We can’t believe we’re saying this, but this is our last Global Questions episode! After 2.5 years and 100+ episodes, Josh, Rhiannon and Kelly have decided it’s time to turn off the mics and take a well-earned rest. So, join the entire GQ team as they: Recap their favourite episodes Give a sneak peak behind the scenes Chat about the highs (and lows…

Inequality is complex and varied, but have you ever heard of the digital divide? As new technologies emerge and we live more of our lives online, the divide between those who have reliable internet access and those who don't only deepens. This week, for our final In-Depth episode on technology, Rhiannon talks to Dr George Ingram, a senior fellow at…

Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss: The collapse of Israel’s government, and why it means Netanyahu could become PM *again*. Why the UK’s attempt to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was temporarily blocked by a European court. Hun Sen’s strategy to crush Cambodian democracy and establish a dictatorship. The ‘civilised’ conflict you’ve probably never …

Social media has revolutionized terrorism. It has made recruitment easier, sped up the process of radicalisation and provided a safe haven for extremists to talk to each other. It's also increased the impact of acts of terror. With a click of a button, terrorists can livestream their acts to millions of people. So, what are tech companies doing to …

Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss: Why the new president of the Conference on Disarmament is ... North Korea. Why El Salvador’s president has jailed 36,000 people in two months. What Putin's recent meeting with the head of the African Union was about. Whether the British monarchy can survive the next few decades. Are you enjoying Global Questions…

In this episode we are talking all things space! Does space law actually constrain the behaviour of states? Do we have a responsibility to care for the environment in space? Is there a space race between the US and China, and if so, what are the stakes? Does space exploration represent the latest form of colonialism? Discussing all of these questio…

In light of the recent federal election, today's episode is a shorter one that keeps with the election theme! Join Kelly and Josh as they discuss: How BongBong Marcos, son of a brutal dictator, convinced the Philippines to elect him President. Why the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy can be attributed to one family. As Josh mentioned, here are some …

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…

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 …

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 2…

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 dic…

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 stabili…

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 i…

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 so…

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 uncove…

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 Glo…

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 enslavin…

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. …

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 de…

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 o…

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…

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 fo…

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 Conspirac…

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 Championship…

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 S…

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, technologica…

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…

Press freedom is the 'cornerstone' of democracy according to the UN. Yet in the past few years, journalism has been under attack. Reporters face physical and legal threats both in Australia and around the world. This week Josh chats with Marcus Strom about the decline in press freedom, what it means for democracy and how we can repair the damage. M…

Josh and Hugh’s fortnightly recap of international news is here! Join us as we discuss: Why Beirut was in chaos last week (and what it means for Lebanon). How the world is responding to Afghanistan’s aid crisis. Kenya and Somalia’s ocean spat in the world’s highest court. Controversy over the US’s “kindergarten level” cyber security. Are you enjoyi…

Tune in for the first episode in our In-Depth series on Democracy in Decline. This week, Rhiannon chats to Associate Professor Tom Daly and Asanga Abeyagoonesekera about how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting democracy around the globe. Tom is the Deputy Director of the University of Melbourne's School of Government. He's also the Director of the r…

Josh and Hugh’s fortnightly recap of international news is back! (Trust us, we're as excited as you are!!) Join us as we discuss: The power outages crippling Chinese cities and factories. What Germany's election stalemate means for EU stability. Whether a boxing champ could be the Philippines’ next President. Nigeria’s decision to turn off phone ne…

Global Questions is back for an exciting fifth season! We have had a decent break over the past few weeks and are super excited to be back in your ears delivering you guys a new season on the topic 'Democracy in Decline'. In the break, we underwent some pretty big changes, and we would like to introduce you to one of them - our new In-Depth host Rh…

Given some of our founding members are moving on from Global Questions, we are bringing you their all-time favourite episodes! This week, we are re-sharing Emma's favourite episode - the In-Depth discussion with Ama Burkoh and Nayonika Bhattacharya on the BLM movement and how it relates to Indigenous Australians. For this episode we delve into the …

Given some of our founding members are moving on from Global Questions, we are bringing you their all-time favourite episodes! This week, we are re-sharing Gen's favourite episode - the In-Depth discussion with Bernard Collaery on Witness K during our season on security. Bernard Collaery is an Australian barrister, lawyer and former Attorney-Genera…

Today's episode is a farewell to Genevieve Marcocci and Emma Fabreguette, two of the founding members of Global Questions. Both Gen and Emma are moving on to bigger and better things, so we wanted to give them a proper send-off by inviting them on the show and quizzing them on a range of topics -- including what it was like to start the podcast and…

Surprise!! You thought Season 4 was over, but we have one more bonus episode for you! --- Before you read any further, we need your help! We're changing things up at Global Questions, and we want to hear from you about what we should alter. Complete our survey, and you'll go into the draw to win a $20 voucher. --- In this Trailblazers episode, Hugh…

Here at Global Questions, we're making some BIG changes. And we want your input. Complete this survey and you could win a $20 voucher to a store of your choice. https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/tKQZEgnW From all of us at Global Questions, thank you. ❤️❤️ It means a lot. T&C's To enter the draw, enter your email at the end of the survey. A winner wil…

In our last episode of Season 4 on Climate Change, Josh chats to Paul Govind and Mark McVeigh on how climate change and the law are increasingly intertwined through both environmental litigation and community-led activism. Paul is a Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Law at Macquarie University Law School; his research and interest focussing …

Joshua and Hugh’s fortnightly chat about news from around the world is here! Join us as we discuss: The battle between Haiti’s rival PMs, following President Moise’s assassination. Why the Sinovac vaccine is causing headaches for China and the world. The fallout from the biggest Cuban protests in 27 years. How a gas pipeline could help Russia cripp…

Emma and Gen chat with Anet McClintock and Professor Stephen M. Walt on the convergence of conflict and climate change on a global scale. Anet is completing her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations and German at the University of Melbourne and is also a Senior Correspondent at the Young Diplomats Society, with a particular interest…

Joshua and Hugh’s fortnightly chat about news from around the world is here! Join us as we discuss: Why Lebanon is facing a 'social explosion'. The dramatic arrest of former South African President Jacob Zuma. A plan to turn Ukraine into a mercenary hub. Controversy as France tries to fight climate change via its constitution. Are you enjoying Glob…

Josh chats to Anna Gero about how climate change is affecting the developing world. Anna is a research principal at the University of Technology Sydney's Institute for Sustainable Futures, her work focuses on the intersection between climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and development in the Asia-Pacific region. In this episode Josh…

Joshua and Hugh’s fortnightly wrap-up of news from around the world is here! Join us as we chat about: Iran’s controversial new president. The CCP's 100th birthday celebrations. Protests in Spain as separatists are freed from jail. The threat posed by far-right security officials within the EU.Are you enjoying Global Questions? Do you have a tip fo…

Emma chats to Alana Mann about the intersection between food security, veganism and climate change. Alana Mann is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), University of Sydney, Australia, and a key researcher in the University's Sydney Environment Institute. Her researc…

Joshua and Hugh’s fortnightly recap of news from around the world is here! Join us as we discuss: - Upheaval in Afghanistan as the Taliban gains new ground. - The protestors training to take down Myanmar’s military. - El Salvador's decision to make Bitcoin legal tender. - Arguments within the UN over how to end HIV/AIDS. Are you enjoying Global Que…