AROUND THE WORLD WITH DANE WATERS
bringing you the world every week
Episode 3.70 - The Reality of The Falkland Islands War
Please join me and my special guest, global affairs analyst Tom Munson, as we explore the fascinating history and complex political realities of the Falkland Islands from a British perspective. More than four decades after the Falklands War, sovereignty over these remote South Atlantic islands remains a contentious issue between Great Britain and Argentina. But what is the history behind this long-standing dispute, and why does it continue to stir national passions on both sides of the Atlantic? Tom and I discuss the islands' complicated colonial history, the events leading to Argentina's 1982 invasion, Margaret Thatcher's decision to go to war, and the lasting impact of the conflict on British politics and national identity. We also examine the competing claims of sovereignty, the right of the islanders to determine their own future, and the strategic and political realities that continue to shape relations between London and Buenos Aires. Is the Falklands dispute a lingering legacy of colonialism, a fundamental question of national sovereignty and self-determination, or something far more complicated? And more than 40 years after the war, is there any realistic prospect of a lasting resolution? Join us for an engaging conversation about history, geopolitics, national identity, and one of the world's most enduring territorial disputes.
Episode 3.66 - The Upcoming French Elections
Please join me and my special guest, historian Ulf Clerwall, as we look ahead to France’s upcoming presidential election and what it could mean not only for France, but for Europe and the wider world.
France enters the 2027 election amid deep political divisions, economic pressures, public frustration and growing questions about the future direction of the country. With President Emmanuel Macron unable to seek another consecutive term, the race will usher in a new era of French leadership.
We’ll discuss the rise of the National Rally and Marine Le Pen, the challenges facing France’s traditional political establishment, the state of the French left and center, and the issues likely to shape the election — from immigration and the economy to national identity, the European Union and France’s role on the world stage.
Is France preparing for a fundamental political realignment? And could the upcoming election reshape the future of Europe?
Episode 3.64 - Are We Alone In The Cosmos?
Please join me and my special guest, John Wickham, Communications Director for BUFORA, as we explore one of humanity’s most enduring and fascinating questions: are we truly alone in the cosmos?
We discuss UFOs — or what are now more commonly referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena — the evidence behind some of the most compelling sightings, how seriously governments and scientists should take the subject, and why public interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life remains so strong.
We also examine the difference between genuine unexplained phenomena, misidentifications, and speculation; what decades of UFO investigations have actually taught us; and whether recent developments have brought us any closer to answering the ultimate question of whether intelligent life exists beyond Earth.
It is a fascinating conversation about evidence, mystery, skepticism, science, and humanity’s place in an unimaginably vast universe.
Episode 3.63 - Can Music Help In A Crazy World?
Please join me and my special guest, musician Andrew Lee, as we explore the importance of music during these increasingly challenging and divided times.
We discuss the unique power music has to bring people together, cross cultural and political boundaries, and provide hope, comfort, and a sense of connection when the world around us can often feel uncertain.
We also talk about why investing in music education for young people matters — not simply as a way to develop the next generation of musicians, but as a means of encouraging creativity, confidence, discipline, collaboration, and self-expression.
And we look at the broader role musicians and the arts can play in strengthening communities and helping young people discover opportunities, purpose, and their own voice.
It’s a conversation about much more than music. It’s about creativity, opportunity, community, and why the arts continue to matter in a rapidly changing world.
Episode 3.58 - The Intersection of the Environment and Politics
Please join me and my special guest, UK Green Party member and environmentalist Wanja Kaufmann, as we discuss the increasingly important intersection of the environment and politics. From climate change and energy policy to conservation, economic growth, and the choices governments make about our future, environmental issues are becoming impossible to separate from politics. How do we balance environmental responsibility with economic realities? Are governments doing enough? And what role should environmental concerns play in shaping the political decisions we make today?
Episode 3.57 - Should Ukraine Hold Elections?
Please join me and my special guest, Ukraine Government Advisor and Political Analyst Maksym Turkevych, as we examine the growing debate over whether Ukraine should hold elections while the war with Russia continues. With new calls for Ukrainians to return to the ballot box—and President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that wartime elections could divide the country—we’ll discuss what an election could mean for Zelensky’s political future, Ukraine’s democracy, national unity, and the country’s ongoing war against Russia. Can Ukraine realistically hold free and fair elections during wartime? Would an election strengthen Ukrainian democracy—or risk dividing the country at a critical moment? And if Ukrainians do eventually go to the polls, what could the political future of Ukraine look like?
Episode 3.56 - The Reality in Lebanon
Please join me and my special guest, Middle East journalist Antoni Barakat, for an important conversation about the reality on the ground in Lebanon—and a country caught at the center of one of the Middle East’s most dangerous political and military struggles. We’ll discuss Lebanon’s continuing political and economic challenges, the enormous pressure being placed on ordinary Lebanese, and the increasingly difficult question of Hezbollah’s role and its weapons.
Episode 3.54 - The Current State of Ghana
Please join me for a timely conversation with my special guest, Ghanaian energy executive George Wireko-Brobby, as we take an in-depth look at Ghana today — and where the country goes from here. We’ll discuss the current economic and political state of Ghana, the challenges facing the country, and the opportunities that could shape its future. From economic growth, jobs and investment to energy, infrastructure and political leadership, we’ll explore what is working, what needs to change, and what Ghana must do to realize its enormous potential.
Episode 3.52 - Nigeria's 2027 Presidential Election. Who'll Win?
Please join me and my special guest, public affairs analyst Jide Ojo, as we take an in-depth look at Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election and the political battle already taking shape. We’ll examine the leading candidates and emerging alliances, the strengths and weaknesses of the major political parties, and the economic, regional, religious, and political forces that could ultimately determine the election.
Episode 3.50 - Is America Safe For Foreigners?
Join me and my special guest, former U.S. immigration official Gail Montenegro, for an in-depth discussion on one of the most important and controversial issues facing America today: immigration. We'll examine the Trump administration's crackdown on both legal and illegal immigration, separate fact from fiction, and explore what the policy changes mean for immigrants, employers, border security, and the future of the U.S. immigration system.
Episode 3.48 - Extremism in Europe
Please join me and my special guest, former diplomat and global affairs analyst Pierre Le Goff, for an in-depth discussion on the dramatic rise of right-wing populism and political extremism across Europe. We'll explore the forces driving this shift, the implications for democracy and security, and what these changes could mean for the future of Europe—and the wider world.
Episode 3.47 - Climate Change and Human Rights
Please join me and my special guest, activist, agitator, and public relations strategist David Fenton, as we discuss climate change, human rights, and the current state of American politics. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of advocacy, media, and public affairs, David shares his perspective on the challenges facing the country, the power of strategic communication, and what it will take to build meaningful political and social change.
Episode 3.46 - US-Iran Face Off. What's Next?
Please join me and journalist and global affairs expert Gareth Browne as we take a deep look at the escalating war between the United States and Iran. We discuss the current state of the conflict, the growing threat of a wider regional war, the battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, and what could come next for Iran, the United States, and the Middle East.
Episode 3.43 - Reflections from America
Please join me and my special guest, political commentator and journalist Gary Emineth, for a thought-provoking discussion marking America's 250th anniversary. Together, we'll explore the defining moments that shaped the nation—from states' rights and women's suffrage to the presidency of Donald Trump. We'll examine America's greatest achievements, its most enduring challenges, and the opportunities and tests that lie ahead as the nation enters its next 250 years.
Episode 3.40 - Democracy’s World Cup
Please join me and my special guest, journalist and global democracy expert Bruno Kaufmann, as we discuss the FIFA World Cup, the nations behind the teams, and how those countries compare when measured against global standards of democracy, freedom, and civic participation. The World Cup is more than a sporting competition—it is a gathering of nations with vastly different political systems, histories, and values. Together, we will explore how countries represented on football’s biggest stage rank in international assessments of democratic governance, examine the relationship between sport and national identity, and consider how major global events can both reflect and influence political and social change.
Episode 3.39 - America’s 250th Birthday
Please join me and my special guest, Paul Jacob, renowned global affairs analyst, democracy advocate, and longtime commentator on public policy, as we explore 250 years of American history and the future of our great nation. Together, we will examine the pivotal moments, ideas, and individuals that shaped the United States, reflect on the enduring principles that have guided the country through times of triumph and challenge, and discuss the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead. From the founding era to today's rapidly changing world, this conversation will consider what America can learn from its past as it charts its course for the next 250 years.
Episode 3.38 - The Brewing Political Crisis in Nigeria
Please join me and my special guest, Adedeji Doherty, National Vice Chairman of Nigeria's People's Democratic Party (PDP), as we discuss the ongoing political crisis in Nigeria, the challenges facing the country's democratic institutions, the state of the opposition, and what the future may hold for Africa's largest democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Episode 3.35 - Will the US Economy Flip Congress to the Democrats?
Please join me and my special guest, economist Stephanie Barello, as we discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, whether it will play a decisive role in the November midterm elections, and if economic conditions could help Democrats regain control of Congress.
Episode 3.29 - Is the UK on the Brink of Disaster?
Please join me and my special guest, former UK government adviser and journalist Thomas Munson, as we discuss the latest developments surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s future, the challenges facing the United Kingdom, the upcoming local elections, and the King’s visit to the United States.
Episode 3.25 - Trump's Threat to End a Whole Civilization
Please join me and my special guest, global affairs analyst Ejike Okpa, as we discuss Trump’s threat to annihilate a whole civilization—what it means for America, the world, and how we should define victory.
Around the World with Dane Waters is a dynamic weekly news program that takes listeners on a deep dive into the most pressing global issues—offering expert analysis, firsthand stories, and thought-provoking discussions. In partnership with Humanity for Freedom Foundation and the Silverbird Group, this show shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of those fighting for freedom and democracy in some of the world’s most challenging regions.
Hosted by Dane Waters, an American global affairs specialist with experience across six continents and more than 100 countries, the show brings together voices from the front lines of geopolitical conflicts and emerging movements for change. From conflict zones to corridors of power, Dane shares unparalleled insights and powerful stories of resilience, courage, and the fight against authoritarianism.
Beyond storytelling and analysis, Around the World with Dane Waters serves as a powerful educational platform, equipping listeners with the knowledge needed to understand global events, historical contexts, and the forces shaping our world today. Whether it's uncovering the roots of conflict, explaining complex international policies, or highlighting grassroots efforts for change, the show fosters deeper awareness and engagement with the critical issues of our time.
With the support of Humanity for Freedom Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting and rebuilding lives under threat from authoritarianism, and Silverbird Group, a leader in media and cultural impact, Around the World with Dane Waters is more than just a newscast—it’s a call to action for those who believe in a freer, more just world.
