Episodes
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US President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his future White House team, blending political allies with some surprising choices. Among his picks are vaccine sceptic RFK Jr as health secretary and Elon Musk to head a newly created "Department of Government Efficiency."
On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and digital reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr. to discuss a period of transition for Joe Biden and Donald Trump, as one prepares to leave the White House and the other plans his return.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
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Singapore has some of the harshest drug laws in the world. The penalties for trafficking illegal narcotics include decades in prison and even a death sentence. Citizens of Singapore face consequences even if they take drugs while abroad. The government argues its zero-tolerance policy towards drugs – including cannabis - is an effective deterrent.
Katya Adler speaks to journalist and documentary maker Linda Pressly about whether Singapore's harsh drugs laws really deter drug crimes.
You can listen to Linda's full documentary 'Assignment: Singapore – drugs, rehab, execution' by searching for The Documentary wherever you get your podcasts.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Peter Goffin
Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phil Bull
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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What the president-elect's inner circle says about his priorities. Donald Trump is surrounding himself with loyalists, billionaires and political newcomers as he prepares for his second term in the White House.
On this episode, Caitríona Perry asks the BBC’s senior North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher about new additions to Team Trump like Elon Musk, and notable absences, like Ivanka Trump.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Tom Kavanagh
Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Gareth Jones
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Chancellor Scholz’s three-party coalition government has fallen apart, leaving Germany mired in a period of political instability. Disagreements between the chancellor and his finance minister Christian Lindner had bubbled for months, ultimately leading to the latter’s dismissal. That prompted two of Lindner’s party colleagues to resign, effectively dismantling the coalition and leaving the chancellor at the head of a minority government.
The political turmoil in Berlin comes as Donald Trump’s second election victory leaves the world wondering whether American support will be pulled from Ukraine. Germany is the European Union’s largest economy, but its manufacturing sector has been struggling, while consumers have been affected by high inflation.
The BBC’s Berlin correspondent Damien McGuinness and The Guardian’s Berlin correspondent Kate Connolly tell host Katya Adler about the roots of this crisis, and discuss how it may have ramifications around Europe and beyond.
Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Alix Pickles
Sound engineers: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Can the world fight climate change without the US? Donald Trump’s election victory threatens to derail the COP29 climate talks taking place in Azerbaijan this week. The US is one of the world’s biggest sources of carbon emissions but the president-elect has called global warming a hoax, championed the oil industry and promised to withdraw from international climate agreements.
On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s US climate correspondent Carl Nasman and the host of the BBC podcast The Climate Question, Graihagh Jackson.
Producers: Peter Goffin, Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins
Sound engineers: Jonny Baker and Ricardo McCarthy
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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The proportion of people without children is growing around the world. For some, this new reality reflects changing social attitudes and a desire not to have children, but for others, the decision has been taken out of their hands by a range of factors. The latest statistics available reflect the extent to which this has become a global phenomenon: while the US birth rate is at a record low, China reported its first population decline in six decades in 2022.
The BBC’s population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty tells host Lucy Hockings that economic concerns are among the most important when it comes to individuals and couples deciding whether or not the time is right to have a baby, and discusses how the concept of “male malaise” is impacting fertility rates.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory.
Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Laurie Kalus and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineer: Phil Bull
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
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President-elect Donald Trump has begun appointing his incoming administration. In the span of two months, he will hire four thousand political appointees and move back into the White House. With the Democrats losing the presidential election and control of the Senate, the party now faces a critical reckoning: What went wrong for Kamala Harris and her campaign?
On this episode, the BBC's Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay discuss what the next few weeks in US politics may look like after Donald Trump's election victory.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producer: Aiden Johnson
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to support their war in Ukraine. The US government says thousands of troops are now in the Kursk region – right next to the Ukrainian frontline. Can North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia change the dynamics of the war in Ukraine? And how does North Korea benefit from this arrangement?
Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse and Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie about whether North Korea's entry into the Ukraine war will turn it into a truly global conflict.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory.
Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Leaders across the world have been reacting to Donald Trump's stunning victory in the US presidential election. America's president-elect returns to the global stage in the context of multiple ongoing conflicts, and economic uncertainty for major players. So as international governments adjust to his seismic comeback, how might the policy decisions of a second Trump administration be felt worldwide?
On this episode Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale, to discuss the potential implications in Ukraine, the Middle East, China, Europe, and beyond...
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh, Mariana Hernández Carrillo, Beth Timmins, and Eleanor Sly
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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The former president claims he's been given an "unprecedented mandate" by voters.
On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to BBC Chief Presenter Christian Fraser about the prospect of a second Trump term.
And Katya Adler asks BBC Correspondent Will Grant and BBC Digital reporter Bernd Debusmann about the mood in the Trump camp, and where Kamala Harris underperformed.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Richard Moran
Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Jonny Baker
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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On the final day Americans cast their votes, the US presidential election remains tighter than ever. Success for either candidate depends on their ability to win over undecided voters in swing states — a diverse group with varied backgrounds, concerns, and voting histories. How have Kamala Harris and Donald Trump been trying to convince them? And which states lie in their path to victory and the White House?
Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s senior North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue and digital reporter Ana Faguy, who tell us which of the early results might give an indication of who's in the lead.
Listen to our previous episode on the Senate, House and Governors races that could shape the United States here: https://link.chtbl.com/OtherRaces
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Richard Moran, Laurie Kalus, Mariana Hernández Carrillo, and Mhairi Mackenzie
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Harassment, threats and intimidation against local officials are increasing ahead of the election. When the majority of Americans vote tomorrow, it is these election workers that will come face to face with democracy… and the growing mistrust some feel towards the process.
The BBC’s Mike Wendling travelled to the battleground state of Wisconsin to hear about the fears of election workers there as the election drew closer. He tells Azadeh Moshiri about the climate of conspiracy and election denialism that has led to them being targeted. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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With just days to go until Americans cast their votes, the race for the presidency is in its final stretch. On this episode, the BBC’s Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay break down what to look out for on election night. Will a result be known that night? Which key states and demographics are most likely to shape the outcome?
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producer: Aiden Johnson
Sound engineer: Gareth Jones
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Inside a BBC investigation that exposed the allegations against Michael Jeffries. The former fashion boss has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and prostitution. Jeffries – who turned Abercrombie and Fitch into one of the world’s biggest clothing brands – was arrested along with his life partner and their fixer, and accused of exploiting aspiring male models through force, fraud and coercion.
On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to BBC Investigations Correspondent Rianna Croxford, who has spent three years investigating the claims against Jeffries.
WARNING: This episode includes details of alleged sexual abuse.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly
Sound engineer: Ben Andrews and Gareth Jones
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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A BBC team has spent months getting under the bonnet of a rapidly growing migrant route. Almost overnight Vietnam has become the largest single source of migrants making the dangerous channel crossing to reach the UK. Speaking to one man who has been involved in the criminal network for decades, we uncover a world of forged documents, premium services and shattered dreams.
Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Paris Correspondent, Andrew Harding and our reporter in Bangkok, Thu Bui.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Richard Moran and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineer: Michael Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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As well as electing a president, Americans will also choose hundreds of governors, representatives, and senators. While these races have been overshadowed by the surprisingly dramatic presidential election, they may well determine how much power and success Kamala Harris or Donald Trump has in the White House.
On this episode Caitríona Perry speaks to our digital reporter Sam Cabral about the key down ballot races to watch as the results come in. And fellow digital reporter Holly Honderich explains why some Americans will also get to vote directly on one of the elections most divisive topics: abortion.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Richard Moran, Beth Timmins, Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineer: Philip Bull
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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How could Kamala Harris or Donald Trump affect Israel, Gaza and the wider region? The spiral of violence in the Middle East – from the Hamas attacks on October 7, to the catastrophic loss of Palestinian life, to Israel’s growing fights with Hezbollah and Iran – has dominated US foreign policy and become a major issue in this year’s presidential election campaign. Harris and Trump both say they want to bring peace and security to the region. So how do they plan to do it?
On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem and the BBC’s North America Correspondent Nada Tawfik.
You can listen to our other special episodes looking at the impact the US election might have around the world here:
America and... the World: https://link.chtbl.com/gqWrGSMT
America and... the war in Ukraine: https://link.chtbl.com/9pQYuDqP
America and... China: https://link.chtbl.com/CNFrjcPA
America and... Climate change: https://link.chtbl.com/zgemOWRX
America and…Migration https://link.chtbl.com/TGSmigration
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Peter Goffin, Beth Timmins and Richard Moran
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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A Japanese schoolboy was fatally stabbed by a stranger outside a school in China last month. The killing caused outrage and increased diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Japan blamed the attack on rising xenophobia and online nationalism in China. It was the third high-profile attack on a foreigner in recent months, all of which China has described as “isolated incidents”.
On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by BBC digital journalist Fan Wang, and Kerry Allen, who is a China media analyst at BBC News. They discuss whether growing Chinese cyber-nationalism is fuelling violence against foreigners and what impact it is having on China’s reputation abroad.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey and Hannah Montgomery
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Iran has downplayed the impact of a series of Israeli airstrikes on military facilities that have raised fears of further escalation. Early on Saturday, Israel carried out what it described as “precise and targeted” airstrikes in response of "months of continuous attacks" from Iran.
On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks with the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and Parham Ghobadi from BBC Persian. They examine the immediate and broader implications of these attacks and discuss the big question: What does Tehran do next?
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. You can contact us at [email protected]
Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Just a few days ahead of election day, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck and neck in the polls. The BBC’s Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay explore the intricacies of this tight race and discuss whether one candidate in the US presidential election holds the lead.
Every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producer: Aiden Johnson
Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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