Show Notes
Europe is looking for new partners and Australia is high on the list. As the European Union seeks to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals, strengthen its industrial base and take greater responsibility for its own security, Brussels is turning increasingly toward countries it sees as trusted democratic partners. Geraldine Doogue speaks with Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice President for Industrial Strategy, during his visit to Australia. They discuss the newly completed Australia-EU free trade agreement, Europe's growing appetite for Australian critical minerals, and the push for what Europeans call "strategic autonomy" in a world shaped by China's economic power, Russia's war in Ukraine and uncertainty about America's long-term role. Plus, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke discuss Europe's political pressures at home, the rise of populist movements, migration, economic reform and what to make of the EU VP's candid statements. Can Europe become more self-reliant without turning inward? And what role could Australia play in that effort?Guest: Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's Executive Vice President for Industrial Strategy Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
More from Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald
Alberta has voted overwhelmingly against opening the door to separation from Canada, dealing a significant blow to one of the country's most persistent independence movements. But while the referendum result looks decisive, does it really put the issue to rest? Political scientist Andrea Lawlor joins Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke to explain why Alberta's grievances run far deeper than this vote, why comparisons with Western Australia aren't entirely misguided, and how decades of tensions over energy, identity and federal power shaped the campaign. They also discuss the role Donald Trump may have played in the debate and whether Prime Minister Mark Carney's unusually low-key approach helped secure the result. And as tariffs loom and US-Canada relations remain strained, has Canada emerged from this referendum more united, or merely postponed a deeper reckoning? Guest: Andrea Lawlor, Associate Professor in political science, McMaster University, OntarioGet in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
Will Israeli voters renew Benjamin Netanyahu's mandate, or is the country heading for a political turning point? ABC Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran joins Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald from Jerusalem to explain why this campaign has become a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, who is best placed to challenge him, and why the result may be far from clear even after votes are counted. They discuss the lingering political fallout from October 7, Donald Trump's extraordinary endorsement of Netanyahu, the role of Israel's Arab parties, and why coalition negotiations could prove just as important as election day itself. Matthew also reflects on the challenges of reporting from Gaza, the restrictions facing international journalists, and the growing scrutiny of violence in the occupied West Bank. Guest: Matthew Doran, ABC's Middle East Correspondent Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
Has Russia’s war with Ukraine spread beyond both countries borders? From cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to attacks on critical infrastructure, one of Poland's leading Russia analysts Marek Menkiszak argues that Moscow sees itself in a broader confrontation with what it calls the "collective West". Speaking with Geraldine Doogue, Menkiszak explains why Poland considers itself on the frontline, how Russia seeks to influence elections across Europe, and why countries like France, Germany and the UK matter so much to the Kremlin's strategy. He also discusses whether NATO's response has been strong enough, how Russia is using nuclear threats as psychological warfare, and why some European leaders believe Moscow will continue testing Western resolve until it faces much higher costs. If Russia already believes it's at war with the West, how should democracies respond without triggering a wider conflict? Guest: Marek Menkiszak, head of the Russian department at the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) in Warsaw. Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
In the wake of the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke revisit their interview on the violence aimed towards women in politics. NOTE: This episode was initially broadcast on Thursday 13th of August A growing body of research suggests women in public life are facing a wave of online harassment that has been amplified by artificial intelligence, deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns. In this episode of Global Roaming, Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke examine the implications for democracy. If women are increasingly targeted with sexualised abuse, fake images and threats of violence, will fewer choose to enter public life? Australian journalist and academic Dr Julie Posetti, who led a landmark UN study on online violence against women in public life, explains how AI is changing the threat landscape and why research is drawing links between online abuse and real-world harm. Former NSW minister Bronnie Taylor reflects on her own experience of abuse in politics and why she fears the problem could deter women from putting their hands up for elected office. Could online misogyny be reshaping democracy itself? And what can governments, regulators and technology companies do about it? Guests: Dr Julie Posetti, journalist, academic and UN researcher Bronnie Taylor, former NSW Nationals minister and Women for Election advisory board member Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert weighs in on the upcoming election, and the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Francom. With Israel heading to the polls on 27 October in what many say is the country's most consequential election in decades, Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue are joined by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – a longstanding and vocal critic of Benjamin Netanyahu – to unpack what’s at stake. Olmert argues the election will determine the character of Israeli democracy itself, and explores the possibility that a higher turnout among Arab-Israeli voters could deny Netanyahu the numbers to govern. He also addresses the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza, saying those responsible should face court martial. Guest: Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] Find all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.