The Take

Portugal’s antiracist movement had its largest protest in recent memory after George Floyd was killed by US police. The protest wasn’t only about an injustice an ocean away, but part of an ongoing struggle in a country that looks back fondly on its colonial past. What’s behind Portugal’s rosy view of history, and how does that affect Black activists fighting for their rights today?

In this episode:

Cristina Roldão, a sociologist and activist, and Helena Vicente (@helenavicente__), a researcher and activist with Grupo EduCAR (@grp.educar).

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A flurry of condemnations, proposed sanctions and cancelled arms deals against Saudi Arabia followed Jamal Khashoggi’s death on October 2, 2018. But in the two years since, most countries have resumed normal relations with the kingdom. Days after the second anniversary of the journalist's murder, we’re exploring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s rise to power in the country, and on the global stage.

In this episode:

Bradley Hope (@Bradleyhope) and Justin Scheck (@ScheckWSJ), the co-authors of Blood and Oil: Mohammad Bin Salman’s Ruthless Quest for Global Power

For more:

MBS: Why the world may be stuck with the ‘CEO of Saudi Inc’

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One of the last of his generation, Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah died this week at the age of 91. The ruler of 14 years leaves the Gulf region without one of its leading advocates for peace. What does this mean for the region, and the future of Kuwait?

In this episode:

Dr. Bader Al-Saif (@bmalsaif), an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University, and a non-resident fellow at Carnegie Middle East Center

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With the US election kicking off in earnest with the first presidential debate, President Donald Trump has focused much of his campaign rhetoric on mask-wearing, window-breaking Antifa as a new American enemy. But as long as fascism has existed, so too has the antifascist movement. So where did this misconception of Antifa as a shadowy cabal of leftists come from, and what is Antifa in reality?

In this episode:

Natasha Lennard (@natashalennard), a columnist at The Intercept, and the author of Being Numerous: Essays on Non-Fascist Life.

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King Juan Carlos I of Spain abdicated in 2014 to protect the crown after a major scandal. But last March brought news of an even bigger one: He and his son, current King Felipe VI, were the beneficiaries of millions placed in private accounts in Switzerland, allegedly from Saudi Arabia. How did Juan Carlos, once considered a hero, become toxic to the Royal House of Spain?

In this episode:

Journalist and writer Ana Romero (@AnaRomeroGalan); investigative journalist Álvaro de Cózar, co-creator of the podcast XREY. Special thanks to Borja Echevarría (@borjaechevarria).

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A first-of-its-kind sanctuary for formerly captive dolphins is underway in Greece, nestled off the island of Lipsi. As construction of the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary is ongoing, pressure is mounting to house dolphins coming in from closing aquatic parks, and the team of scientists are racing to get the space up and running.

In this episode:

Anastasia Miliou (@AnastasiaMiliou), head scientist at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation in Greece. Patrice Hostetter, marine mammal researcher at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. 

Watch the documentary Women Make Science: Greece's Dolphin Sanctuary here.

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By some estimates, 2020 has seen the largest protest movement in US history, with demonstrations all over the country condemning the killings of Black people by police and demanding change. At the center of it all are the many cases that had gone largely unnoticed. Al Jazeera's award-winning documentary show Faultlines got in touch with one woman whose son, Marqueese Alston, was killed by Washington, D.C. police in 2018. Activists say her fight for justice shows exactly why police reforms don't work — and why abolition would.

In this episode:

Kavitha Chekuru (@KaviChek), a senior producer on Al Jazeera's award-winning documentary show Faultlines; Alex Vitale (@avitale), author of The End of Policing.

You can watch the Faultlines documentary on Marqueese Alston's killing and the ongoing protest movement at aje.io/PoliceProtests.

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In most of the world, you can't be prosecuted as the head of state. But what about when you're no longer in office? With an election looming and facing a slew of legal challenges, US president Donald Trump may soon find out. Malaysia's Prime Minister was recently found guilty and could face 12 years in prison. Omar al Bashir, the former President of Sudan, may get the death penalty. What happens to the rule of law when the head of state doesn't follow it?

In this episode:

Conor Shaw (@ConorMarcusShaw), senior policy and litigation fellow at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (@CREWcrew); Zunar (@zunarkartunis), political cartoonist and author of Kartun Anti Racism; Hiba Morgan (@hiba_morgan), Al Jazeera English Correspondent covering Sudan and South Sudan.

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Born to a Nigerian father and a Finnish mother, author Minna Salami’s multicultural and multiracial identity is the foundation of her worldview. We talked to her about why she thinks Black feminist ideology is a practical approach to life for all — and a place from which to engage with ongoing civil unrest.

In this episode:

Minna Salami (@MsAfropolitan), writer, feminist theorist and lecturer.

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Joe Biden kept his promise: The Democratic nominee for US President picked a woman as his running mate. Kamala Harris is a senator and the daughter of South Asian and Black immigrants.

Now that we know she's on the ticket, we're revisiting an episode exploring the power of Black women voters — one of the most important slices of the American electorate in deciding who takes the White House.

In this episode:

Imaeyen Ibanga (@iiwrites), presenter and reporter for AJ+; Glynda Carr (@glyndacarr) president and CEO of Higher Heights for America.

For more:

Can Black Voters Swing The 2020 Election?

US Veepstakes: Joe Biden narrows list of potential running mates

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