The Global Story

Ireland is facing an unexpected surge in far-right sentiments driven by rising anti-immigrant feelings. Recent violent incidents, like the Dublin riots, highlight the chaos fueled by social media misinformation. The podcast delves into the country's complex immigration history, contrasting it with the current political climate. Protests over asylum seeker housing reveal community tensions, while addressing false narratives becomes vital for social cohesion. As Ireland approaches elections, the challenge of racism and immigration remains a pressing societal concern.

Caitríona Perry, a prominent journalist, Sumi Somaskanda, an experienced reporter, and Katty Kay, a seasoned broadcaster, dive deep into the aftermath of the Harris-Trump debate. They discuss whether it swayed undecided voters, especially in swing states. The trio examines the candidates' strategies to engage with working-class voters, focusing on issues like affordability. They highlight the complex dynamics of voter turnout in battleground areas and share insights on how demographic shifts are impacting local politics as the election date nears.

Katya Adler, a savvy journalist focused on Russian geopolitics, joins seasoned Russia editor Steve Rosenberg to discuss a troubling trend of citizens reporting anti-war views post-Ukraine invasion. They delve into the historical context of denunciations, drawing chilling parallels to the Soviet era. Personal stories highlight the culture of fear and repression, exemplified by individuals facing harsh consequences for dissent. The conversation also touches on resilient voices like 87-year-old Dimitri, who continues to fight for free speech against immense societal pressure.

Journalist and filmmaker Amitab sheds light on the dark issue of female infanticide in India, revealing how midwives in Bihar have historically participated in this tragic practice. He discusses the deep-rooted cultural biases and socio-economic pressures that lead families to reject baby girls. Amitab also highlights initiatives by NGOs to shift societal attitudes and the critical role of midwives in raising awareness. The conversation touches on personal stories of adoption, as well as the ongoing fight for gender equality amidst these distressing realities.

Courtney Subramanian, a BBC political journalist, and Bernd Debusmann, a seasoned BBC reporter, dissect the fiery first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. They delve into the heated exchanges over immigration, abortion rights, and economic policies. Personal attacks added spice to their clash, raising questions about voter impact as election day approaches. They also explore the candidates' contrasting international views, particularly on the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas situation, highlighting the stakes for national security.

Daniel Gallas and Leandro Prazeres from BBC Brazil delve into Brazil's controversial ban on X, sparking a heated debate on free speech versus disinformation. They discuss how this ban impacts Brazilian discourse and its significance for political communication. The pair examine the potential ripple effects for other countries, as well as Elon Musk's confrontational stance on free speech and his influence on Brazilian politics. The conversation highlights the intricate power dynamics between governance and wealth, particularly in the context of recent social media regulations.

Democrats and Republicans are donating billions to back candidates in November’s election. So far, the 2024 US election has been defined by surprises and unprecedented moments. But if one thing is certain, it's that the election will cost a lot of money. Donors from both major parties are donating billions of dollars in the hopes of seeing their candidates win the White House and hundreds of local races. So, what is all that money spent on? And what impact is it having on US politics?Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s correspondent in Washington DC, Anthony Zurcher, and Matt Foster from American University, also in the capital. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles.Sound Engineer: Hannah Montgomery.Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Mass protests erupt in Israel following the tragic deaths of hostages, igniting public outrage over Netanyahu's handling of negotiations with Hamas. Tensions mount as international allies urge restraint amid rising casualties in Gaza. Insightful analysis reveals the precarious balance of power Netanyahu maintains amidst dissent and how U.S. relations factor into this complex scenario. The podcast delves into the implications of military policies and regional politics, all while questioning if public outcry will shift the government's course.

The podcast delves into the troubling landscape of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Almost 200 outposts, identified as illegal, rapidly expand and often lead to violence against local Palestinians. Personal stories, like that of farmers Aisha and Nabil, highlight the profound impact of these displacements. Discussions revolve around the complexities of laws, international reactions, and the roles of various organizations in both supporting and challenging these settlements. It paints a stark picture of a region grappling with deep-seated conflict.

In this discussion, Nick Thorpe, a seasoned BBC Central Europe correspondent with deep insights into Hungarian politics, explores Viktor Orban's polarizing legacy over 14 years in power. He delves into Orban's embrace of nationalism, controversial media interactions, and stance on democracy amidst rising opposition. Thorpe examines Orban's anti-migration policies and cautious approach to the Ukraine conflict, showcasing how these have attracted admiration from right-wing figures, including Donald Trump, thus reshaping global conservative politics.