The Lede

The Financial Times journalist and writer Victor Mallet joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to discuss the rise of the far right in France, the prospects of victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, and his new book, “Far-Right France.” Produced by Finbar Anderson

In this first episode of 2026, award-winning broadcaster Zeinab Badawi joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to discuss why traditional histories of Africa miss the mark, remarkable African figures from Cleopatra to Shaka Zulu, and Badawi’s book “An African History of Africa.” Produced by Finbar Anderson

Listen again to this rerun episode of the podcast, in which journalist Gabriel Gatehouse, host of The Coming Storm and the documentary “Seeking Satoshi,” joins New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai to discuss how exploring America’s fringe movements is the key to understanding the modern United States. Produced by Finbar Anderson

For this year’s Christmas special episode, New Lines editors highlight some of their favorite stories from the magazine and reflect on the power of culture to bring people together. A Palestinian Citizen of Israel Reflects on Life in the Shadow of Genocide in Gaza – by Rida Abu Rass Confessions of a Syrian Barrel Bomber – by Kamal Shahin When a Dutch Drug Kingpin Needed a New Base, Sierra Leone Welcomed Him With Open Arms – by Oliver Dunn and Josef Skrdlik The South Asian Vote May Be Split for Zohran Mamdani in New York City – by Yashica Dutt Produced by Finbar Anderson

Author and political scientist Shadi Hamid joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to argue his case for a U.S.-led world order, as set out in his new book, “The Case for American Power.” Produced by Finbar Anderson