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
Mar 20, 2025 • 5min
Building a Tech Industry in Syria From Scratch
A conference in Damascus brought together visionaries aiming to revive Syria's tech industry, a sector dormant during years of civil war. The resilient journey of a Syrian-American graduate student from Stanford showcases both the potential and the obstacles ahead. Participants shared hopes and challenges, highlighting ambitions that persist despite the harsh realities of the past. It's a tale of ingenuity and determination, capturing the spirit of rebuilding a nation from scratch.
Mar 20, 2025 • 6min
Israel Launches a New Offensive in Gaza
The two month ceasefire in Gaza has come to an end with Israel conducting airstrikes, killing five Hamas officials along with over 400 others, including many children. The Israeli military has also restarted ground operations in Gaza, sending troops back to areas they had withdrawn from. They say they want Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire deal and release more hostages. But many Israelis are opposed to this return to war. We hear what this resumption of fighting sounds like in Gaza from our producer there. Warning, this episode contains graphic descriptions of war.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 8min
Trump and Putin Talk about a Ceasefire in Ukraine
Watch as two influential leaders muster up the nerve to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, even if it doesn't quite materialize. Dive into the resilient spirit of Ukrainians, who employ humor amid war tensions, finding solidarity in laughter. Experience the poignant feelings of betrayal and anxiety among the Ukrainian people, as they navigate their complicated relationship with the U.S. and its leaders, shaped by the unfolding conflict.
Mar 17, 2025 • 5min
Why Are Young Germans Moving to the Extremes?
In Germany's national elections a few weeks ago, one statistic stood out to our Berlin-based correspondent: almost half of young German voters cast their ballot for either the far-right or far-left parties. And the divide between extreme left and extreme right in young people seems to fall along gender lines. We try to find out why it seems the youth in Germany are moving to the extremes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mar 14, 2025 • 9min
What Happened to Syria's Lost Children?
In Syria about a decade ago, while the Assad regime was focused on crushing an uprising that challenged its rule, it faced a problem. It had too many children in detention, who had been swept up when their mothers were arrested. An NPR investigation has found that hundreds of children were separated from family and placed in orphanages around Damascus by government intelligence agents. They ordered the orphanages to keep this a secret. Now that the Assad regime has fallen, families are searching the Syrian capital for their missing children. We go to Damascus to learn more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mar 13, 2025 • 8min
What Cuts to U.S. Aid Mean in Africa
President Trump has derided aid the U.S. provides overseas as rife with fraud. His administration has moved aggressively to eliminate such funding including cancelling contracts already in progress. This is all being challenged in court but the effects are being felt acutely by those providing the aid on the ground in foreign countries. We hear from three providers in Africa.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mar 12, 2025 • 5min
India Sees Opportunity in U.S. Tariffs
With the U.S. undertaking a tariff war with countries like China, India sees and opening. As goods from China sold in the U.S. get more expensive, India hopes to lure away manufacturers. But can they do that while avoiding being hit with U.S. tariffs themselves? We go to an Indian manufacturing hub to see what the strategy looks like.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mar 11, 2025 • 6min
Rising Sectarian Violence In Syria
The podcast dives into the rising sectarian violence in Syria, spotlighting the tragic killings of Alawites amidst a shifting political landscape. Personal stories, like that of Wassam Bilal, reveal the deep scars left by conflict. Residents of the village of Meriam share their struggles against attacks from Sunni fighters, capturing their desperate quest for safety and a hope for coexistence. The challenges facing the new government in fostering national unity are underscored, reflecting the complexities of a country in turmoil.
9 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 10min
Canada's Next Prime Minister; UN World Heritage Soap
Mark Carney's rise to leadership in Canada promises to shake up relations with the U.S., leveraging his finance background to tackle economic challenges. Additionally, the rich tradition of soap-making in Nablus, recognized by UNESCO, highlights the resilience of artisans amid political adversity. The podcast also dives into trade tensions and explores Canada's urgent need to diversify its international partnerships, underscoring the cultural significance of craft in the face of hardship.
Mar 7, 2025 • 6min
The Dangerous Popularity of Skin Whitening Products in Nigeria
In Nigeria, over 77% of women use skin whitening products, driven by cultural beauty standards. The podcast explores the severe health risks and personal stories of those affected, highlighting the detrimental effects on self-esteem and well-being. It delves into the addictive nature of these creams, often containing harmful ingredients. Listeners hear about the societal pressures that perpetuate this trend and the struggles of individuals seeking recovery from harmful side effects, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the challenges.
