Podcast · 325 episodes
State of the World from NPR, page 3
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.
All episodes, page 3
Retracing the route of ancient Pacific voyagersThe episode retraces ancient Pacific voyaging routes by describing a modern indigenous Taiwanese expedition.24 Jul 2026 · 5 min · 2 chapters
In Israel, a strong challenger for political changeState of the World (NPR) covers Israel’s upcoming national elections this fall, including a prime minister vote after four years.23 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 4 chapters
Migrating swifts swirl in the skies of JerusalemThe annual migration of common swifts to Jerusalem’s Western Wall, their nesting in the wall’s cracks, and how humans and modern construction affect their survival.22 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 5 chapters
Pakistan’s role in brokering Iran deal; will Iranian hardliners let it happen?The episode explains how Pakistan is being asked to broker a new US-Iran ceasefire after renewed attacks following a failed truce.21 Jul 2026 · 10 min · 7 chapters
Great Britain gets yet another new prime ministerThe episode is about Britain’s political churn and the new prime minister, Andy Burnham. It opens with a personal story from Antonio Mays Sr.20 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 4 chapters
Does control of the Strait of Hormuz set a worldwide precedent?After a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz is examined as a potential precedent for other countries to restrict navigation and impose tolls, despite its status as an…17 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 4 chapters
The U.S. track record for wars in the Middle EastThe episode examines the U.S. track record of wars in the Middle East—Afghanistan, Iraq, and the current focus on Iran—arguing that overwhelming early military success has not produced lasting…16 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
Why China’s rust belt region has an outsized influence on Chinese cultureChina’s Dongbei (northeast “rust belt”) has an outsized influence on Chinese culture, embodying both nostalgia for industrial-era life and anxiety about economic decline.15 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 5 chapters
The U.S. Congressman detained by Israeli settlers in the West BankDemocratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna describes being detained for 75–90 minutes in the West Bank after armed Israeli settlers blocked his Palestinian-led visit; he says Israeli forces sided with settlers…14 Jul 2026 · 8 min · 3 chapters
The U.S. will allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles, will it change the war?At a NATO summit, President Trump said the U.S. will license Ukraine to produce Patriot missile interceptors/air-defense technology, raising the question: will it change the war with Russia?13 Jul 2026 · 7 min · 3 chapters
What does Iran stand to lose if the ceasefire with the U.S. collapses?Stakes for Iran if the U.S.-Iran ceasefire collapses, amid renewed tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. sanctions/airstrikes.10 Jul 2026 · 10 min · 8 chapters
Israel expands its control of GazaIsrael’s post-ceasefire expansion of control in Gaza, including new restricted “Orange Zone” areas, reduced access for aid and medical services, and claims of a step-by-step plan to surround Hamas.9 Jul 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters
Youth seeking political power in IndiaThe episode covers two NPR stories: (1) Seattle’s 2020 protest occupation against police brutality, which ended with the unsolved killing of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr.; it describes the space…8 Jul 2026 · 5 min · 2 chapters
How is the U.S. relationship with NATO evolving?How the U.S.–NATO relationship is evolving ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, including uncertainty about U.S. commitment, European burden-sharing, and military readiness.7 Jul 2026 · 8 min · 8 chapters
How Hong Kong’s political opposition was silencedThe episode (State of the World, July 6) explains how China’s 2020 Hong Kong national security law has silenced political opposition.6 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
Rickshaws in India celebrating America’s birthdayThe episode is about how New Delhi rickshaws are celebrating the U.S. 250th birthday during the July 4 holiday.3 Jul 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters
Rescue turns to recovery in VenezuelaState of the World reports on the aftermath of twin earthquakes in Venezuela, focusing on the shift from rescue to recovery along the northern coast, and the human stories of survivors and search…2 Jul 2026 · 8 min · 5 chapters
Combatting Russian authoritarianism with comedyState of the World segment on combating Russian authoritarianism through comedy, featuring Vladimir Raevsky’s stand-up show The Realm That Never Smiled, based on the Russian fairy tale about a…1 Jul 2026 · 5 min · 5 chapters
What it’s like to be a healthcare worker at the center of an Ebola outbreakThe episode (State of the World, NPR) is about what it’s like to work as a healthcare worker during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in Ituri province.30 Jun 2026 · 5 min · 4 chapters
As Venezuelans struggle to find earthquake survivors, many blame the governmentAfter twin earthquakes hit Venezuela’s northern coast, the death toll rises (government: 1,700+ dead; tens of thousands missing).29 Jun 2026 · 10 min · 6 chapters
Despite a ceasefire in Gaza, civilians don’t feel safeState of the World reports that despite an eight-month ceasefire in Gaza, civilians still don’t feel safe; it describes ongoing Israeli attacks, drone surveillance, and shifting control that leave…26 Jun 2026 · 6 min · 6 chapters
Earthquakes cause devastation in VenezuelaThe episode is about two back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing devastation in Caracas and along the Caribbean coast.25 Jun 2026 · 7 min · 4 chapters
The town where the latest Ebola outbreak likely beganNPR’s “State of the World” reports from Mangualu, a gold-mining town in eastern DR Congo, where the latest Ebola outbreak likely began.24 Jun 2026 · 7 min · 4 chapters
Political change in Colombia and the U.K.The episode (State of the World, NPR) covers political change in Colombia and the U.K. In London, unpopular Labour leader Keir Starmer tearfully announced his resignation outside No.23 Jun 2026 · 7 min · 4 chapters