For more than 75 years, Japan has had, at the centre of its constitution, a very particular promise.
The country renounces war as a sovereign right. Forever. This means the country is forbidden from maintaining an army, navy or air force - and from using force as a means of settling international disputes.
This so-called “peace constitution” was an instrumental part of Japan rising from the ashes of World War II, and the destruction that it both suffered, and meted out.
But now, Japan is dramatically beefing up its military.
Today, International and political editor Peter Hartcher on why Japan is arguably breaching its own constitution. And what it might mean for the global order. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan forbid itself from going to war. So why’s it expanding its military?

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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Nearly 200 years ago, the industrial revolution radically upended how people experienced the world - where they lived, what work they did, and the sort of stress they endured. And now? We’re on the precipice of the next industrial revolution.
The advent of quantum computers will likely be able to help countries win wars and solve some of our trickiest social problems, according to experts.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on just how soon the technology that Albert Einstein once called “spooky” could change our lives. And what its inherent dangers might be. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next major tech breakthrough that's the size of an atom

When you think about live streaming, you might picture mainstream social media sites, but its popularity has skyrocketed on other platforms.
With a focus on gaming, Twitch emerged as a live streaming giant over the past decade. Now, there’s a new player making noise – and some of it’s troubling.
Edward Craven, the founder of Stake.com and the youngest billionaire in Australia has gone on to co-create the streaming platform Kick.
Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on a platform described as a “playground for degenerates”, and the risks it poses to vulnerable people. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Playground for degenerates': Inside Australian livestreaming giant

So far this year, 27 Australian women have been murdered. Nine of the alleged perpetrators were under the age of 30. 
Erica Hay, Molly Ticehurst, Emma Bates and Hannah McGuire were all allegedly murdered over the past few weeks. And in the horrific stabbing spree at Bondi Junction, five of the six victims were women.
Politicians at the state and federal level are now facing pressure to take action and deliver real solutions to what’s been described as a national crisis.
Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on Australia’s shame and the entrenched culture of misogyny and gendered violence that continues to shape young men.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'climate of fear' for Australian women

The cost of well, almost everything, has skyrocketed. From petrol prices, to rent and mortgages, to insurance premiums and to the supermarket shop with cereal, bread and eggs all costing more.
And now, a new report says Australians have suffered the biggest increase in the average tax rates in the developed world, with New Zealand a close second.
So why did we end up with the biggest tax increase? And what have been some of the worst price increases we’ve seen over the last few years?
Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on these pressures, and what the government could do about it. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Australians experienced the biggest tax increase in the world

A video of a violent attack on a Sydney bishop has sparked an international fight over free speech, censorship, and the potential threats such videos could pose when spread on social media.
US billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X was ordered by Australia's E Safety Commissioner Julie Inman grant to take down some copies of the clip, amid fees it could be used to radicalise more people.
Musk has been fighting the takedown drawing criticism from politicians across the spectrum, including from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Coalition wants young children blocked from social media to protect them from harmful content, while the country's top policing and spy agencies have vowed to protect children from extremist poison, and called on platforms to do better.
Today political correspondent Paul Sakkal and chief political correspondent David Crowe join Rachel Clun on this week's Inside Politics.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan forbid itself from going to war. So why’s it expanding its military?

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