Global Truths with Dr Keith Suter
250 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -One issue in global politics explained each week so you know what is really going on - what is really happening, why it is happening and what is likely to happen next.
Dr Keith Suter is Australia's leading media commentator on global affairs and geo-politics. This series gives you the global truths in straightforward and short episodes.
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Episodes
Can governments control Facebook?
November 25, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 15.9 MBFacebook and social media are more present than ever in our everyday lives, but it seems as though the law is trying to catch up technology as governments try to regulate how social media platforms work. Dr Keith Suter explains why social media is such a grey area to legislate, and how we might be able to minimise its negative impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What did COP26 achieve?
November 18, 2021 23:34 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBThe global climate change conference wrapped up last week, but will we see any concrete solutions to climate change in the aftermath? Dr Keith Suter breaks down some of the key takeaways from the conference, and what we can expect in future global summits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The next twenty years of global trends
November 11, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBCan we predict what our world will look like in two decades? Dr Keith Suter breaks down a report that attempts to do just that, exploring what the future might look like for global relations, technology, climate change and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The history of COP26
November 08, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutesThe climate change summit is being held at the moment, but how did it start? And what does it aim to achieve? Dr Keith Suter outlines the origins of this global event and what implications this years summit is having. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is 'Hard Power'?
October 28, 2021 17:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBAnd why do commentators think America should use a lot less of it? Dr Keith Suter breaks down the difference between 'hard' and 'soft' powers, how they've benefited global powers across history and where we're likely to see the US progress with their powers in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is China on the verge of imploding?
October 22, 2021 03:26 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBChina has only been growing as a global superpower, but how are its people reacting to its changing global status? Dr Keith Suter explains the social and cultural factors impacting the country, and the government policies attempting to control social change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The risks of working from home
October 14, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 16.3 MBCOVID has opened the world up to working flexibly, but what do we lose when we're not in the office? Dr Keith Suter answers this by explaining the origins of 'work' as we know it, how working from home can have its advantages, and the elements of office life that just can't be substituted remotely. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bitcoin basics
October 07, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBWhat even is Bitcoin? How did it start? And what impacts is it having on the global economy? Dr Keith Suter explains the origins of this cryptocurrency and what our world might look like as we head into an era of digital currencies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is a black swan event?
September 30, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBAnd why are they happening more often lately? Dr Keith Suter explains the theory behind these high risk incidents, the impacts they've had historically, and the reason that there are more black swan events occurring now than ever before. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are we approaching a war with China?
September 23, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBThe groundbreaking defence pact between the US, UK, and Australia, shocked the world with its announcement. But what does AUKUS really mean? Who does it put Australia up against? And is it paving the way for a new cold war with China? Dr Keith Suter answers this and more as he breaks down the agreement and the implications it holds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise and fall of the secret service
September 16, 2021 18:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBWhy are American Presidents targeted for assassination more often than other countries leaders? And what don't you know about the people hired to protect them and their families? Dr Keith Suter answers this and more as he explains the surprising history of the secret service and why they need to make a change to survive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11 Twenty years on
September 09, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 15 MBTwo decades after the tragic attack on the World Trade Center and the world looks drastically different today. How much of that change is defined by the aftermath of 9/11? Dr Keith Suter explains how we're still seeing the shockwaves from the attack globally, and yet how much about it we still don't know. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why don't governments learn from their mistakes?
September 02, 2021 18:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBHistory is constantly repeating itself...but why? Shouldn't governments learn from their mistakes? Why can't democratic nations seem to make the right decisions when it comes to warfare? Dr Keith Suter explains why we see the same mistakes happen over again, and how leads to a rise in movements agains democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does the Pentagon know about UFOs?
August 26, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBA new report from the Pentagon has changed the conversation around UFOs from conspiracy, to conceivable. Dr Keith Suter explains why the US has started to acknowledge that there are some aerial objects we can't explain, and what this new research means for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Afghanistan explained
August 19, 2021 18:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBThe Taliban have retaken control of Afghanistan after the longest US war in history. But why did the war start in the first place? How did it get to this point? And what impact will the new power have? Dr Keith Suter explains the history of the conflict, and why this is not only the closing of a chapter in US history, but the opening of a new one in global control of the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can America still win wars?
August 12, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 20.5 MBWith the US retreating from Afghanistan after twenty years, America's status as a military superpower is being brought into question. Dr Keith Suter explores whether the US can still win at war, and if not, who takes it's place? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should garbage collectors earn more than bankers?
August 05, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBNow more than ever, we're asking which jobs are really essential. But are our essential workers being paid fairly? Dr Keith Suter unpacks why there's such a big pay disparity between some of our most necessary occupations, and some that we might need less than we think. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Killer robots in a new era of warfare
July 29, 2021 18:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBIntelligent robots hunting down humans is no longer just a thing of sci-fi movies. Dr Keith Suter explains how drones and AI have pushed us into a new era of warfare, and the practical and ethical complications that come along with them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to brighten our economic future
July 22, 2021 18:00 - 20 minutes - 20.6 MBWhy is Australia's economy predicted to get poorer, older, and smaller? Dr Keith Suter breaks down predictions from the country's latest Intergenerational Report, and explains some tactics we could use to boost the economy back up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ripple effects of heatwaves
July 15, 2021 22:53 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBWhy do we see increased violence during heatwaves? Dr Keith Suter explains the reasons behind this link, and the further psychological impact climate change is having on society. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An American tragedy
July 08, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBWhat is it about the Watergate scandal that keeps us coming back? Five decades on, Dr Keith Suter revisits the infamous impeachment, explains how Nixon's image shifted during and after the event, and reflects on the public perception of political misconduct. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The global struggles of Indigenous peoples
July 01, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 16.6 MBHow has the treatment of Indigenous peoples changed over the years, and how can we mend our relationship? Dr Keith Suter examines the disadvantages facing Indigenous communities both across the globe, and here in Australia and discusses what these will look like in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The art of strategic lying
June 24, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 17.7 MBHonesty isn't always the best policy for politicians, sometimes it's more effective to lie. Dr Keith Suter explains how lying is used as a political tactic, the ethical issues this strategy raises, and why so many of us are susceptible to believing lies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A shift away from the left
June 17, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBEvents like Brexit and the election of Trump are showing us that traditional Conservative Parties are becoming more appealing to the blue collar worker. Dr. Keith Suter shares why the working class are now voting against Labor Parties, and if the political landscape will ever shift back to the way it was before. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to change the world
June 10, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 16.8 MBWhy do some political campaigns make history, while others fail? Dr. Keith Suter explains the two factors that drive real political change throughout history and how they're shaping the way our world is today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
China growing old before growing rich
June 03, 2021 13:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe idea in global politics is that by the year 2049 China will be the number one power in the world, but what happens if China's population problem doesn't get resolved? Dr. Keith Suter explains 10 possible reason why China may not achieve this and discusses the effects of their one child policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The influence of the KGB
May 27, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 17.4 MBThe rumours about Trump's relationship with Russia spread like wildfire, but was Trump an agent, or simply just an asset? Dr. Keith Suter brings up the influence that Russia and the KGB has had over Western politics and high profile Americans and how the real scandal isn't what illegal, but what is legal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel and Hamas 101
May 20, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBWith a conflict that spans decades it can be difficult to understand why the cease fires come and go. Dr. Keith Suter explains the history of the the conflict between Israel and Palestine, what started this ongoing war and why the division continues to grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do we need a democracy summit?
May 13, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBJoe Biden has stated that Americans are emphasising the importance of democracy, but after a bad track record dating back to the 90's, do they deserve to be the hosts? Dr. Keith Suter discusses the a new foreign policy such as America intending to make peace rather than war, building more international collaboration and who would actually be invited to the summit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new border crisis
May 06, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 17.2 MBThe US wall was made famous by Trump, but it's story began much earlier than there. Dr. Keith Suter explains how this is all linked to profiting off the exploitation of fear, Australia's own border issues and the meaning of disaster capitalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
England and the Indo-Pacific
April 29, 2021 13:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBA "Global Britain" was the term used when marketing Brexit - but other than a slogan what does that actually mean? Dr. Keith Suter discusses what Britains new role will be after joining the rising power of the Indo-Pacific region and whether they need to treat China as an enemy or an investment partner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new climate war
April 15, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 19.5 MBWe're beginning to enter a new era of climate change as the number of deniers decreases, the number the of people who think we're screwed - grows. Dr. Keith Suter discusses not only the importance of education but the right people who we need to market that to and why you need to give people room to manoeuvre to get out of the political position they stand in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pillagers and villagers
April 08, 2021 13:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBThe number of people who consider themselves survivalists has risen - these are people who anticipate a time when supermarkets wont have food, ATMs wont have money and pharmacies wont have medicine. Dr. Keith Suter explains the difference between Green Survivalists and Doomsday Preppers, even though they all agree on the coming collapse of society. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should we get rid of billionaires
April 01, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIt would take 23,000 years for an ordinary worker to become a billionaire but in 2020 the amount of money billionaires have went up a massive amount. Dr. Keith Suter explains why young people have become apathetic to politics which is making it increasingly difficult to propose taxes on the rich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The age of surveillance
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 14.8 MBThe technology of control is slowly creeping into our everyday lives and sometimes it's as simple as police license plate readers. Dr. Keith Suter discusses how drone technology is evolving, what kid of digital footprint we are leaving and the risk of becoming Australia becoming a surveillance state like China. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The future of food
March 18, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 17.6 MBBy the middle of this century, 70% more food will be needed but 90% of the planet's soil could be gone. Dr. Keith Suter takes you through who actually owns our food supply, his 7 recommendations on what we can do and what a worst case scenario looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Death of the office
March 11, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBOvertime we have stopped expecting generations to leave school and work in a factory, now due to COVID we're no longer going to expect them to leave school and work in an office. Dr. Keith Suter explains why he thinks offices are important, what a 3D economy is and talks about the rise of the electric cottage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Defeat in Afghanistan
March 04, 2021 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBAmerica has spent more in foreign aid in Afghanistan than it did in Europe after WW1. So why won't they admit defeat and pull their troops out? Dr. Keith Suter explains how the American people would be horrified if they knew the true disfunction of the war in Afghanistan, the reason behind the forming of NATO and what big event is happening in May. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A scary reality for cyber warfare
February 25, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBAs we move further into a digital world the risk of cyber security breaches grows. Hospitals, insurance companies and other large organisations are hacked daily. Dr. Keith Suter explains the darker side of the web, the program Eternal Blue and what that means for companies like the NSA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest conspiracy theory
February 18, 2021 22:22 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBConspiracy theories have always existed, but few have been pushed by an American President, the latest of which is known as 'The Great Reset'. Dr. Keith Suter discusses the conspiracy group QANON and how they believe the deep state was out to get Trump, how COVID19 links in with it and moving to an era of trans-humanism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The miserable middleclass
February 11, 2021 13:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBThe divide between the rich and poor grows more every year, which leaves the middle-class forgotten about. Dr. Keith Suter breaks down how the middle-class was screwed by globalisation, why their jobs are disappearing and how we could be on the verge of a new economic evolution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Threats to the new President
February 04, 2021 13:00 - 19 minutes - 19.1 MBPresident Biden has a flurry of issues to face, both immediate like Coronavirus, and some more looming. Dr. Keith Suter discusses the geopolitical threats that President Biden must now face, including the growth of far right extremism abroad, weak and collapsing states and international cyber warfare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
War and climate change
January 28, 2021 13:00 - 18 minutes - 17.7 MBWould it surprise you to learn that the Pentagon is the number one user of green house gases? Energy is the lifeblood of war fighting capabilities, and Dr. Keith Suter explains how the US spends more on military than any other country and 4 ways they would benefit from reducing their fossil fuel waste. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there hope for Biden
January 21, 2021 13:00 - 19 minutes - 18.9 MBPresident Joe Biden's transition has been anything but smooth and the road is still rocky ahead. Dr. Keith Suter talks about the more long term structural issues like the death of the American dream, the foreign and domestic political challenges and where they stemmed from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The future of work
January 14, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBAs technology improves and certain jobs start to become obsolete, does that mean there will be no work in the future? Dr. Keith Suter explains the new jobs that will emerge in the 2020's, why women will experience these hardships more and how we will become a world connected to the internet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The long tradition of debt
January 08, 2021 01:05 - 18 minutes - 18.1 MBDebt has been around for over 5000 years, it's not just about money and we have now come to live with it. Dr. Keith Suter looks at debt from a point of anthropology - explaining the history behind it, the origins of FIAT and why you were never allowed to bury a banker in a Christian burial site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The turbulence of the coming decade
December 31, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 22.3 MBIt goes without saying that 2020 was a difficult year for most, but just because the year is almost over, it doesn't mean things are going to get easier. Dr. Keith Suter breaks down why democracy might be the moving force behind history as we head toward a political crisis not seen for over a 100 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new elite
December 24, 2020 13:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBThe elite class used to be based on inheritance of land, properties and factories but that isn't the case anymore. Dr. Keith Suter discusses the 'new elite'; which found their status grew from success and achievements and talks about something called a Meritocracy - a new way of political thinking that started as satire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trumps military legacy
December 17, 2020 13:00 - 16 minutes - 17.6 MBIn 2016 President Trump campaigned that he would pull out of all wars and bring US troops home - Love him or hate him he did just that. But is there now a greater threat of a nuclear war between USA, Russia and China? Dr. Keith Suter explains the modernising of nuclear weapons and how we find ourselves in the front row for WW3. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plagues, protests and poverty in 2020
December 11, 2020 01:00 - 19 minutes - 20.7 MBAs 2020 comes to an end, Dr. Keith Suter reflects on the plagues, protests and poverty that contributed to this being one of our toughest modern years, including COVID's effect on the economy, conspiracies creating protests and the different generations of wealth that create the poverty line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.