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

This week, we dissect stalled Ukraine ceasefire talks amid U.S.-Ukraine tensions, the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and potential U.S. involvement in Yemen. Plus, shocking claims: Is a Chinese company helping Houthi Red Sea attacks?------------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.

This week, we analyze escalating global tensions: China's complex role in the Ukraine war, shifting U.S. dynamics in the Middle East with Iran and Israel, and intelligence pointing to a potential Taiwan invasion. Are major conflicts brewing on multiple fronts?------------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.

In this comprehensive analysis, intelligence professionals Kervin Aucoin and Mike Baker examine multiple theaters of global conflict and strategic challenges:Key Topics Discussed:Ukraine & Middle East Conflicts: Analysis of current military situations and strategic implicationsIran's Nuclear Program: Examination of nuclear ambitions and potential regime change scenariosTaiwan Security: Military strategies and the critical importance of U.S. involvementU.S. Border Security: Political narratives and national security challengesInformation Warfare: Role in modern global conflicts and public perceptionRussia-Ukraine Dynamics: Leadership implications and international response strategiesIntelligence Sharing: Complexities during multinational military operationsDiplomatic Chaos: How unpredictability sometimes creates strategic opportunitiesThe conversation also touches on maintaining civility in discourse despite political differences and the value of shared experiences in our complex world.Special Mention:Mike discusses his support for The Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, a UK registered charity providing assistance to former members of UK and allied Special Forces and Special Intelligence community members and their dependents facing hardship, illness, or bereavement. Please donate: https://www.sfcbf.org/Sponsored By:Fresh Roasted Coffee - The premium coffee that fuels Tiana & Kervin through their geopolitical analysis!Visit our link: https://lddy.no/1lc0uUse promo code THISWEEK for 20% off your first purchase!Connect With Us:Subscribe and follow: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalyticsDisclaimer: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 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.