

From Our Own Correspondent
BBC Radio 4
Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2025 • 29min
Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Party fightback
Kate Adie presents stories from the USA, Jamaica, Uganda, Kazakhstan and Germany.Zohran Mamdani won New York City's race for mayor in a contest that rallied young voters and sparked debate about the future direction of the US Democratic Party. BBC North America editor Sarah Smith considers the political choices and challenges ahead.The world watched last week as Hurricane Melissa slowly crashed into Jamaica, causing extensive damage across the island – and killing at least 75 people across the region. Nada Tawfik witnessed the damage caused on Jamaica’s West coast.The glaciers in Uganda's Rwenzori mountains sustain unique ecosystems, but are rapidly reaching the point of no return as they continue to shrink. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham joined local community groups trying to mitigate the effects of climate changes in the region's foothills.Kazakhstan's economy is very much on the up, as it forges closer ties with China. Tim Hartley recently returned to the country after a hiatus of some two decades – as he followed the Wales football team, which was playing there - and saw up-close how the country has changed.The Berlin Wall became a concrete manifestation of the Cold War division between East and West – but it was by no means the only barrier built during this era. John Kampfner travelled to a small village in south Germany that was once divided by a wall of its own, which radically changed the lives of locals living there.Producer: Serena Tarling
Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Nov 1, 2025 • 29min
Argentina’s Milei wins big
Kate Adie introduces stories from Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Ireland and the Occupied West Bank.For decades, Argentina's cycle of boom and bust seemed endless, but two years ago, a chainsaw-wielding, self-styled 'anarcho capitalist' called Javier Milei promised a way out of all that. Since elected as president he’s shown some signs of being able to shrink the state – but are voters happy? Ione Wells watched on at the recent mid-term elections.The meeting between China’s President, Xi Jinping and US President, Donald Trump this week in South Korea was analysed intently for any signs of a breakthrough on the two countries trade stand-off. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker followed the encounter.Earlier on his East Asia tour Donald Trump met with Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. The president lavished praise on Ms Takaichi whose politics many have compared to Margaret Thatcher. Shaimaa Khalil examines what Donald Trump called 'a beautiful friendship'.Ireland has for a long time been known for its more stable, centrist politics – avoiding the polarisation seen in the US and parts of Europe. But last weekend’s presidential election suggests that is now changing. Chris Page followed the election from Dublin.The annual olive harvest is a major cultural event for Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank – but farmers there have come under increased attack by Jewish settlers this year. Tom Bennett travelled to the village of Turmus Ayya.Producer: Serena Tarling
Production coordinator: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
Sudan's children of war
Kate Adie introduces stories from Sudan, France, India, the USA and Mauritius.Sudan's civil conflict has left millions of people displaced and at risk of hunger and famine. In the capital Khartoum, Nawal Al-maghafi witnesses the toll the violence has taken on families, and meets children whose young lives have been forever shaped by the war.France has been reeling this week from the fallout of last weekend’s theft of priceless crown jewels from the Louvre in Paris. Andrew Harding has been watching the disbelief and shame that has dented French national pride - but has seen humour too.India has been making textiles and clothing for the world for centuries – but its goods are now less competitive for American buyers, due to Donald Trump's heavy tariffs. In the run-up to the recent Diwali festivities, Archana Shukla saw how shoppers are feeling the pinch.Drugs like fentanyl have killed hundreds of thousands of Americans in recent years, and in the city of Las Vegas, a particularly vulnerable substance-using population are the homeless people who live in the city’s underground tunnels. Linda Pressly joined a local charity as they ventured underground, with the offer of help.And finally, we head to Mauritius to tell the story of a daring rescue mission to save some rare resident geckos from the effects of a giant oil spill. Lorraine Mallinder reveals how an international effort involving private jets helped save an endangered species.Producer: Adele Armstrong
Production coordinator: Katie Morrison
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Oct 18, 2025 • 28min
Trump’s Middle East Victory Lap
Kate Adie presents stories from Israel and Egypt, Haiti, Italy and Ireland.President Trump received a hero’s welcome when he landed in Israel this week, following his central role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. He also flew into the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh, where he declared ‘an historical turning point’ to the gathered world leaders. Tom Bateman travelled with the president on Air Force One.Mr Trump was short on detail when it came to how peace will proceed over the coming weeks, months - and years. That leaves the question: what happens next? Jeremy Bowen reflects on this moment in the region's long history – and wonders if there will ever be reconciliation.In Haiti, armed criminal gangs still have a firm grip on the capital's impoverished neighbourhoods. On a recent visit, Jasmin Dyer saw the ruined communities the gangs have left in their wake, and met some of the young victims of their brutality.Last month a London-born boy became the first millennial saint. Carlo Acutis died of leukaemia aged 15, but in his short life he built websites documenting miracles as a means of spreading Catholic teaching – and became known as 'God’s influencer'. Isabella Redmayne met pilgrims in the hilltop town of Assisi.And it’s perhaps a bit of a cliché when travelling to the US for locals to boast of their ancestry – part English, part German, part Scots and, more often than not, part Irish. On a recent visit to Ireland’s south coast, James Helm bumped into some trans-Atlantic travellers and learned more about the country’s enduring international appeal.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Oct 11, 2025 • 28min
Ukraine’s Death Messenger
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Madagascar, St Helena, Uzbekistan and Bolivia.We follow a Ukrainian army officer in the western city of Lviv who has the unenviable task of informing families that their loved ones have been killed on the battlefield. Richard Pendry witnesses the heartbreak and anger that has faced Major Serhiy Laziuk every day for the past three years.Gen Z led protests have erupted in Madagascar recently. What began as a demonstrations against persistent power cuts, has evolved into demands for full-scale political change. Luke Freeman reports from the capital, Antananarivo.The British overseas territory St Helena in the South Atlantic - home to just four thousand people - largely depends on British grants and remittances from abroad. While renowned for its natural beauty, many locals are looking to leave to find their fortune abroad. Beth Rose spoke to islanders about the future.Uzbekistan is making art and culture a central pillar of its economic development, as the former Soviet republic looks to rebrand itself. Kirsty Lang visited the new biennial exhibition in Bukhara, where tradition merges with modern art.And finally, with their pleated skirts, fringed shawls and bowler hats, the 'Cholitas' are a common sight in Bolivia’s capital La Paz. Once a derogatory term for people of mixed Spanish and indigenous heritage, many women are now reclaiming the title, and transforming from outcasts to icons in the process, finds Jane Chambers.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Oct 4, 2025 • 29min
Dubai’s hidden sex trade
Kate Adie introduces stories from Dubai, The Dominican Republic, Denmark, Spain and Australia.Dubai is often described as one of the safest cities in the world - but safe for who? In the shadows of shining skyscrapers and shopping malls is an exploitative sex trade. Runako Celina has been investigating the suspicious deaths of two women who travelled to Dubai with big dreams.The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination - though not all new arrivals are welcome. The government is currently undertaking a sweeping campaign to deport illegal immigrants - in particular, those who have arrived from neighbouring Haiti. John Murphy met Haitians hiding out in the hills, to evade authorities.Denmark is among several European countries to have reported mysterious drone incursions in recent weeks. This comes at a time when the country is already on edge over its national security, having recently decided to extend its mandatory military service to include young women. Anna Holligan met some of the new recruits.In the Basque country, harvest festival season is underway - including some of the most enduring Pagan celebrations in Europe. These champion the land, the people deeply rooted to it, and a rich sense of local pride. Simon Busch has been joining in the festivities.And finally, while rare, Australia sees the highest rate of shark attacks in the world, but it doesn’t stop millions of people enjoying the beaches and the ocean. So, what can Australians’ love of the outdoors, no matter the dangers, teach the rest of us? Katy Watson reports from her local life-saving club in Sydney.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editors: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 27, 2025 • 29min
Palestinian lives in the occupied West Bank
Kate Adie presents stories from the occupied West Bank, the US, Brazil, South Korea and Russia.When the UK government recognised a Palestinian state, he said he was acting “to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution.” But Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move won’t “bind Israel in any way.” Our Middle East Correspondent, Yolande Knell has been to Bethlehem to hear about Palestinians doubts and demands.At the UN General Assembly this week, Donald Trump took to the stage and gave a scathing speech. He claimed UN predictions on climate change were wrong and criticised its assistance of asylum seekers. Mr Trump has never been shy in attacking political opponents – but it's a trend that seems to have stepped up a gear since he returned to the White House, says Anthony Zurcher in Washington.Our correspondent, Ione Wells, recently met the Brazilian President, Lula Da Silva as he contemplates a re-election run next year. His arch-rival, Jair Bolsonaro faces a hefty prison sentence after his conviction for plotting a military coup. But, she finds, he remains a potent force.City authorities in South Korea's capital, Seoul, have launched a five-year initiative aimed at tackling a growing loneliness epidemic. They've set up a cluster of new community centres, designed in the style of the city’s ubiquitous convenience stores to make it easier to interact. Jake Kwon paid one a visit.Russia was banned from participating in the Eurovision song contest after its invasion of Ukraine. So, President Putin decided to revive the Soviet-era song-fest Intervision. Steve Rosenberg was in Moscow for the final.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editors: Lisa Baxter and Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 20, 2025 • 29min
Europe's migrant challenge
Kate Adie introduces stories from across Europe, Nepal, Ghana, and Moldova-Transnistria.As countries across Europe harden their stance on immigration, Fergal Keane retraces the journeys refugees have taken over the years, including stories he has heard from Ireland, Syria, Turkey and Sweden.Nepal’s government was dramatically overthrown in the deadliest unrest seen in the Himalayan country in decades, triggered by a social media ban and anger at corruption and high unemployment. Charlotte Scarr was in Kathmandu as the protests continued.Ghana is the world’s largest importer of used clothing, with millions of garments arriving every week, donated from countries like the UK and US – but it’s often the quality, not the quantity which is proving a problem. Hannah Gelbart has been to Accra to see the impact of fast fashion.And finally, in east Moldova is the self-declared separatist state of Transnistria. Home to around 350,000 people, the region broke away from Moldova in 1990 – though neither Moldova or the international community recognises its independence. Despite the schism, Transnistrians still have a say in what goes on in Moldova - and will be voting in next weekend’s election. Peter Yeung recently paid a visit.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 13, 2025 • 28min
Israel's ultimatum for Gaza City
Kate Adie introduces stories from Gaza, France, the Thailand-Cambodia border, Iraq and Slovenia.Around a million Palestinians have been told to leave Gaza City ahead of a new Israeli offensive - though many are wary of leaving, saying there is nowhere to go. Lucy Williamson was granted rare access to Gaza by the Israeli army, and was taken to see its planned new aid distribution site.Days after French PM, François Bayrou, was ousted from office after losing a confidence vote, street protests took place across France as people voiced anger over proposals to remove two national holidays and impose a pensions freeze. Andrew Harding watched events unfold in Paris.Thailand also has a new prime minister – its third in just over a year - following a political crisis that ignited a short, sudden conflict with Cambodia. Our Southeast Asia Correspondent Jonathan Head has been looking into this catastrophic breakdown of relations.Ten years ago, 71 migrants from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan died in the back of a refrigerator truck abandoned on a motorway lay-by near the Austrian border with Hungary. Nick Thorpe travelled to northern Iraq to meet relatives of some of those who died - and interviewed the smugglers convicted for their role in their deaths.Slovenia has produced some of the best male cyclists in the world today - including Tadej Pogacar. Every year, the four-time Tour de France champ hosts a cycling festival in his home town of Komenda - and Guy De Launey went along for the ride.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 6, 2025 • 29min
China eyes a new world order
Kate Adie introduces stories from China, Afghanistan, Spain, Armenia and Finland.In Beijing this week, President Xi Jinping declared his country to be ‘unstoppable’. Flanked by President Putin and North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un at a vast military parade, China put on a striking display of its growing military power. BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker was watching on in Beijing.Afghanistan was struck by an earthquake last Sunday, destroying homes and triggering landslides, killing around 1400 people. Yogita Limaye has been in Jalalabad where she saw the rescue effort first hand, amid the strict social rules imposed by the Taliban.Spain has been experiencing some of its worst wildfires in recent years and among the affected areas is Galicia - a region usually known for high rainfall and lush vegetation. It’s also where you can find Europe’s largest herd of wild horses - which are credited with helping to limit the spread of the fires. John Murphy went to find out more.Last month, leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan finalised a peace agreement aimed at ending a decades-old conflict between the two countries. Julia Paul travelled to Armenia to visit an innovative scheme using digital technology to preserve the country’s Christian heritage, lost or damaged during the war years.And Finland is celebrating 80 years of the Moomins! The family of gentle trolls and their friends have garnered fans around the world since the first book was published by author Tove Jansson in 1945. Heidi Fuller Love has been exploring how the characters have come to embody Finnish values.Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith


