

The Global Story
BBC World Service
The world order is shifting by the day — old alliances are fraying, autocrats are on the rise, and global trade is in turmoil. A lot of this turbulence can be traced back to decisions made in the US, but America isn’t just a cause of upheaval abroad—it’s also a symptom of the same forces disrupting things across the world.
That’s where The Global Story comes in. From September 2025, this daily podcast from the BBC tackles the news at this exact intersection: where the world meets America.
With one host in DC, one host in London, and the backing of the best international newsroom in the world, this podcast tells the intertwined story of America and the world – how each shapes the other, daily.
The Global Story. Where the world meets America.
That’s where The Global Story comes in. From September 2025, this daily podcast from the BBC tackles the news at this exact intersection: where the world meets America.
With one host in DC, one host in London, and the backing of the best international newsroom in the world, this podcast tells the intertwined story of America and the world – how each shapes the other, daily.
The Global Story. Where the world meets America.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 16, 2024 • 26min
Path to the Presidency: Trump prepares for power
Donald Trump is mixing political allies with unexpected picks for his White House team, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. The tension-filled meeting between Trump and Biden reveals their contrasting dynamics during the transition. Trump’s pro-Israel ambassadorial choices could reshape U.S. immigration policies. Meanwhile, mass deportation plans and innovative governance are being discussed as challenges for his administration. The urgency for the Republican Party to push their legislative agenda also adds to the unfolding narrative.

Nov 15, 2024 • 26min
Does Singapore's death penalty deter drug crime?
Linda Pressly, a BBC journalist renowned for her reporting on drug issues, joins the discussion about Singapore's stringent drug laws. She explores whether the country's harsh penalties, including the death sentence for traffickers, genuinely deter drug crime. Pressly compares Singapore’s zero-tolerance policy to evolving legislation elsewhere, like in the U.S. The conversation reveals personal stories of those affected and highlights the complexities of recovery within such a strict legal framework, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over punishment.

Nov 14, 2024 • 26min
Trump's new top team
Anthony Zurcher, BBC's senior North America correspondent, offers insights into Donald Trump's new inner circle as he gears up for a second term. Zurcher discusses notable appointments, like Elon Musk, and the unexpected absence of family members like Ivanka Trump. The conversation highlights the implications of these choices for U.S. foreign policy and the unique dynamics within Trump's team. Zurcher also touches on the unpredictable nature of politics and previews a gripping narrative involving a yacht crew.

Nov 13, 2024 • 26min
Germany’s deepening political crisis
Damien McGuinness, BBC's Berlin correspondent, and Kate Connolly from The Guardian dive into Germany's political turbulence following the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition. They discuss how long-standing tensions led to a minority government and the rise of far-right parties. The pair explore the economic implications of U.S. tariffs and high inflation on the country's stability. With Germany’s role in the EU and support for Ukraine now uncertain, they highlight how these shifts may resonate far beyond Berlin's borders.

Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
COP29: In Donald Trump’s shadow
Greya Jackson, host of the BBC’s The Climate Question, and Carl Nasman, BBC's US climate correspondent, dive into the potential repercussions of a Trump presidency on global climate efforts. They discuss how Trump's history with climate policy poses significant challenges for COP29 and the broader fight against climate change. The conversation highlights the critical need for U.S. leadership, the evolving strategies required for international cooperation, and the role of corporate action in advancing clean energy amidst shifting political landscapes.

6 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 26min
Social infertility: What's behind falling birth rates?
Guest Stephanie Hegarty, BBC's population correspondent, dives into the growing trend of social infertility and the factors influencing declining birth rates worldwide. She highlights economic concerns as a crucial barrier to parenthood and discusses how evolving societal attitudes affect fertility decisions. The conversation also sheds light on 'male malaise' and its impact on reproductive choices. Hegarty emphasizes the urgency of addressing these demographic shifts and critiques existing government policies on fertility.

Nov 9, 2024 • 27min
Path to the Presidency: What happens next?
The transition period after the election brings significant challenges for the president-elect, with thousands of political appointees to hire. The podcast dives into the aftermath of the election, scrutinizing Kamala Harris's campaign missteps and contrasting confidence levels between Harris and Trump. It also discusses potential immigration policies under Trump's leadership, focusing on deportation strategies. Additionally, the shifting support from prominent business leaders like Elon Musk showcases the evolving political landscape.

Nov 8, 2024 • 26min
Could Putin use North Korean troops against Ukraine?
James Waterhouse, BBC's Ukraine correspondent based in Kyiv, and Jean Mackenzie, BBC's Seoul correspondent, dive into the surprising deployment of North Korean troops to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. They explore how this alliance could shift military dynamics and the motivations behind North Korea's involvement. The discussion also examines historical ties between the two nations and the implications for global geopolitics. Can North Korea's entry into this war escalate tensions and redefine the battle lines? Tune in for some eye-opening insights!

Nov 7, 2024 • 26min
What Trump's victory means for the world
In this discussion, James Landale, BBC's diplomatic correspondent, analyzes the ripple effects of Donald Trump's election win on global politics. He highlights the astonishment among international leaders, particularly in Europe, and the shifting dynamics in U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on trade tensions with China and the implications for Taiwan. Landale emphasizes the unpredictability of Trump's leadership and its potential to reshape alliances and global economic landscapes.

Nov 6, 2024 • 24min
Donald Trump's historic comeback
In a lively discussion, Christian Fraser, BBC chief presenter specializing in US election coverage, sheds light on Donald Trump's claimed 'unprecedented mandate' as he seeks a second term. Will Grant, reporting from Florida, offers insights into the buoyant mood among Trump supporters, while Bernd Debusmann shares perspectives from Pennsylvania regarding Kamala Harris's underperformance. They delve into surprising voter demographics, including Latino support for Trump, and explore the electoral landscape's implications for both parties in the upcoming elections.