

The Global Story
BBC World Service
Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption.
Episodes
Mentioned books

26 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 27min
How artificial intelligence could upend 2024’s many elections
Experts discuss the potential impact of AI on elections, including the spread of misinformation, targeting voters individually, and the dangers of AI manipulation. They also highlight the role of social media algorithms, negative partisanship, and the importance of reliable news sources and face-to-face conversations in combating AI interference in elections.

Dec 29, 2023 • 25min
Loneliness epidemic unmasked: a global health challenge
US health officials have declared that the country is facing an epidemic of loneliness that's as dangerous to health as smoking. The World Health Organisation has launched a commission to look into the health implications of loneliness with surveys consistently suggesting that one in four people around the world feel lonely.We look at what’s behind these huge numbers and explore solutions with the BBC’s global health correspondent, Tulip Mazumdar, and Professor Manuela Barreto, who was part of the largest study into loneliness to date.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Beth Timmins and Wendy Parker. The technical producer were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 28, 2023 • 22min
Fascinating finds from declassified docs
We look at how journalists get their hands on declassified documents, and how the release of these files can inform us about the true workings of government. BBC correspondent Sanchia Berg and Phil Tinline, a producer of historical documentaries for the BBC, tell us about some of the memorable documents they’ve come across, and how perusing the archives can offer valuable insight into the events of the past.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producer was Mike Regard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 27, 2023 • 25min
How accurate is ‘The Crown’ and does it really matter?
In this episode of The Global Story, host Katya Adler delves into the phenomenon of the Netflix series The Crown and its impact on historical accuracy. Joined by guests Elinor Evans, digital editor of the BBC History Magazine’s website History Extra, and the BBC’s royal correspondent Sean Coughlan, the episode explores the show's popularity, its attempts at historical accuracy, and the controversies surrounding its portrayal of significant events.As the acclaimed Netflix series concludes, this episode explores the blurred lines between reality and drama, reflecting on how The Crown interprets iconic figures like Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +44 330 123 9480. Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald, Bethan Ashmead Latham and Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 26, 2023 • 50min
What to expect next year: Global predictions for 2024
BBC correspondent Nuala McGovern joins the podcast to discuss global predictions for 2024. They cover upcoming elections in countries like USA, UK, South Africa, India, Russia, and Pakistan. Topics include key figures in the media, concerns about Chinese interference in Taiwan's election, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Dec 22, 2023 • 25min
The Christmas number one formula (and why old songs do best)
Inside the multi-million dollar scramble for a top hit on the festive music charts. How can new artists take on the likes of Mariah Carey and Slade? Katya gets answers and music – lots of it – from the BBC’s music correspondent Mark Savage, and writer and musician Chris Lochery.Warning: this episode may leave you humming.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStoryToday’s episode was made by Neal Razzell, Farhana Haider and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 21, 2023 • 29min
Does Zelensky’s Ukraine have a corruption problem?
Ukraine’s President Zelensky was elected on a platform of reform and a promise to root out corruption. While the war on the frontline continues to dominate the headlines, that fight against corruption could still shape the country’s destiny.The BBC’s Tim Whewell has been to Dnipro to speak to people who are still focussed on holding politicians to account, even in times of war. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 20, 2023 • 27min
What a ghost city tells us about China’s economy
This podcast explores the story of Forest City in Malaysia, an unfinished and uninhabited city built during the Chinese property boom. It discusses the issue of ghost cities in China, the government's measures to address the problem, and the economic challenges in the property market. The podcast also examines the connection between China's property crisis and the Belt and Road Initiative, and discusses the potential impact on the Chinese economy and other housing developments.

Dec 19, 2023 • 26min
Guns, gold and grain: Putin’s strategy in West Africa
Amid violent insurgencies, countries like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are turning away from their allies in the West, particularly France. they are following in the footsteps of the Central African Republic and getting closer with Russia and its Wagner mercenaries. We look at what Russia has to gain in the region with the BBC's senior West Africa reporter Yemisi Adegoke, BBC Monitoring’s Vitaliy Shevchenko and our reporter in Abuja, Chris Ewokor. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory Your ideas, stories and experiences help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 18, 2023 • 28min
A clash between antisemitism and free speech on US college campuses
The podcast explores the clash between antisemitism and free speech on US college campuses, focusing on protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and the accusations that universities are not addressing hate speech targeting Jewish students. It discusses the challenges faced by students and universities in addressing contentious issues, the concerns of European countries regarding spillover violence, and the role of party politics in advocating for free speech.


