The Global Story

Helena Merriman, journalist and host of a BBC history-investigation series, revisits the 1999 Russian apartment bombings. She recounts the timeline of the attacks, the Ryzan drill scandal, and how the blasts propelled Putin into power. The conversation explores early reporting, investigations stifled by secrecy, and what the events reveal about narrative control in Russia.

Will Grant, BBC Central America and Cuba correspondent with on-the-ground Havana reporting. He outlines decades of U.S. pressure on Cuba. He explains the oil-for-services bond with Venezuela and its security implications. He describes public reactions in Havana, the impact of recent U.S. moves, and how Cuba might cope if Venezuelan support ends.

Ani Lucia Lopez-Bellosa, an immigrant detained and later deported after crossing from Honduras as a child, shares her immigration ordeal. Sherry Blanchard, a bookkeeper tied to a four-generation Louisiana shrimping family, describes the industry’s collapse and the impact of tariffs. They discuss intensified immigration enforcement, personal consequences of deportation, the shrimping economy’s decline, and how tariffs reshaped prices and livelihoods.

Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent renowned for his insights on global conflicts, delves into Donald Trump's newly launched Board of Peace. He discusses its ambitious aim to address worldwide crises, originally beginning with the Gaza peace plan. Gardner highlights early successes but warns of potential neglect of Gaza as the Board expands. He examines its corporate-style branding and questions the accountability of Trump's leadership. The conversation raises provocative comparisons to the UN and speculates on the Board's true impact on international security.

Lyse Doucet, BBC's chief international correspondent, dives into Mark Carney's bold Davos speech urging middle powers to unite against the backdrop of rising tensions with Trump. She unpacks Carney's vision for a new global order and discusses the impact of his trade negotiations with China. The conversation contrasts Carney's nuanced approach with Trump's more simplistic proposals, while exploring Canadian identity and the unsettling idea of becoming the '51st state' under Trump's leadership. Doucet also touches on Canada’s preparedness for potential US aggression.

The podcast dives into the recent devastating protests in Iran, revealing a deadly government crackdown and the role of economic grievances in sparking mass unrest. Journalists share challenges of reporting under internet blackouts, with creative methods to gather information. Discussions highlight the high death tolls and the regime's brutal response, including labeling protesters as terrorists. Experts assess why the movement failed to topple the government, attributing it to severe repression and lack of organization, while contemplating the future of resistance in Iran.

Joe Inwood, a BBC world news correspondent, dives into the uproar surrounding the U.S. interest in Greenland. He discusses strong pushback from European leaders and how Trump's comments reignited tensions. Inwood explains the rationale behind Trump's assertive stance on Greenland as a security asset and the threats of tariffs that followed. He also warns of the potential long-term risks for U.S.-European relations, suggesting that trust may be irreparably damaged, and highlights the implications for the transatlantic alliance.

Jake Kwon, BBC Seoul correspondent, dives deep into South Korea's emergent right-wing youth movement, fueled by frustration over immigration and cancel culture. The movement's fans, inspired by Charlie Kirk, embrace aggressive tactics and a MAGA-like aesthetic at rallies. Kwon outlines the dramatic rise of the movement amidst the controversy surrounding former president Yoon Suk-yeol, including his impeachment and insurrection charges. He reveals the potential implications for South Korea's political landscape and social cohesion.

Jeremy Bowen, BBC's International Editor, brings decades of conflict reporting to the table as he analyzes the fading post-World War II order. He critiques the selective enforcement of international rules that often serve Western interests. Bowen highlights the failures in Iraq and Gaza, the outdated concept of spheres of influence, and Europe’s dependency on U.S. security. He paints a picture of a chaotic future filled with potential crises due to rising powers. Finally, he stresses the urgent need for guardrails between the U.S. and China to maintain global stability.

In this engaging discussion, Charles Gitonga, host of the BBC's Focus on Africa podcast, offers his insights on the geopolitical contest between the US, China, and Russia for influence in Africa. He highlights Central Africa's vast mineral wealth and the strategic importance of its youth demographic. Gitonga elaborates on the role of foreign powers, especially China's long-term investment strategies, as well as Russia's security-focused approach in the region. The conversation also addresses the implications of these influences on African nations' futures.