Skip to content
Global Politics with Leo podcast artwork

PODCAST · news

Global Politics with Leo

by Leo Lindermans

Global Politics with Leo brings you the most important international stories, with clear explanations and evidence-based analysis. New episodes break down geopolitics, conflicts, power struggles, global affairs and world news in a simple way without the noise. You can email me at [email protected] You might know me from my political education content on social media and Substack as Leo Explains or LeoExplains10. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 16, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. European Rearmament, Anti-Gay Laws in Senegal, and Russia's Unexpected Oil Profits

    Europe is arming up and in this episode, I break down what that really means. I dive into Croatia's revival of compulsory military service, the broader trend of militarisation sweeping across the continent, and whether history should make us worried or not. I also unpack a major new report from…

    more
  2. US–China–Taiwan Explained

    President 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...

  3. Global News Catch-Up: Russia Blocks WhatsApp, China Expands in Africa, Venezuela's Polling, and Rubio’s Munich Speech

    Marco 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...

  4. Kenyans 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,...

  5. Global News Catch-Up: Nigeria Orders UK to Pay $572M, Israel Accused of Spraying Harmful Chemical Over Lebanon, and UN Financial Crisis Continues

    A 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.…

    more
  6. Spain’s New Social Media Laws, Testimonies from North Korea, and US Aid to Sudan

    Topics 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...

  7. US–India Trade Deal, Costa Rica’s New President & More | Mid-Week Check-In

    The 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...

  8. Global News Catch-Up: Venezuela, Sweden, DR Congo, Cuba, UAE and Switzerland

    The 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…

    more
  9. The Future of U.S. Aid to Israel — and a Landmark EU–India Trade Deal Explained

    The 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...

  10. Global News Catch-Up: US-Cuba, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Venezuela and China

    After 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,...

  11. Q&A: Carney’s Speech, Trump’s Board of Peace, the UN, China, Cuba and Nicaragua

    President 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…

    more
  12. Trump’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...

  13. Three Scenarios for Greenland and Trump’s United Nations

    Trump’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…

    more
  14. From NATO to the Monroe Doctrine: Trump’s Plan to Reshape America’s Role in the World

    Trump 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...

  15. Venezuela: Machado’s Strategy With Trump + Japan–Philippines Pact

    María 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…

    more
  16. Gaza Phase Two, Venezuela’s Polls, and the US-Greenland Meeting

    The 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...

  17. Iran Update, Ex-South Korean President Faces Possible Death Penalty, and Uganda’s Internet Blackout

    In 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,...

  18. Updates on Sudan, Venezuela & Iran: Global News Catch-Up

    In 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...

  19. Iran Explained: History, Power, and Western Interference

    In 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...

  20. Global News Catch-Up: Iran, Venezuela, the US, Greenland, Somalia, Israel, Palestine, and Italy

    While 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…

    more
  21. Greenland: 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…

    more
  22. Ukraine’s Future, Central African Republic Staying Close to Russia, and China–Japan Tensions

    In 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...

  23. How Do Venezuelans Really Feel? Separating Emotion from the Data

    How 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,...

  24. Venezuela Explained: Legality, Oil, Russia, and What Happens Next

    Venezuela Explained: Trump Captures Nicolás Maduro, US Strikes, and What Happens Next | Politics News & Analysis In 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...

  25. 2026 Predictions, Myanmar & Guinea Elections Explained and Iran Crisis

    Start 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…

    more
  26. Yemen Crisis Explained + How to Read the News in 2026

    In 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…

    more
  27. Saudi Arabia Targets Critics, Ukraine Update, and Japan’s Demographic Crisis

    In 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...

  28. Space Race 2.0, Belgium Joins Gaza Genocide Case, and Poland’s Bomb Shelter Plan

    In 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…

    more
  29. Did Israel Recognise Somaliland To ‘Relocate’ Palestinians? Explained

    In 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...

  30. Major Shift in US Foreign Aid, Israel’s “Al Jazeera Law,” and North Korea’s Luxury Resort

    In 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...

  31. Why Trump Wants Greenland, Russia’s WhatsApp Crackdown, And India–NZ Trade Deal

    This 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...

  32. Does Putin Want War With Europe? UK Drinking Hits Record Low, and Saudi Arabia Sets Death Penalty Record

    In 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...

  33. Trump Wants to Go to the Moon, Digital Euro Explained, and Singapore to Introduce Caning for Scammers

    Daily 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...

  34. Netanyahu’s Plan to Control Oct 7 Narrative, Trump’s Taiwan Arms Deal, and Russian Billionaire Told to Pay Ukraine

    Your 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...

  35. EU 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...

  36. Risk of Regional War in Africa, Meta Scam Ads, Trump vs the BBC

    Your 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...

  37. Ukraine Deal Progress, a Crypto State in the Caribbean & Chile’s New President

    Your 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...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Global Politics with Leo brings you the most important international stories, with clear explanations and evidence-based analysis. New episodes break down geopolitics, conflicts, power struggles, global affairs and world news in a simple way without the noise.

You can email me at [email protected]

You might know me from my political education content on social media and Substack as Leo Explains or LeoExplains10.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOSTED BY

Leo Lindermans

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Global Politics with Leo have?

Global Politics with Leo currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Global Politics with Leo about?

Global Politics with Leo brings you the most important international stories, with clear explanations and evidence-based analysis. New episodes break down geopolitics, conflicts, power struggles, global affairs and world news in a simple way without the noise. You can email me at...

How often does Global Politics with Leo release new episodes?

Global Politics with Leo has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Global Politics with Leo?

You can listen to Global Politics with Leo on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Global Politics with Leo?

Global Politics with Leo is created and hosted by Leo Lindermans.
URL copied to clipboard!