We discuss the first Japan-hosted meeting of the Five Eyes grouping of intelligence officials from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Plus: the UK prime minister is one of the last centre-left leaders who hasn’t lost an election – can Keir Starmer handle the spotlight as Western support for Ukraine falters? And: we head to Austria for ‘The Global Countdown’ with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US embassy in Kyiv closes amid fears of a major Russian missile attack, just as US president Joe Biden agrees to give anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. Then: Austria’s three-party coalition begins to take shape and a group of authors in Australia provide every federal politician with five books to encourage a nuanced debate over the Middle East conflict. Plus: Los Angeles declares itself a “sanctuary city” and we get the latest fashion news from Balenciaga to LVMH and Saint Laurent.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world reacts to Hong Kong’s imprisonment of 45 pro-democracy activists, Steve Tsang joins Georgina Godwin to discuss Beijing’s defence of the landmark sentencing. Then: the first globally extinct bird species from mainland Europe and North Africa and West Asia with Stephen Moss. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of asking, Ukraine has been granted permission to use long-range missiles provided by the West, to strike deep inside of Russia. Biden’s decision comes just days before a major assault is expected by Russian and North Korean troops to dislodge Ukrainian forces from Kursk. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil is set to host the G20 summit with world leaders expected to focus on social inclusion, global reform and sustainability. But will it be overshadowed by president-elect Trump? Plus: Marine Le Pen battles to stay on the ballot in French courts, secret plans for pay-per-mile driving in London and an Asian news roundup. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Xi Jinping inaugurates a $1.3bn port during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru, we discuss China’s expanding influence in South America ahead of next week’s G20 summit. Plus: is Cop29 doomed to fail? And: we head to Italy for ‘The Global Countdown’ with Fernando Augusto Pacheco.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump has made Elon Musk a cost-cutting tsar as the head of a newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Then: we examine how the violence in Amsterdam surrounding a football match involving an Israeli team unfolded. Plus: how Finns combat the winter blues and the surge in Americans looking to move abroad.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US president-elect Trump has begun forming his new cabinet. We examine what the White House hopefuls could bring to their roles. Then: world leaders descend on Lima for the Apec summit. Plus: we dig through the archives at Magnum Photos.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine takes the fight to Moscow amid confusion over whether Donald Trump actually spoke with Vladimir Putin over the weekend. Will Kim Jong-un be feeling “fire and fury” from the president-elect or will they be exchanging love letters once again? Plus: a round-up of the latest architecture news and a check-in with the COP29 climate summit. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Trump appoints Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, Katie Gaddini joins from Washington to discuss the speculations around Trump’s cabinet appointments. Plus: violent attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam and Karen Krizanovich joins us for the latest from the world of film. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Harris delivers her concession speech, Natasha Lindstaedt joins Andrew Mueller to discuss what Trump’s first 100 days could look like. Then: Melissa Hamilton discusses the small matter of Trump’s criminal convictions and ongoing legal problems. Plus: Nic Monisse joins from Dubai Design Week. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.