This Is Why

Sky News
This Is Why
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2383 episodes

  • This Is Why

    Why Estonia is on the front line of Putin's war with Europe

    2026/05/05 | 14 mins.
    It's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
    But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist.
    So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe?
    Niall is joined by the outgoing UK ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen.
  • This Is Why

    Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose

    2026/05/04 | 20 mins.
    With conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations?
    Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop?
    Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]
  • This Is Why

    Why is Anna Wintour the most powerful figure in fashion?

    2026/05/01 | 18 mins.
    As The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in cinemas, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is back in the news – but who is she?
    The sequel to the 2006 film is widely perceived to be based on Ms Wintour's formidable and abrasive management style.
    However, the world of fashion and the magazines that follow it has changed a lot since then.
    So, has she maintained her grip and influence on the multibillion-dollar industry?
    Niall is joined by Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air contributor for NewsNation, to discuss her life and career.
  • This Is Why

    Why airlines have been cancelling flights

    2026/04/30 | 14 mins.
    The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy?
    The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
    It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your summer holiday abroad?
    Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]
  • This Is Why

    Why soldiers should take MDMA to treat trauma

    2026/04/29 | 16 mins.
    The party drug ecstasy is usually associated with packed nightclubs and panicked politicians talking about the dangers involved in taking it.
    However, a former head of the UK’s armed forces believes the drug’s active ingredient, known as MDMA, could be key to treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
    General Sir Nick Carter is now calling on the government to relax restrictions in order to reduce the crippling cost of clinical trials. What evidence is there to suggest this treatment could be effective and what’s been the reaction from the few former soldiers who have benefitted so far?
    Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore.
    Warning: Contains references to drug taking, depression and suicide.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

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About This Is Why

The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why  takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you. Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions. Available every weekday afternoon. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: [email protected]
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