In this episode, John speaks with former Executive Director of Human Right’s Watch (HRW) & Princeton’s Prof. Kenneth Roth on Netanyahu v. Hamas. In a war known for having broken the laws of war on both sides, can anyone really say either Hamas or Netanyahu holds the moral high ground? Show notes: The Roth & Sparrow piece in Foreign Policy (February 2024) can be seen here - https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/09/israel-gaza-health-care-hospitals-genocide-icj/  The Forensic Architecture website can be seen here - https://forensic-architecture.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🔥 Unraveling Yemen's Political Maze: The Shocking Truth Revealed! 💥 Brace yourselves for an eye-opening conversation that shatters every preconceived notion about Yemen! In an exclusive episode, John delves deep into the heart of Yemen's political labyrinth with none other than the European Institute of Peace's Senior Advisor, Hisham Al-Omeisy. 🌍 Prepare to have your worldview rocked as Hisham and John dissect the enigmatic layers of Yemen's intricate politics. Forget everything you thought you knew about this tumultuous nation because the truth is far more baffling than you could ever imagine! 💣 But that's not all! Dive into the murky waters of Yemen's maritime chaos as Hisham and John uncover the startling motivations behind the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Spoiler alert: It's not what the mainstream media wants you to believe! 🔍 Don't miss out on this riveting discussion that challenges the very fabric of conventional wisdom. Buckle up as we embark on a journey through Yemen's untold stories – the revelations will leave you speechless! Click now to uncover the shocking truth that's been hiding in plain sight! Show Notes: Hisham Al-Omeisy’s bio - https://www.eip.org/team-organisation/hisham-al-omeisy/ Hisham’s story as a prisoner of the Houthis - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prominent-yemeni-activist-detained-houthis-sanaa Hisham’s take on the West v. Houthis - https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/west-vs-houthis-experts-warn-middle-east-a-powder-keg-call-for-political-solution-to-red-sea-standoff/3112691# Hisham speaks with CNN’s Christine Amanpour - https://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2024/02/06/amanpour-yemen-houthis-hisham-al-omeisy.cnnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode John speak with Associate Fellow of the German Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp. Karl-Heinz is a specialist on German foreign and strategic policy and we’ll be delving deep into what appears to be a German military resurgence in Europe. Will this strengthen the Continent, will it be destabilising? And probably most importantly can it be sustained? Links German Council on Foreign Relations website can be accessed - here The Alphen Group website can be accessed - here University Roma Tre website can be accessed - hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, John is again joined by US Army LTG Ben Hodges (Ret.) where they discuss noted historian, author and commentator, Professor Niall Ferguson’s notion that we are currently in Cold War 2.0. Show Notes -  For those of you who’d like to know more about the work of The Alphen Group (TAG), please access via the following Link: https://thealphengroup.com/ Our interview on the darker aspects of AI with Steven Feldstein can be seen here – video: https://youtu.be/MpyBcwVmExI?si=Wg9gEJpfAgPvAl5h audio: https://omny.fm/shows/the-focus-1/repressive-aiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this espisode, the first one for 2024, we start off hot by speaking with Scott Lucas on events in the Middle East from Gaza to Lebanon and from Yemen to Jordan and Iran, why have things gone so wrong and what lies ahead? Scott’s latest piece in The Conversation can be found - here 927 Magazine can be found - here Scott’s website EA Worldview can be found - hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this, our last episode for 2023, we have a treat for all you geopolitical junkies out there! We speak to Jonathan Powell, former Chief of Staff to the Blair government (1997-2007). 2024 will be a big year of elections around the world. One of which, the U.S. presidential election, due in November of next year, will prove decisive for a whole bunch of countries and may impact on our futures in a negative way. Here we analyse the problems and prospects of Britain under a potential Starmer leadership, should Labour win in 2024. What will change and what will remain the same? How to contain a recalcitrant Russia? - Financial Review - David Manning & Jonathan PowellTalking to Terrorists: How to End Armed Conflicts, Jonathan Powell, Vintage Digital, 2 October, 2014 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, one of the last for 2023, we take a lighter turn as John speaks with Prof. Kenneth Womack, Professor of English and Popular Music at Monmouth University, New Jersey, talking about his latest book – a biography on Mal Evans – the Beatles’ Mr Fixit. This is a fascinating look at the rock and roll industry in the 1960s, how it compares to that of today and the seductive, corrupting influence of the rock and roll lifestyle and how it took its toll on the guy who took care of one of the greatest bands in the world. Book - Living The Beatles Legend - The Untold Story of Mal Evans by Kenneth WomackSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this interview with Deakin University’s Emeritus Prof Damien Kingsbury, John discusses the main themes of Damien’s latest book “The Rise and Decline of Modern Democracy”, Routledge, 2023. What is democracy? How old is the variant we are living with? How has neoliberal economics played its part in diminishing its importance around the world, leading to the rise of autocracy. Join us for this fascinating discussion. https://www.routledge.com/The-Rise-and-Decline-of-Modern-Democracy/Kingsbury/p/book/9781032218168See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, hot on the heels of the latest war in the Middle East, John speaks to writer and journalist Thomas Fazi to discuss ‘permacrisis’. What is it? And how does it threaten our way of life? Books by Thomas Fazi: The Battle for Europe: How an Elite Hijacked a Continent – and How We Can Take It Back (Pluto Press, 2014), Reclaiming the State: A Progressive Vision of Sovereignty for a Post-Neoliberal World (co-authored with Bill Mitchell; Pluto Press, 2017)  The Covid Consensus: The Global Assault on Democracy and the Poor—A Critique from the Left (co-authored with Toby Green; Hurst Publishers, 2023). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🧠 In this thought-provoking conversation, Steven Feldstein takes us on a captivating exploration of the dark underbelly of AI, where the lines between technology and tyranny blur. He unveils the unsettling truth about how repressive regimes are weaponizing AI to surveil, control, and silence dissent. 😨🔍 Show Notes 📖 In this episode, we journey into the world of Repressive AI with none other than Steven Feldstein, the author of "The Rise of Digital Repression: How Technology is Reshaping Power, Politics, and Resistance." (📚 Buy it here: Amazon) 🧠 Steven Feldstein, a leading authority in the field, guides us through the complexities of how technology and AI are reshaping the dynamics of power, politics, and resistance. We dive deep into the dark side of AI and its implications for democracy, governance, and global politics. 🔍 In his latest journal article, "The Consequences of Generative AI for Democracy, Governance, and War," published in Global Politics and Strategy, Survival, Volume 65, 2023 - Issue 5, Steven Feldstein sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of generative AI. We discuss the findings and their impact on our world today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎉 Get ready to dive deep into the thrilling world of international relations! 🌍 In this electrifying episode, we've got the brilliant and dynamic Lauren Sukin, a young scholar hailing from the prestigious London School of Economics. 🎓 Hold on tight, folks, because this Assistant Professor of International Relations is about to take us on a wild ride! Buckle up for an explosive conversation that zeroes in on one of the most pressing global concerns: North Korea. 🚀 Lauren's expertise in nuclear weapons and alliance politics will leave you at the edge of your seat as we unravel the intricate web of threats posed by this enigmatic nation. But wait, there's more! 🌟 Discover why America is struggling to rein in North Korea's behavior, and prepare to be blown away by the depth of knowledge and insights that Lauren brings to the table. It's an exceptionally engaging and detailed discussion that you won't want to miss! Get ready to expand your horizons and gain a whole new perspective on international affairs. Hit that subscribe button, smash that like button, and join us for a mind-blowing journey through the world of geopolitics! 🌐💥See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we have two incredible guests joining us for a deep dive into this pivotal moment in history. Dr. Rodrigo Acuña and Prof. Clinton Fernandes are here to unravel the untold stories, enduring impacts, and the resilient spirit of Chile in the five decades since the historic coup. So, buckle up as we journey through time and uncover the layers of history, right here on The Focus.   Show Notes:For those interested in getting hold of that book Clinton mentioned by author Nicolas Jose, its called The Idealist & should be out at all good bookstores soon.For those of you interested in the background and works of Jared Diamond, here’s a little summary for your interest purloined from our friends at Wikipedia: Jared Mason Diamond is an American geographer, historian, ornithologist, and author best known for his popular science books The Third Chimpanzee; Guns, Germs, and Steel; Collapse, The World Until Yesterday, and Upheaval. And yes, in 1961, he earned his PhD on the membranes in the gallbladder, some suggesting his diverse authorship including on topics such as geography, history and anthropology is on the account of Diamond being a polymath.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are joined once again by Dr. Sean McFate in part two of our exploration of the evolution of warfare in the 21st Century. Here we focus on Sneaky War, something Sean raised the last time he was on with us. Oh, and Sean also shares his insights regarding the alleged assassination of Wagner Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin & founder Dmitri Utkin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode John is joined by former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, Lt. Gen Ben Hodges (Ret’d) where they have an honest discussion on the Ukrainian Counter-Offensive, the state of Western and Russian defence manufacture and much more besides. Join us for this fascinating and deeply engaging interview, only on SAGE International’s The Focus!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode John speaks with prominent American strategist Dr. Sean McFate on the increasing use of mercenaries on the modern battlefield. Sean and John discuss mercenaries, the Wagner Group, the fetishisation of modern military technology and nuclear deterrence. Sean says, we are going back to a very old form of war fighting that predates the modern international order. Sean also observes that we are entering an era of 'durable disorder,' another aspect of human affairs that predates what we are used to seeing today. Sadly this episode left much untouched due to time restraints, however, we hope to follow this podcast up with one with Sean entitled 'Sneaky War' in the near future, so stay tuned!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we speak once again to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb. This time we talk about his recent Silver Star Expedition. What did he find off the coast of Manus Island (Papua New Guinea)? How will this affect our understanding of the interstellar medium, and if the fragments of IM1 are of ‘intelligent manufacture’, how will this change our view of ourselves in the universe? Join us on a fascinating journey of discovery!  For those of you who would like to watch ‘Our Future In Space: the Ignatius Forum’ at the National Cathedral in Washington DC back in November 2021, please click on the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67KZfeZyw_USee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we are joined by Haitian-born writer and journalist Monique Clesca to speak about the tragic situation of her home country - the Republic of Haiti. Riven by endemic corruption, gang violence, foreigners backing anti-democratic forces and hit by natural calamities, is there any hope for this country? Join us to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus Raw, we are pleased to have British-based YouTuber, Philospher and keen observer of Russian politics - Vlad Vexler with us. Vlad gives his views on the Prigozhin Mutiny and his analysis of the main characters in what appears to be high-order political drama in Moscow since the events of 23rd June. This is one episode you don't want to miss! Vlad's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@VladVexlerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode John speaks with Edith Cowan University lecturer in international business, Dr. Naoise McDonagh on the phenomenon of ‘friend-shoring’. We delve deep into what this means for the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party and the world at large. The answers are…complicated, and not what you may expect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by US-based international debunker, Mick West where we discuss the recent claims made by former US intelligence officer, David Grusch, on the US government hiding a UFO/UAP crash retrieval program. We’ve dealt in some seriously interesting topics, but this one takes the cake! Show Notes: For more about the centrality of Skin Walker Ranch to the current UFO/UAP narrative see Steven Greenstreet’s take-down of the place on his YouTube series on the following links: Part 1 - https://youtu.be/VwfaAz9kxcc Part 2 - https://youtu.be/sCQRMGOc9M8 Part 3 - https://youtu.be/8Bp0weO-hiI  Part 4 - https://youtu.be/Q9Kwv_p2Cww Final - https://youtu.be/3Tsg0X4onCo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.