G’day Diplomates fans, Hagar Chemali has joined us to unpack events around the world.  We talk: The Israel-Hamas war. Is peace in the Middle East ever possible? Why does this issue inflame democratic nations so much? Mr Xi goes to Washington Albo in Beijing and Tuvalu And more! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: www.thesunwillrisebook.com Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363h  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G'day Diplomates fans:To round out the year, we had our great friend Hagar Chemali on discuss EVERYTHING happening in the world:Including:-- Israel Palestine and what happens next-- Trump in 2024-- The politics of Ukraine aid-- Hong Kong and Russian 'elections'-- India, Canada and the politics of assassinationsAND MORE!Please get yourself a copy of The Sun Will Rise The Sun Will Rise is inspired by true events and dedicated to the brave heroes of Ukraine. It is based on Misha’s reporting from inside Ukraine, real events from the war as well as the complex history between Russia and Ukraine. ABOUT THE SUN WILL RISE: Oksana Shevchenko remembers life as it once was. Before the War. Before the Invaders stripped her freedom away. Before the Motherland decided to take what wasn’t hers, and call it her own. As the leader of the local Union, thirty-one-year-old Oksana has met her match in enemy officer Lieutenant General Mikhailovich, who will stop at nothing to win glory for the Motherland – and himself.  After he captures the city of Heryvin, the young, ambitious Mikhailovich forces Oksana and her Union comrades to operate the local nuclear power plant for the Motherland’s gain, while sapping its capacity to operate safely.  It’s a nightmare for a city still reeling from the disastrous Accident that took the lives of dozens – including Oksana’s father – decades before. Caught between her loyalty to those resisting the Occupation and a nuclear catastrophe threatened by increasingly impossible orders, Oksana must find a way to defeat Mikhailovich before his sadistic determination leads him to doing the unthinkable.  But Oksana might not be alone in her fight, because war makes heroes out of the ordinary and unlikely. A grandmother defiantly waving the colour of her nation. A principal offering a safe haven for students dreaming of brighter futures. A young adult choosing courage in the face of mortal danger. A country quietly showing that glory belongs to those who dare to hold on against impossible odds.  Because one day soon, the sun will set on dictators.  And the sun will rise on freedom once again. Inspired by true events in Ukraine, The Sun Will Rise is a tribute to those bravely fighting for their freedom – and ours. PRAISE FOR THE SUN WILL RISE: Stirring, brilliant, soulful. An Orwellian tale, evoking the very essence of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and our right to exist”  — Kira Rudyk, leading Ukrainian Member of Parliament. “A love letter to the human spirit, Zelinsky’s deeply personal coverage of Russia’s invasion comes to life in this stunning first novel. An affecting story about the humanity behind the news”  — Wayne Swan, President of the Australian Labor Party, former deputy prime minister and world finance minister of the year.  “Zelinsky’s outstanding journalism transported Russian brutality and Ukrainian bravery from the battlefront to our homes. Now, this story gives us a reason to hope”  — Ambassador, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia. “Misha Zelinsky has penned a gripping book which although fictional, depicts the courage, strength and conviction of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and sovereignty. Once you pick up The Sun Will Rise, you will not be able to put it down.  It is an exciting read.   — Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs (2001-2009) “A gripping page-turner, set in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. Misha Zelinsky has captured the bravery and humanity of Ukrainians living under occupation, as well as the callousness and cynicism of Vladimir Putin's soldiers. Original, compelling, and topical, The Sun Will Rise is an impressive novel which brings to life recent history.” — Luke Harding, award-winning foreign correspondent with the Guardian and New York Times best selling author of books including Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival, shortlisted for the Orwell prize. “Zelinsky has turned his superb war reportage into a riveting first novel, inspired by real people and events, but transcending them to convey the heart behind the conflict. If you want to know why Ukrainians fight and why it's our fight too, this is the place to start. Reminiscent of Disraeli—a novelist turned British statesman—a writer with such soul, who knows what makes people and countries great, would be a rare addition to our public life.   — The Hon. Tony Abbott, 28th prime minister of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmasode: Will democracy survive in 2024? Let's find out!

In a special episode of Diplomates, the roles have been reversed as our host, Misha Zelinsky takes the hot seat!  Legendary Australian journalist and geopolitical analyst, Peter Hartcher of the Sydney Morning Herald interviews Misha Zelinsky about his new book: The Sun Will Rise. The Sun Will Rise is inspired by true events and dedicated to the brave heroes of Ukraine. It is based on Misha’s reporting from inside Ukraine, real events from the war as well as the complex history between Russia and Ukraine. Misha and Peter discuss: — Misha’s experiences in Ukraine covering the war for the Australian Financial Review. — Why the invasion of Ukraine is a hinge moment of history.  — How democracies must respond to Putin’s invasion and why other Dictators are watching closely. — The use of fiction over facts. — The inspiration behind the story and characters. — What happens next in the war. Get your copy now: www.thesunwillrisebook.com ABOUT THE SUN WILL RISE: Oksana Shevchenko remembers life as it once was. Before the War. Before the Invaders stripped her freedom away. Before the Motherland decided to take what wasn’t hers, and call it her own. As the leader of the local Union, thirty-one-year-old Oksana has met her match in enemy officer Lieutenant General Mikhailovich, who will stop at nothing to win glory for the Motherland – and himself.  After he captures the city of Heryvin, the young, ambitious Mikhailovich forces Oksana and her Union comrades to operate the local nuclear power plant for the Motherland’s gain, while sapping its capacity to operate safely.  It’s a nightmare for a city still reeling from the disastrous Accident that took the lives of dozens – including Oksana’s father – decades before. Caught between her loyalty to those resisting the Occupation and a nuclear catastrophe threatened by increasingly impossible orders, Oksana must find a way to defeat Mikhailovich before his sadistic determination leads him to doing the unthinkable.  But Oksana might not be alone in her fight, because war makes heroes out of the ordinary and unlikely. A grandmother defiantly waving the colour of her nation. A principal offering a safe haven for students dreaming of brighter futures. A young adult choosing courage in the face of mortal danger. A country quietly showing that glory belongs to those who dare to hold on against impossible odds.  Because one day soon, the sun will set on dictators.  And the sun will rise on freedom once again. Inspired by true events in Ukraine, The Sun Will Rise is a tribute to those bravely fighting for their freedom – and ours. PRAISE FOR THE SUN WILL RISE: Stirring, brilliant, soulful. An Orwellian tale, evoking the very essence of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and our right to exist”  — Kira Rudyk, leading Ukrainian Member of Parliament. “A love letter to the human spirit, Zelinsky’s deeply personal coverage of Russia’s invasion comes to life in this stunning first novel. An affecting story about the humanity behind the news”  — Wayne Swan, President of the Australian Labor Party, former deputy prime minister and world finance minister of the year.  “Zelinsky’s outstanding journalism transported Russian brutality and Ukrainian bravery from the battlefront to our homes. Now, this story gives us a reason to hope”  — Ambassador, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia. “Misha Zelinsky has penned a gripping book which although fictional, depicts the courage, strength and conviction of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and sovereignty. Once you pick up The Sun Will Rise, you will not be able to put it down.  It is an exciting read.   — Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs (2001-2009) “A gripping page-turner, set in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. Misha Zelinsky has captured the bravery and humanity of Ukrainians living under occupation, as well as the callousness and cynicism of Vladimir Putin's soldiers. Original, compelling, and topical, The Sun Will Rise is an impressive novel which brings to life recent history.” — Luke Harding, award-winning foreign correspondent with the Guardian and New York Times best selling author of books including Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival, shortlisted for the Orwell prize. “Zelinsky has turned his superb war reportage into a riveting first novel, inspired by real people and events, but transcending them to convey the heart behind the conflict. If you want to know why Ukrainians fight and why it's our fight too, this is the place to start. Reminiscent of Disraeli—a novelist turned British statesman—a writer with such soul, who knows what makes people and countries great, would be a rare addition to our public life.   — The Hon. Tony Abbott, 28th prime minister of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special Episode: The Sun Will Rise — Peter Hartcher interviews Misha Zelinsky

Prisoners of history? Israel, Hamas and Xi

G’day Diplomates fans, Hagar Chemali has joined us to unpack the shocking terror attacks inside Israel. We note this situation is fast moving and apologise if any material is out of date. The Diplomates team sends our deepest condolences to those directly impacted or who have lost loved ones. We stand with Israel. We talk: What’s known about Hamas’ terror attacks. How we got here and what happens next inside Israel, Gaza and the region. What these attacks mean for any US brokered Israel, Saudi Arabia detente Whether Arab-Israel peace is ever possible. We also discuss: US congressional dysfunction and the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy The future of Ukraine aid Canadian allegations of Indian state sanctioned political assassinations  French bedbugs. And MORE! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Sun-Will-Rise/Misha-Zelinsky/9781637632444 Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terror in Israel — War, Peace and the Middle East

G’day Diplomates fans, it’s a huge week and month in global news — so we’ve got Hagar Chemali back to talk shop! Misha and Hagar discuss:  Prigozhin, Wagner and Ukraine What’s with all the coups in Africa? The ‘Made in China’ Map controversy The BRICS club — a new autocratic alignment? Xi throws his toys out of the summit cot The hunt for the Loch Ness Monster and the perils of dodgy watch sales. And MORE! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Sun-Will-Rise/Misha-Zelinsky/9781637632444 Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363h  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The African Coup Capital? Wagner, China and the West

Patrick is a former diplomat, policy advisor and business consultant with specialist expertise in climate change, energy, resources, environmental, investment and public policy issues. For almost 20 years he has been at the forefront of Australian climate policy development, advising both sides of politics as a senior member of staff in Federal and State ministerial offices, working for major international energy and resource firms, and the financial sector. He helped establish key parts of Australia’s current climate policy framework including the Emissions Reduction Fund and Safeguards mechanism. Patrick commenced his career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and represented Australia in the Middle East and at international climate change negotiations. Misha and Patrick chat about: The geopolitics of resources and energy. Why new and old minerals are suddenly “critical”. China’s determination to dominate the future of energy. The sometimes ugly truth about clean energy inputs and global resource competition. What Australia can do to maximise the economic opportunities. How democracies can work together to ensure reliable supply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Gibbons — Winning the New Resources War: Rare Earths, Renewables and Dictatorships

With so much happening in the world, Misha and Hagar caught up for their regular chinwag that went waaaaay longer than it was supposed to (as it always does — but we love having Hagar on!) In this episode we talk:  Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Putin's domestic troubles and starvation diplomacy. To rapprochement or not to rapprochement; China, US and the perils of talking. Israel and the Supreme Court; what happens next if Israel becomes an illiberal democracy? Sogavare, Xi and the Solomons. Barbie diplomacy and Brand X. And more!  Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Putin Pooped? Ukraine, Russia, Xi and Bibby -- Chinwags with Misha and Hagar

Luke Harding is an award winning British journalist and foreign correspondent for The Guardian, covering Russia’s invasion from inside Ukraine. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Having been previously based in Moscow for the Guardian, Harding is sanctioned by the Putin regime for his work uncovering corruption inside Russia.  He is a Number 1 New York Times best-selling author and his new book: Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival was just updated to take into account the latest developments in the war. Misha and Luke caught up for a chinwag about all things relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including what the world got wrong about Vladimir Putin, what the world must do now to help Ukraine, how this war might end and the global stakes of the conflict.  Follow Luke here: @lukeharding1968 You can buy the book: www.LukeHardinginvasion.com Follow Misha anywhere you use social media: @mishazelinsky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Harding: Invasion — Russia, Ukraine and the Battle for Freedom.

With so much happening in the world, Misha and Hagar caught up for their regular chinwag that went waaaaay longer than it was supposed to (as it always does — but we love having Hagar on!) In this episode we talk:  Russia’s domestic political crackdown, including the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporert, Evan Gershkovich and the sentencing of dissident Vladimir Kara Murza The US Intelligence leaks, what do they mean and who benefits?  Sudan: will a civil war have big geopolitical consequences? China, Macron and Taiwan: what do we make of the rising East Asia tensions? Could war break out in 2027? or 24? Chinese government secret police stations around the world.  Also, Saudi Arabia joining the BRICs and how Russia recruited a US citizen to pose as a pro-Russia Ukrainian living inside the Donbas.  Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War in Taiwan? Putin, Macron, Sudan and leaky US intelligence — Chinwags with Misha and Hagar

Dr Yuriy Sak is responsible for strategic communications for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. A private sector communications expert and Oxford graduate, like all Ukrainians Yuriy’s life was upended when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.  Misha and Yuriy caught up to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the bloody battle of Bahkmut, the coming counter offensive, what life was like before the war, how Putinism has infected Russia’s soul, why Australian support matters so much, why a land war in Eastern Europe is central to the fate of the world and how despite everything Ukraine will win. You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Yuriy Sak: Help Us Win — Ukraine, Russia and the global fight for democracy

G’day Diplomates fans, it’s a huge week and month in global news — so we’ve got Hagar Chemali back to talk shop! Misha and Hagar discuss:  Are we in a new Cold War? And what does this mean for the world? What Xi’s visit to Moscow means for Chinese and democratic policy makers. China’s brokering of a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Should we be worried? Israeli protests, Bibi and the Supreme Court. What happens next will matter globally. Deep Fake Popes. Lebanese daylight saving politics. AND MORE! Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet the new Cold War, same as the old one: Xi in Moscow, Kishida in Kyiv and Bibi in big trouble!

Dr Mike Green is CEO of the United States Studies Centre. Mike has a long and distinguished career in foreign policy working at a number of think tanks including CSIS and CNAS. An Asia expert, he served on the staff of the National Security Council in the Bush Administration, first as director for Asian affairs with responsibility for Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, and then as special assistant to the president for national security affairs and senior director for Asia. He has authored numerous books and articles on East Asian security, including most recently, By More Than Providence: Grand Strategy and American Power in the Asia Pacific Since 1783 (Columbia University Press, 2017) and Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzō (Columbia University Press, 2022).  Misha and Mike caught up for a chinwag about all things AUKUS, including why the US has shared its ‘Crown Jewels’ of nuclear propulsion for the first time in 70 years, the huge national mission Australia must undertake to get subs in the water as quickly as possible, why Xi Jinping is the godfather of AUKUS, how advanced military kit acts as a deterrence to war, the possibilities of new technology transfers under phase two of AUKUS, how having nuclear submarines increases Australia’s national sovereign agency and why flat whites will need to be served by the US Navy. It’s a huge, huge chat rich in detail answering so many questions about AUKUS. We hope you enjoy it. As ever, please rate and review — thanks to everyone who has been so generous following and supporting the show. We love you.  Follow Mike and the USSC here: @DrMichaelJGreen and @USSC Follow Misha and the show here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mike Green: All About AUKUS — Subs, Tech and China

G’day Diplomates fans, it’s a huge week and month in global news — so we’ve got Hagar Chemali back to talk shop! Misha and Hagar discuss:  The one-year mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine (don't call it an anniversary) Why Biden's visit to Kyib was a baller move Can Putin survive? Will Xi bail out Putin? Why earthquakes threaten Erdogan's grip on power. Bears in Zoos, North Korea, and spy balloons! AND MORE! Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Be sure to check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr Biden goes to Kyiv: Zelensky, Putin and Xi — Chinwags with Misha and Hagar Chemali

Bill Browder is the head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign the author of Red Notice and Freezing Order. Bill was the largest foreign investor in Russia until 2005, when he was denied entry to the country and declared “a threat to national security” for exposing corruption in Russian state-owned companies.In 2008, Browder’s lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, uncovered a massive fraud committed by Russian government officials that involved the theft of US $230 million of state taxes. Sergei testified against state officials involved in this fraud and was subsequently arrested, imprisoned without trial and systematically tortured. He spent a year in prison under horrific detention conditions, was repeatedly denied medical treatment, and died in prison on November 16, 2009, leaving behind a wife and two children.Since then, Mr. Browder has sought justice outside of Russia and started a global campaign for governments around the world to impose targeted visa bans and asset freezes on human rights abusers and highly corrupt officials. The United States was the first to impose these targeted sanctions with the passage of the Sergei Magnitsky Accountability Act in 2012, followed by the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act in 2016. Misha and Bill caught up for a chinwag about Russian sanctions, whether the world could have done more to stop Putin’s invasion, what the deaths of Russian oligarchs tells us, what the world including Australia can do to help Ukraine and whether Russian democracy is possible. You can follow misha and the show @mishazelinsky and @diplomatesshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Browder: Sending Putin Broke — Dirty Money, Oligarchs and Sanctions

G’day Diplomates fans, it’s a huge week and month in global news — so we’ve got Hagar Chemali back to talk shop! Misha and Hagar discuss:  Brazil insurrection, why this matters, including links to Trump and US far right identities. Tanks heading to Ukraine and  Putin’s energy blackmail failing.  Iran protests, including rapes and tortures and soldiers opening fire on protestors. The ‘Israeli’ strike on an Iranian drone facility. China’s dodgy Covid and population numbers and Xi’s attempts to reset global relations. Secret files next to Biden’s corvette and how you are should handle classified materials. George Santos. ‘Nuff said! Putin’s threat to kill Bojo. And more! Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Be sure to check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exporting insurrections, Tankplomacy and Biden’s Corvette — Chinwags with Misha and Hagar Chemali

Mick Ryan is a retired major general in the Australian Army and an expert on modern warfare. He was the head of the Australian Defence College and was made a member of the Order of Australia for his leadership of Australia’s first reconstruction task force in Afghanistan.  A prolific writer and commentator, Mick’s analysis has featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Foreign Policy Magazine and The Economist. His book, War Transformed is compulsory reading for those seeking to understand the future of great power rivalry.  Mick and Misha discuss all things related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine including how Ukraine’s military is reshaping global thinking about modern warfare, Putin’s change of military leadership and what that means for Russia’s strategy, the role of smartphone technology and modern information systems in warfare, why leadership is so crucial to military success, what will happen in 2023 and why Ukraine is a key battlefront for the future of democracy.  You can follow Mick online at @wartransformed  You can follow Misha at @mishazelinsky and @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major General Mick Ryan — War Transformed: Ukraine, Russia and the Future of War

Chin-up Chingwaggers, it’s the Christmasode with Hagar Chemali! It’s been a rough year, but we made it.  Misha and Hagar Chemali wrap up 2022 with a huge chat.  FIFA World Cup and Qatari sports washing Xi’s China COVID Zero trap and why autocrats are doomed to fail Britney Griner, hostage diplomacy and a shift in US policy Iranian protests continue.  So does Elon’s Twitter meltdown. And Trump. Remember him?   And more! Merry Christmas to everyone, except the autocrats!  Check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363h Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the world reached Peak Autocrat? — Xi, Putin, Elon and Donald

Peter Hartcher is political editor and international editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is the author of numerous books, including Red Zone — a deep dive in the the Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Peter for a chinwag about the future of China under Xi Jinping, the centrality of ideology in today’s Communist China, how Australia successfully stood up to Xi’s bullying, the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and why autocracies are suddenly on the back foot.You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hartcher: What does Xi Jinping want? China, Australia and the global struggle for freedom.

Lots going on in the world, so who better to join us for a chinwag than Hagar Chemali of Oh My World! - The US Mid Terms and why might be (actually) finished. - Ukraine and averting World War 3. - The latest from the G20: Biden and Xi, Xi and Albanese and an isolated Putin.  - Iranians protest and what happens next.  - Qatar and FIFA. - Elon and Twitter. And more!Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemaliYou can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Trump the biggest loser? US Midterms, the G-20 and stopping World War 3.

Evgenia Kara-Murza, is a Russian dissident and campaigner for democratic change in Russia.    Evgenia is the wife of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian politician, author, and historian who is currently jailed in Russia as a political prisoner of Vladimir Putin having previously survived two assasination attempts. Kara-Murza played a key role in the establishment of Magnitsky laws around the world and has been a long time opponent of Putin's regime.   Evgenia is the advocacy coordinator for the Free Russia Foundation, which seeks to give a voice to those repressed by the current Russian government and informs the world about the situation in Russia.   Misha Zelinksy caught up with Evgenia to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine, Russian war crimes and who must pay, why the West indulged Putin for too long, how Putin has crushed Russian political opposition, why Ukraine must win, and what a post Putin Russia might look like one day.   You can follow Evgenia and Vladimir here: @ekaramurza and @vkaramurza   You can follow Misha Zelinsky who is reporting on the war for the Australian Financial Review from inside Ukraine here: @mishazelinsky     About Vladimir Kara-Murza   A longtime colleague of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, he has served as deputy leader of the People’s Freedom Party and was a candidate for the Russian Parliament. Kara-Murza played a key role in the passage of “Magnitsky laws” in countries around the world – including the UK, the U.S., and Canada – that imposed personal sanctions on Russian officials involved in human rights abuses.  Twice, in 2015 and 2017, he was targeted for assassination by poisoning by operatives of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) who were later identified in a media investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider, and Der Spiegel. In April 2022 Kara-Murza was arrested and has since been imprisoned in Moscow for his public opposition to Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.  He has been designated as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. Kara-Murza is the author or contributor of several books and documentaries on Russian politics and history. He has worked as a journalist for Russian and Western media organizations, including Kommersant, Echo of Moscow, and the BBC; and writes a regular column for The Washington Post. He is a recipient of a number of international prizes, including the Geneva Summit Courage Award, the Sakharov Prize for Journalism as an Act of Conscience, and the Magnitsky Human Rights Award. He holds an M.A. (Cantab.) in History from Cambridge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia without Putin? Ukraine, War Crimes, and Political Resistance

Misha Zelinsky caught up with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. Before becoming the Ambassador, Vasyl was an accomplished and high profile business and civil society leader in Ukraine. A graduate of London School of Economics, he is a communications expert and a recognised global leader.  In this episode we talk about the latest in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, what more the world can do to help, what Ukrainians want for their own future, Russia's and Putin's war crimes, what the world got wrong about Putin prior to the invasion, and why what happens in Ukraine matters everywhere.  A big thank you to the Ambassador who took this call while on the road in between meetings. As a result, at times the audio quality may not be to our usual standard. We apologise and trust you will forgive us as this is a very important conversation.  Also, be sure to listen to one of the best BBQ question answers we've ever had! Please continue to support Ukraine however you can. It is so vital! Please share, rate and review the episode widely, it really helps draw attention to the Ukrainian fight for survival. It's so important we spread the word of what is happening in Ukraine right now.  Slava Ukraini! You can follow Misha and the Diplomates show on social media here:@mishazelinsky  @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko: Why we will win -- Ukraine, Russia and the fight for freedom.

Lots going on in the world this week!   Boris Johnson’s no confidence vote. Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Western response. Biden going to Saudi Arabia and energy politics US Domestic politics of Jan 6 investigations, gun control and abortion rights.   And more!   Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bojo Buggered, hurting Putin’s feelings and US insurrectionists — Chinwags with Hagar Chemali

Kos Samaras is one of Australia’s top pollsters and political analysts. He is a director at RedBridge Group Australia. For years, Kos was the Deputy Campaign Director for the Australian Labor Party in Victoria. A veteran of numerous campaigns, Kos caught up with Misha Zelinsky to unpack everything that happened in the 2022 election, how Anthony Albanese won, why voters are leaving major parties, the collapse of the Liberal Party in the inner cities of Australia and what is likely to happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kos Samaras: Change the government, change the country — 2022 Australian Election special

  G'day Diplomates fans — apologies for the break in regular episodes. We've got some exciting guests coming up, so please stay tuned! This week, Hagar Chemali returns for our Chinwag editions of the show! Misha and Hagar talk:  Russia’s invasion of Ukraine The politics of sanctions  Macron’s re-election bid and what this means for global democracy What’s happened to Carrie Lamb in Hong Kong Imran Khan losing his job and blaming the CIA And more!  Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.show For those following Misha's work covering the Ukraine war, please continue to support efforts to help Ukrainian refugees via the Fund of the Free and Caring:  https://fest.foundation Together we've raised $US60,000. Please keep giving -- you are saving lives!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hagar Chemali Returns For A Chinwag

Recorded from the ground in Kyiv, Ukraine: Pavlo Khazan, a Reserve Major in Ukraine’s armed forces and a signals officer of Jewish Ukrainian descent, is defiant in the face of unbelievable odds.  A prominent leader of the Maiden movement and a veteran of the Donbas wars, Misha Zelinsky meets him at a friend’s place only hours before he boards a train to travel 500 kilometres east to his hometown of Dnipro – directly into the Russian storm. An environmental engineer with a PhD in statistics, the once leading European eco-warrior has made the shift to battled hardened defender of his nation over the last decade. With the stakes so high, he appeals to the world for help in what he calls “critical moment for global democracy Rate and review!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian frontline with Pavlo Khazan —  Are you ready to protect human life?  Freedom, Fighting and the Future of Democracy

Amb. Bi-khim Hsiao is Taiwan’s diplomatic representative to the United States. Bi-khim is a decorated Taiwanese politician, having served twice in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan (Taiwan’s lower house) as an elective representative of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She is a passionate advocate for a peaceful and open Indo-Pacific as well as a defender of democracy at home and abroad.   I caught up with Bi-Khim for a chinwag about the history of Taiwan and its relationship with the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan’s flourishing and highly performing democracy, the relentless grey zone and political warfare efforts that the Taiwanese people are enduring from the CCP, the threat of CCP military invasion, why we must not allow Taiwan to be erased from global discussions, the importance of human rights globally, how the world can maintain peace and avoid war, and most critically what the Taiwanese people want for themselves and from the world.    Be sure to follow Bi-khim Hsiao on Twitter! @bikhim   Please rate and review the show, it really helps!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amb Bi-khim Hsiao: Peace in Taiwan - Democracy, Freedom and the Indo-Pacific

Merry Christmas Diplomates fans!  It’s the Christmas Chinwag special with Hagar Chemali.   Thanks for all your feedback so far on this new format. We love that you love it! Or that you at least love Hagar. Please rate and review the show.    We’ve got a HUGE interview set for January, so keep your eyes peeled for it!   In this episode we talk:    Democracy summit - big deal or big bust? Russia troops along Ukraine border, Putin demands of NATO U.S and other nations boycott of the Beijing Olympics and U.S. house voting to ban imports from Xinjiang Russia and China video tele-conference – what’s going on here? Facebook sued over the Rohingya Genocide UK politics. Boris on the nose, holiday parties, and special elections.  Covid vaccine diplomacy and Squid Game politics    Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali   You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.show   Merry Christmas and a happy new year!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas Chinwag Special with Hagar Chemali and Misha Zelinsky

Brilliant news Diplomates fans, we've got more great foreign policy content for you as promised! Welcome to the Chinwag Episodes! We are pleased to announce Hagar Chemali as our second Chinwagger! Hagar will join Misha for a monthly chinwag. The Chinwag episodes will be shorter and more focused on what's happening around the world of foreign policy. Be sure to send your questions in if you've got something on your mind. Misha will continue to do deep-dive episodes with leading experts from around the world as per your regular programming.  Who is Hagar? Firstly, she's awesome (but here's her bio anyway). Hagar Hajjar Chemali is a political satirist, foreign policy expert, and host and creator of the weekly world news show Oh My World! on YouTube. She is also a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics center, and is featured regularly as a national security analyst on MSNBC, CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, and Cheddar. Hagar’s professional background and foreign policy expertise have been shaped by senior public affairs and policy-making positions she held over the course of 12 years in the U.S. Government. From 2015-2016, she was Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations under President Obama, and from 2014-2015, she was Spokesperson for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. From 2010-2012, Hagar was Director for Syria and Lebanon at the White House, National Security Council, where she advised on and coordinated the implementation of U.S. policy toward Syria and Lebanon. Hagar also worked at the Treasury Department as a Senior Policy Advisor on Asia and Middle East Policy Advisor in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes.   Hagar has a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where she concentrated on International Security Policy and the Middle East. She also graduated from Columbia University’s Barnard College where she majored in Political Science. She speaks English, French, Arabic, and Italian.    If you want to follow Hagar (you should!) check out her content here:   Oh My World! on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ohmyworldwithhagarchemali Instagram: @hagarchemali &amp; @omwshow Twitter: @hagarchemali &amp; @ohmyworldshow More about Hagar: https://hagarchemali.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinwags with Hagar Chemali and Misha Zelinsky

Dr. Claire Wardle is a leading expert on social media, user generated content, and verification. Her research sits at the intersection of technology, communications theory, and mass and social media. Dr. Wardle is the co-founder and leader of First Draft the world’s foremost nonprofit focused on research and practice to address misinformation and disinformation. First Draft is housed at the Harvard Kennedy School.  Misha Zelinsky caught up with Claire for a chinwag about the scourge of misinformation, why truth and fact matter in democracies, how we can inoculate people against falsehoods, how journalism can be reinvigorated at the local and national levels, regulating big tech and dealing with autocrats. ANNOUNCEMENT: Keep an eye out for a regular new format of Diplomate episodes. These episodes will be co-hosted where we will discuss events of the day/week/month and how they’re playing out around the world. Don't worry, we will still have our usual Diplomates interview episodes, but these are additional for our fans! Show Notes:   Follow Claire: @cward1e Follow First Draft: @firstdraftnews Follow Misha: @mishazelinsky @diplomates.show Follow Diplomates: @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Clare Wardle: The Info Wars - Lies, Damned Lies and Social Media

Dr. Thomas Mahnken is President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He currently serves as a member of the Congressionally-mandated National Defense Strategy Commission and as a member of the Board of Visitors of Marine Corps University.    His career in defence is extensive and includes service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning.  He is the author of numerous books, including The Gathering Pacific Storm: Emerging U.S.-China Strategic Competition in Defense Technological and Industrial Development.   MIsha Zelinsky caught up with Tom to discuss all things nuclear subs, including why this is was the right call for Australia, the significance of the AUKUS agreement, restoring diplomatic relations with the French, how Australia can get subs before 2038 to avoid capability gaps, the lessons from historic great power competition and what total technological competition with the Chinese Communist Party looks like.   Please keep rating and reviewing the show! We ranked 7th in our category this month, so thank you for your ongoing support.    If you have a question you'd like Misha to answer, send it through to us on any of our social media channels or directly to Misha.   Show notes:   CSBA reports can be found here: www.csbaonline.org   Follow on CSBA on Twitter: @CSBA_   Follow Misha and the Show here: @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tom Mahnken: Going Nuclear - Submarines, AUKUS and Great Power Competition

Ben Rhodes was the Deputy National Security Advisor for President Barack Obama.   A foreign policy expert, he is the host of ‘Pod Save The World’ and appears on MSNBC. His latest book ‘After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made’ is a study of the rising tide of global authoritarianism, exploring why democracy did not prevail as expected after the fall of the Soviet Union.    Misha Zelinsky caught up with Ben for a chinwag about his new book, including how the failure to punish bankers responsible for the GFC helped fuel the global rise of authoritarianism, why democracy needs to materially deliver in order for people to believe in it, how an obsession with profits is undermining the fight against the Chinese Communist Party, how democracy itself is becoming a partisan issue in the US, why social media must be regulated, how Joe Biden was right about Afghanistan all along, what Obama is like a person, and how fighting for democracy in America should give confidence to global democratic activists fighting for their own.   Be sure to tune in for his 'BBQ' answer which is a lot of fun. Ben also reveals his favourite Australian Prime Minister!   If this is your first time tuning in, please make sure to rate and review the show. it really helps spread the word.   Other show notes:   After the Fall: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/609428/after-the-fall-by-ben-rhodes/ Pod Save the World: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-the-world/ Ben Rhodes: @brhodes Misha Zelinsky socials: @mishazelinsky Diplomates socials: @diplomatesshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Rhodes: After The Fall - Democracy, Authoritarianism and America

Nathan Law is a young Hong Kong democracy activist, currently in exile in London.    A key figure in the Umbrella Movement in 2014, Nathan and other student leaders founded the pro-democracy Demosistō party in 2016. Nathan then became the youngest Legislative Councillor in history, but his election was overturned on spurious grounds by the Chinese Communist Party. He was later jailed for his participation in the Umbrella Movement as part of a government crackdown. After the recent introduction of the ‘National Security Laws’ by the CCP, Nathan left Hong Kong due to fears for his safety. He continues to speak up for Hong Kong people at international events and forums and is a global leader of their movement. A nominee for the Nobel Peace Price, in 2020 Nathan was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine.   Misha Zelinsky caught up with Nathan for a chinwag about his path to activism, taking on the might of the CCP in elections and civil demonstrations, how the democracy movement has been crushed by the CCP under the cover of COVID-19, why democracy matters to everyone everywhere, what the democratic world must do to help Hong Kong, the battle for freedom in Taiwan and how he hopes to return home one day.    It’s a truly inspiring chat and we loved having Nathan on the show. Nathan is an absolute hero, an incredibly brave young man who is not yet 30 and yet has already achieved so much. Nathan is someone we should all look up to in the global struggle for democratic freedom.    Apologies for the gap in episodes, but we plan to have more regular Diplomates content coming atya down the line! Stay tuned.   Please rate and review us, it really helps!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Law: Fighting for Freedom - Democracy, The CCP and Hong Kong

Rob Wilcox is the Federal Legal Director at ‘Everytown for Gun Safety’, the leading gun safety movement in the United States.A qualified commercial lawyer, Rob’s life changed forever when his family was tragically touched by gun violence. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Rob for a Chinwag about the US gun violence epidemic, the political polarisation underpinning this issue, what sensible reform looks like, how to build a movement for change from the ground up, the role of Second Amendment in gun ownership, misinformation online and whether meaningful gun law reform is actually possible.It’s a really insightful conversation on an issue that touches many people. A big thank you to Rob for coming on to share his personal story; he’s a great guy and he’s tackling an issue that needs to be addressed. Show notes:Learn about Everytown for Gun Safety here: https://www.everytown.orgFollow the show and Misha Zelinsky here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshowBIG NEWS!We’ve partnered with the team at Diamantina Media - the people who give you The Betoota Advocate amongst other things. They are also home to the ‘The Jolly Swagman’ podcast hosted by our mate Joe Walker (www.joewalker.com.au) It’s a brilliant show where he digs into some really interesting intellectual conversation with all types of global leaders like Mark Cuban and Malcolm Turnbull.On a personal note, our host Misha Zelinsky will be heading over to Washington DC on a Fulbright Scholarship. Misha will be studying political warfare by autocracies and how we can restore democracy at home. We’ve got some really cool interviews lined up while he is in the States; so keep your eyes peeled for those!Please give the show 5 stars and review it and share it with your mates. We’re growing all the time and it really helps!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guns in America: Violence, Rights and Politics

Luke de Pulford is a global human rights campaigner, particularly in the areas of modern slavery and human rights abuses in China He is a co-founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and the creator of ‘Arise’ an anti-slavery charity. Luke sits as a Commissioner on the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission and advises the World Uyghur Congress. In 2020 he was awarded the Bene Merenti medal by Pope Francis for his contribution to the anti-slavery movement—the youngest ever recipient. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Luke for a chinwag about why human rights abuses matter to us all, the abuse of Uyghurs in China and what can be done, the fight for democracy in Hong Kong, why global coordination is more important than ever and how the democracies can prevail over autocracies in the long run.Luke de Pulford is a global human right mpaigner, particularly in the areas of modern slavery and human rights abuses in China He is a co-founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and the creator of ‘Arise’ an anti-slavery charity. Luke sits as a Commissioner on the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission and advises the World Uyghur Congress. In 2020 he was awarded the Bene Merenti medal by Pope Francis for his contribution to the anti-slavery movement—the youngest ever recipient. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Luke for a chinwag about why human rights abuses matter to us all, the abuse of Uyghurs in China and what can be done, the fight for democracy in Hong Kong, why global coordination is more important than ever and how the democracies can prevail over autocracies in the long run. KEEP AN EYE OUT: We have some big announcements coming soon! There are lots of exciting things coming up in the show and we can't wait to share them with you all soon.  Please rate and review the show, it really helps! And keep sending us questions; we do read them all even if we can't answer all of them. Follow Misha and the Diplomates Show on all social media channels: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke de Pulford - The Human Rights Fight: China, Democracy and Global Responsibility

Chris Pyne was the Federal Member for Sturt for 26 years.He was Leader of the House and held a number of senior Cabinet ministries, including that of defence.Pyne's autobiography ‘The Insider’ is a fantastic account of life in the Canberra Bubble but also a deep dive into serious public policy and defence policy in particular. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Chris for a chinwag about his career in politics. They talk about his bruising preselection in his 20s, the politics of politics, the horror show that was the 43rd Parliament, the task of rebuilding Australia’s military capabilities, what’s holding back an Australian nuclear industry, dealing with a rising Chinese Communist Party superpower, how the west can address the Uighur challenge and why politics shouldn’t be personal.Show notes:@mishazelinsky @diplomates.showKeep sending your questions through, we love reading and answering them!We were in the top 15 shows in Australia last episode - so thanks for your ongoing support. Please rate, review and share! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Pyne - The Insider: Politics, Party and Parliament

Malcolm Turnbull was Australia’s 29th Prime Minister. Before entering Federal Parliament, Malcolm had a distinguished career as a Rhodes Scholar, in law, media, tech, finance and public advocacy.He’s the author of several books, including his autobiography ‘A Bigger Picture’.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Malcolm Turnbull for a chinwag about his famous Spycatcher trial against the Thatcher Government, the failed ‘Republic’ Referendum vote in 1999, why Australia’s climate debate has been so bruising and who’s to blame for the inaction, his professional rivalry with Tony Abbott, why China’s bullying of Australia will prove to be unsuccessful, the problem with misinformation and lies in our public discourse, Australia’s attempts to bring big tech to heel, the art of leadership challenges, handling Donald Trump, fixing our political culture and why we must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.As you can see, it’s a long and wide ranging chat and Malcolm is extremely generous with his time and insights - so we hope you enjoy it. Please rate and review us on your favourite podcasting apps! It really, really helps.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @diplomatesshow @mishazelinsky Enjoy the episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm Turnbull: A Bigger Picture - Politics, Leadership and Government

Clare O’Neil is the Labor Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services.A qualified lawyer with a background in business consulting, Clare is a Fulbright Scholar and a graduate from the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Misha and Clare caught up for a chinwag about how we can make working work for people, why we need to rediscover class in our political discourse, Australia’s guest worker visa disaster, the short term obsessions undermining our policy making, bringing tech giants to heel and how we can improve the culture of our politics.It’s a fascinating chat and we hope you enjoy it!Ever since Clare lobbed on the scene as the youngest woman to be elected as mayor in Australian history she’s been a rising superstar in Australian politics and this chat really shows why Clare is so highly rated.Clare is also a fellow podcaster! Clare’s podcast The Long View focuses on long term policy challenges and recovering from COVID-19.Enjoy the episode!EXTRA INFO:Check out Claire’s podcast: The Long View here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-long-view/id1509383397Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clare O’Neil: The Long View - Fixing Work, Tech and Politics.

Nicole Hemmer is an associate research scholar at Columbia University. A prominent American historian, she is the author of Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics. She is a columnist for CNN as well as the host of the podcast ‘Past Present’ and ‘This Day in Esoteric Political History’.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Nicole for a chinwag about the shocking events of 6 January at the US Capitol, what the hell the Qanon conspiracy theory is all about, President Trump’s culpability, the role of Right Wing media in radicalising politics, how social media giants can be held to account for promoting misinformation, what history tells us about the dangers of ignoring extremist movements and how we can save democracy.Show notesIt’s been a bit of a break on the show, due to Misha’s commitments in editing a new book ‘The Write Stuff: Voices of Unity on Labor’s Future’. The book includes 30 essays from 30 leading Labor figures. If you’re are interested in buying it, you can get it below.‘The Write Stuff’ Voices of Unity on Labor’s Future’: https://www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au/The-Write-Stuff-Voices-of-Unity-on-Labors-Future--Edited-by-Nick-Dyrenfurth-and-Misha-Zelinsky_p_416.htmlIf you aren’t following Misha or Diplomates on socials: @mishazelinsky @diplomates.show Instagram and Twitter.Nicole Hemmer’s details:You can follow Nicole on Twitter @pastpunditry and see below for links to her podcast! Past Present Podcastwww.pastpundit.com: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/past-present/id1043954557This Day in Esoteric Political Historywww.thisdaypod.com: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/victory-sausages-1943/id1502728938?i=1000505070903See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Hemmer: Nightmare at the Capitol - Conspiracies, Insurrectionists and Trump.

Professor Rory Medcalf is Head of the National Security College at the Australian National University. A journalist, intelligence agency analyst, diplomat, academic and thinker - Rory is one of the world’s leading experts on geopolitical strategy and his work has contributed to recent Australian government defence policy including the Defence Whit Paper of 2016. Rory is recognised as a thought leader internationally via his acclaimed 2020 book - Contest for the Indo-Pacific. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Rory for a chinwag about the US election and why the stakes are so high for Australia, whether the CCP or Russia might pull a move in the case of a litigated US election, how Australia should manage an assertive CCP, why democracies should be more confident in themselves, why minilaterialism is the new multilateralism and why its time Australia got serious about India and Indonesia.Don’t forget to rate us on Apple Podcasts or where you get your podcasts! We love and appreciate (and need!) your support. Please keep sending us comments and questions on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rory Medcalf: Democracy v Autocracy – Friends, Rivals, Values

Ambassador Frank Lavin has been a fixture in Republican politics for the last 40 years.He worked for President Reagan as his head of politics, advised President George H.W. Bush and under President George W Bush, he was appointed US Ambassador to Singapore in 2001.A prolific author for global publications, Frank had a second career in Asian finance and is now CEO and founder of ‘Export Now’.A prominent ‘Never Trumper’, he has been a vocal critic of the Donald Trump Administration.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Frank for a chinwag about Election 2020 and whether Trump can fight back and win, why elections are defined by what voters don’t want, what made Ronald Reagan the politician of his era, how politics has changed for the worse today, the future of the Republican Party, the secret to winning Presidential races and what the rise of an authoritarian China means for the US, Australia and the world.It’s a wide ranging chat.We want to say that Frank absolutely wins the award of best BBQ answer in the history of the show!If you aren’t following Diplomates or Misha on Instagram and twitter @diplomates.show or @mishazelinsky.We love interacting with all of you on Twitter - so keep sending in questions. At the end of the episode stay listening as Misha has answered one question from a listener.And remember to keep those 5 star reviews coming!Thanks! :)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassador Frank Lavin: Winning Elections – Reagan, Bush, Trump and Election 2020.

Eric Schultz, is the founder of the Schultz Group and is currently a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama. He served in the White House as the Principal Deputy Press Secretary and Special Assistant to the president. Recognized by Politico as the strategist “White House officials turn to in a crisis to handle communications,” Schultz advised the president, spoke on behalf of the Administration on Air Force One and in the White House briefing room, and helped manage the Administration’s proactive messaging and news-of-the-day responses. Schultz is a veteran of numerous statewide and national campaigns. Before joining the White House, Schultz served as communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, where he became "well-known among Washington reporters for his aggressive, behind-the-scenes approach," as noted by Politico. Schultz spent several years on Capitol Hill working for key U.S. senators, including now Democratic Leader Charles Schumer. Schultz, who most recently advised Netflix’s reboot of Designated Survivor, currently provides strategic communications guidance to clients in the political, financial, technology and entertainment sectors.Misha caught up with Eric for a chinwag about life in the Obama White House, how to manage a crisis, the three secret words of communications, what the Situation Room is actually like, Election 2020, why politicians must be authentic, whether 'Hope beats Fear' and what Obama is really like off camera.It’s a really fun chat and we hope you enjoy it. Eric is super generous with his timeTwitter and InstagramIf you’re enjoying the show, jump on twitter and instagram @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow and let us know what you think. Plenty of you are heckling us there already; and we are happy to dive deeper into things we chat about.Also 5 star reviews are appreciated. They game the algorithm and help push us above Putin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Schultz: Hope v Fear? Obama, Authenticity and Election 2020

Richard is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Labor’s Shadow Minister for Defence. Misha Zelinsky caught up with Richard Marles for a chinwag about how COVID-19 has accelerated history’s timeline, the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, why the US is still a force for a good in the world, how Australia’s record defence procurement program can rebuild our manufacturing sector, the choices facing Australia as it seeks to carve out an independent foreign policy, why sovereign capability is the new black, how Australia must do more with its key pacific partners, and why - in order to figure out our place in the world - Australia must play big.It's a big episode and we hope you enjoy it!Please rate and review the show or follow the show on twitter @diplomatesshow or Misha at @mishazelinskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Marles: Playing Big – Navigating Australia’s foreign policy in a post COVD-19 world.

Laura Rosenberger is the director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and a senior fellow at The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).Laura is a global expert in foreign interference and misinformation campaigns. Before she joined GMF, Laura was foreign policy advisor for Hillary for America where she coordinated national security and strategy for Secretary Clinton. I caught up with Laura for a chinwag about the escalating threat of foreign interference, whether social media giants are doing enough to prevent misinformation, if Tiktok should be banned, what democracies must do to defend themselves and how they can turn the tables on autocracies, the crucial roles that alliances play in defending liberal society and why democracies must renew themselves internally if they want to project themselves to the world. Misha and Laura get into some real mind bending conundrums and really dive into the practical as well as the philosophical challenges presented by autocratic misinformation and social media manipulation. If you’re interested in the work of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and misinformation campaigns, please check ot the Hamilton 2.0 dashboard. It’s an incredible resource that details narratives being pushed by autocratic regimes such as the Russian Federation and the Chinese Communist Party. https://securingdemocracy.gmfus.org/hamilton-dashboard/Please be sure to rate and review the episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Rosenberger: Open v Closed? Securing democracies from misinformation and interference. 

Mike Murphy is a legendary political consultant and one of the Republican Party's most successful ever campaigners. Mike has handled media and strategy for more than 26 successful Republican campaigns including Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as leading John McCain's historic presidential race in 2000. Mike has advised political leaders all over the world.Mike is a prominent media personality, Hollywood writer and co-host of the hugely popular podcast, Hacks on Tap. As a leading 'Never Trumper', Mike heads up the 'Republican Voters Against Trump' (www.rvat.org) movement.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Mike for a chinwag about why he's been against Trump since the 1990s, the Republican Voters Against Trump movement, President Trump's first term in office, why Trump loves dictators so much, why trust has eroded so badly in politics, the future of the Republican Party, who Biden should pick as his VP candidate and what should keep Democratic strategists awake at night. It's a big chat and we hope you enjoy it! Please rate and review the episode, it really helps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Murphy: Never Trump? The Future of the Republican Party and Election 2020

Tarun Chhabra is a fellow at the Brookings Institution, and also with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University. His current research focuses on U.S. grand strategy, U.S.-China relations, and U.S. alliances. Tarun is a global expert on the implications of China’s growing political and international influence.A Harvard, Oxford and Stanford graduate, Tarun has served on the White House National Security Council and worked in the Pentagon as a speech writer.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Tarun for a chinwag and asked whether the US and China are already in a Cold War, how the US political system is responding to the China challenge, why democracies must work together to resist political warfare efforts from autocrats, why technology is so critical to geostrategy and how The Left should - in Tarun's words - ‘play the China card’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tarun Chhabra – The China Card: How progressives should deal with an assertive Chinese Communist Party

Professor Ross Garnaut is one of Australia’s most distinguished economists and a global expert on climate change, trade, and energy policy. He was Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s principal economic advisor and was Australia’s Ambassador to China. He’s lead many government reviews, including the seminal though ill-fated Garnaut Climate Change Review into carbon emission reduction for the then Rudd Government. He is the author of many studies and books too numerous to mention, but his recent book - Superpower - details how Australia can make the most of the economic benefits of the upcoming clean energy revolution.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Ross for a chinwag about the politics of climate change including why Kevin Rudd was unable to pass his emissions trading scheme in 2009 and who was to blame, why COVID-19 shouldn’t distract us from climate change action, why Australia should be the world’s smelter for aluminium and steel and how renewable power can make Australia a manufacturing powerhouse, what the decoupling between the US and China means for Australia’s security, and why we need coordinated global action more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Ross Garnaut: Bouncing back from COVID - how renewables can make Australia a manufacturing superpower

Richard McGregor is an internationally recognised expert on the Chinese political system and a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute.McGregor’s book, The Party, on the inner-workings of the Chinese Communist Party is considered the pre-eminent text for understanding the CCP and was called a “masterpiece” by The Economist and a must read” by the Washington Post.A former Bureau Chief for the Financial Times in Beijing and Washington D.C., Richard has been published in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian. He is also a regular commentator on the ABC, CNBC and Bloomberg TV.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Richard for a chinwag about the COVID-19 crisis and what this means for the world, including the escalated US-China rivalry and who is winning, how Xi Jinping is using the crisis to his advantage, how fake news is making the problems worse in the west, how democracies are struggling under the weight of the challenge and losing soft power, the pivotal battle underway in the pacific and why its critical we engage the Chinese diaspora in western values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard McGregor: The war within the war on COVID-19

Dr Alexandra Phelan is a faculty member at the Center for Global Health Science &amp; Security at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center.A global expert in pandemics, Misha Zelinsky caught up with Alex to talk about all things related to COVID-19, including the nature of the threat we face from the virus, the challenges coordinating government responses, the vital role universal healthcare plays in stopping pandemics, why we should get ready for a long, long lock-down, why the Chinese Communist Party’s delays at the start were so costly, the importance of solidarity and what Australia and the world should be doing right now to slow the spread to the virus.As a serious note please make sure you are listening to authorities and taking the most up to date advice as this crisis unfolds. The situation may have changed by the time you have listened to the episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Alexandra Phelan: Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic - what you need to know.

Dr Michael Fullilove is the Executive Director of the Lowy Institute. An adviser to Prime Minister Paul Keating, Rhodes Scholar and renowned foreign affairs expert, Dr Fullilove is a widely published author and a much sought after global commentator.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Michael Fullilove for a chinwag about how Australia should interact with a rising China under Xi Jinping, the madness of US politics and what a second Trump term might look like, how open systems of government still have the upper hand, why the world might be one elected leader away from a new sense of calm, and why - despite everything - Michael remains an unabashed optimist about the future. Be sure to listen to Michael's special shout out to the 'Deep State'!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Michael Fullilove: Why middle powers matter - managing China in an era of Trump.

Jeff Bleich was US Ambassador to Australia from 2009 to 2013.A distinguished legal and political professional, he is the Chair of the Fulbright Scholarship Board and now heads up the Jeff Bleich Centre for the US Alliance in Digital Technology, Security, and Governance at Flinders University in AustraliaMisha Zelinsky caught up with Jeff for a chat about why the Trump Impeachment is bigger than the trial itself, how Mike Bloomberg could end up President, his friendship with President Obama, the attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to dominate global technology standards, why trust is central to democracy, why autocrats can never crush the human spirit and why the most recent hacking by Russian agents could impact the upcoming 2020 US election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassador Jeff Bleich - Why trust matters in democracy and how we get it back.

Sweden is often considered to be the heartland of social democracy - but that may no longer be the case.Benedict Hugosson is a global expert in political campaigning.He has lead national field campaigns for the Social Democrats in Sweden and is a leading thinker in political engagement strategies and tactics.An Australian born Harvard graduate, Ben has trained activists in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.I caught up with Ben for a chinwag about the fall in support for the historically dominant Swedish Social Democratic party, the rise of right wing nationalists in Sweden, why party membership is critical to voting patterns, how face to face conversations are still better than digital campaign tools, and what the future holds for mainstream European political parties of both the left and right.It’s a fascinating, in-depth insight into what is happening right throughout Europe. It also uncovers the important role that membership and organising plays in electoral outcomes.As ever, if you’re enjoying the show - please rate and review!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benedict Hugosson: Still the heartland? How social democrats can fight back in Sweden, Europe and the world.

Emily Lau is one of the most famous politicians in Hong Kong.She was the leader of the Democratic Party and the first woman to be elected into Hong Kong's legislature.A former journalist, Emily is a passionate defender of press freedoms and free speech. She shares some important lessons for anyone who cares about freedom of expression and democracy.Emily joined Misha Zelinsky for a chinwag about the current mood in Hong Kong, what ‘one country, two systems’ actually means, how the Beijing crackdown is hardening the position of protestors, how young people are inspiring their fellow citizens, why western governments and businesses should stand up to CCP bullying and what a peaceful resolution to the crisis looks like.It’s an inspiring and illuminating chat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Lau: Hong Kong's long struggle for freedom.

Alex Oliver is the Director of Research at the Lowy Institute where she oversees the annual Lowy Institute Poll.Alex in an expert in foreign affairs and has authored several major studies on Australia’s diplomacy. She is a prolific author for international press including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Wall Street Journal and BBC.com and for all major Australian publications.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Alex for a chinwag about how the Australian public see the world, the politics of climate change, what’s driving attitudes on immigration, why Aussies are so worried about the CCP, how we can lift gender equality in the foreign policy world and just what the hell is going on with modern polling results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Oliver: What do the numbers say? Australian attitudes to foreign affairs.

Wayne Swan is the President of the Labor Party. He served as Australia’s Treasurer from 2007 to 2013 and was Deputy Prime Minister. Wayne is credited with helping save Australia from the GFC and in 2011 was crowned World Finance Minister of the year.As the author of numerous books on social policy, he has lead the domestic and global debates on the dangers of economic inequality.Wayne Swan joined Misha Zelinsky for a chinwag about what went wrong at the 2019 election for Labor, why fiscal policy still matters in economic management, how far right nationalists are using inequality to win government around the world, why big philanthropy is a big problem for democracy, how Australia should manage an assertive Chinese Communist Party and where to from here for social democrats around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Swan

Dr Charles Edel is a Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre.He was the Associate Professor of Strategy and Policy at the U.S. Naval War College, advised the Secretary of State John Kerry on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific and was a Henry Luce scholar at Peking University.Charles is the co-author of ‘The Lessons of Tragedy: Statecraft and World Order (2019)’ and his editorials regularly appear in The New York Times and other publications.Misha Zelinsky caught up with Charlie for a chinwag about Mike Pompeo’s visit to Australia, the ongoing US-China tensions, whether we are seeing a repeat of the gathering storm of the 1930s, the brave protesters of Hong Kong, how democracy can revitalise itself, the dangerous polices of the Chinese Communist Party and why it’s so important that we learn from historic tragedy. It was a wide ranging chat and we hope you enjoy it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Charles Edel: The gathering storm? How the 'Lessons of Tragedy' can help us preserve peace.

Chris Bowen is the Member for McMahon in the Australian Parliament. In his time in public office, he has served as Treasurer, Minister for Human Services, Minister for Immigration, Minister for Financial Services, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy.As the author of the books of ‘Hearts and Minds’ and ‘The Money Men’, Chris is a noted public policy thinker and expert.Chris joined Misha Zelinsky for a chinwag about the future of democracy and liberalism including the threat to democracy posed by inequality, the role of faith in politics, how Australia can properly engage with India and Indonesia, what the future holds on Australia’s China policy, why we should be much more worried about global debt and how progressive parties can rebuild trust with the public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Bowen: On reasons to be optimistic

Max Bergmann is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he focuses on European security and U.S.-Russia policy. Previously he served in the U.S. Department of State where he focused on political-military affairs, arms control and international security. He was also speechwriter to Secretary of State John Kerry. A graduate of LSE, Max joined the show to discuss foreign interference in democracy, What the Mueller Report uncovered about the US 2016 election, whether the Congress should impeach the President, and how democracies can fight back against hostile actors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Bergmann - Center for American Progress: Foreign Interference and Russia 2016 Special

Ambassador Curtis Chin served as the US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. In doing so, he became only the fourth US ambassador of Chinese heritage. As one of the world's foremost experts on the Asia-Pacific region, Curtis now serves as the Asia Fellow of the nonpartisan Milken Institute and works with a range of startups and impact funds in Asia. Curtis joined Misha Zelinsky for a chat about the US-China trade war, what a deal looks like for both countries, the future of global trade and governance, as well as how the world should respond to countries that want to break the rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassador Curtis Chin

This is a special content episode!Senator Kristina Keneally is the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration and Citizenship. Senator Keneally is Labor's deputy leader in the Senate and also served as the first female premier of NSW.Misha Zelinsky and Senator Keneally appeared as guests on a NSW Young Labor panel session discussing the future of immigration and trade in a post COVID-19 world.This is a recording of that live panel session. Senator Keneally gives some fascinating insights into the economic and migration challenges facing Australia, discusses the shocking fact that Australia has the second largest guest worker program in the OECD, tells us why Australia should always be a nation of permanent and generous migration and explains how COVID-19 gives us a chance for a policy reset.Misha talks about the sovereign capability challenge facing the world and why Australia can no longer rely on just-in-time supply changes to deliver the things it needs when it needs them.We apologise in advance for the BBQ question making its way into the program; don't blame us!Enjoy!(We hope to have Senator Keneally on soon as a guest!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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