The Inside Story Podcast

Weeks of student protests in France have grown into some of the worst unrest in recent years. They started as a call for reforms to the education system. But they've since expanded into demonstrations against the high cost of living and planned cuts to social services. And France isn't alone. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in other parts of Europe. So how will Europe deal with the protests?
In this episode:
Diane de Vignemont, independent journalist and historian
Julius Fintelmann, Co-founder and Editor-in-chief at The European Correspondent
Jaime Velazquez, independent journalist
Host: James Bays
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Joseph Kabila, who ruled DR Congo for almost two decades, is making a comeback. He will lead the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a political-military alliance with M23 fighters that opposes President Felix Tshisekedi's government in Kinshasa. Several attempts at a peace deal between government forces, rebels and armed groups have already failed, and many fear the move will worsen the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Is this coalition likely to escalate the conflict?
In this episode:
Henry-Pacifique Mayala, Co-ordinator of the Kivu Security Tracker at Ebuteli institute
Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Analyst at Development Reimagined, specialising in African geopolitics and great power competition
Vincent Rouget, Head of Political Risk for Africa at Control Risks, a global consultancy
Host: Dareen Abughaida
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NATO says it is ready to fight as it unveils a new defence strategy using low-cost drones, artificial intelligence and rapid strikes to deter potential attacks. With the US planning to withdraw thousands of troops from Europe and concerns growing over Russia, European leaders are increasing military spending. Will NATO’s new strategy be enough to address the perceived Russian threat and protect its members?
In this episode:
Ray Wojcik, Senior Research Fellow at The Saratoga Foundation
Marina Miron, Researcher in Defence Studies at King’s College London
Alexander Bratersky, Political analyst specialising in Russian foreign policy
Host: Rishaad Salamat
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US President Donald Trump has announced a deal to bring Russian diesel into the United States, a move welcomed by the Kremlin. He's accused Ukraine of ignoring his calls to halt strikes on Russian refineries. Ukraine insists it will only stop striking Russian refineries if Moscow ceases attacks on its energy facilities. With Washington and Europe diverging further on Ukraine, how long can European leaders continue their economic and military support for Kyiv?
In this episode:
Lisa Yasko, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament

Andrey Kortunov, Russian affairs analyst

John Lough, Head of Foreign Policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre

Host: Rishaad Salamat
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Zionism should be treated as any other form of racism. That's what members of the Green Party have agreed on at their annual conference in the UK. Israel has condemned the decision, calling it antisemitic. So, what's the motivation? And what impact will the Greens' new policy have on British politics and beyond?
In this episode:
Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London

Yossi Beilin, former Israeli Justice Minister

Jonathan Lis, Journalist and Broadcaster

Host: Neave Barker
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