The Global Story
News & Politics
About
BBC's podcast on the biggest international stories.
Episodes
- Operation Ajax: The CIA’s Iran coup
This episode explores the history of the 1953 CIA-led coup in Iran, known as Operation Ajax, and its long-term impact on US-Iranian relations. Author Scott Anderson discusses how this event influenced subsequent American foreign policy and…
- The AI chatbot users falling into delusional spirals
Stephanie Hegarty investigates incidents where users experienced delusions after interacting with AI chatbots. The episode features testimonies from people who have encountered troubling outcomes, including a man who believed his chatbot w…
- What Elon Musk did next
This episode of The Global Story discusses Elon Musk's activities a year after leaving his informal position in President Trump's White House. It covers his lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, his plans to launch satellites, and the upc…
- What do Iranians think of the war?
This episode of The Global Story explores the views of Iranians in Tehran regarding the ongoing war and its effects on their daily lives. It also delves into the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and includes insights from BBC's…
- European leaders are defying Trump. At what cost?
This episode of The Global Story investigates the growing defiance of European leaders towards US President Donald Trump. It examines why European leaders are now more willing to openly contradict and criticize Trump, and the implications…
- Why is Russia shutting off the internet?
This episode of The Global Story investigates why Russia is shutting off internet access. It explores the reasons given by Russian officials for these restrictions and their impact on daily life for citizens.
- The US and Israel entered the Iran war together. Is Israel now being sidelined?
This episode discusses the US and Israeli involvement in the Iran war, examining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role and the US-led ceasefire announcements. It also considers whether Israel is being sidelined in peace efforts for Iran…
- How Ukraine won a battle with robots alone
Ukraine claims to have won a battle using only robots, forcing Russian soldiers to surrender. This episode explores Ukraine's development of battlefield robots and drones, and how other countries are now seeking its technology and expertis…
- What was the Iran deal that Trump ripped up?
This episode of The Global Story explores the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the JCPOA. It covers the deal's negotiation, former President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the accord, and discussions about potential future a…
- Is China ‘winning’ the Iran war?
This episode investigates the idea that China is gaining international standing due to the Iran conflict. It also examines China's economic situation and its potential impact on the country's geopolitical ambitions, with insights from BBC…
- Live in London: Is the 'special relationship’ between the US and the UK over?
The Global Story discusses the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK. The episode features a live recording with Lord Kim Darroch, former British ambassador to the United States.
- What are UFO hunters really searching for?
This episode discusses the return of UFOs to mainstream discourse, noting comments from political figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance. It also previews a journalist's upcoming book on his road trip across the U.S. to understand the rene…
- The Iran peace talks that didn’t happen
This episode of The Global Story discusses the cancellation of scheduled peace talks between the US and Iran. It also covers the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and its effects on global farming and food industries.
- The global network hunting predators on the internet
This episode covers a global team of undercover officers investigating the dark web to find and stop child predators. The narrative includes insights from Special Agent Greg Squire, highlighted in the BBC documentary "The Darkest Web."
- How Pakistan became the peacemaker
This episode of The Global Story discusses Pakistan's role as a peacemaker between the US and Iran. The BBC's Pakistan correspondent, Carrie Davies, explains how the country became a trusted intermediary in global diplomacy.
- While the world’s eyes were on Iran, what happened in Gaza?
This episode of The Global Story discusses the progress of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which was announced over six months ago. It examines the conditions for success, including Hamas disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The BBC'…
- The Chinese cyber-attack that could have stolen data from every American
This episode discusses reports from 2024 about a cyber espionage campaign against US telecommunications companies, codenamed "Salt Typhoon." The campaign is believed to have collected private information from influential and ordinary Ameri…
- Mythos: The AI model that’s ‘too powerful’ for public release
Anthropic has developed an AI model, Mythos, which they state is too dangerous for public release. The model is being used by select companies to identify security vulnerabilities. The discussion covers whether this is responsible AI stewa…
- Trump v Pope
This episode of The Global Story discusses the public dispute between Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump. The conflict arose after the Pope's criticism of the Iran war, leading to a strong reaction from President Trump.
- Is the Strait of Hormuz Iran’s trump card?
This episode discusses the ongoing dispute in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on the blockade of Iranian ports and the escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The episode explores why Iran believes it is negotiating from a position of…
- What was the point of Artemis II?
The episode explores the Artemis II mission with BBC science correspondent Georgina Rannard. It examines what was learned from the mission and what is next for NASA.
- Recommending: The Sarkozy Affair
This episode of The Global Story features Tristan Redman telling the story of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The episode details his political career, his jailing for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign, and his current…
- The gathering economic storm
This episode of The Global Story discusses the economic consequences of a ceasefire agreement between the US, Israel, and Iran, particularly concerning its effects on global oil and natural gas supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. It examine…
- Will his UK ban kill Kanye West's ‘comeback’?
Kanye West's recent antisemitic behavior led to a UK ban, impacting his planned performance at the Wireless festival. This event occurred in the midst of his 'comeback' tour for a new album, sparking debate over his ability to re-establish…
- Back from the brink: The Iran ceasefire
This episode of The Global Story discusses the conditional two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US. It examines the agreed terms and whether this ceasefire could lead to an end to the war.
- The medications that can trigger sex and gambling addictions
This episode of The Global Story investigates a category of prescription drugs called dopamine agonists, which some people claim triggered sex and gambling addictions. These medications are used to treat various illnesses, from Parkinson’s…
- Why Hungary’s chaotic election matters to Trump
This episode of The Global Story explores Hungary's upcoming parliamentary elections, focusing on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the potential impact of the election results on global populism. The discussion covers claims of Russian inte…
- Why the Royal visit to the US is dividing Brits
King Charles and Queen Camilla's upcoming visit to Washington D.C. is causing division among Britons. The visit occurs as the transatlantic relationship faces challenges and public anger in the UK is directed at the King and Prince Andrew.
- I wargamed Iran for the Pentagon - here is how it could end
Ilan Goldenberg, an advisor to Presidents Obama and Vice President Harris on Iran, discusses his experience wargaming potential US-Iran conflicts for the Pentagon during the Obama years. This episode explores scenarios such as an invasion…
- JD Vance’s Iran test
This episode of The Global Story examines JD Vance's involvement in negotiations to end the US-Israel war on Iran. It explores his previous stance on foreign interventions and his current efforts to balance presidential interests with dome…
- Has Trump pushed Cuba to the brink of collapse?
Donald Trump has tightened the US economic embargo on Cuba, creating a near-total fuel blockade. This has pushed Cuba, already in an economic crisis, to the brink of collapse.
- Is the Iran war helping Putin?
This episode of The Global Story discusses how the Iran war may be affecting Russia's war in Ukraine. It examines the potential benefits for Putin, such as increased oil prices, and the challenges faced by Russian allies.
- Meta and YouTube lose in a landmark trial
A jury found Meta and YouTube responsible for a young woman\'s social media addiction. The verdict states the companies intentionally built addictive platforms that harmed her health. Meta and YouTube plan to appeal the decision.
- The cities built on scamming us all
This episode of The Global Story investigates "scam centres" in Southeast Asia. It examines how these operations defraud people and discusses international efforts to intervene.
- Are we heading for World War Three?
This episode discusses concerns about the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran, and its potential to escalate. It examines historical perspectives on the origins and conclusions of world wars, and strategies for prevention.
- The Venezuela model for regime change
Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores are facing charges in New York. Meanwhile, interim president Delcy Rodriguez has been making deals with the US government. The episode explores how life has changed under Rodriguez's leadership and the poten…
- Trump's Iran options
This episode of The Global Story discusses the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, and potential next steps for the Trump administration.
- Netanyahu is not dead. So why did the internet think he was?
This episode of The Global Story explores the spread of false rumors regarding Benjamin Netanyahu's death, fueled by AI-generated content on social media. Experts discuss the economics behind AI-generated fake videos and the enduring strat…
- The war in Lebanon, explained
This episode of The Global Story explains the war in Lebanon, focusing on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It covers the casualties, displacement, and the expansion of Israeli airstrikes, with insights from BBC Middle East corres…
- Listener Q&A on Iran
This episode of The Global Story addresses listener questions regarding the US-Israel war on Iran, covering its origins, legal aspects, and how other nations are reacting. It also explores the possibility of Gulf states providing military…
- How does war affect a child’s brain?
Fergal Keane, a BBC reporter, reflects on his experiences reporting from various global conflicts and discusses the impact of war on children's brains. He also touches on how childhood traumas can be treated.
- Was the air strike on an Iranian school a war crime?
This episode investigates an air strike on a school in Iran that killed 168 people. The possible involvement of the US military is discussed, along with potential legal consequences.
- Jeremy Bowen: Trump has called for an Iran uprising. The lessons from Iraq in 1991 loom large
In this episode of The Global Story, Jeremy Bowen examines the potential consequences when a US president incites an uprising but does not intervene. He references the events in Iraq in 1991 to illustrate his points.
- How the Oscars went international
This episode discusses the increasing international nominations at the Academy Awards. BBC film reporter Tom Brook explains how the Oscars became more global and what this signifies about American soft power.
- Why is Donald Trump obsessed with the Chagos Islands?
This episode of The Global Story investigates President Trump's focus on the Chagos Islands. It looks into the islands' role in the context of the US-Israel war in Iran and the diplomatic tensions they are causing.
- Iran: Is diplomacy dead?
This episode of The Global Story explores the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Nate Swanson, a former State Department official, discusses the potential unfolding of the conflict and the viability of a diplomatic resolution.
- Are oil prices determining the course of the Iran war?
This episode explores the relationship between fluctuating oil prices and the ongoing Iran war. It discusses how oil prices could influence the conflict's duration and resolution.
- Spain stands up to Trump
This episode of The Global Story discusses Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's dissent from US President Donald Trump's policies on issues such as the US-Israel war in Iran, immigration, and defense spending. It explores the reasons beh…
- Do Trump and Netanyahu have conflicting end goals on Iran?
This episode discusses the differing perspectives of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the conflict with Iran. It explores Netanyahu's long-term political ambition to confront Iran and Trump's past promises to end foreign wars,…
- Could Iran be the next ‘forever war’?
This episode of The Global Story discusses the possibility of a