The Foreign Desk

Explainer 526: Why Japan has been spooked into launching an intelligence service

Japan announced plans this week to establish its own intelligence agency, its first since the Second World War. But why now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Powering Purpose in London

A special episode in association with Hitachi Energy, recorded at Midori House in London. Andrew Mueller discusses the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition with Gerhard Salge, Olga Rosca and Richard Nugee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The scramble for critical minerals

As the global competition for minerals intensifies, we consider the geopolitics at play. How did China emerge as a dominant force? And will the DRC ever benefit from its own resources?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explainer 525: You can’t keep a Le Pen down 

Far-right French firebrand Marine Le Pen’s sentence for embezzlement was reduced this week, allowing her to stand in next year’s presidential election. But will the conviction hinder or help her campaign? Andrew Mueller explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the US still have a free press? 

As the US marks 250 years, is one of the pillars of its democracy, a free press, under threat? Guests including White House correspondent Maggie Haberman discuss the current administration’s relationship with the media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.