The Global Story

Lyse Doucet, BBC's Chief International Correspondent, shares her insights on a surprising diplomatic phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, aimed at addressing the Ukraine conflict. She highlights the skepticism expressed by Ukraine's President Zelensky regarding Russia's intentions. The discussion dives into the complexities of NATO's role, the emotional landscape of the Ukrainian people amidst losses, and the implications of American and European perspectives on diplomacy. Doucet's analysis sheds light on the precarious future of international alliances.

Dominic Hughes, BBC's Global Health correspondent, shares insights on the chilling link between war and antibiotic resistance. He discusses how conflicts, particularly the situation in Ukraine, are exacerbating the emergence of superbugs, rendering treatments less effective. Hughes highlights the historical role of antibiotics in wartime and how current military conflicts endanger the progress made in modern medicine. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated global response to the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis.

Will Grant, a BBC correspondent in Central America, offers gripping insights into El Salvador's ongoing battle with drug gangs under President Bukele's controversial policies. The discussion unveils Bukele's aggressive crime control measures, leading to mass arrests and the construction of a mega-prison. Personal stories from two mothers capture the complex emotions surrounding safety and grief amid this crackdown, raising critical questions about human rights and judicial challenges that many families face. It's a poignant look at a nation's struggles.

Jayme Poisson, host of the CBC's Front Burner, offers a deep dive into Canadian affairs, while Peter Goffin, a BBC reporter, shares on-the-ground perspectives. They discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum and the provocative suggestion of Canada as the 51st state. The conversation navigates the tug-of-war between admiration and rivalry in Canadian-American identity. With humor and historical anecdotes, they explore how recent political moves threaten to shake the foundations of a long-standing friendship.

Sergi Forcada Freixas, a BBC journalist from Madrid, and Sofia Bettiza, the BBC's gender and identity correspondent, discuss the explosive fallout from Luis Rubiales' controversial kiss at the Women's World Cup. This incident has overshadowed Spain’s victory and sparked a national dialogue on consent and sexism. Bettiza connects the case to Spain's ongoing cultural evolution from patriarchal norms to gender equality, significantly influenced by prior events like the La Manada case, highlighting a vital shift in public perception and legal frameworks regarding sexual assault.

Zoe Conway, the BBC's employment correspondent, and Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economics professor, delve into the shifting landscape of remote work. They discuss how the pandemic initially revolutionized work dynamics, but companies now push for office returns amid productivity concerns. The conversation also covers global variations in remote work practices, Amazon's strict in-office policy, and the socio-economic divide affecting workers. Insights into the future of hybrid work highlight technological advancements and changing leadership trends shaping the work environment.

Paul Adams, BBC's diplomatic correspondent with deep expertise in the Middle East, joins to discuss Trump's ambitious plan for Gaza as a business hub. They delve into the implications of moving Gazans out and what that means for the two-state solution's viability. Adams examines the historical context and current political realities influencing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The conversation highlights the entrenched challenges and shifting perspectives that complicate any hope for lasting peace in the region.

Micky Bristow, BBC’s Asia Pacific editor, and Ritika Gupta, BBC North America business correspondent, dive deep into the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. They discuss President Trump's reliance on tariffs and whether this can actually strengthen the American economy. The duo examines historical precedents and the complex dynamics of modern trade policies. They also explore the implications for consumers and the intertwined fates of both nations, revealing that winners in such conflicts may not be so easily identifiable.

Amir Nader, a BBC international correspondent and expert on Captagon, discusses the complex drug trade landscape in post-Assad Syria. He highlights the deep ties between the regime and the Captagon narcotic, exploring its addictive appeal and the stark realities of human rights abuses. Nader addresses the challenges faced by new rebel leaders aiming to dismantle this entrenched network and restore stability, while citizens balance hope with skepticism about genuine reform. The conversation reveals the critical impact of the drug trade on Syria's economic recovery and international relations.

Jess Parker and Damien McGuinness, BBC correspondents in Berlin, dive deep into the tumultuous rise of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party. They discuss how Germany's historical sensitivity to far-right extremism is being challenged by the AfD's increasing acceptance in mainstream politics. The conversation highlights Alice Weidel's pivotal role in the party's shift from economic concerns to radical nationalism and explores the implications of this political shift for Germany's identity and future governance.