

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 27, 2023 • 7min
The Hamas leader behind the October 7 attack and the hostage release
Yahiya Sinwar, the secretive leader of Hamas in Gaza and mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel, discusses his background as the 'butcher of Hran Yunus' and his role in rooting out informants for Israel. The podcast explores his rise to power, his views on Israeli captives, the media's role in the Palestinian cause, and the strategy of using violent protests for better conditions in Gaza. The motivations behind capturing hostages and the impact of the ceasefire agreement are also explored.

Nov 24, 2023 • 8min
The economic boom and environmental bust of illegal gold
Illegal gold mining in Brazil brings in over $2 billion a year, but damages the rainforest and poisons indigenous communities. The impact of the good faith law on Brazil's gold trade and the ongoing issue of tainted gold entering the market. Destructive impact of illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest, including deforestation and pollution with mercury. Concerns from indigenous communities and local authorities, supporting crackdown on illegal mining while worrying about livelihoods. Call for support and concerns about enforcement measures taken.

Nov 22, 2023 • 13min
A possible deal to release Israeli hostages; Russian news media in exile
Topics discussed include a possible deal between Hamas and Israel to release hostages, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, contrasting Palestinian sentiments towards a prisoner release, the crackdown on Russian journalists following the Ukraine invasion, and the shift of independent Russian journalism offshore to Latvia.

Nov 21, 2023 • 11min
What it's like to be a Palestinian living in Israel right now
Palestinians living in Israel face discrimination and challenges expressing their opinions. Conflict leads to arrests, firings, and suspensions of Palestinians. The war affects wedding plans and feelings of belonging. Premature babies from Gaza are evacuated to Egypt during the crisis. A woman provides comfort and care to premature babies in an ambulance.

Nov 20, 2023 • 11min
We rewind to a time when Israel and Gaza were close to peace
Explore the optimism of Palestinian statehood and international travel, the turmoil caused by the election of Hamas, personal reflections on Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and how Firkaten-Noor, an Israeli band, bridges divides through music in the midst of ongoing conflicts.

Nov 17, 2023 • 13min
An aid lifeline to Gaza: we go to the only crossing point in or out of the territory
In this podcast, the reporter explores the aid lifeline to Gaza and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. They discuss the challenges in delivering aid and the need for a civilian government in Gaza. Additionally, the use of satire and comedy by Israeli and Arab comedians and writers during times of conflict is examined, highlighting the power of laughter amidst pain and tragedy.

Nov 16, 2023 • 9min
President Biden's breakthrough agreements with the leader of China
President Biden's meeting with President Xi Jinping of China resulted in unexpected agreements regarding military dialogue, fentanyl production, cooperation, managing AI, and implications on Taiwan and strategic understanding. The meeting could have a positive impact on US-Chinese relations and the Chinese people.

Nov 15, 2023 • 10min
Israel's military enters Gaza hospital; Guatemala's president-elect on coup attempt
Israeli military entering Gaza hospital; Guatemala's president-elect believes coup attempt

Nov 14, 2023 • 8min
Renewed fighting on the border between Israel and Lebanon
Renewed fighting on Israel-Lebanon border, casualties on both sides, forced evacuations, growing refugee crisis. State of ancient port city amidst war, withdrawal of archaeological team. Ongoing attacks near Israeli border, determination of the locals.

Nov 13, 2023 • 6min
A Ukrainian city one year after liberation from Russia
A year after its liberation from Russian occupation, the city of Kherson in Ukraine still faces daily hardships and challenges. Russian troops remain just a mile away, and residents endure constant attacks and a lack of basic amenities. Despite these difficulties, some residents choose to stay and protect their city and its cultural heritage.