The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: North Korea - powerplay in the Northwest Pacific

   This year has seen an uncharacteristic flurry of meetings and engagement between North Korea, China and Russia. Is a North Asia bromance blossoming or are we seeing a calculated collaboration?

   August 21, 2026·30min
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   Number 2: Reality check - why a belief in human rights has never really been universal

   Dictators and autocrats deride human rights as a “western concept” – think Vladamir Putin and Xi Jinping, among others. They reject the narrative that a global concern for individual freedoms has steadily grown since the end of WWII. What if they’re correct? At least partially so. What if international support for the ideal of universal human rights was never really as strong as it seemed? Could a reassessment of the history of human rights help us explain current threats to personal freedoms across the globe? Guests: Dr Alison Brysk – Distinguished Professor of Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara Dr Samuel Moyn – Professor of Law and History, Yale University Dr Barbara Keys – Professor of US History, Durham University Dr Jenna Reinbold – Associate Professor of Religion, Colgate University

   August 28, 2026·30min
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   Number 3: Hezbollah: Resistance fighters or terrorists

   Hezbollah has been a key political and military player in Lebanon for decades. In 2000 it forced the Israeli military out of Southern Lebanon and since then has been in almost constant conflict with Israel. Since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, that conflict has escalated resulting in an invasion of Southern Lebanon by the Israel military. For many in the Arab world Hezbollah is an organisation leading the resistance against Israeli aggression in the Middle East. In the West they are seen as an Iranian proxy and a terrorist group. Where does the truth lie and how did Hezbollah come into existence?

   August 12, 2026·27min
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   Number 4: Israel Lebanon and the Palestinian story

   The conflict between Israel and Lebanon that flared up in March this year is not new. Despite having no major border dispute or a struggle over resources, Israel and Lebanon have been in conflict for decades. The history of Lebanon’s relationship with Israel and how it continues to be shaped by the story of the Palestinian people.

   August 14, 2026·30min
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   Number 5: The Red Sea - maritime mayhem at Bab el-Mandeb

   Today the Red Sea’s crucial choke-point at the Bab el-Mandeb is becoming as infamous as the Strait of Hormuz.

   September 04, 2026·30min
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