From the Arctic to the Axis: Iran, Russia, China, and the Global Battle for Influence

In this episode of This Week Explained, we delve into the most pressing global conflicts that are shaping international relations today. We examine Russia's military expansion and NATO's strategic response, the escalating crisis in Gaza, and rising tensions between the United States and Iran. We take a deep dive into the Middle East, focusing on Iran's missile capabilities and its growing coordination with Russia and China. We also analyze the transitional government in Syria, exploring its consolidation of power and the exclusion of minority groups. Shifting to East Asia, we unpack the rising tensions between China and Taiwan, marked by military drills and propaganda campaigns. Finally, we examine Greenland's strategic importance in global geopolitics, highlighting its valuable resources and the increasing interest of external powers in the Arctic region.------------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!subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics -------------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.

This week on the podcast, we're tracking major global developments: A delicate ceasefire emerges in Ukraine, but can it hold? The conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, raising fears of a long and brutal campaign. Turkey's political landscape is rocked by protests after a controversial arrest. The U.S. intelligence community sounds the alarm on China's rising power. But the biggest story this week? A deep dive into the Signal chat leak that has exposed serious security lapses and put lives at risk. We break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for how sensitive information is handled. Tune in for clear analysis of these critical events.------------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!subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics -------------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.

This week we dive into a series of escalating global tensions. First, we analyze the Trump-Putin phone call and the shaky ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, exploring Russia’s strategic maneuvering and the implications for Europe and the US. Then, we turn to the Middle East, where renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza threaten to derail ceasefire hopes and further destabilize the region. In addition to the situation in Gaza, we also discuss the U.S. strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen and the broader strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the region. Finally, we unpack the geopolitical battle for control of the Panama Canal, examining US military options, Chinese opposition, and the BlackRock deal. Co-hosts Tiana and Kervin provide expert analysis and context to help you understand these complex global events.------------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!subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics -------------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.

Tiana is out this week so you get a solo episode. This week we break down the key events shaping our world. We analyze the proposed ceasefire in Ukraine and Putin's potential strategies, the Israel-Hamas truce talks and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the escalating violence in Syria, Trump’s diplomacy with Iran, and the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific with China's military buildup.-----------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!subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

In this week’s episode of This Week Explained, we break down the most critical global events shaping our world:Ukraine Aid on Hold: U.S. President Donald Trump pauses military and intelligence aid to Ukraine, leaving Europe scrambling to fill the gap. What does this mean for Ukraine’s defense, Russia’s strategy, and the global balance of power?Israel-Hamas Conflict: Trump’s fiery rhetoric and direct U.S. talks with Hamas—what’s the real goal, and how does it impact the fragile ceasefire?Russia-Iran Mediation: Russia steps in to mediate between the U.S. and Iran on nuclear negotiations. What’s at stake, and how does this affect the Middle East?U.S.-China Standoff: Tariffs, fentanyl, and Taiwan—how the U.S.-China relationship is evolving and what it means for global stability.Cyber Command Controversy: Reports of a Pentagon pause on offensive cyber operations against Russia spark debate. Is this a strategic move or a sign of weakness?Join us as we cut through the noise to provide nuanced, unbiased analysis of these complex issues.-----------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!subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

This week, we dive into the current geopolitical landscape, covering key developments and their broader implications:Oval Office Drama: The dramatic meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: The fragile truce and the challenges to maintaining peace in the region.Iran's Nuclear Security: A closer look at Iran's heightened nuclear program and the international response.Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Question: The potential dismantling of AFRICOM and what it means for U.S. military strategy in Africa.Romania's Political Turmoil: The arrest of Romanian presidential candidate Kalyn Georgescu and its impact on the country's election landscape.From the tension surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions to the political crisis in Romania, this episode unpacks the stories shaping the global stage. We explore how these events impact international relations, security, and the balance of power. Join us as we unravel these critical stories and provide the context you need to understand their significance. Whether you're a seasoned geopolitical observer or just looking to stay informed, this episode has something for everyone.-----Use this link to get your next cup of Fresh Roasted Coffee: https://lddy.no/1lc0u | And if you are a first time customer use the code THISWEEK for 20% off.subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

Miles Spencer's life has been a whirlwind of adventure and creativity, much like the watercolor strokes he so passionately paints in his spare time. His journey, from a curious child in Pittsburgh to a multifaceted entrepreneur and author, has taken him far beyond the borders of what many would consider ordinary. Inspired by the legendary tales of T.E. Lawrence, Miles recounts his experiences traveling through the Middle East, shedding light on how the events of 9/11 sparked his quest to understand the region's complex tapestry of history and culture.Join us as Miles walks us through his high-stakes adventures in some of the world's most volatile regions, where personal anecdotes meet meticulous preparation. From mastering the art of storytelling at military checkpoints to employing cutting-edge technology for safety, he shares the lessons learned and the cultural insights gained. His reflections are not just about navigating borders but about understanding the nuanced narratives that define the Middle East, ultimately leading to the creation of his book "A Line in the Sand."But Miles' story doesn't end with traveling and writing. He's also reshaping the digital landscape with his latest venture, Reelay, aiming to change how we select movies. As we wrap up, there’s a peek into his forthcoming sequel, "Havana Familia," promising more adventures with Magnus and Finn in Cuba. Miles invites us to join his endless pursuit of curiosity and connection, encouraging listeners to engage with their own quests to understand the diverse world around them.-----subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

This week on This Week Explained, Tiana and Kervin tackle the high-stakes issues shaping global affairs. From Ukraine’s struggle to uphold democracy during wartime to escalating tensions in Gaza and the U.S.-China relationship, we’re breaking down the stories you need to know.Here’s what we’re covering:Elections in a War Zone: Why some leaders are pushing for elections in Ukraine despite martial law, and the challenges of balancing democracy with national security.Putin, Trump, and Misinformation: How rhetoric from global figures is shaping the narrative around Ukraine and President Zelensky’s leadership.The Rare Earth Minerals Deal: What the failed Ukrainian deal means for the international chess game with Russia.U.S. Support for Ukraine: Exploring the potential use of frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and the nuances of peace negotiations.Gaza’s Fragile Ceasefire: The breach by Hamas and its implications for future negotiations and humanitarian efforts.U.S.-China Relations: How Taiwan’s status and recent U.S. policy adjustments are stoking tensions with Beijing.Cartels as Terrorists: The Trump administration’s controversial approach and its impact on U.S.-Mexico relations.Join us as we unravel the complex web of global politics, diplomacy, and conflict, offering thought-provoking insights into the stories shaping our world.Don’t miss this episode—subscribe, rate, and share to stay informed!-----subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

This episode of This Week Explained we discuss the evolving geopolitical tensions surrounding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. We dissect the changing strategies of Europe and the US, highlighting the impact of the Trump administration's policies, the strategic significance of NATO's unity, and the complex dynamics of the Minsk agreements. We further explore the ramifications of intensified conflict involving actors like Russia, Iran, and Israel, underscoring the fragile state of global diplomacy in these regions.-----subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.

In this episode of This Week Explained, we delve into significant global events shaping our world today. We begin with a discussion on the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, focusing on President Trump's recent comments regarding U.S. military aid to Ukraine and access to its rare earth minerals. Additionally, we touch on upcoming developments, including Trump's proposed peace plan set to be unveiled at the Munich Security Conference. Tune in for an insightful breakdown of these pressing issues and their implications on a global scale.-----subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics --------------------- 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.