This Week Explained

Our 4th Anniversary: The Voices That Explained the World

To celebrate four incredible years of This Week Explained, we're opening the vault and revisiting some of our most powerful conversations. In a world of constant flux, where understanding the forces shaping global events is more critical than ever, we've had the privilege of speaking with some of the sharpest minds in geopolitics and intelligence.In this special anniversary episode, join us for a masterclass in modern statecraft, espionage, and analysis. We're bringing you hand-picked clips from our conversations with former CIA officer Mike Baker, OSINT expert Ryan McBeth, strategic intelligence analyst Steve Lazarus, and real-time conflict tracker Alcon.Intel. From covert operations in the field to decoding satellite images from a desktop, this is a collection of insights you won't want to miss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.

Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Gaza's Invasion, and a Nuclear Pact

This week, we unpack a world on the brink. From Ukraine's daring counteroffensive striking deep inside Russia to Israel's high-stakes ground invasion of Gaza, we analyze the critical decisions and their devastating consequences. Is Russia's escalating pressure on NATO a distraction, or part of a larger, more dangerous game? Episode HighlightsUkraine's Two-Front Strategy: Ukrainian forces are not only reclaiming territory in the east but are also crippling Russia's war economy by targeting critical oil facilities deep inside the country.Israel's Gaza Offensive: We break down why the Israeli government initiated a major ground offensive against the advice of its own security chiefs, sparking a humanitarian catastrophe and a chilling ultimatum from Hamas regarding the remaining hostages.The New Nuclear Axis: Intelligence reports allege that Russia has supplied North Korea with a nuclear reactor and other key components for a submarine, a payment for munitions that could fundamentally alter the security landscape in Asia.US vs. Venezuela: Tensions in the Caribbean are reaching a boiling point as the U.S. conducts lethal strikes against alleged "narcoterrorists," prompting a confrontational military response from Venezuela and bringing the two nations closer to direct conflictBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.

Lines Crossed Israel's Qatar Strike & Russia's NATO Test

This week, geopolitical red lines are crossed, throwing decades of established rules into question. We break down Israel's unprecedented and failed strike inside Qatar that has shattered regional alliances, and we analyze the moment NATO forces fired on Russian drones over Poland for the first time.Episode HighlightsIsrael's Doha Gamble: The anatomy of the failed assassination attempt in Doha , how the mission was pushed by Prime Minister Netanyahu against the advice of his own intelligence and military chiefs , and the diplomatic firestorm it created with the U.S. and a betrayed Gulf.NATO's Red Line: For the first time, a NATO member has fired shots in an incident related to the war in Ukraine after Russian drones violated Polish airspace. We explore the competing narratives—deliberate provocation or accident—and NATO's new 'Eastern Sentry' mission.The War on Four Fronts: An inside look at the escalating conflict in Ukraine, from Russia’s heaviest aerial bombardment of Kyiv and Ukraine’s asymmetric drone strikes on Russian oil terminals to the hidden war over foreign-made microchips found in Russian missiles.Nepal's Digital Revolution: How a government's attempt to ban 26 social media platforms backfired , igniting a powder keg of youth-led anger over corruption that toppled the government in a matter of days.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.

The Axis of Convenience: A New Global Order Emerges

This week, we unpack the formation of a new pragmatic alliance in Beijing designed to challenge the West. From Vladimir Putin's direct "red line" threat in Ukraine to a controversial U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, we ask: is the unipolar moment officially over? Episode HighlightsPutin's Ultimatum: Russia’s president issues a direct threat, stating any Western troops in Ukraine, including peacekeepers, will be considered "legitimate targets," as allies debate the systemic financial risks of seizing frozen Russian assets.Gaza's Stalemate: A deep dive into the stalled hostage negotiations, where Hamas seeks survival and Israel seeks its opponent's elimination, leading to a growing divide between Israel's political leadership and its military command.The Axis of Convenience: Inside China's massive Victory Day parade, where the presence of Russia, North Korea, India, and Iran signals the rise of a pragmatic bloc built to counter Western influence.A World Rebalancing: We explore how punitive U.S. tariffs are pushing India toward a tactical alliance with China and analyze the legality of the White House's decision to use lethal military force against a cartel vessel in international waters.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.

Israel's Expanding Shadow War & Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock

This week, we analyze the breakdown of diplomacy in Ukraine following the Trump-Putin summit and explore the widening conflict in the Middle East, as Israel launches a new offensive in Gaza and targets Houthi leadership in Yemen. Is military force becoming the only language of negotiation on the world stage?Episode HighlightsUkraine's Diplomatic Deadlock: An inside look at why peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with the U.S. stepping back from its role as chief negotiator. We also discuss the chilling assassination of a high-profile Ukrainian political figure in Lviv and its use as a psychological warfare tactic.Gaza's Deepening Crisis: As the IDF declares Gaza City a combat zone and resumes its offensive , we examine the devastating humanitarian impact, including a declared famine , and the internal Israeli political push for the annexation of the Gaza Strip.Israel's Decapitation Strategy: An analysis of Israel's targeted strike against the Houthi leadership in Yemen. We explore why this tactic is successful at disrupting groups like the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah but ultimately fails to defeat their underlying ideology.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.