In this week’s Trend Lines podcast, WPR’s editor-in-chief, Judah Grunstein, managing editor, Frederick Deknatel, and associate editor, Omar H. Rahman, discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s victory lap during his visit to Syria on Dec. 11 and the extent of Russian influence in a changing Middle East. For the Report, Stephania Corpi talks with Peter Dörrie about how the ongoing political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is driving a wave of outmigration into neighboring countries in South America.

If you like what you hear on Trend Lines, as well as what you’ve seen on WPR, please think about supporting our work by subscribing. We’re currently offering a 25 percent discount on the first year of an annual subscription to our podcast listeners. To take advantage of it, just enter the word “PODCAST” in the box marked “Coupon or referral code” on our subscription registration form.

Relevant Articles on WPR:

• Far From Home: Venezuela’s Neighbors Cope With Migrants Fleeing Life Under Maduro
• Why Russia Punches Above Its Weight in Global Affairs
• With Russia Trip, Saudi Arabia Sent a Message to Washington: We Have Choices
• Russia’s Word Increasingly Means More in the Middle East Than America’s
• The Last Days of ISIS
• China’s Investment Boom in Iran Could Be Derailed If the U.S. Imposes New Sanctions
• Orban’s Aggressive Maneuvers in Hungary Carry Short Gains and Long Risks

Trend Lines is produced and edited by Peter Dörrie, a freelance journalist and analyst focusing on security and resource politics in Africa. You can follow him on Twitter at @peterdoerrie.

Listeners of the Trend Lines podcast who would like to read more from World Politics Review can sign up for our free twice-weekly email newsletter here. To send feedback or questions, email us at [email protected].