The Global Jigsaw

BBC World Service
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Jun 30, 2023 • 45min

Putin’s media marathon

The gradual dismantling of independent media in Russia, from the colour and vibrancy under Boris Yeltsin in the 90s, to the extreme crackdown under Vladimir Putin a quarter of a century later. The Global Jigsaw tracks the key milestones in the process that turned the media into a “barren landscape”. And we look into a new propaganda push targeting the youngest. Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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Jun 23, 2023 • 32min

Bulgaria’s Russia conundrum

The fault line in Bulgarian politics helping Moscow’s interests in Europe. Kremlin narratives have been dividing politics in this arms-producing EU country. Some see it as Russia’s Trojan horse. The former Soviet ally is torn between old and new allegiances, resulting in polarised attitudes towards Ukraine. How is Russia driving its agenda in Bulgaria, and is it working? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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Jun 16, 2023 • 43min

Russia’s propaganda firehose

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensified the Kremlin’s propaganda push. While independent media was defanged, TV talk shows multiplied to beam the state-sanctioned version of reality into living rooms. Alternative viewpoints are hard to find. Many Russians call their TV set the zombiebox - has it won the battle of narratives?
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Jun 10, 2023 • 37min

Ukraine’s media at war

Journalism under military censorship and state PR. The Russian invasion has dramatically transformed Ukraine’s media landscape. Speaking truth to power has become more of a challenge in an environment that has lost much of its vibrancy and pluralism. Some of the changes have been written into law. What happens when peace returns? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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Jun 2, 2023 • 30min

TikTokking for God (and power)

Latin American evangelical preachers have been taking their conservative politics to TikTok. The mix can be dynamite. Left-wing parties have dominated in recent elections, but the phenomenon is growing, in an exceptionally lax social media environment. What does this tell us about religion and politics - and the media - in the region today?Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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May 27, 2023 • 32min

Russian flag operations in Mali

The African influencers amplifying Kremlin propaganda and disinformation. Russian influence operations have expanded from the CAR to Mali and other countries in the Sahel region. What drives local people to take to the streets with Russian flags, and what’s Moscow’s endgame in Africa? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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May 20, 2023 • 26min

CAR’s Wagner trouble

Russia looking for new friends in Africa spells new trouble for a turbulent region. The Central African Republic has in recent years become one of Moscow’s main hubs of influence operations on the continent. What drew the Kremlin-linked mercenary group Wagner to this resource rich country that was never part of the Soviet sphere of influence? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk
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May 12, 2023 • 27min

Masculinity with Chinese characteristics

The Communist Party weighs in on sexual politics, making noises about what it means to be a man. It says it needs to push back against foreign influences including K-pop and what it calls “sissy culture”. Where does that leave Chinese women - and feminism? And is there a connection with so-called Wolf Warrior diplomacy? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.ukProducers: Lucy Bailey, Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg Editor: Judy King Main contributors: Tom Lam, Kerry Allen Original music: Pete Cunningham Sound engineer: John Boland
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May 5, 2023 • 27min

Talking politics on Turkey’s streets

The heated vox pop debates going viral in Turkey. As the cost of living crisis bites, heated arguments play out in cities and online. The street-corner videos, watched by millions, debate everything from the price of cucumbers to sky-high rents. And they have become a powerful alternative to state-controlled media.
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Apr 28, 2023 • 29min

A jihadi on a charm offensive

The Syrian militant leader wanted by the West, but who wants to be its friend. With a bounty on his head, Abu Mohammed al Jawlani spins his propaganda machine in the rebel stronghold of Idlib, wearing western suits and taking selfies with the locals. What’s behind his transformation? Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk

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