The Global Story cover art
Podcast · 286 episodes

The Global Story, page 8

by BBC World Service · English

Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption.

All episodes, page 8

The ‘weight loss revolution’ changing the worldHow GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (e.g., Ozempic/Wegovy, Mounjaro/Zepbound) have shifted culture, politics, food industry practices, and access—plus risks of misuse and links to extreme thinness.11 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 14 chapters
The origins of ICEThe origins and evolution of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and why it became internationally controversial, amid a new Trump crackdown and congressional scrutiny.10 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 9 chapters
Live in Washington DCA live Global Story BBC episode (taped at Syracuse University) looking ahead to 2026 amid “ruptures” in the world order, focusing on US foreign policy, alliances, and flashpoints (Minneapolis…9 Feb 2026 · 32 min · 18 chapters
Could the Epstein scandal topple the British Prime Minister?The BBC Global Story episode examines whether newly released Jeffrey Epstein files and emails involving UK politician Peter Mandelson could trigger a political crisis that topples Prime Minister Keir…6 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 9 chapters
Will Bad Bunny take on MAGA at the Super Bowl?The BBC’s Global Story asks whether Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance will trigger political backlash, and what his politics and Puerto Rican identity mean in that context.5 Feb 2026 · 25 min · 10 chapters
What could happen if the US strikes Iran?Whether the US might strike Iran, and what could happen afterward—ranging from regime change to prolonged escalation or chaos.4 Feb 2026 · 26 min · 10 chapters
How China beat the US on green energyHow the US under Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement and doubled down on fossil fuels, while China pursued renewables and clean-tech industrial policy—shaping global energy and…3 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 15 chapters
Is ISIS having a resurgence in Syria?Whether ISIS is resurging in Syria amid recent U.S. airstrikes, prison breaks, and uncertainty over ISIS detainees; also how ISIS persists beyond its “caliphate.”2 Feb 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
How Palantir became indispensableHow Palantir became indispensable to governments, and the controversies around its surveillance-style data software.30 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 14 chapters
How the Minnesota shooting set off a TikTok censorship debateTikTok’s U.S. ownership change and alleged censorship after the Minneapolis shooting of ICU nurse Alex Preddy, sparking a broader U.S. free-speech vs. moderation debate.29 Jan 2026 · 26 min · 10 chapters
What next for Venezuelans?Life in Venezuela after Maduro’s ouster and what comes next, focusing on political prisoner releases, opposition divisions, and hopes/concerns about U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry.28 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 10 chapters
The mystery of Putin and the apartment bombsThe September 1999 apartment bombings in Russia (four blasts in four cities) and the unresolved question of who was responsible—Chechen militants, the FSB (internal security), or possibly Vladimir…27 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 11 chapters
Is Cuba next?Whether Cuba is “next” for U.S.-driven pressure after Venezuela’s Maduro was removed, focusing on Trump’s warning to cut off Venezuelan oil to Cuba and the Cuba–Venezuela alliance.26 Jan 2026 · 26 min · 10 chapters
Trump’s first year back: for better and for worseA BBC Global Story special marking Donald Trump’s first year back in office, focusing on two landmark policies—tariffs and immigration—through two people affected by them.25 Jan 2026 · 28 min · 17 chapters
Will Trump’s Board of Peace actually stop wars?The BBC Global Story examines Donald Trump’s newly launched “Board of Peace,” whether it can stop wars, and who is involved versus excluded.23 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 11 chapters
Is Canada leading the global resistance against Trump?Whether Canada is emerging as a “middle power” leader resisting Donald Trump, amid Trump’s Greenland talk, US-Canada trade pressure, and fears of a US invasion scenario.22 Jan 2026 · 28 min · 14 chapters
Have the protests in Iran failed?Whether Iran’s late-December/early-January nationwide protests failed, and why, amid an internet/phone blackout and a severe crackdown.21 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
Greenland: Could the US regret alienating its Nato allies?European backlash to Donald Trump’s renewed push to take/own Greenland, and whether it could damage NATO and transatlantic trust.20 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 12 chapters
How Charlie Kirk inspired a new Korean right-wing youth movementHow a South Korean right-wing youth movement grew after President Yoon Seok-yeol’s December 2024 martial law attempt, and how it adopted tactics and aesthetics associated with Charlie Kirk/MAGA-style…19 Jan 2026 · 26 min · 8 chapters
The post-World War II era is over. What comes next?The post–World War II “rules-based” international order is fraying as great powers pursue spheres of influence; the episode asks what comes next and whether international law still provides…16 Jan 2026 · 28 min · 14 chapters
How the US, China and Russia are vying for influence in AfricaHow the US, China, and Russia compete for influence in Central Africa, framed as “deal maker” (US), “loan shark” (China), and “gun for hire” (Russia), and what this means for Africans.15 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 14 chapters
Putin’s pursuit of Russian greatnessWhy Vladimir Putin seeks to restore Russian “greatness” by expanding and controlling a sphere of influence, especially over Ukraine and other former Soviet states.14 Jan 2026 · 26 min · 13 chapters
Has Xi Jinping outsmarted his rivals?Whether Xi Jinping has outmaneuvered rivals by quietly building China’s power, and how Trump’s renewed assertiveness could change Xi’s strategy.13 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 10 chapters
American influence from Monroe to DonroeThe episode examines whether Donald Trump is shifting U.S. foreign policy from post–World War II ideals (democracy/human rights, multilateral institutions) toward a “sphere of influence” approach…12 Jan 2026 · 31 min · 12 chapters