The Global Story

Mexico's most wanted man – Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho” – was killed during a security operation to arrest the cartel leader on Sunday. In the days that followed, the operation was celebrated by President Trump in his State of the Union address. But it came at a cost, as cartel members carried out retaliatory rampages across Mexico and turned many towns and cities into war zones.El Mencho's death came after months of pressure from the Trump administration on Mexico to do more to fight the drug cartels. According to one NBC News report, the US even considered sending troops into Mexico. Our correspondent, Will Grant, examines the dilemma Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum now faces – and we ask if she is now caught between Trump and the cartels. Producers: Chris Benderev and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China CollinsImage Credits: FILE PHOTO: Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), led by Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” poses for a photo at an undisclosed location in Michoacan state, Mexico, October 15, 2022. REUTERS/Stringer

As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the prospect of peace feels as distant as ever. President Trump hasn't yet succeeded in striking a deal, and negotiations between the US, Russia and Ukraine have yet to produce a breakthrough. Fiona Hill is one of the foremost authorities on Vladimir Putin and a former White House advisor on Russia during Trump's first term. Over the course of her career, she has sat across the table from the Russian president and helped shape US policy at the highest level. She tells us what it is really like to be in the room Putin and Trump, and whether a durable peace in Ukraine is still within reach. Producers: Chris Benderev and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin together. Credit: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

This week marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since WW2. Ukraine has put its official losses at 55,000 soldiers, and the BBC has verified the deaths of more than 180,000 on the Russian side, although the true toll is likely to be much higher. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded, and millions have been displaced. In today's episode, the BBC's international editor Jeremy Bowen, travels through Ukraine, speaking to people living on the front line, to soldiers, and to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, about what they would concede – if anything - for a peace deal with Russia. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: A Ukrainian woman attends a memorial ceremony for fallen servicemen at the Military Cemetery in Kharkiv. Credit: Sergey Kozlov/EPA/Shutterstock.

Tensions between the US and Iran are once again escalating, as President Trump has threatened military strikes if Iran refuses to accede to its demands. Iran has responded with warnings that any US strikes will lead to all-out war in the region. The Iran nuclear talks come as the Iranian government faces the biggest challenge to its survival since 1979. Last month, a protest about the rising costs of living exploded into a nationwide uprising. The response was a brutal crackdown which killed thousands of people. Having returned from a reporting trip to the capital Tehran, the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, gives us a rare insight into how Iranians are dealing with the aftermath of last month's protests, continuing economic hardship, and the prospect of a US attack. Producers: Aron Keller, Viv Jones and Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Iranians walking in Tehran. Credit: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA/Shutterstock

More than 50 years since the last Apollo mission, Nasa is preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon.Artemis II will take its crew farther from Earth than any human has travelled in decades - a crucial step towards landing on the lunar surface once again. At the same time, China has been quietly advancing its own plans for a crewed Moon landing.Some experts say this signals the start of a new space race – not just for prestige, but to build a long-term presence on the Moon, tap its resources and use it as a stepping stone to Mars. We speak to the BBC's Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle.Producers: Valerio Esposito and Cat FarnsworthExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Official Artemis crew portrait. Josh Valcarcel/NASA Handout/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and brother to King Charles, was arrested by British police on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest came after police said they were assessing a complaint that Andrew allegedly shared confidential material with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.We're joined by BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan to discuss what Andrew's arrest means for the future of the British monarchy. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin.Executive producer: James Shield.Senior news editor: China Collins. Photo: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, leaves Aylsham Police Station. Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters.

***This episode contains discussions of body dysmorphia, self-harm, sex and drug use, and references to language that may cause offence*** A controversial internet streamer who goes by the name Clavicular has taken the internet by storm, going to extreme lengths to try to enhance his looks – from using steroids and testosterone to hitting his face with a hammer. Clavicular has become the poster boy for an online movement called ‘looksmaxxing', centred on maximising physical attractiveness. Like many subcultures, it has given rise to a whole new lexicon which is gradually migrating from the margins of the internet to the mainstream. In today's episode, we turn to journalist and documentary filmmaker Matt Shea to explain whether Clavicular – and the movement he champions – is just another viral curiosity, or a strange symptom of modern masculinity. Producers: Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins(Photo: A hand holding a mobile phone showing an influencer holding a hammer to his face on screen. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Next week marks four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In that time, there's been an intense crackdown on freedom of speech and dissent in Russia, which has led to many western media organisations leaving the country. Today, we speak to Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor, on the tightrope of reporting from Moscow under Vladimir Putin. Producer: Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow. Credit: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool/Reuters.

***This episode contains distressing details of rape and sexual assault*** Gisèle Pelicot earned international recognition after waiving her anonymity at her mass-rape trial in 2024, in which her former husband, Dominique, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for drugging her and inviting dozens of other men to their home in the south of France to rape her while she was unconscious. In court, Gisèle Pelicot bravely faced her abusers, and in public, she stood stoically in defence of sexual assault survivors, saying that, “shame must change sides”. The BBC's Victoria Derbyshire talks through her recent interview with Gisèle Pelicot, as her memoir, A Hymn to Life, is published. Producer: Hannah Moore Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Gisèle Pelicot in Paris, France. Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov/BBC Newsnight)

**This episode contains discussion of bullying, abuse and suicide** A landmark trial is underway in Los Angeles where tech giants Instagram and YouTube will face a jury for the first time over claims that their platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive for children. Lawyers for the plaintiff – a 20 year-old woman – say she developed mental health issues after becoming addicted to the social media at an early age. They argue these companies built “addiction machines” with algorithms that learn what users want and keep feeding it to them. Instagram and YouTube deny the allegations, saying that they have no incentive to turn children into addicts and have introduced various safety measures. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify later this week. We speak to the BBC's North America Technology Correspondent Lily Jamali, who has been following the case, to ask whether social media is having a generational reckoning – its Big Tobacco moment. Producers: Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Vigil outside the courthouse ahead of a social media addiction trial in Los Angeles. Credit: Reuters/ Jill Connelly.

Two weeks after the latest release of the Epstein files, the headlines keep pouring in.In just the past few days, revelations in the documents have nearly brought down a British prime minister, and implicated politicians and royals from around the world. The files are even fueling speculation about whether the late sex offender could have been a spy.We speak to Nomia Iqbal, BBC World Affairs Correspondent, about what we've learned this week about the international fallout of the Epstein scandal.Producers: Viv Jones, Valerio Esposito and Xandra EllinExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Epstein files. Credit: Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA/Shutterstock

On Monday, Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law. The family of the 78-year-old, who is a British citizen, have appealed to foreign governments to call for Lai's release. Lai's sentence, which is the harshest yet under this law, has caused global concern over whether this is an attempt by Beijing to crackdown on dissent and democracy in the Chinese territory. We speak to Danny Vincent, the BBC's Hong Kong reporter, who was the last journalist to interview Jimmy Lai. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Chris Benderev Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Jimmy Lai is escorted out of a Correctional Services Department vehicle and into the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong, China, 09 February 2021. Credit: Tyrone Sui/Reuters

During Sunday's Super Bowl in California, a flurry of ads from drug manufacturers and telehealth companies implored viewers at home to "ask their doctor” about a class of weight loss drugs, known as GLP-1s. These medications — like Mounjaro and Wegovy — have become ubiquitous. In just a few short years, they've transformed the way we live, move, and eat, whether we take them or not. And access and demand are only increasing, as pill forms of the drugs come onto the market. But where did they come from? And how are they reshaping our world? Today, we speak to Giles Yeo, a professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge, about the so-called weight loss revolution.Producer: Xandra EllinExecutive producer: Bridget HarneySound engineer: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China Collins(Photo: Someone using a set of weighing scales. Chris Radburn/PA)

The top official from ICE – US Immigration and Customs Enforcement – will testify in front of Congress this week, for the first time since two people were shot and killed in Minneapolis. Democrats are demanding changes to the way ICE operates, including banning face masks and requiring agents to have warrants signed by a judge before they can enter private properties. Republicans say these measures could make officers less safe. Meanwhile, the controversy over ICE has spread to other countries. A protest broke out in Milan in response to the presence of ICE agents in Italy, who say they are helping with American security operations during the Winter Olympics. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, immigration reporter for CBS News, has been covering ICE operations across multiple US cities. He tells us the history of how this previously little-known law enforcement agency was created, and how it has become so internationally controversial. Producers: Viv Jones, Aron Keller and Chris Benderev Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Anti-ICE protests in Milan. Credit: Reuters/ Alkis Konstantinidis

2026 has already been a huge year for international news, from Venezuela to Greenland to Iran. We wanted to get our heads around what other seismic changes we can expect in the rest of 2026: from Europe's new dynamic with Washington, to President Trump's meeting with President Xi of China, to the rebuilding of Gaza. So we sat down with two foreign policy experts: Tom Bateman, the BBC's State Department Correspondent, and Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and author of First Among Equals: US Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World. We were joined in the heart of Washington DC by a live audience at Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship. Recorded Monday 2 February. Producers: Chris Benderev and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: A live taping of The Global Story in Washington DC on 2 February 2026. Credit:Emma Carroll Hudson/Syracuse University

Warning: this episode contains themes of sexual abuse.Following the release of the latest tranche of Epstein files, renewed scrutiny has fallen on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's links to powerful figures in the United States. In the UK, attention has shifted to a related controversy that is now sending tremors through Westminster.Newly surfaced email exchanges between Epstein and former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson - also known as Britain's “Prince of Darkness”, have raised questions about the nature of their relationship and its political ramifications, triggering a police investigation and threatening the position of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.George Parker, the Financial Times Political Editor and BBC Radio Presenter, has known the man in question for over three decades. He talks about the seismic implications the Epstein files are having on British politics.Producers: Samantha Chantarasak, Valerio Esposito and Cat FarnsworthMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Peter Mandelson and Keir Starmer. Credit: Carl Court/PA Wire

On Sunday, Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl half time show to an audience of more than 100 million people across the world. But the NFL's choice of the Puerto Rican star has proven controversial, because he has long been outspoken in his criticism of the US government, including most recently at the 2026 Grammy Awards, when he called for ICE agents to be removed from the streets. In today's episode, Puerto Rican cultural critic Carina del Valle Schorske, who profiled Bad Bunny for The New York Times Magazine, explains how the artist's pride in his homeland is infused throughout his music, and considers how he might use the US' biggest stage this weekend to challenge the president's policies. This episode was updated on 5 February 2026 for music rights reasons.Producers: Hannah Moore and Xandra Ellin Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Bad Bunny poses on the red carpet during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Credit: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

For three weeks, the world has been watching to see whether Donald Trump will order military strikes on Iran. The US military has been building up forces close to the Islamic Republic, including an aircraft carrier and several warships which President Trump has been calling an “armada.” Trump says he wants to do a deal with Iran, and the two sides appear to be talking. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister on Friday in Istanbul. But Trump has threatened that if no agreement is reached, he's ready to order US forces into action. Frank Gardner, the BBC's security correspondent, lays out what could happen if talks fail, and Trump decides to strike Iran. He describes several scenarios that might have major consequences for the Iranian leadership, its people, the wider region and the world. Producers: Viv Jones Executive producer: Bridget Harney Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei. Credit: Iran's Supreme Leader Office/EPA/Shutterstock)

President Trump has withdrawn the US from the Paris climate agreement for the second time and also announced plans to leave the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In his first year back in office, Trump has rolled back restrictions on oil, gas and coal – and has urged other countries to do the same. China, meanwhile, has spent the past decade consolidating its expansion into clean energy technologies, even as it remains the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gasses. In today's episode, BBC climate editor Justin Rowlatt explains how the growing energy rivalry between the world's biggest superpowers will shape the future of geopolitics and have profound consequences for the planet's ability to cut carbon emissions. Producers: Aron Keller and Hannah Moore Mix: Travis Evans Executive producers: James Shield and Bridget Harney Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: A wind turbine and solar panels in Yancheng, China. Credit: Alex Plavesvski/ EPA)

The US military has begun to transfer up to 7000 Islamic State (IS) group detainees held in prisons in Syria to Iraq, which officials say is to prevent prisoners breaking out and regrouping. The transfer comes weeks after the US led large-scale strikes on IS group targets in Syria. The move comes after clashes between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which last week ended in a deal that would see the gradual integration of Kurdish forces and institutions into the state, and transfer control of the prisons to Damascus. Today we talk to Josh Baker, investigative journalist and host of the BBC podcast I Am Not A Monster, about the state of the IS group, and whether the country's instability could lead to a resurgence in Syria Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Lucy Pawle Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: A member of the Syrian security forces stands in front of the gate of the Al-Hol camp, which houses families of suspected Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Credit: Mohammed al-Rifai/EPA/Shutterstock

Palantir isn't just another tech firm - it's reach cuts across almost every aspect of modern life, from AI to healthcare to Formula 1 racing. Founded in 2003 to support US counter-terrorism efforts, the company has since grown into a global powerhouse and is central to the Trump administration's policies, from its military to immigration enforcement. At the centre of it all is billionaire co-founder Alex Karp – the philosopher turned tech-CEO who built the company from the ground up. So how did this software company built for bad times become indispensable to governments across the globe, and what does its rise reveal about the future of politics? We speak to journalist Michael Steinberger whose book The Philosopher in the Valley charts Karp's life and Palantir's rise. Producer: Aron Keller Mix: Travis Evans Executive producer: China Collins Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Palantir co-founder & CEO Alex Karp. Credit: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters.

Over the weekend, some TikTok users in the United States claimed the social media platform was censoring content critical of the Trump administration. Users reported that they couldn't upload or view videos related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, otherwise known as ICE. But TikTok disputes that functionality issues were political, attributing them instead to data center outages. The criticism has come to a head after federal agents shot and killed intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, a US citizen in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security says the agents fired in self-defence. Though the facts remain muddy, the controversy has exposed how a divided America is reacting to the shooting. For the latest, we speak to BBC Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent Marianna Spring. Producers: Xandra Ellin, Samantha Chantarasak, and Viv Jones Executive producer: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Teenagers holding smartphones in front of a TikTok logo. September 11, 2025. Credit:Dado Ruvic/Reuters

When US Special Forces captured Venezuela's former president Nicolás Maduro several weeks ago, many wondered whether his ouster would bring about further changes to the country. So, what has changed in Venezuela? And while President Trump has made it clear he sees oil as a very important priority for the United States's future relationship with Venezuela and increased American involvement in the country's oil operations, how do Venezuelans feel about this prospect? Our guest today, reporting from inside Venezuela, is BBC correspondent Norberto Paredes. How do Venezuelans feel about their country since Maduro's departure? Producers: Lucy Pawle, Sam Chantarasak and Hannah Moore Executive producer: Bridget Harney Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: People walk past a painting of an oil pump on Venezuela's national flag, in Caracas. Credit: Gaby Oráa/Reuters)

In September 1999, just weeks into Vladimir Putin's first premiership, four bombs blew up four apartment buildings, over a period of twelve days, killing hundreds and plunging the entire nation into fear. The government blamed Chechen militants, a conclusion corroborated by many journalists at the time. But whispers of a darker conspiracy persist to this day. A new BBC podcast, The History Bureau: Putin and the Apartment Bombs, tells the story of those bombings and re-examines how these tragic events helped propel Vladimir Putin to power. Asma talks to the host of the series, Helena Merriman. Producers: Viv Jones Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Moscow apartment buildings in the 1990s. Credit: BBC.

The US and Cuba have for decades had a troubled relationship, with the former imposing sanctions and travel restrictions on its close Caribbean neighbour. Now, in its attack on Venezuela, and the capture of president Nicolas Maduro, the US has dealt Cuba a blow so significant that President Trump has warned the socialist state is, “ready to fall”. Today, BBC Central America and Cuba correspondent Will Grant explains the deeply intertwined relationship between Venezuela and Cuba, and how Havana's government plans to stand up to Trump. Producers: Hannah Moore and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel speaks during an event in support of Venezuela in Havana. Credit: Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA/Shutterstock.

One year into President Trump's second term, the White House is celebrating what it calls a year of accomplishments. Those achievements stem from significant policy changes that have reshaped life for many Americans. In this episode, we hear from people directly affected by two of the administration's most ambitious efforts - tariffs and immigration - and how those changes played out in unexpected ways. Producers: Chris Benderev and Valerio EspositoExecutive producer: Bridget Harney Sound engineer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: President Trump at a press briefing to mark one-year of second term in office. Aaron Schwartz/EPA/Shutterstock

In Davos on Thursday, Donald Trump officially launched his new Board of Peace. Initially created to oversee the Gaza peace plan, the body has since expanded in scope. Led by Trump himself, the board says it will address global crises and conflicts. The initiative has raised concerns among traditional allies, while several controversial leaders have been invited to take part.We speak to BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner about whether it could even replace the United Nations.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Valerio EspositoSound engineer: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: U.S. President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney seemed to challenge Donald Trump in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, declaring that “the old world order is not coming back” and urging fellow “middle powers” to come together. In response, Trump said Canada gets “a lot of freebies” from the United States and “they should be grateful”. After striking a major trade and tariff deal with China – the US's rival superpower – is Carney emerging as the leader of a global resistance to Trump? And does he have an alternative vision for the world? We speak to Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent. Producers: Aron Keller, Hannah Moore, Sam Chantarasak and Xandra EllinExecutive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins(Photo: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Credit: Jessica Lee/EPA/Shutterstock)

After weeks of mass demonstrations, Iran is reeling from one of the deadliest government crackdowns in its history. In a rare speech on Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei admitted that thousands of protesters have been killed, "some in an inhuman, savage manner", but he also blamed the US for their deaths.President Trump urged Iranian demonstrators to “keep protesting”, promising that “help is on its way”. Yet the window for US military intervention appears to have narrowed while the Iranian government has largely quelled the unrest. Amid a near-total internet shutdown however, the situation on the ground remains unclear. In today's episode, we speak with journalists in the BBC's Persian Service in London, to unpack how anger over the economy escalated into a nationwide uprising that seemed to genuinely challenge the government's grip on power. They walk us through the difficulties of covering these protests from outside the country, explain why the movement failed to topple the Iranian leadership, and explain what this means for the stability of the Iranian government going forward. Featuring Parham Ghobadi, Sarah Namjoo, Ghoncheh Habibiazad and Maryam Zohdi. Producers: Viv Jones, Aron Keller and Lucy PawleExecutive producers: James Shield and Bridget Harney Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: A handout photo made available by the Iranian supreme leader's office shows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaking during a ceremony in Tehran, Iran. Credit: Leader's office handout/EPA/Shutterstock.

President Trump says he will, "100%" follow through on his threats to impose tariffs if a deal over Greenland is not reached, and responded "no comment" on Monday when asked whether he would use force to seize the island. Even if Trump's attempt to control Greenland goes no further, has trust between the United States and its Nato allies been damaged beyond repair? We speak to the BBC's world news correspondent, Joe Inwood. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Mix: Travis Evans Executive producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Credits: Love Actually (2003) / Dir: Richard Curtis / Universal Pictures Photo: A town in Greenland. BBC.

A right-wing movement in South Korea is attracting disenchanted young people who are concerned about mass immigration, lawfare and cancel culture. They sport red baseball caps, idolise Charlie Kirk and chant that “Korea is for Koreans”. The movement has rallied around the impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was sentenced last week to five years in jail for abuse of power, obstructing justice and falsifying documents in relation to his failed martial law bid in 2024. Yoon could also face the death penalty over insurrection charges, which he denies. The BBC's Seoul correspondent, Jake Kwon, explains how South Korea found itself at the heart of a globalised culture war. Producers: Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth Mix: Travis Evans Executive Producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Jintak Han/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

For most of the years since World War Two, many global powers said they adhered to a rules-based international order. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House that idea is falling away. But did it ever exist in reality? And what's the alternative now? The BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen wraps up our week of special coverage. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Xandra Ellin Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Presidents Putin, Trump and Xi as Russian dolls. Credit: Yuri Kochetkov. EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

When the leaders of the US, China and Russia look at Africa today, they see huge opportunity – an abundance of natural resources and a skilled, young population. But what does it mean for the continent when African presidents allow these superpowers the influence and investment they want? All this week, we're teaming up with our BBC sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We're talking about which countries have a sphere of influence, and which countries are in someone else's. In today's episode, we speak to Charles Gitonga from the BBC's Focus on Africa podcast about three countries in Central Africa which have found themselves at the at the centre of a geopolitical tug of war. Producers: Hannah Moore, Aron Keller and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: A soldier with the M23 armed group stands guard in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Credit: Marie Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.

All this week, we are teaming up with our BBC sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We're exploring which countries have a sphere of influence, and which countries are in someone else's. Today, we speak to Vitaly Shevchenko, co-host of Ukrainecast, about how Russia cultivates and controls its sphere of influence. President Vladimir Putin has called the Soviet Union's collapse "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of the 20th century. Since he came to power in 1999, Putin has tried to exercise influence over what he calls Russia's ‘near abroad': the former Soviet republics in its backyard. Producers: Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Vyacheslav Prokofyev/ Sputnik/ Reuters

How will China respond to a new era of US assertiveness? Could the spectacular events of Trump's second term change President Xi Jinping's calculations about whether to flex China's muscles in Taiwan?All this week, we are teaming up with our sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We're exploring who has a sphere of influence and who finds themselves in one.Today we're joined by Mariko Oi, host of Asia Specific from the BBC World Service, and the BBC's China correspondent, Laura Bicker.Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Valerio EspositoExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: China's President Xi Jinping. Maxim Shemetov/Pool/Reuters

How are Donald Trump's ambitions in Venezuela and Greenland changing America's place in the world? President Trump's key adviser Stephen Miller has said that we are living in a world “that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power” - so where has that philosophy come from?All this week, we are teaming up with our sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We exploring who is in a sphere of influence and who is being controlled by one.Today, we speak to Anthony Zurcher, co-host of Americast and the BBC's North America correspondent, about what US history tells us about this moment.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra EllinExecutive producer: Bridget HarneySound engineer: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China Collins(Photo: President Donald Trump in front of the US flag. Credit: Shawn Thew/EPA/Shutterstock)

Throughout 2025, a massive youth protest movement took shape across the world. From Bangladesh, to Nepal, to Morocco, to Kenya, to the Maldives, young people were taking to the streets to demand, among other things, job security, improved standards of living, and the toppling of corrupt regimes. And in a number of cases their ambitious demands were met.Today we speak to the BBC's social media investigations correspondent, Marianna Spring, about how social media helped spark a movement that transcended borders, and where the so-called, 'Gen Z Revolution' goes from here.Producers: Xandra Ellin and Cat FarnsworthSound engineer: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China Collins(Photo: A protester carries a banner featuring a Malagasy version of the logo of the popular Japanese manga One Piece, during a nationwide youth-led demonstration over frequent power outages and water shortages, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, October 13, 2025. Credit: Siphiwe Sibeko/ Reuters)

After his major military operation in Venezuela, President Trump has escalated his rhetoric about taking control of Greenland. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the Arctic island – which is a semi-autonomous Danish territory - should be part of the US. "We need Greenland from a national security situation”, Trump told reporters recently, “It's so strategic”. In capitals around Europe, leaders are now wondering if Trump might just follow through on his threats.We speak to journalist Adrienne Murray in Copenhagen to find out how Greenlanders and Danes feel about Trump's comments, and what any US action on Greenland could mean for the future of Nato and Europe. Producers: Viv Jones, Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Danish troops take part in military drills in Greenland. Credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane/ Reuters

When the US government captured Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, on Saturday, most of the world was shocked. But US officials had for years been gaming out different scenarios, including predicting what would happen if Maduro was ousted. According to one man who took part, each ended in disaster. On today's episode, we speak to the former Washington Post journalist Douglas Farah, who participated in war games on Venezuela during Donald Trump's first term, as well as during the Obama and Biden administrations. Producers: Hannah Moore and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: A protest against US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro, in Brazil. Tuane Fernandes/Reuters

Who might have the power and influence to change the world in 2026? World leaders aside, we choose four people and discuss why they could intersect with some of the big stories and themes of the next year. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring a goal. Credit: Pablo Morano/Reuters.

The Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are due to appear in a federal Manhattan court on Monday, after the United States captured them in a military operation in Venezuela. President Trump says the US will run Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. But Maduro's allies – including its new interim president – remain in charge. We speak to Ione Wells, the BBC's South America correspondent, about what might happen in the coming weeks and months. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Nicolás Maduro in an image distributed by President Trump which he said was taken on board the USS Iwo Jima.

We are away for Christmas, so this is a repeat of a previous episode. Mistrust in science has never been higher. Fewer people are getting vaccinated, a known vaccine skeptic is leading the most powerful health agency in America and an outbreak of measels in Texas this year led to the first fatalities in almost a decade. Then, in August, a gunman opened fire on the headquarters of the Centre for Disease Control with many speculating he was fuelled by misinformation about health. Increasingly this misinformation is being exported around the world. Marianna Spring is the BBC's Social Media Investigations Correspondent and tells the story of how suspicion of science in America helped radicalise a British mom with devastating consequences. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Kate Shemirani. Martin Pope / Getty