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.Come and join us our live event. You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 29min
I wargamed Iran for the Pentagon - here is how it could end
Ilan Goldenberg, former senior U.S. defense official who led the Pentagon’s Iran team, discusses how war games shape policy. He walks through likely opening moves between Israel, the U.S. and Iran. He examines risks of raids on nuclear material, why full invasion is implausible, the dangers of empowering hardliners, and what realistic de-escalation might require.
Apr 1, 2026 • 27min
JD Vance’s Iran test
Daniel Bush, BBC Washington correspondent who covers the White House and US foreign policy. He discusses J.D. Vance’s Iraq-shaped skepticism, his surprising role negotiating an off-ramp with Iran, tense moments with European leaders and Zelensky, and the political tightrope of pleasing the MAGA base while managing Trump’s foreign agenda.
Mar 31, 2026 • 27min
Has Trump pushed Cuba to the brink of collapse?
Will Grant, BBC Central and Latin America correspondent who recently reported from Cuba, gives on-the-ground analysis of the island’s deepening energy and economic emergency. He describes blackouts, fuel shortages and strained hospitals. He explains Venezuela’s oil cutoff, a lone Russian tanker’s limits, rising public anger and protests, and who really holds power in Havana.
9 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 28min
Is the Iran war helping Putin?
Mark Galeotti, author and longtime Russia analyst, explains how the Iran war reshapes Putin’s options. He discusses the surge in Russian strikes, oil revenues and sanctions evasion. He also covers intelligence ties with Tehran, Western divisions and whether this turmoil gives Russia a short-term advantage.
Mar 29, 2026 • 5min
Recommending: 13 Minutes Presents Artemis II
A daily audio series following NASA’s Artemis II mission as four astronauts loop the Moon and travel farther from Earth than humans ever have. Space science, mission format and real-time coverage plans are explained. Personal stories from an experienced astronaut add human context. Instructions on how to follow the series are given.
Mar 27, 2026 • 28min
Meta and YouTube lose in a landmark trial
Marianna Spring, BBC social media investigations correspondent who probes algorithms and platform design, breaks down the LA verdict holding Meta and YouTube responsible. She discusses alleged addictive features like autoplay and infinite scroll. She outlines whistleblower revelations, the industry scramble over TikTok, and the wider legal and policy fallout.
10 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 27min
The cities built on scamming us all
Jonathan Head, BBC Southeast Asia correspondent and investigative reporter, gives on-the-ground reporting about scam centres, human trafficking and organized crime. He describes surreal fortified developments, how syndicates recruit and coerce workers, the vast money flows and laundering methods, and how regional politics and international pressure shape these illicit hubs.
9 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 28min
Are we heading for World War Three?
Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus professor of international history known for her work on 19th and 20th century conflicts, discusses how world wars begin and spread. She outlines scenarios for wider Middle East escalation and the accidents and miscalculations that can trigger global conflict. She explores why wars are hard to end and what diplomatic paths and confidence-building measures might prevent wider catastrophe.
8 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 27min
The Venezuela model for regime change
Ione Wells, BBC South America correspondent who reported from Caracas, gives on-the-ground perspective. She sketches rallies and who attends them. She outlines Delcy Rodríguez’s balancing act with the US and the three-phase US plan. She describes oil and mining deal dynamics and early signs of freed prisoners alongside lingering economic challenges.
35 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 27min
Trump's Iran options
Ghoncheh Habibiazad, a BBC Persian media monitor with on-the-ground insight into Iranian public reactions. Joe Inwood, a BBC world affairs correspondent who explains Middle East developments. They examine recent missile strikes and where they fell, US troop moves and threats to Iranian energy, Iranian public fears about infrastructure damage, and the political and regional risks of escalation.
