Between The Lines - Abc Radio National

The disparity between rich and poor is rapidly growing. Could socialism be the answer to narrow the gap? The claim is that many do not understand the history of the political movement. But without other options on the table shouldn't we start to look forward towards a new socialism, rather than back on the mistakes of the past?

Israel Folau is no longer in the news for his talent as a rugby player. He is now the lightning rod for debate about freedom of speech, religious expression, discrimination and homophobia. Is he responsible for any of this or is he just a bit player in a large-scale community dilemma? And Animal Justice Party's Emma Hurst takes veganism to the NSW Upper House.

Commentators say that by withdrawing the US from international agreements, Trump has left a void in world leadership. But is he really to blame for the unravelling of the liberal international order? John Mearsheimer says that this is simply not true. Also, Malcolm Turnbull is said to have been responsible for the swing against the coalition in the 2016 election. He was the fourth prime minister in nine years. With the benefit of hindsight, what were the signs that he did not respect the Liberal tradition which meant he just had to go?

Gerard Henderson says despite the forecast by the academics, the polls and the pundits, there is no substitute for 'staying in touch' with the voting public. Also, 70 years after the establishment of NATO the threat that justified its creation has long gone. With the benefit of hindsight, wasn't the increased numbers of member states a dangerous idea?

Despite the Chinese warships entering Sydney Harbour this week, Australia's relationship with China is still mostly influenced by the US.

As the shock of the federal election begins to wear off we are hearing more and more about the so-called 'quiet Australians' and If Theresa May can't implement Brexit, who can? As the Conservatives scramble to replace their leader, the Brexit party is gaining momentum.

How did we miss the signs that Scott Morrison would win the election? Also, whatever your opinions, Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan appeal to the public.

Australia needs a Shorten government so we can experience 'buyer's regret'. So says conservative Janet Albrechtsen while on the other side of the Indian Ocean, despite the work of Nelson Mandela, many South Africans choose not to vote.

Are our major political parties offering a choice or an echo? Also, Australian honeybees are hot property overseas but for how long? As the only country to avoid the deadly varroa mite, others turn to Australia to share ideas on how to improve the health of bees globally.

Forty years after the 'Iron Lady' was elected into office, Britain looks like it may be lurching to the left. While in the US, the country has long-believed that democracy is exportable, all it requires is intervention. Ted Galen Carpenter disagrees. He says that many of the countries who benefit from American support are 'anything but proponents of democracy'.

We are a part of Asia, so why do we know so little about our nearest neighbours?

What is it about Russia that so upsets people?

Why are so many conservatives defecting from the Liberal Party?