G'day Diplomates fans:To round out the year, we had our great friend Hagar Chemali on discuss EVERYTHING happening in the world:Including:-- Israel Palestine and what happens next-- Trump in 2024-- The politics of Ukraine aid-- Hong Kong and Russian 'elections'-- India, Canada and the politics of assassinationsAND MORE!Please get yourself a copy of The Sun Will Rise The Sun Will Rise is inspired by true events and dedicated to the brave heroes of Ukraine. It is based on Misha’s reporting from inside Ukraine, real events from the war as well as the complex history between Russia and Ukraine. ABOUT THE SUN WILL RISE: Oksana Shevchenko remembers life as it once was. Before the War. Before the Invaders stripped her freedom away. Before the Motherland decided to take what wasn’t hers, and call it her own. As the leader of the local Union, thirty-one-year-old Oksana has met her match in enemy officer Lieutenant General Mikhailovich, who will stop at nothing to win glory for the Motherland – and himself.  After he captures the city of Heryvin, the young, ambitious Mikhailovich forces Oksana and her Union comrades to operate the local nuclear power plant for the Motherland’s gain, while sapping its capacity to operate safely.  It’s a nightmare for a city still reeling from the disastrous Accident that took the lives of dozens – including Oksana’s father – decades before. Caught between her loyalty to those resisting the Occupation and a nuclear catastrophe threatened by increasingly impossible orders, Oksana must find a way to defeat Mikhailovich before his sadistic determination leads him to doing the unthinkable.  But Oksana might not be alone in her fight, because war makes heroes out of the ordinary and unlikely. A grandmother defiantly waving the colour of her nation. A principal offering a safe haven for students dreaming of brighter futures. A young adult choosing courage in the face of mortal danger. A country quietly showing that glory belongs to those who dare to hold on against impossible odds.  Because one day soon, the sun will set on dictators.  And the sun will rise on freedom once again. Inspired by true events in Ukraine, The Sun Will Rise is a tribute to those bravely fighting for their freedom – and ours. PRAISE FOR THE SUN WILL RISE: Stirring, brilliant, soulful. An Orwellian tale, evoking the very essence of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and our right to exist”  — Kira Rudyk, leading Ukrainian Member of Parliament. “A love letter to the human spirit, Zelinsky’s deeply personal coverage of Russia’s invasion comes to life in this stunning first novel. An affecting story about the humanity behind the news”  — Wayne Swan, President of the Australian Labor Party, former deputy prime minister and world finance minister of the year.  “Zelinsky’s outstanding journalism transported Russian brutality and Ukrainian bravery from the battlefront to our homes. Now, this story gives us a reason to hope”  — Ambassador, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia. “Misha Zelinsky has penned a gripping book which although fictional, depicts the courage, strength and conviction of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and sovereignty. Once you pick up The Sun Will Rise, you will not be able to put it down.  It is an exciting read.   — Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs (2001-2009) “A gripping page-turner, set in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. Misha Zelinsky has captured the bravery and humanity of Ukrainians living under occupation, as well as the callousness and cynicism of Vladimir Putin's soldiers. Original, compelling, and topical, The Sun Will Rise is an impressive novel which brings to life recent history.” — Luke Harding, award-winning foreign correspondent with the Guardian and New York Times best selling author of books including Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival, shortlisted for the Orwell prize. “Zelinsky has turned his superb war reportage into a riveting first novel, inspired by real people and events, but transcending them to convey the heart behind the conflict. If you want to know why Ukrainians fight and why it's our fight too, this is the place to start. Reminiscent of Disraeli—a novelist turned British statesman—a writer with such soul, who knows what makes people and countries great, would be a rare addition to our public life.   — The Hon. Tony Abbott, 28th prime minister of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special episode of Diplomates, the roles have been reversed as our host, Misha Zelinsky takes the hot seat!  Legendary Australian journalist and geopolitical analyst, Peter Hartcher of the Sydney Morning Herald interviews Misha Zelinsky about his new book: The Sun Will Rise. The Sun Will Rise is inspired by true events and dedicated to the brave heroes of Ukraine. It is based on Misha’s reporting from inside Ukraine, real events from the war as well as the complex history between Russia and Ukraine. Misha and Peter discuss: — Misha’s experiences in Ukraine covering the war for the Australian Financial Review. — Why the invasion of Ukraine is a hinge moment of history.  — How democracies must respond to Putin’s invasion and why other Dictators are watching closely. — The use of fiction over facts. — The inspiration behind the story and characters. — What happens next in the war. Get your copy now: www.thesunwillrisebook.com ABOUT THE SUN WILL RISE: Oksana Shevchenko remembers life as it once was. Before the War. Before the Invaders stripped her freedom away. Before the Motherland decided to take what wasn’t hers, and call it her own. As the leader of the local Union, thirty-one-year-old Oksana has met her match in enemy officer Lieutenant General Mikhailovich, who will stop at nothing to win glory for the Motherland – and himself.  After he captures the city of Heryvin, the young, ambitious Mikhailovich forces Oksana and her Union comrades to operate the local nuclear power plant for the Motherland’s gain, while sapping its capacity to operate safely.  It’s a nightmare for a city still reeling from the disastrous Accident that took the lives of dozens – including Oksana’s father – decades before. Caught between her loyalty to those resisting the Occupation and a nuclear catastrophe threatened by increasingly impossible orders, Oksana must find a way to defeat Mikhailovich before his sadistic determination leads him to doing the unthinkable.  But Oksana might not be alone in her fight, because war makes heroes out of the ordinary and unlikely. A grandmother defiantly waving the colour of her nation. A principal offering a safe haven for students dreaming of brighter futures. A young adult choosing courage in the face of mortal danger. A country quietly showing that glory belongs to those who dare to hold on against impossible odds.  Because one day soon, the sun will set on dictators.  And the sun will rise on freedom once again. Inspired by true events in Ukraine, The Sun Will Rise is a tribute to those bravely fighting for their freedom – and ours. PRAISE FOR THE SUN WILL RISE: Stirring, brilliant, soulful. An Orwellian tale, evoking the very essence of Ukraine’s fight for freedom and our right to exist”  — Kira Rudyk, leading Ukrainian Member of Parliament. “A love letter to the human spirit, Zelinsky’s deeply personal coverage of Russia’s invasion comes to life in this stunning first novel. An affecting story about the humanity behind the news”  — Wayne Swan, President of the Australian Labor Party, former deputy prime minister and world finance minister of the year.  “Zelinsky’s outstanding journalism transported Russian brutality and Ukrainian bravery from the battlefront to our homes. Now, this story gives us a reason to hope”  — Ambassador, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia. “Misha Zelinsky has penned a gripping book which although fictional, depicts the courage, strength and conviction of the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom and sovereignty. Once you pick up The Sun Will Rise, you will not be able to put it down.  It is an exciting read.   — Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs (2001-2009) “A gripping page-turner, set in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. Misha Zelinsky has captured the bravery and humanity of Ukrainians living under occupation, as well as the callousness and cynicism of Vladimir Putin's soldiers. Original, compelling, and topical, The Sun Will Rise is an impressive novel which brings to life recent history.” — Luke Harding, award-winning foreign correspondent with the Guardian and New York Times best selling author of books including Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival, shortlisted for the Orwell prize. “Zelinsky has turned his superb war reportage into a riveting first novel, inspired by real people and events, but transcending them to convey the heart behind the conflict. If you want to know why Ukrainians fight and why it's our fight too, this is the place to start. Reminiscent of Disraeli—a novelist turned British statesman—a writer with such soul, who knows what makes people and countries great, would be a rare addition to our public life.   — The Hon. Tony Abbott, 28th prime minister of Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day Diplomates fans, Hagar Chemali has joined us to unpack events around the world.  We talk: The Israel-Hamas war. Is peace in the Middle East ever possible? Why does this issue inflame democratic nations so much? Mr Xi goes to Washington Albo in Beijing and Tuvalu And more! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: www.thesunwillrisebook.com Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363h  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day Diplomates fans, Hagar Chemali has joined us to unpack the shocking terror attacks inside Israel. We note this situation is fast moving and apologise if any material is out of date. The Diplomates team sends our deepest condolences to those directly impacted or who have lost loved ones. We stand with Israel. We talk: What’s known about Hamas’ terror attacks. How we got here and what happens next inside Israel, Gaza and the region. What these attacks mean for any US brokered Israel, Saudi Arabia detente Whether Arab-Israel peace is ever possible. We also discuss: US congressional dysfunction and the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy The future of Ukraine aid Canadian allegations of Indian state sanctioned political assassinations  French bedbugs. And MORE! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Sun-Will-Rise/Misha-Zelinsky/9781637632444 Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day Diplomates fans, it’s a huge week and month in global news — so we’ve got Hagar Chemali back to talk shop! Misha and Hagar discuss:  Prigozhin, Wagner and Ukraine What’s with all the coups in Africa? The ‘Made in China’ Map controversy The BRICS club — a new autocratic alignment? Xi throws his toys out of the summit cot The hunt for the Loch Ness Monster and the perils of dodgy watch sales. And MORE! SHOW NOTES: Misha Zelinsky’s new book The Sun Will Rise is for sale here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Sun-Will-Rise/Misha-Zelinsky/9781637632444 Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363h  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick is a former diplomat, policy advisor and business consultant with specialist expertise in climate change, energy, resources, environmental, investment and public policy issues. For almost 20 years he has been at the forefront of Australian climate policy development, advising both sides of politics as a senior member of staff in Federal and State ministerial offices, working for major international energy and resource firms, and the financial sector. He helped establish key parts of Australia’s current climate policy framework including the Emissions Reduction Fund and Safeguards mechanism. Patrick commenced his career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and represented Australia in the Middle East and at international climate change negotiations. Misha and Patrick chat about: The geopolitics of resources and energy. Why new and old minerals are suddenly “critical”. China’s determination to dominate the future of energy. The sometimes ugly truth about clean energy inputs and global resource competition. What Australia can do to maximise the economic opportunities. How democracies can work together to ensure reliable supply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so much happening in the world, Misha and Hagar caught up for their regular chinwag that went waaaaay longer than it was supposed to (as it always does — but we love having Hagar on!) In this episode we talk: Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Putin's domestic troubles and starvation diplomacy. To rapprochement or not to rapprochement; China, US and the perils of talking. Israel and the Supreme Court; what happens next if Israel becomes an illiberal democracy? Sogavare, Xi and the Solomons. Barbie diplomacy and Brand X. And more! Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Harding is an award winning British journalist and foreign correspondent for The Guardian, covering Russia’s invasion from inside Ukraine. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Having been previously based in Moscow for the Guardian, Harding is sanctioned by the Putin regime for his work uncovering corruption inside Russia.  He is a Number 1 New York Times best-selling author and his new book: Invasion: Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival was just updated to take into account the latest developments in the war. Misha and Luke caught up for a chinwag about all things relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including what the world got wrong about Vladimir Putin, what the world must do now to help Ukraine, how this war might end and the global stakes of the conflict.  Follow Luke here: @lukeharding1968 You can buy the book: www.LukeHardinginvasion.com Follow Misha anywhere you use social media: @mishazelinsky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so much happening in the world, Misha and Hagar caught up for their regular chinwag that went waaaaay longer than it was supposed to (as it always does — but we love having Hagar on!) In this episode we talk: Russia’s domestic political crackdown, including the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporert, Evan Gershkovich and the sentencing of dissident Vladimir Kara Murza The US Intelligence leaks, what do they mean and who benefits?  Sudan: will a civil war have big geopolitical consequences? China, Macron and Taiwan: what do we make of the rising East Asia tensions? Could war break out in 2027? or 24? Chinese government secret police stations around the world.  Also, Saudi Arabia joining the BRICs and how Russia recruited a US citizen to pose as a pro-Russia Ukrainian living inside the Donbas. Be sure to follow Hagar and the Oh My World! show on social media and YouTube @ohmyworldshow and @hagarchemali You can follow Diplomates and Misha at @mishazelinsky @diplomates.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Yuriy Sak is responsible for strategic communications for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. A private sector communications expert and Oxford graduate, like all Ukrainians Yuriy’s life was upended when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.  Misha and Yuriy caught up to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the bloody battle of Bahkmut, the coming counter offensive, what life was like before the war, how Putinism has infected Russia’s soul, why Australian support matters so much, why a land war in Eastern Europe is central to the fate of the world and how despite everything Ukraine will win. You can follow Misha and diplomates here: @mishazelinsky @diplomatesshow Please check out Misha Zelinsky’s column in the Australian Financial Review here: https://www.afr.com/by/misha-zelinsky-p5363hSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.