Global Questions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to augment military capabilities since the missile defence systems of the 1980s, but today’s AI is becoming more sophisticated and pervasive in the development of semi-autonomous weapons. So what does this mean for the future of warfare and contemporary conflicts around the globe? This week, Rhiannon chats with Dr Peter Layton, a Visiting Fellow at the Gr...

Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss … Unprecedented anger within China at Xi Jinping’s harsh Covid strategy. What the Supreme Court’s abortion decision could mean for America *and the world*. The growing threat of war between Israel and Palestine over evictions. Sinn Fein’s historic victory in Northern Ireland’s elections – and their plan to leave the UK. Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an...

There is little that is uncontroversial when it comes to cryptocurrency, from its wild fluctuations and energy usage to its links to transnational crime and mysterious origins. In this episode, Rhiannon chats to David Gerard, an author and cryptocurrency journalist from London.  They talk about: What cryptocurrency is and how it came about back in 2008 The benefits and dangers of digital curr...

It's finally here!  Join Josh and Kelly as they discuss some of the * crazy * stories from the last fortnight.  They chat about: The secretive private army that murdered civilians, and then tried to blame the French military. Why China's deal with the Solomon Islands is controversial. Whether Tunisia's President is a democratic hero, or an aspiring dictator (spoiler: no one knows!). How...

Our first in-depth episode for Season 6 tackles the controversial topic of mass surveillance.  New technology allows governments and companies to track nearly everything we do: what we buy, where we go, who we meet and how we think.  It's given them an unprecedented amount of power. So, what does this mean for our safety, democracy and global stability?  Join Rhiannon, Kevin Macnish...

Join Josh and Kelly as they unpack the wild stories making news over the last fortnight!  We chat about:  Why Russia was removed from the UNHRC, and whether it could be kicked out of the UN entirely.  The fate of Pakistan's ex-cricketer and ex-PM, Imran Khan.  Why this year's World Cup in Qatar may be responsible for up to 6,750 deaths.  How a Chinese invasion of Taiwan co...

We are back!! Join Rhiannon, Josh and our *new co-host* as they reveal the topic for this season's fortnightly IN-DEPTH episodes. Season 6 will also feature our popular news summaries ( THE WRAP UP ) and tips for how to start your international career ( TRAILBLAZERS ).  First episode is out next Tuesday 12th April. Tell your friends, share it on your socials and get ready for our best season...

This is a throwback to the very first episode ever published on Global Questions!  At the end of 2019, Gen interviewed Gillian Triggs, the former head of the Australian Human Rights Commission and current Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.   Gillian chats with Gen about: Australia's inhumane refugee policies;  What the Commission uncovered during its investigation in...

In 2020, Gen had the privilege to interview the former PM, Kevin Rudd, about his campaign for a royal commission into the Murdoch empire.  They discuss: Why media diversity is so important How the Murdoch empire influences media coverage, politics and public discourse What you can do to speak up for media diversity in Australia FOLLOW US: Follow Global Questions on Instagram , Facebook and Tw...

In 2021, Gen spoke to Nuria Yu and Nathan Ruser about the ongoing persecution of the Uyghur ethnic group in China.  It's estimated that up to 2 million Uyghurs have been detained in 're-education' camps that are similar to the concentration camps of World War II.  There's evidence the Chinese government is forcibly sterilising, torturing and enslaving Uyghurs -- which human rights groups...

We may be on a break, but you can still listen to some of our favourite episodes! In 2021, Josh chatted to Paul Govind and Mark McVeigh about why young people are suing companies and governments over climate change.  At age 23, Mark took his super company, REST, to court.  He argued the $57bn company failed to consider climate change when investing.  Days before the trial, REST admi...

We have finally reached the last episode of season 5 on the decline of democracy and boy is it a good one! This week Rhiannon brings you two incredibly passionate guests, Iain Walker and Tim Hollo. Iain is the executive director of New Democracy – a research organisation established to ensure citizens trust their government's decision making and democratic processes. Rhiannon chats to Iain about d...

Our monthly Trailblazer episodes are back and Rhiannon had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Janielle Beh for this month's episode! After completing her schooling at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Janielle graduated from the Melbourne Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music in 2014, and then went on to complete her Master of Teaching (Music Education) at Monash University...

Join Josh and our special guest, Kelly, as they both unpack: Why the potential invasion of Ukraine could cripple Europe’s gas supplies How a group of Irish fishermen took on the Russian navy … and won Why leaders of the far-right are gathering in Budapest next month The global implications of Honduras’ first female president Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? I...

We're back!!  After the Christmas holidays, it's time to bring you the final episodes in our series on the decline of democracy. Today, we take a closer look at the Chinese Communist Party.  Under Xi Jingping, China has sought to undermine democratic nations and to export its authoritarian form of government to other countries.  What does this mean for the future of liberal democrac...

It is the last episode of the year and boy is it a good one!! Rhiannon chats to Jesse Walker, a renowned writer and an editor of Reason magazine, on conspiracy theories and political paranoia, and how they are affecting democracy worldwide. Jesse has written numerous books including his most recent book - "The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory”. They discuss: the history of conspiracy...

Join us for Hugh’s final episode on The Wrap Up (more details in the episode!).  Today on the show: Why Rohingya refugees are suing Facebook for US$150 billion . Can the Iran deal be saved, or is war on the horizon? Protests in Serbia over Europe’s biggest lithium mine. Why Algeria and Morocco are fighting over the African Men’s Handball Championships. Josh and Hugh also chat about their favo...

Since receiving its independence in 1947, India has stood as a bastion of democracy in the Indo-Pacific. However, while India boasts a liberal-democratic constitution and a strong culture of political participation, we have seen shifts away from democracy to arguably more authoritarian systems. In this In-Depth episode, Rhiannon chats with Mauktik Kulkarni, an entrepreneur, neuroscientist, author,...

It's the first Thursday of the month, so it's time for another Trailblazer Thursday! Today’s guest is Bronte Munro. Bronte is completing her Master of Cybersecurity at Macquarie University and is the Cyber and Technology Fellow at Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA). She also interns as a research officer at Thales Australia, a global technology leader that invests in artificial...

Join Josh and Hugh as they unpack: Why Ethiopia’s PM has left his palace and is now living on a battlefield. The dramatic events in the Solomon Islands, including why Australia is sending troops there. Competition between the US and China over the future of Taiwan. Sweden’s first female PM (who resigned on her first day in office!) Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming epi...

The world has witnessed unprecedented levels of globalisation over the past few decades, and while it has substantially improved living conditions, communication and flow of information, it has also created new levels of inequality within and between countries.  In today's In-Depth episode, Rhiannon chats to Steven Slaughter, Associate Professor in International Relations at Deakin University...

Your fortnightly dose of news is here! Join Josh and Hugh as they unpack: The good, the bad and the ugly from COP26. Why Belarus is flying migrants to the EU border. The latest attempt to silence Thailand's student activists. A potential boycott of the Winter Olympics as China/US tensions rise. Are you enjoying Global Questions? Got an idea for an upcoming episode? If so, we'd love to hear from yo...

The rise of populism in recent years has provoked profound questions around the viability of existing democratic systems and the future of developing democracies. This week we have two insightful guests to discuss the rise of populism and how it is influencing democracy around the world. First up, Rhiannon chats to Anastasia Kapetas, the National Security Editor at The Strategist from the Australi...

We are back with our new Trailblazer Thursdays - our special monthly episode where we chat to young professionals about their global careers.  Today's guest is Daria Impiombato, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s (ASPI) International Cyber Policy Centre in Canberra, Australia. Her research includes human rights, technological advancements, activism in authoritarian re...

Josh and Hugh’s fortnightly recap of international news is here!  Join us as we discuss: The aim of COP26 (and why it’s been dubbed the world’s “last chance”). How Sudan’s coup could affect global trade and help Russia. Why a dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia has worried Iran. Why Richard Gere is testifying against Italy’s former deputy PM in a kidnapping trial. Are you enjoying Global Q...