State of the World from NPR
NPR
Immerse yourself in the most compelling and consequential stories from around the globe. The world is changing in big ways every day. State of the World from NPR takes you where the news is happening — and explains why it matters. With bureaus spanning the globe, NPR reporters bring you facts and context from the ground so you can cut through the noise of disinformation. NPR's State of the World, a human perspective on global stories in just a few minutes, every weekday. State of the World was previously State of Ukraine. You'll continue to hear Ukraine coverage here, along with other international stories.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to State of the World+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/stateoftheworld
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 14, 2025 • 5min
The Culture War Over Pigeon Feeding in Mumbai
Omkar Kandikar, an NPR reporter based in Mumbai, dives into the controversial ban on pigeon feeding in the city. He explores the deep-rooted religious significance of feeding pigeons for many residents, particularly among Jains. The ban, positioned as a public health measure, ignites protests and reveals intercommunity tensions. Kandikar also highlights how feeding birds provides companionship for Mumbai's urban poor, shedding light on the complex social dynamics at play in this seemingly simple act.
Nov 13, 2025 • 5min
Searching for Survivors 40 Years After One of Latin America’s Deadliest Disasters
John Otis, an NPR reporter, revisits the haunting aftermath of the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz disaster in Armero, Colombia, where mudslides claimed thousands of lives. He shares poignant stories from survivors like Fernando Angarita, who recalls the devastation and his own narrow escape. The conversation explores heartbreaking searches for missing children, with deeply symbolic rituals, including survivors launching model boats in memory of the lost. Otis highlights personal stories of hope, like Mariela Diaz’s emotional pilgrimage seeking her brother, encapsulating the enduring impact of this tragedy.
6 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 5min
A Month into the Ceasefire in Gaza, What’s Next?
Aya Batrawi, an NPR Middle East correspondent based in Dubai, shares her on-the-ground insights about the current ceasefire in Gaza. She discusses the complexities of hostage returns and missing remains, shedding light on challenges affecting the truce's advancement. Aya provides context on the reduced casualties, revealing who has been impacted and why. The atmosphere in Gaza is tense yet hopeful, with aid shortages complicating daily life. She also outlines essential steps needed for the next phase, including disarmament and reconstruction efforts.
Nov 12, 2025 • 11min
The Women Fighting on Ukraine’s Front Lines
Joanna Kakissis, NPR's fearless Ukraine correspondent, shares gripping stories of women at the front lines of Ukraine's military. She highlights the rising number of female soldiers and their diverse roles, from training as drone operators to commanding platoons. Personal accounts reveal their motivations, with some like Daria grappling with family secrets while others like combat medic Olena express deep commitment despite the emotional toll. Their resilience underscores the courage and resolve of women standing firm in wartime.
Nov 10, 2025 • 9min
Israeli Control Transforms West Bank
Carrie Kahn, an NPR reporter known for her on-the-ground reporting, discusses the stark changes in the West Bank post-2023. She reveals how Israeli military and settler control have intensified, leading to alarming rates of violence and property damage against Palestinians. Kahn highlights the economic collapse in the region, exacerbated by rising casualties and unemployment. Interviews with both settlers and Palestinians showcase perspectives on the conflict, as settlement expansion continues to fragment Palestinian statehood and community.
Nov 7, 2025 • 7min
Racing to Save a Ukrainian Archaeological Site Exposed by the War
Hanna Palomarenko, an NPR reporter known for her on-the-ground coverage, shares her experience at Hortitsa Island, where archaeologists are racing against time to preserve an 18th-century shipwreck exposed by war. She introduces an international team tackling the challenges of excavation amid security risks from the front line. The podcast highlights the urgent preservation of historical artifacts, the emotional resonance of their work, and the connection to Ukraine's national identity in the face of conflict.
Nov 6, 2025 • 6min
In Dharamshala, Tibetans Worry About Preserving Their Identity
Dia Hadid, an NPR correspondent focused on Tibetan refugees, dives into the heart of Dharamshala, where the Tibetan community grapples with identity preservation. She highlights the vital role of the Tibetan Children's Village in teaching culture and language amidst declining enrollment due to migration barriers. Stories like that of Namki, who escaped imprisonment, reveal the harsh realities new arrivals face. As many Tibetans look to the West for opportunities, tensions over the future of the Dalai Lama and external support raise serious concerns for this dwindling community.
Nov 5, 2025 • 6min
Our Correspondent is Finally Allowed into Gaza
Daniel Estrin, an NPR correspondent who has covered the Israel–Hamas conflict extensively, finally gains access to Gaza after two years. He shares shocking firsthand accounts of the widespread devastation he witnesses in northern Gaza. Estrin highlights the constraints on journalism, as well as the ongoing military operations that prevent Palestinian returns. He discusses the recovery of a hostage, U.S. plans for peacekeepers, and the uncertain future of the ceasefire, reflecting on the stark contrast to his previous visits.
Nov 4, 2025 • 9min
The Story of Three Defiant Nuns in Austria
Esmeen Nicholson, an NPR reporter known for her international on-the-ground stories, shares a remarkable tale of three elderly nuns in Austria. These defiant sisters ran away from a nursing home to reclaim their convent, determined to live out their vows. They broke in with a locksmith's help and have since become social media stars, attracting a community of supporters. Discussions range from their bold actions to the church's legal stance on the matter, highlighting their fight for dignity and independence in old age.
Nov 3, 2025 • 8min
An Annual Ritual in the West Bank Now Under Threat
Daniel Estrin, an NPR foreign correspondent, takes us to the West Bank to explore the vital olive and date harvests and the threats they face. He shares harrowing accounts of Palestinian farmers facing violence and intimidation from Israeli settlers, detailing how these attacks disrupt their crucial harvest. Estrin highlights the rush to gather crops under military restrictions and the challenges of confrontations on village roads. He also spotlights women-led efforts in date packing, showcasing resilience amid adversity.
