The World

In this holiday special, The World takes you to China. We visit Shenzhen, which has become the most thriving megacity in the world — without the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. Also, an unpacking of the latest diplomatic spat between China and Japan over Taiwan. And, a peek at the future of transportation innovation from the Automotive World China Exhibition, complete with electric cars and self-driving sanitation vehicles. Plus, the story of a mother who traveled with her adopted daughter to China in search of answers about her past. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It’s been an adventurous three decades for The World and we’re glad to have you with us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. In this special New Year’s show, we highlight some of our reporting over the years. We bring you a discussion with Neil Curry, who helped create the show and was The World's first executive producer, as well as a conversation with our reporters Matthew Bell and Shirin Jaafari, who discuss how their coverage of major global news evolved after 9/11. Also, we look at our coverage of the environment in a time of climate change. And, we take a listen to some of our favorite music over the years. Plus, you’ll even have a chance to test your global knowledge as our hosts play a round of Geo Quiz trivia. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As we wrap up the year, The World takes a look back at some of our favorite stories from 2025. We visit coffee raves in Barcelona. Also, a landmark performance for a female conductor at the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. And inmates in Milan who are repurposing the wood from migrant boats into musical instruments. Plus, crate digging for vinyl records with a collector in Dubai. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and a weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. Also, a look back at a year of global protests, driven largely by Gen Z, over economic uncertainty. And, air pollution in Germany's once-industrial Ruhr River Valley has decreased significantly, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, a look at New Year’s Eve traditions around the globe. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS targeting Christians in the country, but the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim. Also, the world's first carbon tariff is set to take effect in Europe at the start of 2026. And, some patients in the UK who are unable to access emergency dental care are taking matters into their own hands, and even pulling out their own teeth. Plus, the "King of Cachupa" brings a signature dish of Cape Verde to Portugal. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This special show takes a look back at some important and influential people who passed away in 2025, leaving behind their legacies. They include Pope Francis, Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, the world’s oldest Olympian Ágnes Keleti, the 49th Aga Khan Muslim spiritual leader, photographer Sebastião Salgado and legendary musicians like Lebanon’s Ziad Rahbani, Honduras’ Aurelio Martínez and Ghana’s Daddy Lumba. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this holiday special, The World visits Greenland. Former Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede stated this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” We look at divided opinions around the territory’s independence. Also, a look at Denmark’s controversial parenting test that resulted in a disproportionate number of Inuit families being separated. And, an official apology from Denmark for forcing Indigenous women and girls from Greenland into using contraceptive devices beginning in the 1960s. Also, a look at how a new international airport in the capital Nuuk is trying to keep up with an influx of tourists. Plus, how the abandoned village of Qoornoq is seeing a revival. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this comedy special, The World takes you around the globe where artists find humor in unconventional places. Chinese-language open mic events become a place for activists to meet, get  group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China. Also, Syrian comedians embrace a new era in which social critiques are no longer shunned. And, a Ukrainian comic uses comedy as a way to process war. Plus, a linguistic look at why some words sounds funny. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Ukraine, the Christmas season is being observed even amid war. We hear one story from a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident. Also, the Trump Administration has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors and senior embassy officials, serving mostly in African and Asian countries, from their posts. And, a $500 million AI factory is set to open in Armenia. Plus, members of Parliament grant full clearance for Santa Claus to use Ireland’s airspace to deliver toys to the country’s children. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US Coast Guard pursued a third vessel off Venezuela’s coast this weekend. The US oil blockade on Venezuela is also sending shockwaves through Cuba. Also, President Donald Trump has appointed a US envoy for Greenland, a Danish territory that he believes the US should own. And, an NGO in France exposes holiday food scams just in time for Christmas. Plus, David Munyua becomes the first darts player from Kenya to make it to the World Championships. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices