Trump pushes back at European resistance over Greenland
BBC World Service
Donald Trump says he will "100%" follow through on his threat to impose further tariffs if a deal isn’t reached over Greenland. He also refuses to rule out the use of force. Denmark has "substantially" increased the number of soldiers deployed to the autonomous Danish territory -- although they're part of exercises aimed at Russia rather than the United States. President Tump has told the Norwegian prime minister that he can no longer think, in his words, "purely of peace", and that he wants "complete and total control" of Greenland. Also: the Ugandan opposition leader, Bobi Wine, tells the BBC that he's had to go into hiding for his safety. Clashes erupt at a Syrian prison holding Islamic State fighters. Could Britain be about to follow Australia and introduce a social media ban for under-16s? And we look back at the life of the Italian fashion designer, Valentino, who has died at the age of 93. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
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14 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 27min
Trump pushes back at European resistance over Greenland
David Willis, BBC North America correspondent, discusses Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland and his threats to impose tariffs. Rahul Tandon, a BBC journalist focusing on cost-of-living issues, highlights rising grocery prices and stagnant wages impacting American households. Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine shares his harrowing experience of going into hiding due to safety concerns after contentious elections. The conversation also touches on potential UK social media regulations for youth, illustrating the complex interplay of politics and everyday life.
23 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 25min
Stay calm on Greenland UK tells Trump and EU
Keir Starmer calls for calm diplomacy as tensions rise over Trump's Greenland tariff threats. Meanwhile, EU leaders debate retaliatory measures, risking a trade war. Trump mistakenly blames Norway for not giving him a Nobel Prize while investigations begin after Spain's worst train crash in a decade. In Japan, snap elections are on the horizon amid political tensions. Additionally, a groundbreaking blood test trial for Alzheimer's is underway, and filmmakers are adapting to shorter attention spans in the age of streaming.
22 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 28min
Deadly train crash in Spain
Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor, shares insights on the escalating European response to Trump's controversial Greenland comments, emphasizing the balancing act between diplomacy and collective action. Lee James, a sports reporter, recounts the intense and chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, highlighting Senegal's hard-fought victory amidst fan disruptions. Meanwhile, Nick Marsh, Asia business correspondent, delves into China's surprising 5% growth amid looming economic challenges, including demographic issues and a sluggish housing market.
65 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 29min
The Global Story: The post-World War II era is over. What comes next?
Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's International Editor with decades of experience in foreign reporting, discusses the decline of the post-World War II order. He explores the origins and significance of this order and critiques its Western-centric nature. Bowen highlights both successful instances, like the UN coalition in Kuwait, and failures, such as the 2003 Iraq invasion. He warns of rising chaos without a framework and emphasizes that modern states resist old imperial spheres of influence, reflecting a shifting global landscape.
44 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 30min
US threatens tariffs over Greenland
Join David Willis, BBC North America correspondent, as he breaks down Trump's surprising tariff threats regarding Greenland and the diplomatic chaos that ensues. Tom Bateman provides a gripping on-the-ground report from Minneapolis about ICE protests and government oversight. Sivash Ardalan analyzes Ayatollah Khamenei's shocking admission about protest casualties in Iran. Meanwhile, Rebecca Murrell shares exciting details about NASA's Artemis II mission, marking a significant step in lunar exploration. Get ready for a whirlwind of global news and insights!
18 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 25min
The Happy Pod: The injection that saved my sight
Nicki Guy, a patient whose determination led to the creation of a low-cost gel treatment for eye hypotony, shares how an injection restored her vision and allowed her to watch her son grow up. Fergus Walsh, BBC medical editor, discusses the groundbreaking CAR-T therapy now available in the UK, which can extend lives of leukaemia patients. Tarika Christian talks about her role in protecting the waters around Pitcairn Island, balancing tourism and natural resource conservation. The episode is filled with inspiring stories of innovation and resilience.
26 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 23min
Donald Trump names Gaza 'Board of Peace' members
Bernd de Boosman, a BBC Washington correspondent, unpacks the implications of Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, highlighting the absence of Palestinian voices. He also reveals intriguing internal schisms within the White House stemming from recent comments by Susie Wiles. Meanwhile, Philip Frank, a psychiatrist from University College London, sheds light on six midlife symptoms that could elevate dementia risk over time, opening a thoughtful discussion on mental health in adulthood.
71 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 33min
China makes trade deal with Canada amid US tariffs
Stephen McDonnell, a BBC correspondent in Beijing, shares insights on Canada's new trade deal with China amidst rising US tariffs, questioning if Trump's policies are driving allies closer to Beijing. Amy Donilon, author of "Off the Scales," explores the evolution of GLP-1 drugs from diabetes treatment to weight-loss aids, discussing their societal impact. The conversation touches on strategic shifts in global alliances and the potential influence of health innovations on public policy.
8 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 30min
Machado gives Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal
Will Grant, a BBC correspondent reporting from Havana, discusses Maria Corina Machado's symbolic gesture of giving her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump, aiming for Venezuelan freedom. Meanwhile, Evan Davis interviews an eyewitness from Iran, sharing harrowing accounts of protests and violent crackdowns. Stephen McDonnell delves into Mark Carney's Beijing visit focused on improving Canada-China relations. Imran Rahman-Jones explores the booming non-alcoholic drinks market and changing consumption habits while uncovering fascinating findings about mummified cheetahs in Saudi caves.
37 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 27min
BBC reveals rift at top of Taliban regime
Zia Sharir, a journalist with the BBC Afghan Service, shares insights from his year-long investigation into the Taliban's internal rift, revealing a power struggle between hardliners and those advocating for international engagement and women's education. Jiragol, an anonymous BBC Persian reporter, sheds light on the violent crackdown on protests in Iran, detailing eyewitness accounts and shocking government actions. Sami Awami discusses the logistical chaos surrounding Uganda's elections, highlighting concerns over voter suppression and accusations against the ruling party.
