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Artwork for Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters

Global Dispatches
United Nations
United States
China
Donald Trump
Russia
Climate Change
Sudan
Ukraine
Gaza
Trump Administration
Humanitarian Aid
Syria
Iran
Israel
Nuclear Weapons
Rapid Support Forces
Humanitarian Crisis
Venezuela
Security Council
Haiti

The longest running independent international affairs podcast features in-depth interviews with policymakers, journalists and experts around the world who discuss global news, international relations, global development and key trends driving world affairs. Named by The Guardian as "a podcast to make you smarter," Global Dispatches is a podcast for people who crave a deeper understanding of intern... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes1305Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsNews CommentaryPolitics

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Artwork for Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters

Latest Episodes

There is a ceasefire on paper in Gaza. But in reality, Gazans are being killed on a near-daily basis by Israeli forces. Since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, more than 1,000 Gazans have been killed in Israeli strikes. Five Israeli soldiers have... more

Sudan's civil war may be entering another catastrophic phase. As I write this, a genocidal militia is massing outside a major city in Sudan, El Obeid. NGOs, the United Nations — and even Donald Trump's State Department — are warning of the potential ... more

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Russia's war in Ukraine has become a grinding war of attrition. Every mont... more

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Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is an unusual politician. For one, he has never held elected office and does not represent a traditional political party. Rather, he built a career as a criminal defense attorney, including in Miami... more

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Recent Guests

Gregory Brew
Senior analyst at Eurasia Group, focuses on oil markets and Iran
Eurasia Group
Episode: The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: What Happens Now? | With Gregory Brew
Nodara Youssef
UN diplomacy researcher and commentator
Princeton University (research focus)
Episode: Introducing: "World's Toughest Job" -- A new podcast about the Next UN Secretary General
Mitchell Warren
Executive Director of AVAC, focuses on HIV prevention and the broader HIV/AIDS response
AVAC
Episode: Scientific Breakthroughs and Political Retreat Set the Stage for a Crucial Global Moment in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Alex Bell
President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Episode: What is the Future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?
Stefan Löfven
Former Prime Minister of Sweden
The Global Challenges Foundation (via discussion)
Episode: How to Prevent Global Catastrophic Risks | Stefan Löfven and Jens Orback
Jens Orback
Strategic advisor to The Global Challenges Foundation
The Global Challenges Foundation
Episode: How to Prevent Global Catastrophic Risks | Stefan Löfven and Jens Orback
Norman Sempijja
Associate professor with focus on international relations, conflicts, and peacekeeping (UN/EU)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Episode: A Surprise Attack in Mali Puts the Government -- and Russia -- on the Defensive
Romana Kofler
Program Management Officer
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
Episode: How to Prevent an Asteroid Impact | Global Catastrophic Risks
Anja Olin-Pape
Head of Programs
Global Challenges Foundation
Episode: How to Prevent an Asteroid Impact | Global Catastrophic Risks

Hosts

Mark Leon Goldberg
Host and interviewer guiding discussions, with a focus on UN affairs, global governance, and international policy.
Luisa Tolda
Co-hosting role related to MGA Podcast and global affairs topics; student/academic background.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 752 ratings
  • Another lefty political pod yawn

    Boring orange man bad

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    very funny and clever pod
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Disappointing liberal zionist partisan analysis

    I listened to the latest episode with Joel Braunold and actually disappointment underplays how I feel. Mark did not challenge any of the false analysis made by Braunold. This is despite easily sourced connections to zionist organisations and the state of israel. I thought this podcast upheld neutrality and independence but what we get are partisan skewed analyses. I’ve unfollowed.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    tioranta
    Ireland2 years ago
  • Word choice matters.

    Odd to say we should “celebrate” funding wars… the free world must be victorious, and might does not equal right - but what a weird choice of words to use in reference to war. However I’m guessing due to this opinion I’ll be labeled as a “far-right MAGA” ideologue, right?

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Consumer04312
    United States2 years ago
  • Disappointingly Naive

    Only recently came to this podcast.

    So, this review is primarily a response to the podcast on the China-USA relationship, as evidenced by the proposed actions against TikTok.

    Will listen to more episodes in the future, hopefully with better insight.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Exasperatd
    United States2 years ago
  • Excellent Africa analysis

    Its rare to find long form in depth reporting on events in Africa. This podcast regularly devotes entire episodes to African news and generally offers a good perspective for listeners who dont normally deep dive into it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DelCoTrash
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality, in-depth international coverage with top guests.
Some criticism about intro production and perceived bias in a few episodes.
Many listeners praise the depth and practical policy insights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#190
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#7
South Korea/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#11
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#27
United Arab Emirates/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#52
Saudi Arabia/News
Apple Podcasts
#58
Brazil/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: What Happens Now? | With Gregory Brew
Q: What are the most likely contents of the MOU based on reporting so far?
The MOU probably enshrines an end to hostilities and a framework for de-escalation, reopening the Strait, and some form of incentives for Iran, but it's unlikely to include a binding nuclear deal or comprehensive sanctions relief at this stage.
China's Foreign Policy Twist -- and Beijing's True Intentions at the UN | With Kaiser Kuo
Q: What is China's current stance on Iran and Hormuz, and how does this reflect China's broader approach to Middle East dynamics within the UN framework?
Kaiser describes a nuanced position where China vetoed a Western-led resolution on Hormuz alongside Russia, indicating a willingness to challenge Western narratives while avoiding direct confrontation. He notes China's interest in energy security, a diversified energy portfolio, and using multilateral diplomacy to safeguard its interests. He stresses that China seeks to balance Western pressure with its own strategic needs and uses its UN influence to shape outcomes rather than block all Western initiatives.
Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?
Q: How concerned are Colombians about the risk to democracy under his leadership and the potential dismissal of democratic norms?
There is awareness of democratic resilience based on past experiences resisting term limits and press suppression, but civil society is vigilant about undue populism and the risks to democratic institutions.
Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?
Q: What specifically did Abelardo campaign on on the security front, and what do you expect if he takes office?
Promises include mega prisons, increased military and police actions, and potential reactivation of harsh anti-drug measures; however, the guest cautions that governing is different from campaigning and that demobilization and social interventions will be necessary for sustainable security.
Colombia Takes a Hard-Right Turn: Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?
Q: How is his American-ness influencing people's perceptions, and is tying him to Trump resonant with voters?
There are questions about how his American connections and foreign endorsements impact perceptions, but the broader discussion emphasizes the Colombia–U.S. relationship and Colombia's own political dynamics rather than single foreign associations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program provides in-depth conversations with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on international affairs, development, and global governance. Episodes frequently tackle urgent global challenges—from HIV/AIDS funding, multilateral diplomacy, and UN processes to nuclear non-proliferation, climate risk, and humanitarian crises—with a balance of expert analysis and on-the-ground perspectives. The show often features subject-matter specialists, former officials, and academics, offering nuanced takes on long-term policy questions, governance reforms, and the geopolitics shaping world events. A notable strength is the guest diversity and the ability to connect technical issues to practical policy outcomes, making it a solid resource... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Foreign Policy Live
2. The Foreign Affairs Interview
3. Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
4. Hold Your Fire!
5. The President’s Inbox

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this podcast launched 13 years ago and published 1305 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Gregory Brew
2. Nodara Youssef
3. Mitchell Warren
4. Alex Bell
5. Stefan Löfven
6. Jens Orback
7. Norman Sempijja
8. Romana Kofler

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