In this episode, we dive into some of the most pressing global conflicts and political shifts for 2025.

We’ll explore the Ukraine-Russia peace plan, with a spotlight on Donald Trump's involvement and its potential impact on the region.

The conversation then shifts to the Israel-Palestine situation, focusing on the latest ceasefire developments.

We also provide background on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, shedding light on its complex roots and current state.

Finally, we examine the rise of far-right politics across Europe, sharing insights on its growing influence.

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of today’s most critical global issues.

Shadi Rouhshahbaz (she/her) is an Associate Research Fellow at The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI).

She is a PhD student at the University of Melbourne and holds a Double-Joint Master's degree in International Development - Migration and Mediation from the Ca Foscari University of Venice and Paul Valery University, Montpellier 3.

Shadi has worked with UN Women HQ, UNICEF and the United Network of Young Peacebuilders.

Her research focuses on the intersections of foresight studies, youth, gender, peace and security, the Middle East and multilateral institutions.

Shadi is committed to conducting research that influences policy by bridging the gaps between the lived experience of individuals and the required developments of systems and academia.

We are grateful she shared her time with Trailblazer host Poppy Bell.

This week, hosts Thien and Oz are joined by Professor Tim Lynch, an expert in American politics. Together, they dive into the U.S. election, exploring the possibility of a Trump comeback and the role Kamala Harris could play in stopping it. He unpacks the perception of a Trump victory as inevitable—and why U.S. elections matter globally. 🇺🇸

As a professor of American politics at the University of Melbourne and author of In the Shadow of the Cold War, Time brings sharp insights to this critical topic.

Welcoming our first guest for In-Depth in 2024 Dr Stuart Murray, Associate Professor in International Relations at Bond University.

Dr Murray is a Global Fellow at the Academy of Sport (University of Edinburgh), an Honorary Member of the Centre for Sports Law, Policy and Diplomacy at the University of Rijeka (Croatia), and an Associate Editor of Brill Research Perspectives on Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (The Netherlands) and the Journal of Public Policy (South Korea).

A globally respected writer, speaker and expert on international relations, diplomacy and sports diplomacy, Dr Murray has consulted and advised government, international institutions and non-state actors on a broad range of matters. Among his many achievements, he was also recommended to us as the sports diplomacy guy, so we were honoured he had time for an interview. Now as Paris 2024 has wrapped up, we delve with him into the world of sports diplomacy and its future.

In this special return episode of Global Question’s Trailblazer series, incoming Trailblazer host Poppy interviews Sarah Leary, the Perth USAsia Centre’s First Nations Foreign Policy Fellow.

A proud Palawa woman from Tommeginne Country in North-West Tasmania, Sarah leads the Centre’s research, policy advocacy, and partnerships initiatives which focus on WA’s engagement with Australia’s First Nations Foreign Policy agenda.

Sarah spent 14 years in the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Attorney-General’s Department, serving diplomatic missions in Solomon Islands, Cambodia and Vietnam, and at times representing Australia in the United States.

A big thank you to Sarah for returning to our listeners’ earbuds with us in 2024.


Keep up with us on instagram @global.questions and @ydsociety

Presenter: Poppy Bell

Editor: Abby Wellington

We can’t believe we’re saying this, but this is our last Global Questions episode!

After 2.5 years and 100+ episodes, Josh, Rhiannon and Kelly have decided it’s time to turn off the mics and take a well-earned rest.

So, join the entire GQ team as they:

Hopefully you'll miss us just as much as we'll miss you!  Thanks for tuning in and providing us with a reason to put the show together.  

If you've enjoyed listening to us, we'd love to hear from you.  Shoot us a message on our Instagram page: @global.questions.

Although we’re finishing up, the Young Diplomats Society (our parent organisation) isn’t!  If you love international affairs, attending events and hearing from inspiring people, follow them here on Facebook or Instagram.

From all of us here at Global Questions, thank you.

Inequality is complex and varied, but have you ever heard of the digital divide?

As new technologies emerge and we live more of our lives online, the divide between those who have reliable internet access and those who don't only deepens.  

This week, for our final In-Depth episode on technology, Rhiannon talks to Dr George Ingram, a senior fellow at the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C.  They chat about:

Want to know more? Check out Dr George Ingram’s bio on the Brookings Institute here.

Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode?  If so, we’d love to hear from you!  Head to our suggestions page.

Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content.  For more info about us, check out our website.

CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people.  We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.

Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss:

Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.

Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content.  For more info about us, check out our website.

Social media has revolutionized terrorism. 

It has made recruitment easier, sped up the process of radicalisation and provided a safe haven for extremists to talk to each other. It's also increased the impact of acts of terror. With a click of a button, terrorists can livestream their acts to millions of people. 

So, what are tech companies doing to address the issue? Should governments step in? And is using AI to remove violent content a good idea, or could it pose hidden dangers?

Rhiannon chats to two guests from Tech Against Terrorism, an UN-supported initiative that helps the global tech industry tackle terrorism while respecting human rights.

Want to know more? Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website or contact them via [email protected]. 

Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Head to our suggestions page.

Follow us on Instagram @global.questions for breaking news updates, quizzes, and bonus content. For more info about us, check out our website.

CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.