Podcast · 324 episodes
State of the World from NPR
by NPR · English
Immerse yourself in the most compelling and consequential stories from around the globe. The world is changing in big ways every day. State of the World from NPR takes you where the news is happening — and explains why it matters. With bureaus spanning the globe, NPR reporters bring you facts and context from the ground so you can cut through the noise of disinformation. NPR's State of the World, a human perspective on global stories in just a few minutes, every weekday. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for State of the World.
Latest episodes
U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end electionsNicaragua ended competitive national elections via a constitutional amendment; the U.S. is urging action by calling a rare Organization of American States (OAS) foreign-ministers meeting. U.S.29 Sep 2026 · 4 min
Turkey’s quest for Mideast powerTurkey’s rising influence in the Middle East amid shifting power after the Gaza war, conflict involving Iran, and a U.S. drawdown; Turkey seeks to lead a “new Middle East order.”28 Sep 2026 · 6 min
Remembering Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour(1) a politics update on Republicans’ midterm ad spending and likely negative campaign tactics with under 40 days to go; (2) State of the World: a remembrance of Palestinian artist Sliman (Slimane)…25 Sep 2026 · 8 min
All episodes
U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end electionsNicaragua ended competitive national elections via a constitutional amendment; the U.S. is urging action by calling a rare Organization of American States (OAS) foreign-ministers meeting. U.S.29 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 2 chapters
Turkey’s quest for Mideast powerTurkey’s rising influence in the Middle East amid shifting power after the Gaza war, conflict involving Iran, and a U.S. drawdown; Turkey seeks to lead a “new Middle East order.”28 Sep 2026 · 6 min · 6 chapters
Remembering Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour(1) a politics update on Republicans’ midterm ad spending and likely negative campaign tactics with under 40 days to go; (2) State of the World: a remembrance of Palestinian artist Sliman (Slimane)…25 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 4 chapters
The pope visits France. Barbeque unites on South Africa’s Heritage DayThe episode covers two stories: Pope Leo’s first papal state visit to France in nearly 20 years, and South Africa’s Heritage Day braai (barbecue) event aimed at setting a Guinness world record for…25 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 2 chapters
Xi Jinping's White House visit: Shifting Chinese views & skirting Iran oil sanctionsXi Jinping’s upcoming White House meeting with President Trump, focusing on Chinese public views of the U.S. and how China is skirting U.S. Iran oil sanctions amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade.23 Sep 2026 · 9 min · 2 chapters
Unsafe medical practices drive a rise in child HIV cases in PakistanThe episode (State of the World, NPR) reports a surge of child HIV cases in Karachi, Pakistan, with at least 140 people—mostly children—testing positive.22 Sep 2026 · 6 min · 4 chapters
What role does the United Nations play now?The United Nations’ role amid global conflict and political fragmentation, focusing on the UN General Assembly and the end of Antonio Guterres’ term, plus what the next UN Secretary-General could…21 Sep 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
A Russian election and a warning to Europe about Russian aggressionThe episode links Russia’s parliamentary election to warnings about Russian aggression toward Europe.18 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 4 chapters
Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWsRussia’s alleged social-media blackmail of Ukrainian POW families, using withheld information and direct contact to pressure relatives into helping Russian attacks or propaganda.17 Sep 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
The romance between Canada and the European Union gets seriousCanada–EU relations intensify as both seek alternatives to U.S. pressure under Trump’s tariff wars and demands; Ursula von der Leyen proposes a “special status” for Canada, potentially “associate…16 Sep 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters
Why are people in Turkey hoarding gold?The episode (State of the World) asks why many people in Turkey hoard gold.15 Sep 2026 · 7 min · 3 chapters
A Palestinian writer’s secret effort to preserve his diaryPalestinian writer Raja Shadet’s decades-long diary documenting life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, and his secret effort to preserve the physical archive by digitizing and mailing it…14 Sep 2026 · 7 min · 7 chapters
The long tail of the 9/11 attacks for one Afghan familyHow the 9/11 attacks shaped one Afghan family’s life over 25 years, from early U.S. war-era opportunities to later immigration restrictions that keep the mother separated from her children.11 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 5 chapters
We go to the part of southern Lebanon that Israel now controlsThe episode (State of the World, NPR) visits southern Lebanon that Israel now controls after the Oct. 7, 2023 Israel–Hezbollah escalation.10 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 3 chapters
What is the future of U.S. military bases in the Middle East?The uncertain future of U.S. military bases and troop presence in the Gulf after an Iran–U.S./Israel war that included Iranian missile/drone attacks and Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions.9 Sep 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
The UK pushes back on Israeli settlements; a far-right win in GermanyThis episode of State of the World covers two international developments: the UK’s move to curb Israeli settlement activity and a far-right election win in Germany.8 Sep 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
Encore: The promise and frustration of a future economic powerhouse in West AfricaWest Africa’s coastal “economic powerhouse” potential and the frustration of building a long-delayed superhighway linking Lagos, Nigeria to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, via the Lagos–Badagri Road and border…7 Sep 2026 · 6 min · 4 chapters
The humble Scottish breakfast with rich cultural significanceA trip to Scotland’s Highlands to explore porridge’s cultural roots and the Golden Spurtle/World Porridge Making Championship, showing how a “three-ingredient” dish becomes highly variable through…4 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 7 chapters
The souring relationship between Trump and NetanyahuThe episode examines how the Trump administration–Netanyahu relationship has soured amid Israel’s October election and disagreements over Iran, Gaza, and West Bank violence.3 Sep 2026 · 4 min · 2 chapters
Russia’s increased attacks on Kyiv and its partnership with IranState of the World covers (1) Russia’s intensified attacks on Kyiv, including more frequent daytime drone and missile strikes, and (2) the depth of Russia’s partnership with Iran, amid U.S.2 Sep 2026 · 8 min · 5 chapters
Rescuing those still trapped by flash floods in Nepal and TibetOngoing rescue efforts after flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, focusing on people feared trapped inside hydroelectric power plants along the Trishuli River.1 Sep 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters
Will the U.S. really control Venezuelan oil?State of the World episode asking whether the U.S. will really control Venezuelan oil, amid a new 25-year deal giving the U.S.31 Aug 2026 · 8 min · 2 chapters
Life in Iran after six months of warLife in Iran six months after a U.S.-Israel war began; how the conflict has reshaped daily life through fear, repression, and economic collapse.28 Aug 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
How Israeli and American attitudes towards each other have changedHow Israeli and American attitudes toward each other have shifted since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, amid Israel’s Gaza/ Lebanon invasion and U.S.-Israel actions in the region.27 Aug 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters