Mary Dejevsky on France’s President Macron’s and his vision for a more independent Europe. Prominent right of centre commentator Chris Kenny explains why he supports the Voice. Eric Boehm examines the shifting politics behind the DeSantis - Disney feud.

Shireen Morris and Greg Sheridan discuss the case for and against The Voice. Gerard Henderson acknowledges that the Liberal party does face major problems but warns it's premature to, once again, write their obituary                                                                        .

Andrew Neil surveys the state of politics around the world and asks if could we see a replay of Biden vs Trump in 2024? Caroline Overington explains why children's books shouldn't be rewritten or sensitised.

Sophie Pedder on French politics and why President Macron is so unpopular. Rajiv Chandrasekaran explains why recovery took so long and what life is like in Iraq today. Jeffrey Wall and how sport can enhance Australia’s standing in the Pacific.

Peter Hartcher responds to Paul Keating’s concerns over AUKUS. David Frum on divisions over foreign policy and Ukraine in the |Republican Party. Su-Lin Ong and Jo Masters consider Australia’s economic outlook in turbulent times.

20 years after the 'coalition of the willing' confronted Iraq's Saddam Hussein –why did it happen and was it a big mistake? South Africa has deep connections to Soviet Union yet claims to be non aligned — so how does it navigate the tricky path between the great powers

Stephen Walt considers America's place in a world where it no longer enjoys unchallenged primacy. How South-East Asia views Australia's new security and defence pacts. Isabel Oakeshott on the UK's pandemic response.

Barclay Bram and why the reluctance to have children in China. Mahir Momand compares life in Afghanistan before and after the withdrawal of US troops. Parnell McGuiness asks is it a public debate or a culture war.

Mary Dejevsky examines the political aftershocks in Turkey, Syria and beyond. Bjorn Lomborg and why we’re not on track to meet UN 2030 sustainable development goals. James Mann reflects on President Jimmy Carter's foreign policy legacy.

Walter Russell Mead considers what an Arab – Israeli alliance might mean for the Palestinians. Neil Brown, a former coalition frontbencher, explains why he’s dissatisfied with the modern-day Liberal party. Hazel Edwards discusses the writer and cultural appropriation.

Ted Galen Carpenter discusses his new book Unreliable Watchdog: The News Media and U.S. Foreign Policy. Amanda Hodge reports on resistance and a protracted insurgency in Myanmar. Charlie Cooper explains why Europe is in better shape than expected after round 1 of its energy war with Russia.

Daniel Hannan assesses how Britain has fared in the three years since it formally left the European Union. Amanda Stoker and Georgina Downer discuss how the Liberal party might bounce back. A tribute to the former diplomat Richard Woolcott.

Hamish Macdonald explores the seismic shifts unfolding globally and the leaders who are radically reshaping today's world. From autocratic 'strongmen' to democratic 'internationalists', this podcast examines the cultural, historical, geographical and personal origins underpinning their ambitions and their decisions. This series, presented by Hamish Macdonald, attempts to answer that question. Listen for free on your mobile device on the ABC listen app. 

Loved and respected internationally but what do New Zealanders think of Jacinda Ardern’s five years a PM?  The war grinds on but is a Ukrainian victory against Russia inevitable? Following the death of NSW Senator Jim Molan there’s now a vacancy in the senate, so does former PM Tony Abbott have something to offer?

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price explains why she opposes an Indigenous voice to parliament. Margaret Cameron- Ash’s story of how Britain beat France to Botany Bay. Andrew Roberts on Britain's most misunderstood monarch.

John Howard discusses how ‘a sense of balance’ has underpinned Australia's success and prosperity. Nelly Lahoud on Osama Bin Laden's declassified personal papers.

Kishore Mahbubani and does Australia really understand the region? Sheila Fitzpatrick's short history of the Soviet Union and Cassandra Steer on the unresolved issues of the new space race.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert's memoir My 804 days in an Iranian prison. Francis Fukyuama’s Liberalism and its discontents and Kevin Rudd’s the Avoidable War.

Highlights from 2022; Demographer Nicholas Eberstadt, writer and anti-woke warrior Lionel Shriver and why Disney world Florida’s special zoning status is threatened by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Peter Jennings and Mary Kissel review a turbulent year in international affairs. Ken Seitawan discusses Indonesia's democratic back sliding. Alex Joske on how Australia weathered China's intimidation campaign.

Journalists Jennifer Hewett and Judith Sloan review the year in Federal politics. Steve Malanga on legal pot and a growing black market. Louise Perry explains why more conservative thinking could better serve feminism and the interests of women.

Analysis and commentary on Pakistan’s Imran Khan’s prospects for a political comeback and in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, another veteran leader, forms a new coalition government. David Kemp on Liberalism in Australia 1966 – 2022

Peter Costello's assessment of the Australian economy. Jacqueline Peel discusses what happened at the recent climate change summit in Egypt. Anna Vallianatou shares her concerns over EU asylum policy in Greece.

Xi Jinping meets western leaders and Ukraine pushes back Putin's army - but is the world becoming a safer place? Gideon Rachman and Sir Lawrence Freeman.  Iranian women's fight against tyranny                                      Nos Hosseini: The Iranian Women's Association and Kylie Moore-Gilbert, author of The Uncaged Sky: My 804 days in an Iranian Prison.  Countering China's Belt and Road Initiative                          . Hayley Channer: Senior Policy Fellow, Perth USAsia Centre.

The US midterms Analysis and commentary on the early results with Nicole Hemmer Political historian, Vanderbilt University and Nick Minchin, Australian Consul General in New York 2013 — 2017. The US vs China and the economic battle for high tech supremacy. Alice Han: Director of China research at Greenmantle, a US-based advisory group. Malaysia votes A preview of the Nov. 19th general election. Bridget Welsh: University of Nottingham's Asia Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Achieving global net zero at COP 27 ? Opposing views from; Rupert Darwall, author of The Age of Global Warming: A History and Dorinda Cox: Greens Senator from Western Australia. What demography can tell us about international relations. Nicholas Eberstadt: American Enterprise Institute, Washington. What's wrong with identity politics. Mary Eberstadt: the Catholic Information Center, Washington DC. Author of Primal Screams: How the Sexual Revolution Created Identity Politics.

The Anglosphere's conservatives and their deep divisions  Richard Tice: Leader UK Reform Party, Henry Olsen: Columnist Washington Post, John Roskam: Former head of the Institute of Public Affairs consider the fault lines and the state of affairs on the right.  The protests in Iran. More than just a revolt over women forced to wear head scarves. The Iranian regime faces its biggest challenge in decades. Danielle Pletka: Senior fellow in Foreign and Defense studies, American Enterprise Institute. 

Kevin Rudd assesses Xi Jinping's agenda over the next 5 years and beyond. Jonathan Sumption warns of cancel culture's threat to democracy. Kira Pronin considers the shift in Swedish politics and the reasons behind it.

How do Australia's friends and allies view the Russian- Ukrainian conflict and the rise of China? Richard Fontaine CEO, Centre for New American Security. Iwashita Akihiro: Professor at the Slavic-Eurasian Research Centre, Hokkaido University, Japan. Also, outspoken writer and columnist Lionel Shriver critiques contemporary culture and  progressive politics.

The 2002  Bali bombing. Australian / Indonesian relations then and now. Greg Fealy: Emeritus Professor, Indonesian politics, ANU. 1972 Nixon goes to China. 50 years ago U.S President Richard Nixon surprises the world by visiting communist China. Evelyn Goh: Professor of Strategic Policy Studies, ANU 1962 The Cuban missile crisis. Are there lessons for today as once again a nuclear armed Russia confronts the West. Max Hastings: military historian, journalist and author of Abyss: the Cuban missile crisis 1962 1947 India is partitioned. What happened when the British left India 75 years ago and how has the legacy of partition shaped geopolitics on the sub-continent. Nsid Hajari: Author of Midnight fires: the deadly legacy of India's partition

Putin raises the stakes over Ukraine, China's great leap forward and the West's energy transition and setting the record straight on King George III

Europe’s under pressure as Putin threatens to go nuclear and the energy crisis worsens. Plus what does feeling less British mean for Australia's republicans. And what were the politics behind our pandemic response? 

How King Charles might act as a counterweight to Liz Truss's conservative government. How Malcolm Turnbull helped defeat Scott Morrison. The geo- politics behind the new space race.

David Flint reflects on the passing of the monarch. What to expect from Britain's new PM. Why broken windows policing is needed and misunderstood. Cindy Yu – a shill for China's communist party?

In a wide ranging conversation John Howard reflects on the issues he raises in his new book A Sense of Balance. An update on Myanmar where the military oppression of the pro-democracy movement intensifies.

John Bolton offers his insights and assessment of the state of international relations. Joanne Masters and John Kehoe discuss the gloomy conditions that the global economy is experiencing and how Australia is faring.

Does Australia really understand the region? The biography of Leonie Kramer. Daniel Mulino's ideas to reform and support Australia's welfare system.

Between the Lines puts contemporary international issues and events into a broader historical con...

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price explains why she opposes an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Is the renewable energy transition agenda in sync with global political and economic reality?   

John Mearsheimer explains why the war in Ukraine is ‘foolish and unnecessary. Former P.M Malcolm Turnbull reflects on Taiwan, China, the U.S and Australian relations. A review of Federal Parliament’s first sitting weeks.

What was uncovered during the Jan 6th hearings and what might it mean for Donald Trump's presidential ambitions. Press freedom in the Philippines and latest news on shutting down Marie Ressa's news site Rappler. How to make the perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

Madeleine Schwartz offers her observations on the trial of the terrorists who killed 130 people across Paris in 2015. Patrick Roberts highlights the role and place of tropical forests in our evolutionary story. Mathieu Boulegue discusses how melting sea ice is leading to increased geopolitical interest and competition in the polar regions.

As Japan reels in shock after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinto Abe, what is the way forward for Japan's national life ? Lack of affordable housing in large American cities has led to a fast growing exponential homelessness crisis. What can Australia learn from the U.S. to solve rising homelessness in the face of the pandemic and extreme climate events?

Australia is ill prepared for the new reality of climate disasters and the crisis in Sri Lanka, some are calling for an emergency election and what is needed from the international community

What do people think about Australia’s foreign policy. Results from the 2022 Lowy poll In troubled times do UN Peacekeepers make a difference? The challenges for Papua New Guinea as they head to a general election.

Olivier Knox discusses the mostly Republican witness testimony on the January 6th attack on the US Capitol building. Cindy McCreery looks at CHOGM — the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda and the organisation's purpose, place and priorities. Steve Ratuva explains why Australia, and other big powers, are guilty of overlooking and under estimating Pacific Island nation's agency, ability and autonomy.

What it will take for Ukraine to be able to join the EU? Has Australia has signed up for too many strategic regional groups and dialogues and is it time to review and prioritise? What’s at stake in battle between the State of Florida and the Disney corporation?    

Greg Barton reviews Prime Minister Albanese’s official visit to Indonesia. A blunt assessment of Boris Johnson’s tenure as UK PM. Would things turn out differently for President Richard Nixon if Watergate occurred today?    

Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik urges for more support during her speaking tour of Western Europe and describes the situation in her war torn country. William Stoltz discusses his new paper ‘A regrettable necessity: The future of Australian covert action. Anthropologist Manvir Singh considers the prevalence of ownership and private property rights in hunter gather societies and explains why the idea of primitive communism is flawed.  

Damien Cave, the New York Times bureau chief here in Australia considers the big fault lines that have led to deep and lasting divisions in US politics and society. Richard McGregor reviews the grand tours by the U.S President and the Chinese Foreign Minister through the Asia Pacific. It's crowded and anytime now a fight could break out but there’s no sheriff in sight - which is why outer space is being compared to the wild west.

Osama Bin Laden’s declassified personal papers and correspondence have prompted a re-evaluation of the infamous terrorist and his reach, power and influence following the 9/11 attacks. From Beirut, Kim Ghattas reports on Lebanon’s election results. Is there is any light at the end of the tunnel for this deeply troubled country?

Why and how did Ferdinand Jnr win so convincingly in this week’s election in the Philippines? What’s life like under the Taliban for the long suffering people of Afghanistan. How the geopolitical realities of Europe play out both on and off the stage at Eurovision.

(Repeats) Former Prime Minister John Howard evaluates his time in office. Peter Edwards and Jacinta Carroll on the Dept. of Home Affairs and the legacy of the Hope Royal Commissions into intelligence. Oxford university historian Rana Mitter on how the new Chinese nationalism is being shaped by a re-interpretation of China's role in World War Two.

James Philips discusses the American constitution-its origins and influences. Deborah Tabart’s passionate advocacy for the koala. Jonathan Dimbleby’s WW2 history: Operation Barbarossa and how Hitler lost the war.

Journalists Chris Kenny and Jacqueline Maley assess the Federal election campaign. Gideon Rachman discusses the rise and popularity of the autocrats. Kylie Moore-Gilbert's memoir Uncaged sky: My 804 days in an Iranian gaol.

Journalists Chris Kenny and Jacqueline Maley assess the Federal election campaign. Gideon Rachman discusses the rise and popularity of the autocrats. Kylie Moore-Gilbert's memoir Uncaged sky: My 804 days in an Iranian gaol.

Veteran correspondent Jean Lee explains why 'it never pays to forget North Korea'. Steven Schwartz remembers those brave souls who challenged and changed mainstream thought. Shelia Fitzpatrick's concise history of the Soviet Union: from Lenin to Gorbachev.

Francis Fukuyama defends liberalism and assesses the situation in Ukraine. Former P.M Kevin Rudd offers a way forward in the fraught China–U.S relationship.

Ed Luce discusses Biden's 'gaffe' and the illusion of global consensus on Ukraine. Anne-Marie Brady explains why China's move in the South Pacific is concerning and provocative. Margret Cameron-Ash offers a new account of how and why Britain established a penal colony in Australia.

Ed Luce discusses Biden's 'gaffe' and the illusion of global consensus on Ukraine. Anne-Marie Brady explains why China's move in the South Pacific is concerning and provocative. Margret Cameron-Ash offers a new account of how and why Britain established a penal colony in Australia.

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs - Alexander Downer discusses international relations. Max Hastings contrasts the 1962 Cuban missile crisis with the current situation in Ukraine. Economists Su-Lin Ong and Joanne Masters offer their views on the Australian economy and the global economic outlook

Is a rules based world order still possible? Putin’s 2015 war in Syria and the legacy of his strategically successful intervention. Malcolm Fraser- a dominant figure in Australian political history. Geoff Raby assesses his foreign policy record.

Is a rules based world order still possible? Putin’s 2015 war in Syria and the legacy of his strategically successful intervention. Malcolm Fraser- a dominant figure in Australian political history. Geoff Raby assesses his foreign policy record.

The invasion of Ukraine has triggered a marked change in attitudes towards security in Europe and Asia with both Germany and Japan increasing their spending on defence. Anne Henderson's biography of Liberal senator Margaret Guilfoyle.

Putin's domestic opposition. The view from South-East Asia. Prospects for net zero.

John Bolton: the Ukraine, Russian and China. 'Only Richard Nixon could go to China in 1972' – Evelyn Goh explains how and why. Parnell McGuiness on the left's double standards.

A challenge to the mindset that the U.S can be everywhere all the time. Does Albo have the right tools to do the job as PM ? Australia attacked 80 years ago. Satirist P.J O'Rourke remembered.

Myanmar: The state of the nation one year after the military coup. Winston Churchill's legacy critically reappraised. Cartoonist Bill Leak remembered.  

Paul Kelly's new book Morrison's Mission, China's growing influence in the South Pacific and the pandemic's social and cultural legacy.

Tensions increase between the US and Russia over Ukraine, will 'Party-gate' bring down Boris Johnson? And reading the federal election tea leaves

What can past pandemics, earthquakes, famines or wars teach us about how to prepare for the next one?

Who were the Russian migrants who made it to Australia during the Cold War?

After the recent passing of Andrew Peacock, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg describes his legacy; and former treasurer, Chris Bowen, says the fakes, the fraudsters and the snake-oil merchants are winning the political contests.

Nicolle Flint MP talks about the sexist abuse she’s faced throughout her career, not from within her own party, but from political opponents and activists outside of Canberra; and does 'cancel culture' threaten what remains of our liberal public discourse, or is uncensored free speech a dangerous proposition?

It's 25 years since the coalition was elected to an eleven year term in power. As leader, John Howard represents one of the greatest political comebacks in modern history. How did he do it?

As the US-China rivalry intensifies, what does it mean for Australia?

Biden's approach to foreign policy, the crisis of Australian democracy, and 80 years since Pearl Harbour

America won the Cold War but why did they lose the post-Soviet peace? And the far-right's unlikely shift to end climate change skepticism

Does America’s inflation rate mean faster rising interest rates in Australia? And what does the disappearance of Peng Shuai say about China?

Did Putin really play a role in Trump's 2016 election victory? And the US-China pact for action on climate change

Is the India - Australia relationship even more important than the Quad?

Will Glasgow address the right issues to tackle climate change?

The balancing act of teaching both Indigenous and European- Australian history. And the Chinese government denial of the Wuhan lab 'theory'

Can anything meaningful be achieved at COP26? And the passing of Colin Powell

After the 'boring' result of the recent election, what is Germany's post-Angela Merkel future? And two opposing senators take on China.

Are vaccine passports the answer to achieving a COVID-normal life? And how the Philippines are targeted by China

Will our new security alliance with the US and the UK just provoke China? And Anthony Albanese on his working-class constituents.... and rugby league

Does the AUKUS alliance constitute a loss of sovereignty? And how the next generation will cope with the COVID recovery

Paying tribute to Neville Bonner, our first Aboriginal MP and how has North Korea's tyrannical regime coped with COVID-19?

Bush, Obama, Trump or Biden: who should we blame for the crisis in Afghanistan? And COVID has exposed our increasingly fractured federation. But was it flawed at its 1901 inception?

How has ISIS affected the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan? And Philip Ruddock on the 20th anniversary of the Tampa crisis

How does the Taliban victory in Afghanistan affect America's reputation?

As the Taliban storms into Kabul, Paul Wolfowitz reflects on the 'never-ending war' and Biden's withdrawal of troops

Could the 2020s be a good economic decade for developing nations? And the very interesting Labor people you’ve never heard about

Indonesia is now the epicentre of COVID. How did the outbreak spiral out of control? And the 'Wuhan lab' theory gains more attention

It’s been 18 months since the COVID outbreak in Australia, yet half the country is in lockdown. Is a zero cases strategy still justified?

Is Canberra’s response to China in our national interest or is it driven by hysteria and xenophobia?

Is Australia’s climate stance an outlier in the court of global opinion or is the whole world still heavily addicted to fossil fuels?; and can nuclear energy help us reach net emission goals faster than other approaches?

The Taliban is set to increase its control over Afghanistan. How much responsibility for this impending disaster lies with the withdrawal of troops?

50 years ago Gough Whitlam led an opposition Labor Party delegation to China. At the same time, President Nixon announced his own invitation to the Communist country.