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
Mar 9, 2026 • 28min
Spain stands up to Trump
Guy Hedgecoe, BBC Madrid reporter who covers Spanish politics on the ground. He walks through Pedro Sánchez’s bold 'no to war' stance, the fiery clash with Donald Trump over trade and defence, Spain’s migration and legalization plans, and whether Sánchez’s defiance could shift European politics.
18 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 27min
Do Trump and Netanyahu have conflicting end goals on Iran?
Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor and veteran foreign affairs journalist, offers sharp analysis of Middle East geopolitics. He outlines Netanyahu’s decades-long drive against Iran and how Israeli politics shape military choices. Bowen contrasts Trump’s electoral risks and decision style with Israel’s aims. The conversation focuses on who drives strikes, differing endgames, and the wider regional fallout.
30 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 28min
Could Iran be the next ‘forever war’?
Gordon Correra, BBC security analyst and former security correspondent, gives a concise mini bio and walks through US intervention history. He compares Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and recent Iran policy. Short takes on shifting public opinion, differing US strategies, risks of mission creep and how past conflicts shape possible outcomes.
20 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 27min
Iran under attack: The view from inside
Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter and presenter at BBC Persian who speaks with people inside Iran. He reports on reactions to Khamenei's death, life during communications blackouts, queues and shortages, shifting leadership, contested figures like Ayatollah Arafi, rising support for Reza Pahlavi, and the risks of a protracted conflict. Short, on-the-ground perspectives throughout.
27 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 26min
Iran war: Chaos engulfs the Gulf
Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent with deep Gulf and Middle East reporting experience, walks through rising regional dangers. He explains why Gulf states are being targeted and profiles each monarchy. He explores Oman's mediation role, Iran–Saudi rivalry, energy and Strait of Hormuz risks, and possible endgames and escalation timelines.
31 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 27min
What next for Iran?
Caroline Hawley, BBC diplomatic correspondent with deep Middle East reporting, offers on-the-ground analysis of Iran's leadership and regional fallout. She discusses the timing and motives behind recent strikes. She outlines Iran's security forces, potential fragmentation, calls for defections, and the wider Gulf and refugee risks. The conversation probes uncertainties about who might lead next.
7 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 27min
Mexico’s most wanted cartel boss is dead. Is it enough for Trump?
Will Grant, BBC correspondent who reports on cartels and regional security, gives on-the-ground analysis of El Mencho’s killing. He breaks down the Tapalpa operation and U.S. intelligence role. He describes the CJNG’s rise, coordinated retaliation across states, and how cartels exert parallel power in Mexico. He also examines Mexico’s shifting security strategy and U.S. pressure after the raid.
28 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 27min
Is a peace deal with Putin possible?
Fiona Hill, former White House Russia adviser and long-time analyst, reflects on meetings with Putin and shaping US policy. She dissects Putin’s motives, NATO tensions and the 2014 Crimea move. She also recalls working inside the Trump White House and debates whether a negotiated peace could be brokered and what a viable end to the war would require.
15 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 27min
Ukraine’s defiance, four years on
Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor and veteran conflict reporter, travels Ukraine’s front lines. He describes frontline life, local resilience, stalled peace talks and shifting international support. Short, vivid scenes show towns under threat, soldiers’ hardships and leaders debating whether any territory could be ceded for peace.
9 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 27min
Inside Iran after the crackdown
Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent with decades in the Middle East, returns from Tehran to report on life after the crackdown. She describes fears of a US strike and Tehran’s mixed public mood. She shares scenes from Revolution Square, the impact of economic collapse on protests, mourning rituals, state rallies, and Iran’s negotiating stance in nuclear talks.
