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The Explanation

Latest episodes

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May 17, 2024 • 26min

Unspun World: Why are US-Israel relations at an historic low?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's range of experts across the world, analyses why Israel’s government is deliberately flouting the wishes of its closest ally, the United States. Plus, the extent of China’s infiltration into western countries, and why there have been mass protests in Georgia over a new law.
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May 16, 2024 • 23min

The Media Show: Netflix and the Baby Reindeer Fallout

Baby Reindeer is the Netflix drama that purports to be a true story – but a woman has come forward to say it’s based on her, and that she’s been totally misrepresented. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan has done an interview with her that itself has been called exploitative. Also in the programme, how AI generated news stories have been passed off as the work of human journalists, and the secret to a hit TV news theme tune.
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May 11, 2024 • 42min

The Global Jigsaw: How China sees itself in Africa

“China is not buying Africa, it is building Africa” is the view from Beijing. How is this landing with local audiences? There have been hints of a cooling down of Sino-African friendship. For this episode, the team travels to the Kenyan capital Nairobi to get a sense of Chinese influence on the ground, and understand why Beijing has chosen it as a hub for its media operation in Africa. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg
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May 10, 2024 • 26min

Unspun World: What is Israel's plan for Gaza?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza is now, looks at the mood on the Ukrainian frontline ahead of the arrival of US military aid, and analyses what is at stake in the South African general election.
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May 9, 2024 • 23min

The Media Show: Reporting the US campus protests

US university campuses have been the scene of pro-Palestinian demonstrations over the last month. We assess the challenges of reporting the protests and hear why student journalists have been crucial to our understanding of the story. Also in the programme, Al Jazeera responds to the restrictions imposed on it by the Israeli government, and the experience of one reporter at the Met Gala. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
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May 7, 2024 • 17min

What is the dark web?

The secret club which keeps illegal content hidden, using encryption and anonymisation tools. But can it also be a force for good? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet, giving a cloak to crime. But defenders argue it also keeps activists and whistleblowers safe. Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC technology editor Zoe Kleinman about the origins of the dark web, cyber crime and internet censorship across the world.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Cathy Young Researcher: Joe Schultz
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May 4, 2024 • 40min

The Global Jigsaw: Turkey's foothold in Africa

A dive into the narratives surrounding Turkey’s ambitions in Africa, where Ankara is touting itself as a “non-colonising” alternative to Western powers. Turkey has been expanding its influence operations in Africa in recent years: from military muscle and drone diplomacy to education, humanitarian projects, soft power and spiritual bonding. We ask what sets Turkey apart from other foreign powers vying for influence on the continent, and what its distinctive approach has achieved. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg
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May 2, 2024 • 23min

The Media Show: Behind the information iron curtain

Across large parts of the globe, access to impartial news reporting and information has never been more difficult, creating an information iron curtain. To mark World Press Freedom Day, Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall present a special live event from the BBC Radio Theatre, which considers the impact of censorship and technological controls in Russia, Iran and China; how ingrained state disinformation has become and how it has distorted their citizens’ perception of the world. Our panel also looks at attempts to circumvent internet blocking and state restrictions on free media, from the use of VPNs by those on the inside, to the innovative tactics adopted by outsiders who are trying to deliver truthful news to an often indoctrinated audience.
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Apr 30, 2024 • 18min

Goodbye to the International Space Station

It was a triumph of international collaboration - a laboratory for hundreds of astronauts - but was the 120 billion dollar investment worth it? Considered as one of humanity’s greatest achievements, it was built by the USA, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Since it launched into space in 1998, over 270 astronauts from around the world have conducted research in the orbiting laboratory, but it is due to be retired in 2030. So how significant has it been and what will replace it? Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC’s Science Correspondent Pallab Ghosh. We also examine the economic opportunities offered by the moon and ask if China is the emerging space power.
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Apr 27, 2024 • 51min

The Global Jigsaw: Deconstructing Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’: Part two

Iran's loose coalition of allies and proxies, sworn against Israeli and US influence, that has been shaping events in the Middle East for decades. Its ability to disrupt has been highlighted in the context of the current Gaza war. In this episode, we take you to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Gaza to untangle the web of Tehran’s influence operations and explore its potential to thrive in times of crisis. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

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