Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald

In February this year, the New START treaty governing nuclear weapon stockpiles in USA and Russia expired. Is there anything to replace it? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez, host of the podcast Face Off: Nuclear Anarchy, joins Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly to explain why experts are increasingly worried about a new era of nuclear competition. They also discuss China's rapidly growing arsenal, Russia's increasing brinkmanship over nuclear weapons, and why Iran's calculations could change after years of confrontation. Plus, can Trump continue the trend of US presidents negotiating increasingly smaller nuclear stockpiling with Russia? Does he even want to? And with artificial intelligence beginning to reshape military decision-making, are the risks becoming even harder to manage? If the old nuclear order is breaking down, who will build the next one? Guest: Jane Perlez, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, host of Face Off: Nuclear Anarchy Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

South Africa's politics are changing fast, and it may signal something much bigger. The African National Congress, the party of Nelson Mandela and President Cyril Ramaphosa, is losing its grip on the country's biggest cities. In Johannesburg, years of failing services, power outages and frustration with government competence are reshaping how South Africans vote. For the first time, many voters are judging parties on delivery rather than liberation-era loyalties. But that's only part of the story. The Economist's chief Africa correspondent John McDermott examines the new scramble for influence across Africa. China, Russia, the United States, Europe, India, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are all competing for resources, markets and political support. And then there's Aliko Dangote. Africa's richest businessman is betting billions on giant industrial projects that could reshape the continent's economic future. Is Africa becoming one of the century's most important geopolitical players? Or is the continent's future being shaped by two very different realities at once? Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke speak with John McDermott about the elections, wars, power struggles and economic shifts transforming Africa.Guest: John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent for The EconomistGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trump’s diesel deal with Russia, a Senate race turns ugly, and a midterm election that could reshape his presidency. On the eve of the US midterm elections, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are joined by Jeremy Shapiro from the European Council on Foreign Relations to unpack a frantic fortnight in US politics. Trump’s diesel deal with Putin has drawn accusations that Washington is now aligned with Moscow’s interests in the Ukraine war, even as First Lady Melania Trump brokers a surprise humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged city of Oleshky. Shapiro also addresses Trump’s attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who Trump has called a “jihadist” and Muslim Brotherhood member. There is no evidence for this claim. Guest: Jeremy Shapiro, European Council on Foreign Relations Recommendations: Geraldine – From airport queue to sudden diagnosis: Jennifer Hewett on facing brain cancer Jeremy – A World For All: New Visions for US Foreign Policy, edited by Matthew Duss Hamish – Empires of AI: The Rise and Fall of a New Global Order Mentions: Obama has never mocked Trump so personally. That comes with a big risk by Bruce Wolpe Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Populists are rising. Traditional parties are struggling. Trust in institutions is falling. So what if these aren't separate crises at all? In this special live edition of Global Roaming, taken from Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly's conversation for Roaring Stories at Balmain's Red Mill Distillery, the two sit down to discuss Waleed's Quarterly Essay entitled Time of Monsters: What Future for Liberalism? Waleed argues that many of the political movements reshaping the world, from Trumpism and nationalist conservatism to parts of the progressive left, are reacting against the same underlying system: the liberal order that has dominated Western democracies for generations. Drawing on thinkers from Hobbes and John Stuart Mill to contemporary debates about social media, artificial intelligence and identity politics, he explores why so many people feel dislocated, dissatisfied and unconvinced that the promises of modern politics still hold. The conversation ranges across democracy, meaning, technology, community and the surprising ways seemingly opposing political movements can end up challenging the same assumptions. If liberalism shaped the modern world, what happens if people decide they no longer want it? Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Israel has voted in one of the most consequential elections in its history, but the result has produced no clear winner. Benjamin Netanyahu remains a major force in Israeli politics, yet neither his bloc nor the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot appears capable of forming a government on its own. Joining Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke are ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle and former ABC Middle East correspondent Eric Tlozek to unpack a result that has left Israel deeply divided and politically deadlocked. They discuss Netanyahu's resilience, the failure of the opposition to deliver a decisive defeat, the record turnout among Arab voters, and why the Arab parties may hold more influence than at any point in recent years. Plus, President Isaac Herzog will now play a pivotal role in determining the ruling coalition of Israel, what political bloc will he decide has the best chance of providing a stable rule? And what does this election result mean for Palestinians facing violence and worsening conditions in Gaza and the West Bank? Guest: ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle and former ABC Middle East correspondent Eric TlozekGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Europe is looking for new partners and Australia is high on the list. As the European Union seeks to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals, strengthen its industrial base and take greater responsibility for its own security, Brussels is turning increasingly toward countries it sees as trusted democratic partners. Geraldine Doogue speaks with Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice President for Industrial Strategy, during his visit to Australia. They discuss the newly completed Australia-EU free trade agreement, Europe's growing appetite for Australian critical minerals, and the push for what Europeans call "strategic autonomy" in a world shaped by China's economic power, Russia's war in Ukraine and uncertainty about America's long-term role. Plus, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke discuss Europe's political pressures at home, the rise of populist movements, migration, economic reform and what to make of the EU VP's candid statements. Can Europe become more self-reliant without turning inward? And what role could Australia play in that effort?Guest: Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice President for Industrial Strategy Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Alberta has voted overwhelmingly against opening the door to separation from Canada, dealing a significant blow to one of the country's most persistent independence movements. But while the referendum result looks decisive, does it really put the issue to rest? Political scientist Andrea Lawlor joins Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke to explain why Alberta's grievances run far deeper than this vote, why comparisons with Western Australia aren't entirely misguided, and how decades of tensions over energy, identity and federal power shaped the campaign. They also discuss the role Donald Trump may have played in the debate and whether Prime Minister Mark Carney's unusually low-key approach helped secure the result. And as tariffs loom and US-Canada relations remain strained, has Canada emerged from this referendum more united, or merely postponed a deeper reckoning? Guest: Andrea Lawlor, Associate Professor in political science, McMaster University, OntarioGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Will Israeli voters renew Benjamin Netanyahu's mandate, or is the country heading for a political turning point? ABC Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran joins Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald from Jerusalem to explain why this campaign has become a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, who is best placed to challenge him, and why the result may be far from clear even after votes are counted. They discuss the lingering political fallout from October 7, Donald Trump's extraordinary endorsement of Netanyahu, the role of Israel's Arab parties, and why coalition negotiations could prove just as important as election day itself. Matthew also reflects on the challenges of reporting from Gaza, the restrictions facing international journalists, and the growing scrutiny of violence in the occupied West Bank. Guest: Matthew Doran, ABC's Middle East Correspondent Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Has Russia’s war with Ukraine spread beyond both countries borders? From cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to attacks on critical infrastructure, one of Poland's leading Russia analysts Marek Menkiszak argues that Moscow sees itself in a broader confrontation with what it calls the "collective West". Speaking with Geraldine Doogue, Menkiszak explains why Poland considers itself on the frontline, how Russia seeks to influence elections across Europe, and why countries like France, Germany and the UK matter so much to the Kremlin's strategy. He also discusses whether NATO's response has been strong enough, how Russia is using nuclear threats as psychological warfare, and why some European leaders believe Moscow will continue testing Western resolve until it faces much higher costs. If Russia already believes it's at war with the West, how should democracies respond without triggering a wider conflict? Guest: Marek Menkiszak, head of the Russian department at the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) in Warsaw. Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

In the wake of the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke revisit their interview on the violence aimed towards women in politics. NOTE: This episode was initially broadcast on Thursday 13th of August A growing body of research suggests women in public life are facing a wave of online harassment that has been amplified by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns. In this episode of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke examine the implications for democracy. If women are increasingly targeted with sexualised abuse, fake images and threats of violence, will fewer choose to enter public life? Australian journalist and academic Dr Julie Posetti, who led a landmark UN study on online violence against women in public life, explains how AI is changing the threat landscape and why research is drawing links between online abuse and real-world harm. Former NSW minister Bronnie Taylor reflects on her own experience of abuse in politics and why she fears the problem could deter women from putting their hands up for elected office. Could online misogyny be reshaping democracy itself? And what can governments, regulators and technology companies do about it? Guests: Dr Julie Posetti, journalist, academic and UN researcher Bronnie Taylor, former NSW Nationals minister and Women for Election advisory board member Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert weighs in on the upcoming election, and the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Francom. With Israel heading to the polls on 27 October in what many say is the country's most consequential election in decades, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are joined by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – a longstanding and vocal critic of Benjamin Netanyahu – to unpack what’s at stake. Olmert argues the election will determine the character of Israeli democracy itself, and explores the possibility that a higher turnout among Arab-Israeli voters could deny Netanyahu the numbers to govern. He also addresses the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza, saying those responsible should face court martial. Guest: Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Political tradition usually dictates that the midterm elections are bad news for the incumbent president. But when has Donald Trump ever been traditional? Despite returning to the White House promising lower prices, a stronger economy and fewer overseas conflicts, voters remain frustrated by inflation, rising fuel costs and an ongoing war with Iran. Will Democrats capitalise on the dissatisfaction? Former White House correspondent Josh Lederman joins Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly to explain why Democrats are suddenly competitive in deeply Republican states like Texas, Alaska and Kansas, why some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump, and whether the polls can be trusted at all. They also examine the growing influence of the Democratic Party's progressive wing, the future of MAGA after Trump, and what happens if Republicans lose control of Congress. Guest: Josh Lederman, journalist, former White House correspondent Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

ABC Asia editor Karishma Vyas joins Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald to unpack a week of fast-moving stories across Asia. In India, a youth protest movement – born after the the chief justice of India offhandedly called unemployed graduates “cockroaches and parasites” – has taken to the streets of New Delhi following the government's decision to strike 130 million names from the electoral roll, triggering a police crackdown, mass arrests and detention of the movement's leaders. Meanwhile, in Laos, China has opened its first foreign air base, a former Vietnam War-era facility now repurposed with Beijing’s backing. Vietnam is watching the development closely given its own territorial disputes with China. Plus: the trial date is set for Simon Carman, the Australian man accused of murdering 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla in Pattaya, and what the case reveals about Pattaya’s sex tourism economy. Guest: Karishma Vyas, the ABC's Asia editor Recommendations: Karishma – NAZA documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor Hamish – 2026 ABC Boyer Lecture Series Geraldine – David Brooks , author Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

In 2019, 19-year-old Zac Brettler fell from a riverside apartment balcony into the Thames. His death would reveal a massive dirty-money empire. Brettler's parents went looking for answers and learned their son had been living a lie, posing as the son of a Russian oligarch. Patrick Radden Keefe, Author of blockbuster books London Falling and Say Nothing, traces how one boy’s death opens onto a far bigger story: how London remade itself as a safe harbour for Russian and Gulf money.Keefe calls himself the skunk at the garden party, the outsider who names what locals keep hidden in plain sight Hamish Macdonald sits down with Keefe for a long, warm talk about money, grief, Instagram and why the truest stories hide where everyone can see them. Waleed Aly sets it up.Guest: Patrick Radden Keefe, Investigative journalist and author of London Falling & Say NothingGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Gold is the ultimate rainy-day investment. So why are countries around the world shoring up their stockpiles? And what does it mean when the price of gold drops after reaching record highs? Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke are joined by Adrian Ash, the director of research at leading gold market BullionVault, to explain how China and Russia use gold to avoid sanctions, build wealth, and collect cultural capital. Plus, why are countries like France and the Netherlands moving their gold out of U.S. vaults back to their territory? And how did the world change when we moved away from the gold standard? Guest: Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wedged between Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Jordan has spent decades surviving crises that would have broken many states. It hosts millions of refugees, depends heavily on US support and now sits at the centre of the widening confrontation involving Iran, Israel and Washington. This year alone, Jordan is due to receive almost US$2 billion in American aid while also finding itself increasingly exposed to regional conflict. But according to political scientist Sean Yom, Jordan's greatest fear isn't Iran. It's the possibility that Israel moves to annex the West Bank, triggering a new wave of Palestinian displacement across the Jordan River. For a country where an estimated 50 to 65 per cent of citizens are of Palestinian origin, the consequences could be profound. Could the kingdom absorb another refugee influx? What happens if Donald Trump backs away from opposition to annexation? And why does King Abdullah believe Jordan's crisis could become the Middle East's crisis? Laura Tingle and Latika Bourke speak with Jordan specialist Sean Yom, Author of Jordan: Politics in an Accidental Crucible about the strategic pressure bearing down on one of Washington's most important Arab allies, and why Australia's visitors from Amman may have more urgent messages than ever before. Guest: Sean Yom, Author of Jordan: Politics in an Accidental Crucible and Professor of Political Science at Temple UniversityGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

His father’s in jail for attempting a coup, but Flavio Bolsonaro currently stands as the likeliest candidate for president of Brazil after the first round of voting. But as Brazil’s continues to rely heavily on Chinese trade, could the Trump-aligned leader find himself caught between his ideological goals and Brazil’s economic needs? This week, Laura Tingle and Latika Bourke speak with Brazilian political analyst Thiago de Aragão about the shock result in Brazil’s first-round election, the deep polarisation of Brazil’s electorate, and why president Lula’s pitch did not resonate with voters as much as he had hoped. Plus, as the EU-Mercosur trade agreement builds steam, could Brazil’s future lie with Europe? Guest: Thiago de Aragão, Brazilian political analyst, director of Arko Advice consultancy Get in touch: If you'd like to attend the 2026 ABC Boyer Lectures in Sydney on October 14th, please email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Please note tickets are limited.

Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros is done, handing David Ellison, son of Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, control of CBS, CNN, HBO Max, Paramount Plus and more. Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald are joined by international correspondent Anna Fifield to unpack what it means that CBS is now run by Bari Weiss, a former New York Times writer with no television experience, and why insiders are already asking whether the network’s rightward tilt is coming for CNN next. Plus: New Zealand’s election campaign heads into its final weeks with both major parties polling at historic lows, and Anthony Albanese’s awkward moment at the Pacific pre-COP meeting in Tuvalu. Guest: Anna Fifield, Independent journalist and foreign affairs commentator. Author of the Between Giants Substack. Get in touch: If you'd like to attend the 2026 ABC Boyer Lectures in Sydney on October 14th, please email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Please note tickets are limited. Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

As long-held relationships between the US and traditional allies like Canada and the UK unravel, does Australia need to start eyeing the emergency exit? Does Australia need a plan B? That was the topic at a major United States Studies Centre debate in Sydney held earlier this month between former department of Foreign Affairs secretary Peter Varghese and former Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezullo, hosted by Global Roaming's Geraldine Doogue. On today's episode of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue and Nick Bryant discuss the major arguments of the debate, the assumptions and myths underpinning the relationship between Australia and the US, and whether Australia might be more independent in its foreign policy than some detractors might have thought. Plus, what countries are the best candidates for Australia to forge closer relationships with? And how has the Australian-US relationship changed from Menzies and JFK to Trump and Albanese? Guests: Peter Varghese, former Secretary of the department of Foreign Affairs and Trade & Mike Pezullo, former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs. Get in touch: If you'd like to attend the 2026 ABC Boyer Lectures in Sydney on October 14th, please email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Please note tickets are limited. Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.

It's been called the largest mass abduction of children since World War II. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken by Russia since the full-scale invasion began, and many have never returned. ABC Europe correspondent Kathryn Diss joins Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke to explain what investigators, lawyers and Ukrainian officials say is a systematic effort to separate children from their families, erase their Ukrainian identity and absorb them into Russia. Kathryn describes the underground network trying to bring children home, the obstacles facing rescue missions, and the obfuscation strategy employed by the Russian government.Guest: Kathryn Diss, ABC's Europe Correspondent Get in touch: If you'd like to attend the 2026 ABC Boyer Lectures in Sydney on October 14th, please email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au