This Week Explained

This Week Explained

"This Week Explained" breaks down the week's most important geopolitical events, delivering sharp analysis on how these developments shape government policies, influence business decisions, and impact society. Join the experts at Aucoin Analytics, LLC as they cut through the noise and provide clear, actionable insights for the road ahead. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-week-explained--6199515/support.

Episodes

The New World Disorder: Ukraine's Fate, Gaza's Power Vacuum, and the Gen-Z Uprising

October 20, 2025 • 50 mins
This week, we explore a world in flux as global power dynamics are redrawn on multiple fronts. From high-stakes diplomacy that could change the map of the war in Ukraine to a brutal power vacuum in Gaza and a generational revolution in Africa, the old rules are fracturing.



Episode Highlights
  • Ukraine's Diplomatic Gambit: A planned summit between Presidents Trump and Putin in Budapest aims to end the "inglorious' War". Meanwhile, P...
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Trump's Gaza Ceasefire and The Rising Authoritarian Axis

October 13, 2025 • 55 mins
This week, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza offers a glimmer of hope after two years of devastating conflict. But as President Trump brokers peace in the Middle East, a new and powerful 'axis of power' between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea is changing the face of global conflict forever.






Episode Highlights
  • The Gaza Ceasefire: We break down the secret diplomacy and high-stakes pressure from the Trump administration that led to t...
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Our 4th Anniversary: The Voices That Explained the World

September 29, 2025 • 34 mins
To celebrate four incredible years of This Week Explained, we're opening the vault and revisiting some of our most powerful conversations. In a world of constant flux, where understanding the forces shaping global events is more critical than ever, we've had the privilege of speaking with some of the sharpest minds in geopolitics and intelligence.In this special anniversary episode, join us for a masterclass in modern statecraft, e...
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Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Gaza's Invasion, and a Nuclear Pact

September 22, 2025 • 44 mins
This week, we unpack a world on the brink. From Ukraine's daring counteroffensive striking deep inside Russia to Israel's high-stakes ground invasion of Gaza, we analyze the critical decisions and their devastating consequences. Is Russia's escalating pressure on NATO a distraction, or part of a larger, more dangerous game?




Episode Highlights
  • Ukraine's Two-Front Strategy: Ukrainian forces are not only reclaiming territory in the...
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Lines Crossed Israel's Qatar Strike & Russia's NATO Test

September 15, 2025 • 45 mins
This week, geopolitical red lines are crossed, throwing decades of established rules into question. We break down Israel's unprecedented and failed strike inside Qatar that has shattered regional alliances, and we analyze the moment NATO forces fired on Russian drones over Poland for the first time.Episode Highlights
  • Israel's Doha Gamble: The anatomy of the failed assassination attempt in Doha , how the mission was pushed by Pri...
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The Axis of Convenience: A New Global Order Emerges

September 8, 2025 • 45 mins
This week, we unpack the formation of a new pragmatic alliance in Beijing designed to challenge the West. From Vladimir Putin's direct "red line" threat in Ukraine to a controversial U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, we ask: is the unipolar moment officially over?




Episode Highlights
  • Putin's Ultimatum: Russia’s president issues a direct threat, stating any Western troops in Ukraine, including peacekeepers, will be considered...
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Israel's Expanding Shadow War & Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock

September 1, 2025 • 57 mins
This week, we analyze the breakdown of diplomacy in Ukraine following the Trump-Putin summit and explore the widening conflict in the Middle East, as Israel launches a new offensive in Gaza and targets Houthi leadership in Yemen. Is military force becoming the only language of negotiation on the world stage?




Episode Highlights
  • Ukraine's Diplomatic Deadlock: An inside look at why peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled...
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The New Path to Peace? Ukraine, Gaza, & The Resurgence of ISIS

August 25, 2025 • 46 mins
This week, we break down the latest diplomatic efforts in the war in Ukraine, the dangerous new tactics complicating aid efforts in Gaza, and the brutal resurgence of ISIS on the African continent. Is a path to peace finally on the table, and what are the new global threats we need to be watching?

Episode Highlights
  • Ukraine Diplomacy: We discuss the new framework for a long-term peace deal in Ukraine, including a shift in Russia'...
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New Cold Wars? A look at Global Power Plays from Alaska to the Middle East

August 11, 2025 • 46 mins
This week we break down a whirlwind of global events, from a high-stakes summit in Alaska to a dangerous new phase in the Middle East. We analyze the motivations behind the Trump-Putin meeting and the international backlash to Israel's plan for Gaza City, and look at the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over drug cartels.

Episode Highlights
  • The Trump-Putin Summit: We explore the upcoming meeting between President T...
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Ukraine, Gaza & Asia's New Flashpoint: A World in Flux

July 28, 2025 • 41 mins
This week, we unpack the latest diplomatic and military developments in Ukraine and Gaza, alongside a new and escalating conflict in the South China Sea. Are these regional flashes leading to a broader global recalibration?
 

Episode Highlights:
  • Ukraine's Diplomatic Dance: High-level meetings are on the horizon, with US President Trump, British Prime Minister Starmer, and EU Commission President von der Leyen discussing an end to ...
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Beyond the Headlines: Can Peace Hold in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria?

July 21, 2025 • 47 mins
This week, we dive into the intensifying conflicts in Ukraine, the deepening humanitarian crisis and stalled truce talks in Gaza, and the alarming escalation of sectarian violence in Syria. We analyze the complex dynamics, international responses, and what these developments mean for global stability.



Episode Highlights:
  • Ukraine War Update: Explore the increased reliance on drone warfare, the effectiveness of the latest EU sanct...
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US-Iran Crisis: Trump's Ultimatum & Gaza's Stalemate

July 14, 2025 • 52 mins
This week, we unravel the explosive escalation between the U.S. and Iran, marked by blistering rhetoric and a direct challenge from President Trump. We also delve into the intractable ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and an unorthodox peace proposal from the West Bank.

Episode Highlights:
  • The US resumes military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot systems via NATO, amidst escalating Russian aerial attacks and a three-year high in civ...
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US Aid Cuts, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes, & NATO's Future

July 8, 2025 • 48 mins
This week, we unravel the critical developments shaping our world, from the concerning pause in US aid to Ukraine and escalating attacks, to the fragile hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza. Plus, we break down the seismic shifts revealed at the recent NATO summit. Are we witnessing a dangerous new phase in global conflicts, or a pivot towards a more self-reliant international order?
Episode Highlights:
  • Ukraine's Critical Juncture: The ...
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12-Day War Aftermath: Iran Strikes, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes, & Ukraine's New Front

June 30, 2025 • 62 mins
Tired of feeling overwhelmed by the headlines? Welcome to This Week Explained, your weekly deep dive into the most complex and impactful stories shaping our world. Join Tiana and Kervin as they unpack the critical developments of the week, helping you understand the 'why' behind the global chaos.

In this week's episode:
  • Ukraine War Intensifies: Kervin analyzes President Putin's declaration that "The whole of Ukraine is ours" and ...
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BREAKING: US Strikes Iran | War or Calculated Conflict?

June 22, 2025 • 18 mins
The Middle East is on edge after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in tensions. Is this a precursor to a wider war, or a calculated move to force Iran back to the negotiating table?

Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained" wherever you listen to podcasts and hit subscribe to get alerted to new episodes! If you en...
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Israel-Iran War, Ukraine Strikes & Russia-China Spy Games

June 16, 2025 • 47 mins
This week, the world feels less stable as the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Iran erupts into open, large-scale warfare. We also dive deep into Ukraine's persistent ability to strike deep into Russian territory and unpack recent intelligence suggesting Russia and China's "no-limits partnership" is a tense, full-blown spy war.

Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained...
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Breaking: Israel Strikes Iran - A New Era of Confrontation

June 13, 2025 • 17 mins
This Week Explained breaks down the unprecedented Israeli offensive against Iran, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion.' Explosions rocked Tehran as Israel targeted nuclear and missile sites, along with key military and scientific leadership, including the reported death of IRGC Commander Gen. Hossein Salami. This massive strike marks a dramatic escalation, pushing the long-simmering conflict into open confrontation. We analyze Israel's j...
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Beyond the Headlines: Deep Dive into Ukraine, Middle East, & US-China Dynamics

June 9, 2025 • 58 mins
This week we cut through the noise to bring you an in-depth analysis of Ukraine's innovative "Operation Spider Web" inside Russia, the complex and dangerous dynamics of arming militias in Gaza, and the surprising turns in Syria's political landscape. Plus, we explore the intricate dance of the U.S.-China relationship.

Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week Explained" wherever you liste...
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Who's Winning? Russia, China & the Shifting Global Balance

June 2, 2025 • 42 mins
This week, we pull back the curtain on the intense geopolitical competition reshaping our world. We'll ask the crucial question: Who's truly gaining ground in Ukraine, Gaza, and the heart of Africa? Join us as we dissect Russia's strategic maneuvers, China's growing global footprint, and the alarming implications for the shifting balance of power.

Are you ready to understand the forces shaping tomorrow's headlines? Follow "This Week...
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Ukraine, Gaza, Iran: Geopolitics & Intel Under Fire

May 27, 2025 • 53 mins
This week, we unpack another complex week around the globe, from the grinding war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to the delicate nuclear talks with Iran and a deeply concerning intelligence controversy in Washington. Tune in for your essential download on the global stories making headlines!
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This Week Explained is presented by our new friends over at BetterHelp. Helping you build the mental resilience to navig...
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