The Inside Story Podcast

Reports of unauthorised access to one of the most powerful artificial intelligence models yet developed. Nothing malicious, the owners say, but it has intensified focus on such technology falling into the wrong hands. In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine reopens a pipeline, enabling the delivery of Russian crude to some EU countries. In return, it gets a multibillion-dollar loan, while Moscow rakes in oil revenue. How will this complex deal play out on the battlefield? In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Within the EU, a split is growing over how to respond to Israel's actions in the Middle East. Some members want to suspend a trade deal. But its staunchest allies have foiled the move. Can a divided bloc become a voice against Israel's aggression? In this episode: Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A report by the UN and European Union estimates it will take 71 billion dollars to rebuild Gaza. About a third of that is needed to restore essential services destroyed by Israel's war. So, how will Gaza be rebuilt, and who will pay? In this episode: Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine attacks oil facilities in Russia, which is benefiting from higher fuel prices and sanctions relief due to the Iran war. It comes after Moscow launches intense aerial attacks on its neighbour. How is the Iran war affecting Russia and Ukraine? In this episode: Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Defending democracy ... The slogan of left-leaning world leaders in Spain meeting to counter the growing influence of the far right. Meanwhile in Italy, right-wing figures aim to build momentum. So, who will shape the global agenda? In this episode: Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

He's accused of links to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also failed government security checks. Yet Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US. Now, the prime minister is under pressure to resign. But will he? And how will the fallout impact the UK Labour Party? In this episode: Denis MacShane - Former UK Foreign Office Minister of State and Labour MP Jennifer Nadel - Co-founder of the cross-party think-tank Compassion in Politics Giles Kenningham - Founder of Trafalgar Strategy and former communications director for the UK Conservative Party Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct talks in decades. But as Israel considers Hezbollah a threat, is a lasting peace agreement possible? And how much influence does Iran have in Lebanon? In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China tells its ally Iran that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily, underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the war on China, and what role is it playing? Host: James Bays In this episode: Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's war on Gaza, so why have there been difficulties between them? Host: James Bays In this episode: Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump in a war of words with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. president refuses to apologise for criticising Pope Leo's opposition to the Iran conflict. He says the pontiff should stay out of American affairs. So, is this political interference or a moral duty to speak out? And what are the consequences? Host: Folly Bah Thibault In this episode: Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Hungary's opposition has defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban by a landslide. He governed for 16 years with a far-right agenda often described as 'authoritarian'. What led to his loss? And what does the outcome mean for the EU, US, and Russia? In this episode: Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war has created risks to food security from higher energy costs and shipping restrictions. The world's fertiliser production has been badly hit due to attacks on Gulf chemical plants. Where is food supply most at risk and could there be a lasting impact? In this episode: Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A negative political and public reaction in Israel to the ceasefire with Iran - regardless of the respite it brings. No pause for Israel's army however or its victims - hundreds killed in Lebanon and more dead in Gaza. Has Israeli society become conditioned to permanent war? In this episode: Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Opinion polls in Hungary suggest long-time prime minister Viktor Orban has a battle on his hands in Sunday's election. The outcome will be keenly awaited in Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and Brussels. So why is this election so important outside of Hungary? In this episode: Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The bombing of Iran has stopped, but the bombing of Lebanon has not. Even as Iran and the US say they'll try to work out their many differences at the negotiating table in Pakistan, Israel is busy ramping up its attacks on what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The group has been a key player in Iran's axis of resistance for decades. So how far is Tehran willing to go to protect its allies? In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump has found his Iran off-ramp — but what has it cost? After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. Has the world order been changed by Trump's war on Iran? And can any of it be walked back? Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies, but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with the US to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war began. Tehran accuses the UN's nuclear watchdog of inaction, which the IAEA rejects, saying the situation is of deep concern. But why are the attacks happening? And what risks do they pose? In this episode: Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The war in Iran is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In violation of the ceasefire, Israel has severely restricted aid and maintained its air strikes. The US-brokered deal is meant to be in Phase 2 but appears to be in limbo. So, who could step in to help Palestinians? In this episode: Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube