?

In this episode:

Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative
Pavel Felgenhauer, Russian Foreign Policy Analyst
Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program

Host: James Bays

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Will Cuba be forced to accept the US president's demands? May 19, 2026

Show notes

Running out of fuel. Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on as the United States ramps up economic pressure and military threats. Washington is now offering aid - but at a cost. Will the system set up by the Castros break down?

In this episode:

Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian's Cuba Correspondent
Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist
Javier Farje, Journalist and historian specialising in Latin American affairs

Host: James Bays

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Will the new Ebola outbreak in Africa spread? May 17, 2026

Show notes

A global health emergency - the World Health Organisation raises the alarm over a new Ebola outbreak. The virus has killed nearly 90 people in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda so far. Will it spread further?

In this episode:

Ariel Kestens, Head, Kinshasa Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Dr Margaret Harris, Lecturer, United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Former Deputy Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Host: James Bays

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Can Pakistani violence sabotage a fragile truce between their neighbours? May 16, 2026

Show notes

Recent attacks in Pakistan have killed nearly 50 people, many of them security forces. The Pakistani Taliban says it is behind them. Islamabad accuses Kabul of backing the armed group. Can the violence sabotage a fragile truce between the neighbours?

In this episode:

Masood Khan, Former Permanent Representative of Pakistan, United Nations
Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council.
Obaidullah Baheer, Adjunct Lecturer, American University of Afghanistan.

Host: James Bays

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Could differences over Taiwan lead to conflict between the US and China? May 16, 2026

Show notes

Donald Trump calls his visit to China 'incredible', and Xi Jinping says it was a 'landmark' meeting. But the Chinese president's comments about Taiwan are raising concerns. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington?

In this episode:

Ali Wyne, Senior Research and Advocacy Adviser for US-China relations, The International Crisis Group
Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalization
Wen-Ti Sung, Nonresident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Global China Hub

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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What will be discussed during the Lebanon-Israel negotiations? May 14, 2026

Show notes

As Israeli attacks in Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire, the United States is hosting the third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Hezbollah opposes the meeting in Washington. But can the process help find a way forward for Lebanon after decades of war?

In this episode:

Ali Rizk, Security and Foreign Affairs Analyst in Beirut
Jennifer Gavito, former acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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