Yet again, the US is pulling out of UNESCO claiming the UN agency focuses on divisive issues. It's not the first time Washington has quit a global organisation. But what's behind these decisions? And where do they leave the US on the world stage?

In this episode: 

• Amy Koch, Republican Political Strategist.
• Ei Sun Oh, Political analyst.
• Mark Seddon, Former UN official.

Host: James Bays

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Palestinians dying from hunger in Gaza. Those who've survived Israel's relentless war so far are now in immediate danger of starvation. Desperate people queuing for food are gunned down by Israeli and US contractors. Is Israel implementing a strategy of genocide by starvation? 

In this episode: 

• Tamer Qarmout, Associate Professor, Public Policy, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. 

• Arwa Damon, Founder, International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance.

• Dr James Smith, Emergency Physician.

Host: James Bays

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Protests against the UK ban on Palestine Action and its designation as a terrorist group. The government acted after military aircraft were vandalised at an airbase. Critics say the ban is excessive and an attack on freedom of speech. So what are the implications? 

In this episode: 

• Tayab Ali, Deputy Managing Partner, Bindmans.

• Quinn McKew, Executive Director, Article 19. 

• Peter Oborne, Political Commentator. 

Host: James Bays

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Israel bombs Gaza's only Catholic church, the latest religious site hit in the war. Hundreds of mosques damaged or destroyed with cemeteries obliterated too. In the occupied West Bank, attacks on Christians and Muslims are increasing. Why is this happening?

In this episode: 

• Reverend Mitri Raheb, Lutheran Pastor. 

• Moataz El Fegiery, Vice President, EuroMed Rights. 

• Michael Lynk, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Law, Western University.

Host: James Bays

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Deepening conflict between the US and Brazil over the prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro. US President Trump threatens 50 percent tariffs, unacceptable blackmail, says Brazil's President Lula da Silva. So what's next? And who stands to win or lose?

In this episode: 

• Graziella Testa, Professor, Getulio Vargas Foundation. 

• Vinicius Rodrigues Vieira, Professor, Armando Alvares Penteado Foundation.

• Michael Shifter, Senior Fellow, Inter-American Dialogue.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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The UK government wants to introduce legislation to lower the voting age, saying it aims to modernise UK democracy. But will the reform make any difference? And has it worked in other countries?

In this episode: 

• Afzal Khan, Labour Member of Parliament in the UK

• Yannis Koutsomitis, European affairs analyst
• Alex Deane, Political analyst and conservative commentator

Host: Adrian Finighan

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What is the real motive behind Israel's involvement in Syria? Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, it's repeatedly bombed and extended its occupation, saying it's defending the Druze minority. But what are the long-term implications of Israel's actions in Syria?

In this episode: 

• Akiva Eldar, Author, 'Lords of the Land: The War for Israel's Settlements in the Occupied Territories, 1967-2007'
• Gamal Mansour, Lecturer and political scientist, University of Toronto
• Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco

Host: Adrian Finighan

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Tokyo says China's growing military activity is a serious threat. So, what does this mean for an already volatile region? And how will the US react? 

In this episode: 

• Tomohiko Taniguchi, Professor, University of Tsukuba.
• Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Taihe Institute. 
• Robert Kelly, Professor, International Relations, Pusan National University.

Host: James Bays

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Reluctant to recognise the new government in Syria, fighters from the Druze minority have been involved in sectarian violence. A ceasefire is in place, but some Druze leaders have called for international protection. So, how will President Ahmed al-Sharaa deal with them? And how is Israel's involvement complicating the situation?

In this episode: 

• Louay Safi, Syrian Political Scientist. 
• Shadi Abou Karam, Political Activist.
• Sami Akil, Political Analyst.

Host: James Bays

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Ten years ago Iran and world powers signed a historic nuclear deal, easing sanctions in return for limits on Tehran's nuclear programme. Since then, the US pulled out, and just weeks ago, they joined Israel in attacking Iran. What's the legacy of this deal and its collapse?

In this episode: 

• Alan Eyre, Member, US Nuclear Deal Team (2010-2015).
• Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Middle East Strategic Studies.
• Robert Kelley, Distinguished Fellow, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Host: James Bays

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@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook