In this episode, Redi Tlhabi sits down with political economist and Signal Risk director Ronak Gopaldas for a sharp, wide-ranging conversation on the escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran. Together, they unpack what the conflict reveals about shifting global power, contested moral authority, and the often-overlooked consequences for Africa.
This conversation was recorded before the US and Iran came to a last-minute cease-fire deal, on Tuesday 9th April 2026.
This episode was made possible thanks to The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom: https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa
You can listen to the Let’s Talk Human Rights podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/59LYbrnDnmsupzBh9Sb9dH?si=9ea830a251094765
Hosted by: Redi Tlhabi
Guest: Ronak Gopaldas
Edited by: Joel Seboa
Produced by: Emilie Gambade & Joel Seboa
Original Theme Music & Design by: Bernard Kotze
You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!
Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick
00:09 Trump Ultimatum
01:03 Posts Spark Outrage
02:24 Meet Analyst Ronak Gopaldas
02:47 WrestleMania Diplomacy Explained
04:17 Endgame and War Watchlist
05:35 America Trust and Moral Standing
07:52 Narrative Advantage to Rivals
10:08 Africa Braces for Energy Shocks
14:35 Pragmatism in Multipolar Africa
16:12 Critical Minerals and SA Leverage
19:13 South Africa Iran Ties and Closing Forecast
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyMaverickSA/videos
Follow us on X : https://x.com/dailymaverick
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailymaverick
Check our website: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/
Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/dailymaverick/
Check out our TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailymavericksa
Download Daily Maverick Mobile App: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/daily-maverick-app/
