
The Global Story
Global perspectives on one big story. In-depth insights from the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provider.
Make sense of the news with our experts around the world, every Monday to Friday. Episodes will be ready by 10:30 GMT.
Host Katya Adler and our BBC teams guide you through one major global news story each episode.
From Beijing to Boston, Baghdad to Bangalore, our unrivalled reach will take you beyond the headlines to help understand and explore what’s happening.
The Global News Podcast brings you the latest updates and, on The Global Story, we will drill deep into a single story.
From the climate emergency, to the burning questions around Artificial Intelligence, to the movements of money and markets, and the power of the ballot and the bullet.
Katya Adler has been a BBC correspondent and editor for more than 25 years, covering conflicts in the Middle East, political and economic crises in Europe, and drug cartels in Mexico.
The Global Story team would like to hear your stories and experiences on the issues that we’re covering on the podcast. Please get in touch: theglobalstory@bbc.com #TheGlobalStory and tell us your thoughts on what you would like us to talk about.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump’s plan for Iran
Bernd Debusmann Jr., a senior BBC reporter known for his foreign policy insights, shares his expertise on Trump's approach to Iran and U.S. foreign relations. He discusses the implications of a potential U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict and how the 'America First' doctrine is evolving amidst global tensions. The conversation highlights the challenges Trump faces balancing isolationist promises with pressing military situations, and the shifting opinions within the MAGA community regarding Iran, emphasizing a cautious public sentiment towards intervention.

Jun 13, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump’s troops
Bernd Debusmann Jr., a senior reporter for the BBC, dives into the complex interplay between the Trump administration and the U.S. military. He discusses the recent deployment of National Guard units in response to unrest, highlighting the tensions between state and federal control. The conversation shifts to the politicization of the military and the impact of budget cuts on its operational capacity. Debusmann also addresses evolving recruitment strategies and the cultural challenges within the armed forces, concluding with a nod to the significance of military parades.

Jun 6, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump’s travel ban
Donald Trump’s travel ban affects 12 countries, sparking debates about national security and immigration policy. The podcast dives into the legal challenges and societal impacts, especially for foreign students. In addition, it examines the dynamics of Trump’s communication around deportations and family unity amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Listeners are treated to insights on shifting U.S. positions and the implications of Trump’s interactions with Putin, all while keeping an eye on the broader political landscape.

8 snips
May 31, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump v Harvard
Bernd Debusmann Jr., a seasoned BBC senior reporter, dives into President Trump's controversial move to ban Harvard from enrolling international students over alleged antisemitism, revealing the broader implications for academic freedom. The discussion also highlights the challenges international students face amidst this political turmoil. Additionally, they explore Trump's surprising embrace of cryptocurrency, considering its impact on political fundraising and regulation, and the intricate webs of influence and potential corruption in his administration.

May 23, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Another Oval Office ambush
Bernd Debusmann, a senior reporter at BBC, dives into the tension-filled meeting between Donald Trump and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa. The discussion reveals how Trump confronted Ramaphosa with controversial claims, showcasing modern diplomacy's unpredictability. They also dissect the evolving relationship between the White House and the media, highlighting Trump’s preference for friendly reporters and implications for press credibility. The conversation wraps up with insights on political maneuvering and the upcoming midterm elections.

May 17, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump’s Gulf tour
In this thrilling discussion, Ed O’Keefe, CBS News senior White House correspondent, and Bernd Debusmann, BBC's senior reporter, dissect President Trump's recent Gulf diplomatic tour. They highlight the strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing economic incentives over ethical considerations. The duo navigates the complexities of Trump’s messaging in the Middle East and scrutinizes the tension in U.S.-Ukrainian-Russian talks, revealing the varied sentiments among global leaders. A captivating exploration of political maneuvering unfolds!

9 snips
May 10, 2025 • 25min
The President’s Path: Trump’s wall
The podcast dives into the significant decrease in US-Mexico border crossings under Trump's administration. It explores the complexities of immigration policies and border security, contrasting approaches from both Trump and Biden. Political tensions erupt over Trump's ambitious tax plan that proposed massive tax breaks, raising division among Republicans. As internal factions of the party grow ahead of elections, recent public health funding cuts are scrutinized. Finally, listeners are guided towards valuable resources on Trump's ongoing influence.

May 3, 2025 • 26min
The President’s Path: Waltz out
President Trump has ousted his national security advisor Mike Waltz. He had been under pressure since last month, when he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat where senior Trump officials were discussing military plans to strike Yemen. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Bernd Debusmann examine the implications of this decision and what it signals for the Trump administration. Plus, concerns about the US economy. Every weekend, we take a closer look at what’s happening in US politics and what’s going on behind the scenes at the White House and on Capitol Hill. If you'd like to get in touch, email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com.Producer: Aisling Taylor.
Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.

Apr 25, 2025 • 25min
The President's Path: 100 days
President Trump has been in office for nearly 100 days. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Bernd Debusmann discuss what voters think of his administration so far. Plus, we explore potential tariff and trade deals. Every weekend, we take a closer look at what’s happening in US politics and what’s going on behind the scenes at the White House and on Capitol Hill. If you'd like to get in touch, email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com.Producer: Aisling Taylor.
Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.

Apr 19, 2025 • 24min
The President's Path: Doubling Down on Deportations
Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann are joined by Politico's Jack Blanchard to discuss the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case and Trump's meeting with El Salvador's president. While Republicans frame immigration as a winning issue, Democrats focus on the economy, with AOC and Bernie Sanders' "Fighting Oligarchy" tour drawing huge crowds in red states.Producers: John Ringer and Jack Maclaren
Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas