International law expert Prof Naz Modirzadeh and political scientist Assoc Prof Andrew March explore how the United States and other governments contort and stretch international and domestic laws to accommodate the waging of war on non-state Islamist forces, and how those forces themselves invoke Islamic law to justify their actions. Presented by Lynne Haultain.

Political economist Assoc Prof Christopher Balding examines the rapid rise of sovereign wealth funds in global finance, and focuses on issues of transparency and governance. He also discusses the impact that such large sums of money have on domestic and international politics. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.

Middle East security expert Dr Norman Cigar explains how al-Qaeda’s strategic goals and military posturing are communicated within the organization through its own publications. He also speaks on the challenges al-Qaeda faces in a fast evolving Middle East. With host Jacky Angus.

Political economist Professor Emma Murphy examines the social conditions that confront young Arabs in the Middle East, and argues that the youth of today will ultimately remake and redefine the region. Presented by Jacky Angus.