Shows
Global Politics with LeoUS–China–Taiwan ExplainedPresident Trump says he’ll soon decide what to do about US weapons sales to Taiwan - and that decision matters far beyond the island itself.In this episode, I break down the full story: how the Chinese Civil War created two rival governments, why the US recognised Beijing in the 1970s while continuing to support Taiwan unofficially, and what the “Six Assurances” mean today.I explain why Taiwan is so important:EconomicallyGeopolitically Reputationally If during the Cold War the US prioritised Europe, today the strategic focus is the In...
2026-02-1811 minGlobal Politics with LeoGlobal News Catch-Up: Russia Blocks WhatsApp, China Expands in Africa, Venezuela's Polling, and Rubio’s Munich SpeechMarco Rubio used his speech at the Munich Security Conference to outline how the US sees global security under Donald Trump. His tone was softer than others in the administration - but the message was clear: Europe will need to take far more responsibility for its own defence.Plus:Russia blocks WhatsApp and pushes a state-backed messaging appChina removes tariffs on imports from 53 African countriesIreland rolls out a basic income for artistsSouth Korea’s intelligence agency signals Kim Jong Un’s daughter may be his successorPuerto Rico passes a controversial fetal recognition lawA...
2026-02-1610 minGlobal Politics with LeoKenyans in Ukraine, Indonesian Troops in Gaza, Ethiopians in Sudan - What’s Going On?Three major elections over the weekend - in Portugal, Thailand, and Japan. Japan’s result was the most consequential by far. We break down how Sanae Takaichi turned a fragile leadership position into a historic landslide, what her agenda looks like, and why her rise matters for Japan’s economy, China relations, and the US alliance.We then look at Indonesia’s preparations to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan. What is the International Stabilisation Force meant to do, who’s willing to participate, and what happens if Hamas o...
2026-02-1111 minGlobal Politics with LeoGlobal News Catch-Up: Nigeria Orders UK to Pay $572M, Israel Accused of Spraying Harmful Chemical Over Lebanon, and UN Financial Crisis ContinuesA court in Nigeria has ordered the UK government to pay $572 million to the families of coal miners killed by colonial police during a strike in 1949. We break down what happened at the Enugu mines, how it links to Britain’s colonial rule, and why the ruling matters more than 75 years later.Also:We also cover the World Economic Forum’s investigation into its CEO, Børge Brende, over past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying glyphosate over southern villages. We explain what’s known about the environmental risks and why...
2026-02-0911 minGlobal Politics with LeoSpain’s New Social Media Laws, Testimonies from North Korea, and US Aid to SudanTopics in this episode:(1) Spain is pushing a major package of new digital laws - and while the proposed ban on social media for children under 16 grabbed most of the headlines, it’s only a part of a much bigger shift. In this episode, I break down the four key proposals, why some of them matter far more than the ban itself, and why what happens in Spain is likely to shape digital policy in other countries.I go through each proposal one by one, looking at the arguments from the Spanish government an...
2026-02-0614 minGlobal Politics with LeoUS–India Trade Deal, Costa Rica’s New President & More | Mid-Week Check-InThe United States and India have agreed on a new trade deal. I break down how Donald Trump is using tariffs as geopolitical leverage, why India has reportedly agreed to stop buying Russian oil, and what this could mean for Russia’s economy and the war in Ukraine.We also look at:Costa Rica’s new right-wing president, Laura Fernández.A US–Iran military incident in the Arabian SeaRussia rebuilding military infrastructure near FinlandEenewed missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy systemInvestigations into Elon Musk’s companies in the UK and FranceA major new WHO study showi...
2026-02-0410 minGlobal Politics with LeoGlobal News Catch-Up: Venezuela, Sweden, DR Congo, Cuba, UAE and SwitzerlandThe United States is quietly expanding its influence in Venezuela, with CNN reporting that the CIA is moving to establish a permanent American presence inside the country. Also: Sweden plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for the most serious crimes, as criminal networks increasingly recruit minors. France is set to ban public officials from using U.S. videoconferencing platforms. More than 200 people have been killed in a coltan mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in territory controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia.In Cuba, oil supplies are running...
2026-02-0211 minGlobal Politics with LeoThe Future of U.S. Aid to Israel — and a Landmark EU–India Trade Deal ExplainedThe European Union and India have agreed one of the most significant trade deals in modern history, removing or reducing tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between them. Together, the EU and India account for around a quarter of global GDP and a combined population of about two billion people. The agreement gives European companies preferential access to India’s fast-growing consumer market and opens the EU’s high-income market to Indian exporters - a major shift in global trade at a time of rising US tariffs and increasing unpredictability in American trade policy.Also...
2026-01-3012 minGlobal Politics with LeoGlobal News Catch-Up: US-Cuba, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Venezuela and ChinaAfter the removal of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the Trump administration is now turning its attention to Cuba, exploring whether regime insiders could be persuaded to cut a deal and push the Communist government out. U.S. officials believe Havana is more vulnerable than it has been in decades, especially after losing access to cheap Venezuelan oil.Also: we look at the reports suggesting Iran’s protest death toll could be far higher than previously reported, the US decision to cut funding to foreign organisations working on abortion, diversity, or transgender issues, South Korea’s move...
2026-01-2609 minGlobal Politics with LeoQ&A: Carney’s Speech, Trump’s Board of Peace, the UN, China, Cuba and NicaraguaPresident Donald Trump is backing away from his original demands for Greenland — no invasion, no outright purchase. But that doesn’t mean the issue is resolved. In this episode, I explain what kind of deal could now be on the table, why reports suggest the US could gain sovereignty over small parts of Greenland, and why Trump is focused on permanent control rather than NATO-based arrangements.I also answer your questions from Instagram - including why Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum went viral, what it tells us about leadership in today’s geopolit...
2026-01-2312 minGlobal Politics with LeoTrump’s Expansionism: The Return of Manifest Destiny?Trump’s renewed push to annex Greenland isn’t just about security, trade, or minerals. In this episode, I look at a deeper driver: Trump’s personal history, worldview, and fixation on American expansion.I break down how the idea first emerged in 2018 through billionaire Ronald Lauder, why Trump viewed Greenland like a real-estate deal, and how this fits into a broader revival of the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny - including his admiration for expansionist presidents like James Polk.I also explain why Greenland has returned with far more urgency in Trump’s second...
2026-01-2111 minGlobal Politics with LeoThree Scenarios for Greenland and Trump’s United NationsTrump’s Greenland threat sparks the biggest transatlantic crisis in decades. After leaked text messages between President Trump and Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, we break down what could happen next.This episode walks through three realistic scenarios for Greenland, from a face-saving U.S. deal, to outright American control, to a possible path toward independence through a Compact of Free Association.We also cover Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace,” widely seen as a U.S.-led alternative to the United Nations. Around 60 countries have been invited to join - some have...
2026-01-2007 minGlobal Politics with LeoFrom NATO to the Monroe Doctrine: Trump’s Plan to Reshape America’s Role in the WorldTrump escalates the Greenland crisis by slapping tariffs on European allies - but this episode isn’t just about Greenland. It’s about a much bigger shift in US foreign policy. We break down how the Trump administration is reviving the Monroe Doctrine, what that actually means, and why it helps explain everything from Greenland and Canada to Venezuela, Panama, and China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere. We also look at what this strategy means for NATO, Europe, and America’s role in the world - and why U.S. foreign policy is moving away from glo...
2026-01-1911 minGlobal Politics with LeoVenezuela: Machado’s Strategy With Trump + Japan–Philippines PactMaría Corina Machado makes her boldest Trump move yet - presenting the medal from her Nobel Peace Prize at a private White House meeting. We break down why Machado is doing this, what she’s trying to get from Trump. Also: Japan and the Philippines sign a new defence agreement as tensions with China rise across the Asia-Pacific.Global Politics with Leo brings you the most important international news stories, with clear explanations and evidence-based analysis. Listen for in-depth but concise breakdowns of geopolitics, conflicts, power struggles, and global affairs - without the noise. New dai...
2026-01-1609 minGlobal Politics with LeoGaza Phase Two, Venezuela’s Polls, and the US-Greenland MeetingThe United States announces the start of phase two of its Gaza peace plan, including reconstruction, demilitarisation, and a new technocratic administration. We break down what’s actually in the plan - and what’s likely to be contested. Also: new polling data offers the first real glimpse of how Venezuelans feel about the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the role of the United States. Plus, the US, Denmark, and Greenland hold high-level talks after Donald Trump renews pressure over Greenland’s future. And I bring you the latest on Iran, as multiple sources report sharply different estimates of the...
2026-01-1510 minGlobal Politics with LeoIran Update, Ex-South Korean President Faces Possible Death Penalty, and Uganda’s Internet BlackoutIn today’s global politics update, I’m covering Iran, South Korea, Uganda, Gaza, and Greenland.We start with Iran - why are the death toll estimates range from around 2,000 to 20,000? We also look at what U.S. sanctions or tariffs could mean and who Iran really trades with.Then: South Korea, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for a former president. Uganda, where the government has announced an internet blackout ahead of elections.Finally, what to watch this week in Gaza and Greenland.A fact-based upda...
2026-01-1408 minGlobal Politics with LeoUpdates on Sudan, Venezuela & Iran: Global News Catch-UpIn this episode, I break down what’s happening in Sudan & latest news - starting with the historical context you need to understand how the country ended up in the middle of a devastating civil war. I’ll walk you through how the military went from removing a dictator to turning on itself, and how foreign powers like Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are all playing a role in keeping the conflict alive.Then I get into the latest from Venezuela, where opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado is set t...
2026-01-1308 minGlobal Politics with LeoIran Explained: History, Power, and Western InterferenceIn this episode of Global Politics with Leo, I take you on a journey through Iran’s rich and turbulent history - from the Persian Empire to today’s escalating protests. We unpack the foundations of Iran’s national identity, the rise and fall of democratic movements, the role of oil in shaping foreign policy, and the deep imprint of Western interference.Why are Iranians protesting now? What does the structure of Iran’s regime really look like? And how could the current unrest reshape global politics?This is a story of power, ideology...
2026-01-1215 minGlobal Politics with LeoGlobal News Catch-Up: Iran, Venezuela, the US, Greenland, Somalia, Israel, Palestine, and ItalyWhile the headlines have been dominated by a few major stories, a lot is happening across the world - and in this episode, we dive into it all. From near-total internet blackouts in Iran amid economic crisis and mass protests, to major shifts in US foreign policy under the Trump administration, we cover key developments you might’ve missed.We also touch on worsening US-Somalia relations, humanitarian updates from Gaza/Palestine, oil deals and political prisoners in Venezuela, Italy’s potential electoral overhaul, and the unexpected return of Greenland to the geopolitical conversation.You...
2026-01-0905 minGlobal Politics with LeoGreenland: Is Trump Planning a Post-NATO World?In today’s global politics update, I dive into one of the most unexpected - and potentially game-changing - news stories in international affairs: Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland.Why does the U.S. want it so badly? Is it really about trade routes, rare minerals, and military positioning - or is there a bigger strategy at play? In this episode, I explore the history of U.S.–Greenland relations, unpack the 1916 promises to Denmark, and examine how Trump’s approach to NATO, Russia, and the Monroe Doctrine may all be connected.Could...
2026-01-0813 minGlobal Politics with LeoUkraine’s Future, Central African Republic Staying Close to Russia, and China–Japan TensionsIn today’s episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions in global politics right now: are Europe and the U.S. about to give Ukraine real, legally binding security guarantees?The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is reached, while the U.S. would oversee ceasefire monitoring using drones, satellites, and sensors. We break down what this actually means, how it’s different from the failed Budapest Memorandum, and why “legally binding guarantees” could change the entire post-war security order in Europe. But desp...
2026-01-0707 minGlobal Politics with LeoHow Do Venezuelans Really Feel? Separating Emotion from the DataHow do Venezuelans really feel about what’s happening right now? In this episode, I cut through viral videos, selective outrage, and political spin to examine how Venezuelan reactions and emotions are being used - and misused - by media and governments. Using hard data on inflation, elections, approval ratings, and polling inside and outside Venezuela, this episode separates emotion from evidence to answer a difficult question: widespread rejection of Maduro doesn’t automatically mean certainty, celebration, or trust in what comes next. A data-driven look at propaganda, perception, and why the truth is rarely simple.You...
2026-01-0614 minGlobal Politics with LeoVenezuela Explained: Legality, Oil, Russia, and What Happens NextVenezuela Explained: Trump Captures Nicolás Maduro, US Strikes, and What Happens Next | Politics News & AnalysisIn today’s Venezuela episode, I break down the biggest news story in global politics: the US operation that captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro (and his wife) and launched strikes tied to that mission. We’ll walk through what happened, why the Trump administration says it did it, and what comes next.This episode is explained with context and evidence-led analysis - from the disputed 2024 Venezuelan election and international recognition, to the US claims about drugs, m...
2026-01-0419 minGlobal Politics with Leo2026 Predictions, Myanmar & Guinea Elections Explained and Iran CrisisStart 2026 with a deep dive into the biggest global politics stories shaping the year. In this episode, I break down the latest news and political developments in Myanmar and Guinea, where overwhelming election “victories” raise serious questions about authoritarian control. We also look at Iran’s economic crisis, mass protests, collapsing currency and growing instability. You’ll also get a clear and factual news analysis around Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, and competing narratives. Then we move into political analysis and predictions for 2026, from Ukraine and Russia to the Middle East, Yemen, Sudan, Somaliland...
2026-01-0211 minGlobal Politics with LeoYemen Crisis Explained + How to Read the News in 2026In this final episode of the year, I take a step back from the constant stream of global news and politics to talk about something many of you have been feeling lately: anxiety about the world. Lots of people feel overwhelmed by headlines. So before we dive into the latest political developments, I want to share a healthier way to approach news consumption in 2026.Then we turn to one of the most devastating but underreported political crises in global news: Yemen. For years, the conflict has been incredibly complex, involving multiple sides, regional rivalries, external powers...
2025-12-3105 minGlobal Politics with LeoSaudi Arabia Targets Critics, Ukraine Update, and Japan’s Demographic CrisisIn today’s episode of Global Politics with Leo, we break down some of the biggest international news stories shaping world politics right now. We start in Saudi Arabia, where the government is cracking down on free speech as living costs rise and the long-standing “social contract” between the monarchy and the people begins to shift. Then we move to Russia and Ukraine, where President Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. President Trump highlights ongoing negotiations, unresolved territorial issues, and why these questions are at the heart of the conflict.We then head to Asia...
2025-12-3005 minGlobal Politics with LeoSpace Race 2.0, Belgium Joins Gaza Genocide Case, and Poland’s Bomb Shelter PlanIn today’s global politics update, Leo unpacks the latest news and political developments from around the world. We start with Belgium joining South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice - a legal move that could reshape diplomatic narratives. Then, we head to Poland, where new civil defense policies will require bomb shelters in buildings starting 2026, amid growing fears of Russian aggression.Also: Algeria declares France’s colonization a crime, Japan boosts its defense budget to record highs amid Taiwan tensions, and Russia announces plans to build a nuclear power plant...
2025-12-2904 minGlobal Politics with LeoDid Israel Recognise Somaliland To ‘Relocate’ Palestinians? ExplainedIn this special episode, we break down a historic political move: Israel has just become the first country in the world to officially recognise Somaliland.This isn’t a random decision - it has huge implications for Africa, the Middle East, Gaza, and global powers, including the U.S, China and Russia.In this episode:What Somaliland is and how it came to exist.Why no country recognised it for more than 30 years.Why Israel did it now - and how it connects to Gaza, Palestinians, Trump, US strategy, and the Red Se...
2025-12-2810 minGlobal Politics with LeoMajor Shift in US Foreign Aid, Israel’s “Al Jazeera Law,” and North Korea’s Luxury ResortIn today’s episode, we look at Russia’s new pressure on WhatsApp and other apps, Israel’s expanded “Al Jazeera Law” on foreign media, and a major shift in how the U.S. funds global health in Africa. We also cover Kim Jong Un’s new luxury resort in North Korea, fresh U.S. economic numbers, and a brutal kidnapping in Nigeria. If you interested in global politics and international news, this one’s for yo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-2405 minGlobal Politics with LeoWhy Trump Wants Greenland, Russia’s WhatsApp Crackdown, And India–NZ Trade DealThis episode was updated to reflect that the India–New Zealand trade deal is expected to be signed in 2026.In today’s global news and politics update: Donald Trump appointed a new US special envoy to Greenland. Why does Trump want Greenland? I break down the political, strategic, and economic reasons behind Trump's push for Greenland. Also: we discuss Nigeria’s release of kidnapped schoolchildren, new ceasefire efforts between Thailand and Cambodia, the India–New Zealand trade deal, the UK’s new animal welfare standards, and Russia’s latest crackdown on WhatsApp. Clear context and the key global s...
2025-12-2305 minGlobal Politics with LeoDoes Putin Want War With Europe? UK Drinking Hits Record Low, and Saudi Arabia Sets Death Penalty RecordIn today’s episode, we dive into some of the biggest stories in world news and politics. We break down a major Reuters report claiming U.S. intelligence believes Vladimir Putin still wants to take full control of Ukraine and expand Russian influence further into Europe.We then move to the Middle East, where Israel has approved 19 new West Bank settlements. Plus, we look at alcohol trends: UK drinking has fallen to its lowest level since 1990. Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, access to alcohol is quietly expanding — at the same time the kingdom records its highest execution numbers ever...
2025-12-2203 minGlobal Politics with LeoTrump Wants to Go to the Moon, Digital Euro Explained, and Singapore to Introduce Caning for ScammersDaily world news update. In today’s global politics update, we break down Europe’s push toward a Digital Euro - what it actually is, why the EU wants it, and why privacy critics are worried. We also look at President Trump’s new plan to get the U.S. back to the Moon, Singapore’s controversial decision to introduce caning for scammers, and Australia’s latest national gun buyback following the Bondi Beach attack. Plus, we cover the EU’s new multibillion-euro loan plan for Ukraine, a U.S. strike on ISIS in Syria, and Amnesty International’s alarming repor...
2025-12-2005 minGlobal Politics with LeoNetanyahu’s Plan to Control Oct 7 Narrative, Trump’s Taiwan Arms Deal, and Russian Billionaire Told to Pay UkraineYour daily world news update. Trump has approved an $11bn U.S. weapons deal for Taiwan, a major move that strengthens Taipei’s defences and angers China, which accuses Washington of undermining its sovereignty. Also: the UN says average food intake in Gaza has risen to two meals a day, though living conditions remain extremely harsh; Australia announces a sweeping crackdown on hate speech after the Bondi attack; and Trump signs an executive order expanding access to cannabis in the U.S. Plus, Netanyahu moves to take charge of the panel shaping Israel’s October 7 inquiry, South Korea’s president sugges...
2025-12-1904 minGlobal Politics with LeoEU Countries Push Tougher Migration Laws, Abortion Access Vote, Israel-Egypt Deal, and Putin Calls European Leaders “Little Pigs”Your daily world news update. EU countries are pushing for tougher migration laws, including plans for controversial “return hubs”. Also: we look at a row between South Africa and the U.S., the European Parliament backs a fund to help women travel for abortion care, Israel approves its deal with Egypt, Putin insults European leaders and defends the Ukraine war, and why new Alzheimer’s research could have major political consequences for ageing societies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-1804 minGlobal Politics with LeoRisk of Regional War in Africa, Meta Scam Ads, Trump vs the BBCYour daily world news update. A risk of regional war is growing in eastern DR Congo. I break down what’s really happening and why Congo’s minerals matter. Also: we look at a Reuters investigation alleging Meta earned billions from scam ads, new evidence of mass killings in Sudan, a major study linking tanning beds to melanoma, rising tensions in the West Bank, Trump’s expanded U.S. travel ban, and his $10bn defamation lawsuit against the BBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-12-1705 minGlobal Politics with LeoUkraine Deal Progress, a Crypto State in the Caribbean & Chile’s New PresidentYour daily world news update. Western leaders say Ukraine peace talks have made progress, with the U.S. proposing NATO-style security guarantees, though key issues like occupied territory remain unresolved. Also: Australia’s push for tougher gun laws after a deadly mass shooting, U.S. military access to Trinidad and Tobago, and the UK’s plan to block explicit content online by default. Plus, a crypto investor’s plan to build a libertarian enclave in the Caribbean, the collapse of Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party, and Chile’s sharp shift to the right with the election of José Antonio Kast. H...
2025-12-1603 min
The Mike Smyth ShowWhy does Trump want Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal?Why does Trump want Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal?GUEST: Leo Lindermans, News analyst and commentator on TikTok. LeoTalks on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-01-1512 min