When did humanity start drawing borders? Why have nomadic cultures been so maligned? And how do states wield "soft power" through diplomatic gifts? 

Guests: 

James Crawford, author, The Edge of the Plain

Anthony Sattin, author, Nomads: The wanderers who shaped our world

Paul Brummell, author, Diplomatic gifts: a history in 50 presents

Phillip Adams' Histories of Everything: connecting countries

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Annie Jacobsen describes in chilling detail the steps that might lead to nuclear war and Mark Rank explains why some people are more vulnerable to the vagaries of luck and randomness than others.

Why some people have more luck than others and the most likely path to nuclear war.

Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robinson on whether the international community is equipped to respond to war crimes being committed in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. He also speculates on what would happen to Julian Assange, should he be extradited to the United States. Plus Boyan Slat, Dutch inventor and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, on their quest to rid the oceans of plastic.

Geoffrey Robinson on Putin and Boyan Slat on The Ocean Cleanup

The conservative think tank - the Heritage Foundation - has issued a policy manifesto for 2025. Bruce Shapiro and Emma Shortis give their analysis. Flooding, failing dams and melting Siberian permafrost are causing real issues for water quality in Russia. Can Putin take his eye off the war to deal with critical domestic issues like water?

Trump's policy platform and Russia's water problems

Laura Tingle previews the federal budget and whether Labor can manage to navigate burgeoning cost demands in defence, housing and health and the need to bring down inflation. Plus what do Israel, Mexico and Israel have in common? David Adler from the Reactionary International reveals the shadowy networks helping helping governments to spy on their citizens, their adversaries, and their friends.

Laura Tingle's budget preview plus how India, Israel and Mexico are connected through spyware

The Pacific has the world’s lowest rate of women’s representation in Parliament, but local women are working to change that, with some innovative - but contentious - approaches to elections. And Australia's leading social psychologist Hugh Mackay is nearly ninety. His latest book examines our society today and asks timely and urgent questions about its future.

Phillip Adams' Histories of Everything: connecting countries

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