

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

Jun 24, 2024 • 9min
The French Far Right Rises; a Rush to Buy Gold in China
The podcast discusses the rise of the far right in France and the potential political shift it could bring. It also explores the surge in gold demand in China, driven by economic uncertainties and market instability.

Jun 21, 2024 • 8min
Are British Politics Broken?
Exploring the chaotic UK political landscape, from Brexit to changing leaders. Economic woes, healthcare challenges, and predictions for the future. Impact on individuals in South London amid financial strains.

Jun 20, 2024 • 8min
The International Problem of Online Sextortion
The podcast delves into the troubling rise of online sextortion targeting children, particularly from Nigeria. It highlights the tragic case of Jordan DeMay, a 17 year-old victim who took his own life due to sextortion. The episode also discusses the FBI's efforts to combat this international problem.

Jun 19, 2024 • 15min
How is Israel Using Facial Recognition in Gaza?
Exploring Israel's use of facial recognition technology in Gaza and Hebron, the podcast raises concerns about extensive data collection and privacy issues. It discusses the collaboration between Israeli security forces, tech companies like Google, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding facial recognition technology. Israel employs facial recognition to identify individuals in Gaza, despite accuracy challenges, emphasizing the widespread use of this technology and the importance of understanding and obtaining consent in surveillance.

Jun 18, 2024 • 8min
Russia's Putin Visits North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a strategic visit to North Korea, discussing humanitarian needs, trade, and security issues with Kim Jong Un. They navigate Western sanctions and potential military cooperation. The visit could involve exchanging artillery rounds and missiles for food and fuel, highlighting the transactional nature of their relationship. The complexities of Russia's involvement with North Korea include resisting sanctions, building alliances, and coordinating with China amidst joint military drills by the US, Japan, and South Korea.

Jun 17, 2024 • 10min
Is Humanitarian Aid Getting Into Gaza?; Searching for the Origins of James Bond
Exploring the challenges of delivering aid in Gaza amid conflict and the historical search for James Bond's origins beneath London's streets. From the transformation of a historic London building to a secretive spy bar at Raffles Hotel, dive into espionage stories and the intergenerational impact on a Korean American family.

Jun 14, 2024 • 17min
How the Planet's Biggest Democracy Deals with a Major Scandal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi discusses a major scandal in Indian politics, the health of democracy, and civil rights protests. The scandal involves arrests tied to left-wing causes amid allegations of government involvement. It also uncovers state involvement in cyberattacks and fabricating digital evidence, sparking debates on democratic rights and freedom of speech in India.

Jun 13, 2024 • 9min
Election Tricks in Venezuela; American Students Slowly Return to China
Venezuelan authorities resort to tricks for Maduro re-election but face opposition, while American students slowly return to China post-pandemic, amidst US-China tensions. The disparity in number of students between the two countries is highlighted, along with the cultural and educational significance of American students studying in China.

Jun 12, 2024 • 8min
Increased Fighting on the Israel-Lebanon Border
The podcast discusses the increased fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the Israel-Lebanon border, fears of a second full-on war igniting, rocket exchanges causing tension, military preparations for a potential conflict, and disparities between Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon.

Jun 11, 2024 • 11min
Fear in the West Bank; Why is there No Palestinian State?
The podcast explores the increasing violence in the West Bank and the challenges faced by Palestinians in achieving statehood. It delves into the historical roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the ongoing struggles for recognition, and the obstacles towards a two-state solution. The chapter discusses the fear and insecurity among Palestinians, the role of international actors, and the uncertainties in the quest for a Palestinian state.