Nothing is Foreign

If you're a sports fan, you may have noticed Saudi Arabia making billions of dollars of investments in everything from Formula 1 to professional tennis. In two high profile moves, the Saudis backed the merger of LIV Golf with the PGA tour earlier this month, and recruited soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Professional League for a reported $200 million a year in January. Critics say the reason for this investment in sports is "sportswashing": an intentional move to build international prestige and distract from the actions of Saudi Arabia's repressive regime, which has been known for torture, mass executions, and suppressing civil liberties. Saudi officials argue this investment, which largely comes from the country's over $600 billion sovereign wealth fund, is meant to diversify its oil-dependent economy. This week, we talk about Saudi Arabia's big bet on sports, what it means for its economy, and what Saudi nationals think about it. Featuring: Ahmed Al Omran, Saudi journalist and former correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

About two weeks ago, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni approved one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, despite the U.S. government and the United Nations calling the legislation a violation of universal human rights. Advocates on the ground have called it state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia. Same-sex relations have been criminalized in Uganda for years, and a similar law from 2014 was struck down. This new law goes much further. For example, the death penalty would be imposed for the transmission of HIV/AIDS through gay sex. A 20-year sentence would be recommended if a Ugandan was found guilty of "promoting" homosexuality. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we look at the impact of this new anti-LGBTQ+ law, the roots of homophobia within the country and the role that disinformation and religion play. Featuring: Frank Mugisha, LGBTQ advocate and executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, which was shut down in August 2022. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

The BRICS nations, a group of growing economies including: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are reasserting themselves on the global stage. The alliance is not new, but it has gained more attention in the last year because none of the countries have taken part in sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Supporters of the BRICS alliance say a multipolar world is what's needed right now given rising geopolitical tensions, insecurity, and inequality. They are calling for power to be decentralized from Western countries like the U.S. and the U.K. Foreign ministers from each of those nations met last week to discuss their priorities: the possible creation of an alternative currency to the U.S dollar, the growth of their alternative to the World Bank, called the New Development Bank, and the likelihood of more nations joining the group. South Africa is set to hold a summit of BRICS heads of state in August. This week, we explore what the group stands for, why a non-Western power bloc is appealing to many countries in the Global South, and the skepticism around the alliance. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Two back-to-back shootings near Belgrade, Serbia, have shocked the country. One of those was carried out by a 13-year-old student and left 10 people dead. While gun ownership is common in the country, events like this are rare. Tens of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in protest, demanding an end to what they describe as a culture of violence in the country encouraged by both the media and far-right government officials. Analysts have also pointed to the lack of recognition around the country's war-scarred history as part of the problem. They say that the country has never fully come to terms with its role in the ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia, and the war crimes overseen by Serbian president Slobadan Milosevic in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. This week, we look at the historical roots of this culture of violence that protesters say they want addressed, the role of the media and politics in it, and how the grief brought on by two mass shootings might fuel change in Serbia. Featuring: Aleksandra Krstic, associate professor of journalism and media at the University of Belgrade. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Whether it's ChatGPT, image generators like Dall-E or celebrity deepfakes, artificial intelligence technology has grown exponentially in the last few months. That has spurred a global race to be on the leading edge of those developments. While some of the best known AI chatbots and programs are coming out of the U.S. a parallel world of products has been popping up in China. Some experts say it's all happening too fast and that regulation needs to catch up but few governments have actually proposed in-depth rules on the issue. Currently, China and the European Union are at the forefront of creating a regulatory framework for AI technologies. This week, we're digging into why there is growing alarm about the global AI race, China's role in it, and what can be learned by attempts at regulating the technology so far. Featuring: Rishi Iyengar, Global technology reporter, Foreign Policy. Zeyi Yang, China reporter, MIT Technology Review. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Over the weekend, Germany pledged an additional $4 billion Cdn of military aid to Ukraine, after a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. German defence minister Boris Pistorius said at the time: "Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes." It marks a dramatic shift in the country's military policy. For decades, it has largely avoided military conflict — an approach rooted in the devastating aftermath of the Second World War. In addition to new and substantial military investments, Germany overturned its long-standing policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones, becoming one of the biggest suppliers of weapons to Ukraine. But not everyone is on board with this new stance. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we take a closer look at Germany's growing role in the Ukraine conflict and how it's bringing up complicated feelings for many Germans. Featuring: Ulrike Franke, senior fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations, Berlin. Bernhard Blumenau, historian of German foreign policy, University of St. Andrews. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

How did Juan Guaido, Venezuela's self-declared interim leader, end up alone in the Miami airport, carrying only a backpack, seeking protection from persecution in his home country? Back in 2019, Guaido, who was then the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, challenged the Venezuelan presidency and declared himself the rightful leader after the widely disputed re-election of President Nicolás Maduro. More than 50 countries — including the U.S. and Canada — chose to back Guaido over Maduro, precipitating a years-long presidential crisis. But since his declaration, Guaido's popularity has waned and his international backers have dropped off. In January, opposition lawmakers voted to strip him of his leadership position. More recently, he says the rhetoric and threats against him have increased — prompting his flight to Miami. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we look back at what happened during Guaido's time as the U.S backed, self-declared interim leader of Venezuela, why his movement couldn't find sustained support and what it might tell us about Venezuela's political future. Featuring: José Luis Granados Ceja, writer and podcaster for Venezuela Analysis. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

The coronation of King Charles III is just a couple days away and he's the first new British monarch to be crowned in 70 years. But according to recent polls, the majority of young people in the country don't seem to care for it. The royal event comes at a difficult time for the U.K. There's a cost of living crisis, strikes by health-care workers and the country is on its third prime minister in less than a year. With media estimates suggesting the coronation could cost British taxpayers 100 million pounds ($170 million CDN), are the Royal Family and their traditions out of touch with the lives of average British citizens? And if so, what could that mean for the future of the monarchy? Featuring: Anna Whitelock, British historian specializing in the history of the monarchy. Femi Oluwole, political commentator and anti-Brexit activist. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Two rival military generals in Sudan have been locked in a violent power struggle for the past two weeks. Hundreds are dead and thousands displaced in the North African country. Residents in the capital Khartoum have been dealing with bombardment, power cuts and shortages of food, water and medicine. Could this conflict have been avoided? Activists and analysts say the international community ignored their warnings that the clash was a long time coming. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we take a close look into how this conflict came to be, the role of western diplomats and what it all means for the future of Sudan. Featuring: Reem Abbas, freelance writer and activist. Mat Nashed, freelance journalist and analyst. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Argentina's annual inflation rate reached a staggering 104.3 per cent in March. It's one of the highest rates in the world, resulting in a cost-of-living crisis for many in the country. It's not a new problem in Argentina, where the market has been volatile for decades, especially during the 1980s debt crisis. From bartering to stocking up on goods before inflation spikes, Argentines have found inventive ways to cope with this economic reality. But there's also been growing discontent with the government, and the country's relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — especially as a general election approaches this fall. This week, we look at how people on the ground deal with this sky-high inflation rate, the historical conditions that led to this and what happens to a society when it's trapped in a cycle of debt and austerity. Featuring: Natalie Alcoba, freelance journalist based in Buenos Aires. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

This week, Northern Ireland marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It concluded what was known as the Troubles: a period of conflict between 1968 and 1998, involving mainly Protestant communities, who wanted Northern Ireland to be part of the United Kingdom, and nationalist, mainly Catholic communities, who believed the region should join a united, independent Ireland. More than 3,500 people were killed. Though the peace accord largely stopped the violence in the region, many aspects of Northern Irish life, like in housing and education, remain largely divided along nationalist and unionist lines. And in recent years, Britain's exit from the European Union has created political tensions that have shaken the foundations of the accord. This week, we look at the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement, and the revived conversation around reunification with the Irish Republic. Featuring: Paul Johnston, boxing coach and youth mentor, Monkstown Boxing Club, Belfast. Katy Hayward, professor of political sociology, Queen's University Belfast. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

A devastating fire at a migrant facility in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico that killed at least 40 is the latest in a string of deadly incidents that point to a worsening crisis along the southern U.S.-Mexico border. With the investigation still ongoing and families searching for answers, it's bringing attention to the growing number of migrants desperately seeking settlement in the U.S. and the dangerous conditions they find themselves in. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we discuss the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Juarez detention facility, how it sheds light on the migrant crisis at the border, and what the governments on each side could be doing to address the problem. Featuring: Alicia Fernandez, freelance journalist based in Ciudad Juarez Rafael Velasquez, country director for Mexico at International Rescue Committee For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

On Tuesday another major day of action took place on the streets of France after President Emmanuel Macron’s risked his government’s future to push through a controversial raise to the retirement age for most workers. Beyond pension reform, demonstrators are fighting for their preferred way of life, defined by work-life balance and a robust social safety net. It’s one that many feel Macron has been dismantling since he was elected, with his priority of making France a more globally competitive economic power. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we look at the current instability in France due to the ongoing pension reform protests, how they challenge Macron’s vision for the country, and what that might mean for France’s political future. Featuring: Rim-Sarah Alouane, French legal scholar and civil liberties expert For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Clashes erupted in Pakistan last week after police attempted to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan at his home in Lahore. The former cricket star turned politician was kicked out of parliament after a no-confidence vote last April, but that hasn't stopped Khan's political supporters. Millions have attended his rallies, calling for an early election in Pakistan. That's despite the many charges he faces — from corruption, to terrorism, to rioting. Khan claims these charges are politically motivated. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we delve into why Imran Khan is such a polarizing figure in Pakistan, who makes up his loyal following, and what this might mean for the country's political future. Featuring: Amber Rahim Shamsi, a journalist and political commentator based in Karachi, Pakistan. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

A deadly kidnapping in Matamoros, Mexico had international media breathlessly reporting every shocking twist: first, four American tourists were kidnapped, then two were murdered, and finally the cartel allegedly involved sent out a written apology letter. But for the locals of the long cartel-held city, it was business as usual except for just one thing: the Americans were actually found. We'll hear what life alongside the Gulf Cartel is really like and the complex relationship between the community and these criminal organizations. Plus, protests erupted in South Korea last week over the government's new plan to use the country's own funds to pay for the harm caused to people who were forced to work in factories and mines during Japanese occupation from 1910-1945. We'll get into why this dispute has persisted for so many decades why South Koreans are still dealing with colonial scars today. Featuring: Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, political science professor and author of Los Zetas Inc.: Criminal Corporations, Energy, and Civil War in Mexico. Michelle Ye He Lee, Tokyo and Seoul bureau chief for the Washington Post. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

India's largest slum, Dharavi, is set for an estimated 2.4 billion dollar redevelopment headed by none other than embattled billionaire Gautam Adani and his company Adani Realty. Adani built his fortune through large industrial projects and there are concerns about the possible displacement of residents. Dharavi is home to over a million people and was famously depicted in the 2008 Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Despite its many dilapidated tenements, it also houses a thriving informal economy. For many, Dharavi is also a symbol of wealth inequalities in India. This week, we take you to Dharavi to better understand what's at stake with the project. We'll hear from residents who are both excited by the prospect of redevelopment, but also fearful about losing their home. Featuring: Raju Korde, resident of Dharavi. Hussain Indorewala, assistant professor at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies and urban researcher For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

In Nigeria, the japa movement is growing. Japa is a Yoruba word that means to run away, or to flee, and it's become a shorthand way for young Nigerians to say they're leaving their home country to look for opportunities abroad. According to a recent survey by the Africa Polling Institute, 69 per cent of Nigerians would relocate if given the chance — up from 40 per cent who felt that way in 2019. This ongoing exodus of young people from the country is the backdrop of Nigeria's most recent election, which happened on Saturday. Ruling party candidate Bola Tinubu has been declared president-elect, but the main opposition parties have called the election a "sham" and want a new vote. This week, we dig into the reasons why so many young Nigerians are looking to leave their country, how that galvanized them in this election, and what their exodus could mean for Nigeria's future. Featuring: Cyril Aliemeke, 32, thinking about leaving Nigeria. David Hundeyin, a Nigerian investigative journalist. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Shamima Begum, a British national who left England to join ISIS forces in Syria when she was 15, lost the fight to restore her U.K. citizenship on Wednesday. Begum, who is now 23, had her citizenship stripped on national security grounds in 2019. Begum's legal team argued that she is a victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, while Britain's Home Office argued that she was a committed ISIS volunteer. This week on Nothing is Foreign, BBC journalist Josh Baker on the many sides of Shamima Begum, why her story has struck such a chord in the U.K., and what the outcome of her citizenship fight could mean for other foreign suspected ISIS affiliates. Featuring: Josh Baker, BBC journalist, creator of "I'm Not a Monster — The Shamima Begum Story" For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059

Heat of the Moment is a podcast from Foreign Policy in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds. Hosted by CNN contributor John D Sutter, Heat of the Moment tells the stories of the people on the front lines of the fight against climate change. This episode from Season 3 explores the idea of a "just transition.” It’s a term often associated with coal miners and other fossil fuel workers whose jobs are going away as we move from fossil fuel use, but it’s a topic that’s so much bigger than that. As you’ll hear, this concept encapsulates broader ideals of righting past wrongs - wrongs like racism or sexism, colonialism or classism. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/heatofthemoment

This week, the Chinese government accused the U.S of sending 10 high-altitude balloons into its airspace in the past year. This came after the U.S shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month, and amid U.S. accusations that China operates a fleet of spy balloons around the world. Both governments have denied the allegations of surveillance being levelled against them. Analysts say that these events have huge implications for the long-term relationship between the two global superpowers. This week on Nothing is Foreign, we get the view from Beijing on how the diplomatic crisis unfolded. Plus, a look at the challenges of getting aid into heavily sanctioned rebel-held Northwestern Syria after the devastating earthquake of February 6. Will easing sanctions speed the flow of aid — or will it help prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime? Featuring: Lingling Wei, China chief correspondent, the Wall Street Journal. Monzer Al-Salal, with the Stabilization Support Unit, a non-governmental organization based in Syria. Alena Douhan, UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/nothing-is-foreign-transcripts-listen-1.6732059