Épisodes

  • Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Gaza's Invasion, and a Nuclear Pact

    Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Gaza's Invasion, and a Nuclear Pact
    Sep 22 2025
    This week, we unpack a world on the brink. From Ukraine's daring counteroffensive striking deep inside Russia to Israel's high-stakes ground invasion of Gaza, we analyze the critical decisions and their devastating consequences. Is Russia's escalating pressure on NATO a distraction, or part of a larger, more dangerous game?




    Episode Highlights
    • Ukraine's Two-Front Strategy: Ukrainian forces are not only reclaiming territory in the east but are also crippling Russia's war economy by targeting critical oil facilities deep inside the country.


    • Israel's Gaza Offensive: We break down why the Israeli government initiated a major ground offensive against the advice of its own security chiefs, sparking a humanitarian catastrophe and a chilling ultimatum from Hamas regarding the remaining hostages.




    • The New Nuclear Axis: Intelligence reports allege that Russia has supplied North Korea with a nuclear reactor and other key components for a submarine, a payment for munitions that could fundamentally alter the security landscape in Asia.



    • US vs. Venezuela: Tensions in the Caribbean are reaching a boiling point as the U.S. conducts lethal strikes against alleged "narcoterrorists," prompting a confrontational military response from Venezuela and bringing the two nations closer to direct conflict


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    44 min
  • Lines Crossed Israel's Qatar Strike & Russia's NATO Test

    Lines Crossed Israel's Qatar Strike & Russia's NATO Test
    Sep 15 2025
    This week, geopolitical red lines are crossed, throwing decades of established rules into question. We break down Israel's unprecedented and failed strike inside Qatar that has shattered regional alliances, and we analyze the moment NATO forces fired on Russian drones over Poland for the first time.Episode Highlights
    • Israel's Doha Gamble: The anatomy of the failed assassination attempt in Doha , how the mission was pushed by Prime Minister Netanyahu against the advice of his own intelligence and military chiefs , and the diplomatic firestorm it created with the U.S. and a betrayed Gulf.




    • NATO's Red Line: For the first time, a NATO member has fired shots in an incident related to the war in Ukraine after Russian drones violated Polish airspace. We explore the competing narratives—deliberate provocation or accident—and NATO's new 'Eastern Sentry' mission.



    • The War on Four Fronts: An inside look at the escalating conflict in Ukraine, from Russia’s heaviest aerial bombardment of Kyiv and Ukraine’s asymmetric drone strikes on Russian oil terminals to the hidden war over foreign-made microchips found in Russian missiles.



    • Nepal's Digital Revolution: How a government's attempt to ban 26 social media platforms backfired , igniting a powder keg of youth-led anger over corruption that toppled the government in a matter of days.


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    45 min
  • The Axis of Convenience: A New Global Order Emerges

    The Axis of Convenience: A New Global Order Emerges
    Sep 8 2025
    This week, we unpack the formation of a new pragmatic alliance in Beijing designed to challenge the West. From Vladimir Putin's direct "red line" threat in Ukraine to a controversial U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, we ask: is the unipolar moment officially over?




    Episode Highlights
    • Putin's Ultimatum: Russia’s president issues a direct threat, stating any Western troops in Ukraine, including peacekeepers, will be considered "legitimate targets," as allies debate the systemic financial risks of seizing frozen Russian assets.

    • Gaza's Stalemate: A deep dive into the stalled hostage negotiations, where Hamas seeks survival and Israel seeks its opponent's elimination, leading to a growing divide between Israel's political leadership and its military command.

    • The Axis of Convenience: Inside China's massive Victory Day parade, where the presence of Russia, North Korea, India, and Iran signals the rise of a pragmatic bloc built to counter Western influence.



    • A World Rebalancing: We explore how punitive U.S. tariffs are pushing India toward a tactical alliance with China and analyze the legality of the White House's decision to use lethal military force against a cartel vessel in international waters.


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    45 min
  • Israel's Expanding Shadow War & Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock

    Israel's Expanding Shadow War & Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock
    Sep 1 2025
    This week, we analyze the breakdown of diplomacy in Ukraine following the Trump-Putin summit and explore the widening conflict in the Middle East, as Israel launches a new offensive in Gaza and targets Houthi leadership in Yemen. Is military force becoming the only language of negotiation on the world stage?




    Episode Highlights
    • Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock: An inside look at why peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with the U.S. stepping back from its role as chief negotiator. We also discuss the chilling assassination of a high-profile Ukrainian political figure in Lviv and its use as a psychological warfare tactic.



    • Gaza's Deepening Crisis: As the IDF declares Gaza City a combat zone and resumes its offensive , we examine the devastating humanitarian impact, including a declared famine , and the internal Israeli political push for the annexation of the Gaza Strip.




    • Israel's Decapitation Strategy: An analysis of Israel's targeted strike against the Houthi leadership in Yemen. We explore why this tactic is successful at disrupting groups like the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah but ultimately fails to defeat their underlying ideology.


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    57 min
  • The New Path to Peace? Ukraine, Gaza, & The Resurgence of ISIS

    The New Path to Peace? Ukraine, Gaza, & The Resurgence of ISIS
    Aug 25 2025
    This week, we break down the latest diplomatic efforts in the war in Ukraine, the dangerous new tactics complicating aid efforts in Gaza, and the brutal resurgence of ISIS on the African continent. Is a path to peace finally on the table, and what are the new global threats we need to be watching?

    Episode Highlights
    • Ukraine Diplomacy: We discuss the new framework for a long-term peace deal in Ukraine, including a shift in Russia's position on security guarantees and the potential for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky.

    • Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis: We explore the dangerous new tactic of militants impersonating aid workers, the ongoing stalemate in ceasefire negotiations, and the internal political pressures facing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

    • ISIS Resurgence: We analyze the brutal comeback of ISIS in Africa, the strategic use of their newsletter Al-Naba to broadcast their intentions, and the chilling, religiously motivated violence targeting Christian communities.


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    46 min
  • New Cold Wars? A look at Global Power Plays from Alaska to the Middle East

    New Cold Wars? A look at Global Power Plays from Alaska to the Middle East
    Aug 11 2025
    This week we break down a whirlwind of global events, from a high-stakes summit in Alaska to a dangerous new phase in the Middle East. We analyze the motivations behind the Trump-Putin meeting and the international backlash to Israel's plan for Gaza City, and look at the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over drug cartels.

    Episode Highlights
    • The Trump-Putin Summit: We explore the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska, which is intended to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine. We look into why this bilateral meeting has sparked concern and confusion, especially regarding Ukraine's exclusion from the initial talks, and what a potential territorial exchange might mean for the region.

    • Gaza's Escalation & Global Backlash: We dive into the international response to Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, including strong rebukes from the United Nations and key allies like Germany, who has halted arms exports to Israel. We also discuss the significant policy divergence between the U.S. and the UK on the issue of a Palestinian state.




    • The U.S. vs. Mexican Cartels: We explain the U.S. administration's official designation of drug cartels as "global terrorist organizations" and a new directive to use military force against them. We also examine the tension this creates with Mexico, whose president has stated that U.S. military will not be entering Mexican territory.


    • China-Russia Joint Naval Drills: We break down the recent joint naval exercises between China and Russia in the Sea of Japan, which simulated attacks on adversarial submarines and amphibious ships. We discuss the significance of these drills as a demonstration of their growing "no-limits" strategic partnership and a response to U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained" wherever you listen to podcasts and hit subscribe to get alerted to new episodes! If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it truly helps others discover the show. You can also engage with us by leaving comments on Spotify. Discover more great podcasts from the Leon Media Network at leonmedianetwork.com, and follow us on social media @thisweekexplained.
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    This Week Explained is presented by our new friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee & Positively Tea. Have a cup of the best tasting coffee that gets Tiana & Kervin through breaking down the latest geopolitics news! Visit our link - https://lddy.no/1lc0u & use our promo code THISWEEK for 20% off your first purchase!
    Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Follow us @thisweekexplained for more.
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    Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on the podcast 'This Week Explained' are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided on the podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or a substitute for independent research and analysis. Each individual listener should research and identify their own opinions based on facts and logic before making any decisions based on the information provided on the podcast. The podcast hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by individuals based on the information provided on the podcast.

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    47 min
  • Ukraine, Gaza & Asia's New Flashpoint: A World in Flux

    Ukraine, Gaza & Asia's New Flashpoint: A World in Flux
    Jul 28 2025
    This week, we unpack the latest diplomatic and military developments in Ukraine and Gaza, alongside a new and escalating conflict in the South China Sea. Are these regional flashes leading to a broader global recalibration?


    Episode Highlights:
    • Ukraine's Diplomatic Dance: High-level meetings are on the horizon, with US President Trump, British Prime Minister Starmer, and EU Commission President von der Leyen discussing an end to the war, while the US pressures China to halt support for Russia's aggression.

    • Gaza's Humanitarian Catastrophe: Ceasefire negotiations have stalled, leading to a grim humanitarian crisis with increasing starvation deaths, as Israel signals a major military campaign to dismantle Hamas.

    • Thailand-Cambodia Border Eruption: A century-old territorial dispute has exploded into heavy fighting, displacing nearly 200,000 people and testing alliances amidst accusations of civilian targeting and the use of banned munitions.

    • Geopolitical Chessboard: The Southeast Asian conflict highlights the strategic competition between the US and China, with Beijing positioning itself as a mediator and the US balancing its alliances while deterring conflict over Taiwan.
    Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained" wherever you listen to podcasts and hit subscribe to get alerted to new episodes! If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it truly helps others discover the show. You can also engage with us by leaving comments on Spotify. Discover more great podcasts from the Leon Media Network at leonmedianetwork.com, and follow us on social media @thisweekexplained.
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    This is an advertisement from our new friends over at BetterHelp. Helping you build the mental resilience to navigate a complex world! Talk it out, with BetterHelp! Visit our link - BetterHelp.com/THISWEEK. Using this link acts as your promo code THISWEEK for 10% off your first month!
    -------
    This Week Explained is presented by our new friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee & Positively Tea. Have a cup of the best tasting coffee that gets Tiana & Kervin through breaking down the latest geopolitics news! Visit our link - https://lddy.no/1lc0u & use our promo code THISWEEK for 20% off your first purchase!
    Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Follow us @thisweekexplained for more.
    -------------
    Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on the podcast 'This Week Explained' are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided on the podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or a substitute for independent research and analysis. Each individual listener should research and identify their own opinions based on facts and logic before making any decisions based on the information provided on the podcast. The podcast hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by individuals based on the information provided on the podcast.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.
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    42 min
  • Beyond the Headlines: Can Peace Hold in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria?

    Beyond the Headlines: Can Peace Hold in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria?
    Jul 21 2025
    This week, we dive into the intensifying conflicts in Ukraine, the deepening humanitarian crisis and stalled truce talks in Gaza, and the alarming escalation of sectarian violence in Syria. We analyze the complex dynamics, international responses, and what these developments mean for global stability.



    Episode Highlights:
    • Ukraine War Update: Explore the increased reliance on drone warfare, the effectiveness of the latest EU sanctions, the crucial role of continued military aid, and the viability of a potential US-Ukraine drone deal.



    • Gaza Ceasefire Hurdles: Understand the complexities of the proposed 60-day truce, the trust issues between Israel and Hamas, and the devastating impact of the humanitarian crisis on negotiations.



    • Syria's Sectarian Surge: Examine the fresh wave of violence in Suweida between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters, Israel's military intervention, and the international reactions to the escalating situation.


    • Iran's Stance & Regional Volatility: Discuss Iran's response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities and how this, combined with other conflicts, contributes to increased regional instability and the risk of wider confrontations.

    • The "Who Stops First" Dilemma: Delve into the pervasive issue of mistrust and unfulfilled promises that hinders de-escalation in both the Gaza and Syrian conflicts.
    Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained" wherever you listen to podcasts and hit subscribe to get alerted to new episodes! If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it truly helps others discover the show. You can also engage with us by leaving comments on Spotify. Discover more great podcasts from the Leon Media Network at leonmedianetwork.com, and follow us on social media @thisweekexplained.
    ------
    This is an advertisement from our new friends over at BetterHelp. Helping you build the mental resilience to navigate a complex world! Talk it out, with BetterHelp! Visit our link - BetterHelp.com/THISWEEK. Using this link acts as your promo code THISWEEK for 10% off your first month!
    -------
    This Week Explained is presented by our new friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee & Positively Tea. Have a cup of the best tasting coffee that gets Tiana & Kervin through breaking down the latest geopolitics news! Visit our link - https://lddy.no/1lc0u & use our promo code THISWEEK for 20% off your first purchase!
    Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network! Follow us @thisweekexplained for more.
    -------------
    Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on the podcast 'This Week Explained' are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided on the podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or a substitute for independent research and analysis. Each individual listener should research and identify their own opinions based on facts and logic before making any decisions based on the information provided on the podcast. The podcast hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by individuals based on the information provided on the podcast.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    48 min