BBC Radio Podcasts from The Real Story
Bonus: Evan Gershkovich - a year since my friend was jailed in Russia
What would it take to release the US journalist held on spying charges
Is the future of journalism in crisis?
Journalists are losing their jobs and increasingly consumers are avoiding the news
Bonus: Hidden reality of frontline combat through the eyes of Ukraine's soldiers
Bodycams captured the raw reality of war for a ground breaking new BBC documentary
Bonus: Sam Bankman-Fried's multibillion dollar FTX fraud
What the Crypto King's fall from grace means for the future of cryptocurrency
Bonus: The curse of the world's fastest growing economy
Is Guyana's oil a windfall or a downfall?
Bonus: Insight on Islamic State Group + Miami stops the party
Ahead of our planned episode on Miami, a moment to put the Moscow attacks in context
How can Boeing win back trust?
The plane maker’s safety record is in the spotlight after a series of incidents
Should we be afraid of TikTok?
US House passes bill that could ban TikTok nationwide
Can Haiti break free from its history?
Gangs threaten the Haitian state but the past looms large over the security crisis
What's fuelling the war in Sudan?
Nearly eight million people have fled their homes
Getting ready for an older population
With people living longer and families getting smaller how does society cope?
Is Senegal’s democracy under attack?
The president is accused of attempting a constitutional coup after postponing elections
Do green policies and farmers have to clash?
After widespread protests, Europe is re-assessing attempts to make agriculture greener
China’s economy: How worried should we be?
Can Beijing enjoy the benefits of capitalism while retaining full control of the economy?
Will artificial intelligence erode our rights?
How do we protect our privacy and our democracies while still benefiting from AI?
The changing face of Taiwan
What do Taiwan’s election results tell us about its identity and future?
What will decide the 2024 US election?
On Monday Iowans begin the process of deciding who will contest the US election.
Is the world losing faith in democracy?
As we enter a record-breaking year for elections, is democracy itself on the line?
Is time running out for Ukraine?
As US and EU funding falters, is time running out for Ukraine to win the war with Russia?
Is COP failing?
Are countries following up their eye-catching climate pledges with concrete action?
What is driving right-wing populism in Europe?
A surprise win in the Netherlands comes as Europe's hard right parties are gaining power
Do any paths to peace still exist in the Middle East?
What could a long-term political settlement between Palestinians and Israelis look like?
How should we tackle the global obesity epidemic?
Over 1 billion people worldwide are obese, according to the World Health Organization.
The future of work
From a 70-hour week to no work at all, two visions of work could shape the future
Why world leaders fear an escalation of Israel-Gaza war
How high is the risk of the conflict escalating across the region?
Argentina at a crossroads
As presidential candidates head to a run off, can Argentina save its downward spiral?
Is Indian democracy being undermined?
Is freedom of speech under threat in the world’s most populous country?
China’s BRI: Development or Debt?
What have President Xi’s Belt & Road projects linking China, Africa and Europe achieved?
How do we stop rapid insect decline?
Insects are crucial to life on earth but are disappearing at an unprecedented rate
How a flood exposed Libya’s broken state
The death of thousands after dams collapsed has sparked outrage against Libya's elites
Is Biden too old to run in 2024?
Polls show Joe Biden's age is a major concern among voters. Should Democrats be worried?
Ukraine’s offensive: Too slow to triumph?
America's top general warns Ukraine's counter offensive is running out to time
Iran, a year on from the death of Mahsa Amini
Protests shook Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. A year on, what has changed?
Why is it still so hard for whistleblowers?
What’s at stake for those who speak out and is there enough protection?
Ecuador's spiralling drug violence
How the drug cartels pushed Ecuador to the brink
How should the world engage with the Taliban?
The West has deployed sanctions to put pressure on the regime - but to no visible effect
China, US and the fight for Taiwan
China and Taiwan - how real is the risk of conflict?
The coup in Niger: Why does it matter?
Why the coup in Niger matters for Western Africa and the World
How close are we to ending Alzheimer's?
Does the emergence of new drugs mean the end is in sight for Alzheimer's?
Surviving extreme heat
As global temperatures soar, how can we adapt?
Deep-sea mining: Curse or cure?
Is mining international waters a cure for climate change or an ecological disaster?
Understanding the unrest in France
Why the killing of a 17 year old by police sparked riots in cities across France.
Wagner's 24-hour mutiny
What does the Wagner revolt mean for Russia’s military?
Saudi Arabia’s thirst for sporting success
Saudi Arabia and sport: What is the Kingdom’s goal?
What do Trump’s legal challenges mean for the 2024 US election?
In an historic first, the former US president is facing a federal criminal indictment
Why have tensions flared in Kosovo?
Fears over stalling of peace process between Kosovo and neighbouring Serbia
Do we want to live without plastic?
International talks have been taking place in Paris for a global plastics treaty
Bola Tinubu: Can Nigeria’s new president unite his country?
A BBC investigation has found that some election results may have been manipulated
Why can’t America contain the fentanyl crisis?
US authorities say fentanyl is now the main driver of US drug overdose deaths
What's gone wrong in Haiti?
Armed gangs control much of the country’s capital Port-au-Prince
The rehabilitation of Syria’s President Assad
Is Syria's president Assad about to be welcomed back by his Arab neighbours?
Tunisia’s democracy on the brink
Is Tunisia on the road back to autocracy?
A bloody crisis in Sudan
What's gone wrong in Sudan and who can stop the fighting?
What is hostage diplomacy and why is it on the rise?
Russia's arrest of Evan Gershkovich has shone a spotlight on 'hostage diplomacy'
Can we control Artificial Intelligence?
AI is growing more powerful, so what are the potential risks and rewards?
Who will run the world in 20 years?
President Xi says China and Russia are driving global changes not seen for a century.
Imran Khan and Pakistan's political turmoil
The former PM is locked in battle with the government as the nation's crises grow
Is the asylum system broken?
With millions displaced around the world, how do we create a better asylum system?
Will the Windsor Framework finally get Brexit done?
The UK and the EU call it a breakthrough but is it a solution for Northern Ireland?
What will China’s declining population mean for the world?
China's population is shrinking - and fast. What might the impact be?
What does the future hold for President Erdoğan?
Could Turkey’s response have been stronger and quicker?
Can Lula fix the Amazon?
Brazil’s President Lula has pledged zero deforestation by 2030 but how realistic is it?
How do you stop police brutality?
Is reform possible or is a more radical rethink needed?
Why is violence escalating between Israelis and Palestinians?
Israel and the occupied West Bank are gripped by the deadliest bloodshed in years
Is it getting any easier for women in politics?
Only 26% of the world's politicians are female - so what barriers do women face?
Has Germany been holding back the war effort in Ukraine?
Germany, 'pacifism' and the war in Ukraine.
Prince Harry: Dealing with grief in the public eye
What does his experience of grief reveal about family, society, the media and privilege?
Andrew Tate: Why is misogyny so popular online?
We explore how and why young men are consuming misogynistic content on the internet
A tough winter for Ukraine as Russia exploits the cold
Ukrainians face a tough winter as Russia targets its infrastructure
Are protests changing Iran?
How worried is Iran’s government about ongoing protests?
Qatar’s World Cup gamble
The Gulf state is hosting the most expensive football World Cup ever
Is India ready to become the world's most populous country?
We examine how India will cope as it overtakes China to have the most people in the world
War and starvation - Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict
Can a recently signed truce between Ethiopia and Tigray lead to lasting peace?
Russia, France and the battle for influence in West Africa
As France ends its anti-jihadist military operation in the Sahel, is Russia moving in?
Daunting challenges for UN climate conference
Delegates are gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for the COP27 UN climate conference
Why the US midterm elections matter
US Public Radio correspondents explore the big issues facing voters on November 8th
What caused the turmoil in British politics?
After the resignation of Liz Truss the UK is getting its third prime minister this year
What is economic growth and why does it matter?
The IMF has downgraded global growth forecasts warning “the worst is yet to come”
Xi Jinping’s plan for China
The Chinese president could become leader for life
What should we make of Russia’s nuclear threats?
The US warns of “catastrophic consequences” if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine
What next for the Commonwealth?
What does the Queen’s death mean for the Commonwealth?
Boris Johnson is out, Liz Truss is in
Who is Britain’s new Prime Minister and what challenges does she face?
Are sanctions on Russia working?
It’s been 6 months since the West imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine
Nasa's plan to go back to the Moon
Nasa’s Artemis programme aims to return humans to the lunar surface
Salman Rushdie and the fatwa
The story of how Salman Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses led to a call for his killing
Is the US getting serious about climate change?
The Senate passes the biggest package of climate change measures in US history
Italy’s right-wing nationalists on the rise
Brothers of Italy party set to do well in upcoming elections
Bolsonaro v Lula: The race to lead Brazil
Jair Bolsonaro and Lula are the frontrunners in the race to be Brazil’s next president
Can our cities survive climate change?
Countering the impacts of extreme heat, flooding, storm surges, droughts and fires
A new phase in the Covid pandemic
The WHO says the pandemic is “nowhere near over”, so what does the new normal look like?
How the Supreme Court is reshaping the US
There have already been major rulings on abortion and the environment. What’s next?
Afghanistan's challenges after US withdrawal
Should the West work with the Taliban to help the Afghan people?
From rebel to president: Colombia’s new leftist leader
Gustavo Petro has big plans for the economy, the war on drugs and relations with the US
The repatriation of precious artefacts
Is it time for major museums to return items they’ve acquired from around the world?
The rocky road ahead for Boris Johnson
Britain’s PM narrowly wins a confidence vote. But how much longer can he hang on?
China v the West in the Pacific
Beijing hopes to increase trade and security ties with Pacific island nations
How do we stop high inflation?
Rising prices are wreaking havoc, but there are no easy solutions
What is the 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory?
Is the far-right conspiracy theory going global?
North Korea spooks its neighbours
South Korea and Japan consider their next moves as Pyongyang tests new missile technology
Ukraine war impact on climate pledges
Europe is scrambling to replace Russia fossil fuels. What does it mean for the climate?
Sweden’s hardening stance on immigration
For decades Sweden has welcomed refugees and other immigrants. Is that approach now over?
The appeal of the French far-right
What’s behind the surge in support for far-right candidates for the French presidency?
Are workers back in the driving seat?
Have recent economic upheavals given workers more leverage?
Israel's Arab allies
Israel hosts an unprecedented gathering of Arab officials in the Negev
Who are Russia’s friends?
How Russia cultivates relationships around the globe
War in Ukraine transforms Germany
What will a stronger German military mean for European security?
Can Russia’s economy survive?
Sanctions designed to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine are beginning to bite
Europe's energy future beyond Russia
How can Europe move away from energy dependence on Russia?
The global debt crisis
Why are many developing countries on the verge of defaulting?
Why is China supporting Russia on Nato?
President Putin and President Xi issued a statement pledging friendship with 'no limits'
France's place in the world
Is President Macron's more assertive foreign policy good for his country?
China’s zero-Covid conundrum
How long can China continue to successfully stamp out coronavirus outbreaks?
Why Putin has his sights on Ukraine
There are growing fears of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine
The future of the BBC
What is the role of public service broadcasting in a fragmented media landscape?
Climate change: A risk to food security?
What can be done to protect our food supply from extreme weather events?
The Beijing Winter Olympics: High stakes for China
With less than a month to go what will success look like for these most unusual of games?
Do digital currencies need policing?
Cryptocurrencies are proliferating. Should regulators intervene or steer clear?
What's going wrong in the Balkans?
Serb politician Milorad Dodik has threatened to pull out of Bosnia's state institutions
Omicron: Did Africa get a raw deal?
What the emergence of the Omicron variant says about global cooperation against Covid
Hunger in Afghanistan: Time to work with the Taliban?
23 million people face acute food insecurity 100 days after the Taliban's return to power
Fortress Europe: Who gets to come in?
The EU is at loggerheads with Belarus over the arrival of thousands of migrants
The future of Chinese capitalism
How will President Xi balance economic growth and state control?
Who pays to fix climate change?
Is the developed world failing to meet its climate finance commitments?
Why do military coups still happen?
Protests have broken out in Sudan after the armed forces launched a military coup
Nato and China: A new rivalry?
Nato chief says the rise of China should be taken seriously
Climate change: Lessons from Denmark
A discussion from Copenhagen on how Denmark managed to set such ambitious climate goals
Empty shelves and clogged ports
What's behind the global supply crisis?
How green is nuclear energy?
Should nuclear power play a bigger role in attempts to avoid catastrophic climate change?
How powerful is China's navy?
China now has the biggest navy on Earth by some measures. What’s it going to do with it?
Canada votes: Is Trudeau in trouble?
Justin Trudeau has called a snap election less than two years after Canadians last voted
What's ailing Japan?
Is the country being held back by a failure to reform?
Methane: The other greenhouse gas
Could reducing methane emissions be a short cut to slowing down global warming?
The challenges facing the Taliban
Now that they’ve won the war, are the Taliban capable of governing a changed Afghanistan?
America after Afghanistan
What will allies and rivals conclude about future US willingness to engage overseas?
Silencing dissidents
Are changing politics and new technologies making it harder to be a dissident?
How do the Taliban keep going?
The group has taken more territory this year than any time since 2001
Why has Australia's Covid strategy faltered?
Australia went from global success story to outbreaks and lockdowns. What happened?
What's China doing to fight climate change?
China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases
Cuba at a crossroads
People defy a ban on protests to call for an end to the government
The pandemic brings more robots
What will be the impact of greater automation in the workplace?
Palestinians turn against the leadership
Could Nizar Banat's death be a turning point in Palestinian politics?
Hydrogen: A climate game-changer?
Governments turn to green hydrogen in attempts to meet their climate change commitments
China's global project has a new rival
Can Biden's Build Back Better World be a true rival to Xi's Belt and Road Initiative?
Iran’s presidential election: What do the people want?
Iranians go to the polls next week as the country's economy struggles under sanctions
Israel divided
What's been Benjamin Netanyahu's impact on Israeli politics?
Why is corporate America getting political?
Republicans accuse US boardrooms of becoming too 'woke'
China in space
Beijing has begun deploying its own space station and plans a crewed mission to the Moon
Ransomware on the rise in the US
How vulnerable are America's networks and what can be done to make them more secure?
Germany after Merkel
Angela Merkel will soon step down as Chancellor after sixteen years in power
Is the EU stifling AI innovation?
Europe is planning to introduce expansive regulations governing artificial intelligence
What is the cost of climate reform?
What's happening to communities at risk of being left behind by a green transition?
Why is Myanmar’s military killing civilians?
Over 700 people have died during pro-democracy protests following a coup on 1 February
Why is Russia massing troops near Ukraine?
The US pledges 'unwavering support' for Ukraine in its battle with separatists
What is the US plan for Africa?
Donald Trump didn't prioritise Africa policy during his time in office. Will Joe Biden?
Covid mutants: What are the risks?
Could vaccine resistant coronavirus variants push back global recovery?
Why are Asian Americans under attack?
Racist attacks against Asian Americans have gone up during the pandemic.
How dangerous are deepfakes?
Video designers can now create realistic depictions of fake events. What are the risks?
Can Biden reset US Saudi Arabia relations?
The friction points that are redefining a decades old alliance
Has Covid rolled back democratic rights?
Once democratic freedoms are snatched away, can they be clawed back?
Who should pay for the news?
Google and Facebook react to plans to force them to negotiate payments to news outlets
Is China erasing Uighur culture?
What is going on in Xinjiang, and what is behind Beijing's actions?
Cryptocurrencies: Fad or the future?
Governments consider regulation as the popularity of investing in cryptocurrencies grow
China's advance into Latin America
How is China reshaping trade and politics in the US's backyard?
Afghanistan: Hard choices for Biden
The Trump administration promised to pull US troops out. Will Biden follow through?
America's damaged democracy
What next for the United States and the Republican Party?
Britain after Brexit: What’s its role in the world?
How will the UK evolve now that it has left the European Union?
Big Tech under pressure
The US and EU move to curb the market influence of Silicon Valley
Is Macron marginalising France's Muslims?
Critics say the French president's new law is against the spirit of laïcité, secularism
Is Biden facing a new Middle East?
With Israel striking new deals with Arab neighbours, how has the politics changed?
Covid vaccines: An opportunity for science?
Vaccines appear close to deployment. But how many people will be willing to get it?
Ethiopia crisis: High stakes for Africa
Could the battle for Tigray end up destabilising the entire Horn of Africa?
Climate change: Can Biden make a difference?
President-elect Joe Biden says he'll return the United States to the Paris Agreement
Is Trumpism here to stay?
How the Trump presidency has change the relationship between people and politics
US v China: A new Cold War?
As the US attempts to curb China's growing influence, is a new Cold War inevitable?
What next for US foreign policy?
What are the key differences between a Biden foreign policy and that of President Trump?
How dangerous is North Korea?
On the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party, where is the country heading?
India's Dalits: Fighting for justice
The alleged rape and death of a 19-year-old woman has sparked a debate about caste
Turkey flexes on the world stage
What does Ankara’s assertive foreign policy mean for the region?
Covid-19: What's best for the elderly?
Is it possible to isolate people from the virus without causing other health problems?
Covid unemployment: A new crisis?
How does surging unemployment complicate the global response to the pandemic?
When will we get a Covid-19 vaccine?
The WHO warns of "vaccine nationalism" in the race for immunisation against the virus
Why is QAnon going global?
Support for the outlandish conspiracy theory is increasing outside the United States
The Navalny ‘poisoning'
With Alexei Navalny in critical condition, what's the future for Russia's opposition?
India's Covid-19 challenge
Is India losing the battle against the coronavirus?
How democratic are American elections?
Can voters have faith in a system tested by the pandemic and polarised politics?
What is Covid doing to the Amazon?
Is the pandemic amplifying the region's problems?
Fighting fat to fight Covid-19
Experts warn being obese or overweight puts you at a greater risk of dying from the virus
Should tax havens help pay for coronavirus?
Unlocking offshore funds would contribute trillions towards an economic recovery
Is the WHO fit for purpose?
The WHO investigates the coronavirus origins in China. Is it too little, too late?
Lebanon on the brink
Is this the most critical moment since the country's civil war?
Generation Covid?
Will young people end up paying the economic and social costs of the pandemic?
How will Covid-19 change our cities?
Most of humanity now lives in dense, urban settings. Is it time to re-think city life?
Is this the internet we always wanted?
The internet has brought people together during the pandemic, so how do we keep building?
Racial justice: Who are the allies?
Who can bolster black activists seeking meaningful change - and what is their role now?
What should black Americans do next?
How do protesters turn anger over George Floyd’s death into meaningful change?
The privatisation of space travel
How is corporate capital changing our journey into the cosmos?
Covid-19: Balancing risk and staying human
How will managing our fears shape what we understand to be normal, and to be human?
Will the pandemic benefit mobsters?
History suggests criminals can thrive during times of global upheaval
Coronavirus: Will flying ever be the same?
How will the virus transform the airline industry and our travel experiences?
Coronavirus: Is mass surveillance here to stay?
Governments are deploying new technologies to fight coronavirus. But at what cost?
Coronavirus: Will China come out on top?
What will the pandemic mean for the rivalry between the world's two superpowers?
Coronavirus: Ending the lockdowns
How should policymakers balance protecting the health and wealth of citizens?
Coronavirus: Is Africa ready?
How will weak health systems and fragile economies cope with an outbreak?
Coronavirus: How robust is our food chain?
We explore how vulnerable global food distribution networks are to Covid-19 disruption
Coronavirus: How will it change us?
Could the coronavirus outbreak provide humanity with new perspectives?
Coronavirus: The economic crisis
Just how bad will the downturn be and can anything be done to soften the blow?
Beating coronavirus: What will you sacrifice?
Understanding how culture and psychology underpin our ability to tackle Covid-19
What’s the Democrats' best plan to beat Trump?
Should the party aim to reach swing voters or find new ones by energising the base?
Was it a mistake to overthrow Gaddafi?
Nato helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi's brutal rule. But is Libya any better off today?
Who controls the River Nile?
Ethiopia and Egypt are yet to forge a deal as a mega dam on the Nile kicks into action
What's next for Iran?
Scores of reformist candidates have been barred from parliamentary elections
Impeachment: What's changed since Nixon?
Why was the Nixon impeachment so consequential and the Trump impeachment a flop?
Brexit: The next chapter
What will Brexit mean for the UK and the EU?
Can China stop a killer virus spreading?
A new virus has emerged in China and is being identified in patients across the globe.
Does philanthropy work?
Should the rich give more of their money to the state instead of charitable foundations?
The world's housing crisis
How will cities provide affordable accommodation for residents?
Can young people change the world?
What can youth activists accomplish where adults have failed?
What next for the UK?
The Prime Minister's core campaign message was simple: "Get Brexit done." It worked.
The world's languages are dying
Thousands of minority languages are on the brink of extinction
Who runs Iraq?
Hundreds of protesters have been killed during weeks of unrest.
Can algorithms be trusted?
How are algorithms shaping the modern world and should we be worried?
The future of oil
Why is the oil industry still booming?
India's pollution problem
How can India overcome its environmental challenges?
Russia's new internet firewall
The implementation of a new Russian law will redefine the way internet is governed there
Mass protests in Lebanon
Are the country wide protests the beginning of a revolution in Lebanon?
Canada at a crossroads
As Canadians go to the polls, where is the country heading?
Does the US have a Syria plan?
US position on Turkey's offensive into Kurdish controlled northern Syria remains unclear
Is impeachment a fair process?
Could the political brinkmanship by the Democrats backfire?
Can China tame Hong Kong?
What are Beijing's options for ending the on-going protests in Hong Kong?
Russia's Africa doctrine
What is motivating new ties between Moscow and the continent?
South Africa's anti-foreigner violence
What's behind a spate of xenophobic attacks?
The future of money
Is it time to ditch the US dollar? And how will crypto-currencies change our world?
Who owns the Amazon?
Are the Amazon fires an ‘international crisis’?
The changing face of protest
How do the protests in Hong Kong and Russia compare to recent episodes of mass unrest?
How do women change politics?
What happens to policy and political culture when more women are involved?
What happened to the political centre ground?
Why are so many democracies turning away from the politics of consensus and compromise?
What is immigration for?
Is a points based system the best way to decide who comes to a country?
The politics of Boris Johnson
Will he deliver Brexit and unite the country as promised?
Europe's migration standoff
Is it time for the EU to forge a new pact on migration and asylum?
The future of space exploration
Fifty years after the historic moon landing, is the world entering a new space race?
Africa's digital transformation
Who are the big beneficiaries of Africa's rapidly improving internet connectivity?
What's happened to gay rights since Stonewall?
A global panel of gay and lesbian contributors discuss the legacy of the Stonewall riots
The vaccination divide
Why are some people losing trust in vaccines?
Syria: Assad's endgame
How is Assad's hold on power in Syria changing?
What does the future hold for the Rohingya?
Why can’t the Rohingya return to Myanmar?
European election results: Gridlock or opportunity?
Four new MEPs discuss the shifting power balance in the European Parliament
The new technology cold war
What will a tech standoff between the US and China mean for them - and us, the consumers?
Does WikiLeaks matter?
Is the news leak organisation and its model of publishing still relevant?
Can nature be saved?
How do we change our behaviour to prevent a million species going extinct?
China's Arctic ambitions
What is China's strategy for the polar regions?
Is social media killing elections?
Are free and fair elections impossible in the digital age?
The return of the eco-warriors
Is civil disobedience a good tactic for climate change activists?
Has Brexit broken UK politics?
Is the crisis evidence of flaws in the UK political system, or are politicians to blame?
Has the International Criminal Court failed?
Is it time to accept the severe limitations of the ICC?
What’s at stake in India’s election?
Will the world's largest democratic exercise put India on a new path?
Who are the far-right extremists?
Can understanding the roots of far-right extremism help us to tackle it?
What’s going on at the US-Mexico border?
President Trump says the situation is a national emergency. Is he right?
Has China's economy peaked?
What are the options for Chinese policy makers?
What next for the wives of Islamic State fighters?
Should the wives and children of IS militants be repatriated?
Are referendums ever a good idea?
When, where and why does direct democracy work? And can it do more harm than good?
Is capitalism killing our planet, or is it our only hope?
As environmental catastrophe looms, is capitalism to blame, or can it be reformed?
Forty years since revolution: How stable is Iran?
Ritula Shah and a panel of Iranian guests discuss life, politics and religion inside Iran
What Will Happen to Afghan Women When the US Leaves?
Are Afghan women's rights at risk as the US negotiates with the Taliban?
What's keeping Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir in power?
Protestors in Sudan are calling for the resignation of President Bashir. Will he listen?
Why Does President Trump Stick by Saudi Arabia?
Mike Pompeo was in Riyadh this week. Why are the US and Saudi Arabia still so close?
Are We Alone In The Universe?
Are we any closer to finding extra-terrestrial life - of any kind?
BBC Correspondents Look Ahead
How do you look ahead in a world which constantly takes us by surprise?
France's Yellow Vests: Macron's Malaise
Can the French president contend with a transformative protest movement?
China's Big Social Experiment
What are the costs and benefits of a social credit system?
Britain's Big Brexit Moment
What happens if Prime Minister May's EU withdrawal deal fails in Parliament?
A New Vision for Mexico
How will Mexico's new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, govern the country?
The Modern Face of Money Laundering
How is dirty money pumped into our banks and what can be done to stop it?
Is 'Fake News' a Threat to Democracy?
How is rampant disinformation changing our societies?
Why Are Germans Going Green?
What's behind the unexpected rise of Germany's Green party?
Why is Infertility Rising?
Fifty million couples worldwide can’t have children without medical help
Brazil's Lurch to the Right
What is behind the dramatic rise of far-right Brazilian politician, Jair Bolsonaro?
Is Identity Corroding Democracy?
Is identity politics divisive or is it simply a demand for dignity and justice?
Climate Change: Tough Choices
Can we have prosperity and democracy if we want keep climate change at bay?
Norway: From Oil to Renewables
Can the country make the transition from oil powerhouse to renewable energy champion?
Air Pollution: Invisible Killer
How can we clean up our air to become healthier - and smarter?
Is Unity Coming to Ireland?
How will Britain's vote to leave the European Union affect Irish unity?
How Lehman's Collapse Changed the World
What have been the lasting consequences of the economic crash of 2008?
Sweden: Liberalism in Trouble
Will Sweden trade its liberal leanings for a populist push?
Who Should Own South African Land?
Should vast amounts of farmland held by the country’s white minority be redistributed?
A New Perspective on Psychedelics
There is a growing body of evidence that psychedelic drugs have beneficial properties
Is the Nation State in Decline?
Are nation states equipped to deal with trans-national threats facing the world?
Extreme Heat: The New Normal?
How will we adapt to living with extreme heat?
Syria: Has Assad Won?
Is the Syrian conflict nearing an end more than seven years on from the initial uprising?
A New Dawn for Zimbabwe?
Will Monday's elections in Zimbabwe offer a clean break from the Mugabe years?
How Political is the Mueller Probe?
What has Robert Mueller found and will Donald Trump's attacks derail the investigation?
Do Protests Still Work?
Are protests still effective in bringing about change?
Poland Out in the Cold
Is Poland slipping towards authoritarianism?
Can the EU Survive?
Can the EU make the necessary reforms before another crisis engulfs it?
Who Should Be Let In?
With record levels of global migration - should countries get tougher?
The Great Disruptor
Has Donald Trump decided to sacrifice the West in order to put America first?
The World Cup: Holy Grail or Poisoned Chalice?
Hosting football's premier tournament is a big honour, but is it worth the cost?
Italy's Populist Future
Italy's embrace of populism and what it means for relations with the EU?
The Coming Pandemic
Are we ready for a global epidemic of infectious disease?
How Do Monarchies Survive?
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get married, how are monarchies staying relevant?
What Next for Iran?
How will Iran respond to President Trump's decision to pull out of the nuclear agreement?
Does the Left have a Future in Latin America?
Why has left-wing politics lost ground in Latin America and what does the future hold?
Crossing The Age Divide
How can the young and the old stay connected in a fast changing world?
What Justifies Military Intervention?
The US, UK and France have bombed Syria but what can justify attacking another country?
The State of the Unions
Do trade unions have a future?
How Do We Cure Our Plastic Addiction?
We're making too much plastic and China doesn't want it anymore, so what happens now?
How Do We Build a Better Internet?
As Facebook comes under scrutiny, is it time to re-think our links with big tech?
What is Fuelling War in Yemen?
Why has Yemen become what the UN calls 'the world's worst humanitarian crisis'?
What Does Putin Want?
As Russia prepares to elect Vladimir Putin for another term, what does he want?
Does the US Still Want Free Trade?
How will President Donald Trump's tariff order affect global trade?
Xi Who Would be King
Is China moving towards strong-man authoritarian rule?
Russia's Information Wars
Has Russia changed the rules of the game using social media to meddle in US politics?
Does Europe Need an Army?
Is greater European military integration really feasible - or even desirable?
Should Your Pay be Private?
What happens when our salaries become public knowledge?
Afghanistan: Time to Talk to the Taliban?
After 16 years of war, is a military solution credible?
What are Turkey's Aims in Syria?
Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militia in Syria has angered its NATO allies
Does Coal Have a Future?
President Trump has vowed to revive the US coal industry in the US, but can it be done?
Addicted to the Game
How serious a global health problem is internet and gaming addiction?
What is Wrong with Eating Meat?
Are the pleasures of eating meat worth the costs to human health and the environment?
What Now For the Palestinians?
How does Donald Trump's Jerusalem announcement change the picture for the Palestinians?
Bitcoin: Bubble or Brave New World?
Digital currencies are booming, but what are the implications for the future of money?
Brexit's First Big Test
Has Britain done enough to move Brexit talks to the next phase?
The Battle for Lebanon
Who's ultimately in charge in Lebanon: its prime minister, Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia?
Europe's Growing Culture Wars
Have American-style culture wars come to Europe?
What does Trump want from China?
Which of the two global powers is on the front foot and which has the most to lose?
Do We Need Economic Growth?
Can we have prosperity without economic growth and are limits to growth a good idea?
Is Democracy Working For Africa?
Kenya's disputed election raises the question, what system works best for the continent?
Is a Stronger Japan Good for the World?
A larger military and more influence abroad is Tokyo's new stated policy. To what end?
Iran: Deal or no Deal?
Has the Iran nuclear deal made the world safer?
What Does it Take to Make Peace?
Why is it so hard to resolve conflicts and what makes an effective peace-maker?
Why Secede?
What’s so important about having your own country?
Who Do You Trust?
Trust is declining in many established democracies
Extreme Weather: Who Foots the Bill?
Extreme weather events are becoming more common, more destructive, and much more costly
What's Gone Wrong in Myanmar?
Why is Aung San Suu Kyi refusing to denounce army brutality in Rakhine State?
Are Smartphones Harming Teenagers?
The spread of smartphones has come with rising rates of depression in teenagers
Toppling statues: When should they come down?
Owen Bennett-Jones and guests discuss what should be done about statues that offend
Facing the Future
How is facial recognition technology is changing society?
Pakistan at 70 - Success or Failure?
Has Pakistan lived up to the dreams of its founders?
How secular is India 70 years after Partition?
Is Hindu Nationalism a threat to India's secular state seventy years after independence?
Water: The Stuff of Life
Water supplies are coming under pressure in many parts of the world
Living Longer Lives: Blessing or Curse?
What is the impact of more people around the world living longer lives?
What Next For Islamic State?
How will IS regroup after its defeat in Mosul this week?
Globalisation: Winners and Losers
As G20 leaders meet in Germany, we ask if globalisation benefits everyone
What's the Best Healthcare System?
Cost, coverage, choice - the trade-offs needed to make a healthy nation
Greece: A Long Road to Recovery
What hope is there for a better future for the long-suffering Greek people?
Qatar Under Siege
Why have Qatar neighbours turned against it?
UK Election 2017: The World View
After polls in the UK, Europe and US, what have we learned about voter allegiances?
Brazil’s Corruption Crisis
Can the 'Car Wash' anti-corruption investigation clean up Brazilian politics?
How Can We Make Our Cities Safe?
Urban security, counter-terrorism and community vigilance - but at what cost?
Trump and Russia: A Long Relationship
How do you separate fact from rumour in President Trump's connections with Russia?
Iran: Voting for Change?
Next week Iranians go to the polls to elect a new president. What's at stake?
What's Wrong with Science?
Is there a fundamental problem with the way science is done today?
Trump’s World: 100 Days of Change
How is US foreign policy shaping up under President Trump's administration?
Hungary: Protest and Populism
Is Hungary's government, once considered far to the European right, now mainstream?
Hacking the Vote
How big data is being used to win elections
President Trump's Promises to America’s Farmers
Could Mr Trump's trade policies hurt - rather than help - farming communities?
Under Scrutiny: America’s Somali Community
What is the future for a community President Trump has called a ‘disaster’ for Minnesota?
South Sudan: The Creation of a Failed State
Why has a country rich in oil and gas failed to live up to the aspirations of its people?
Brexit: Now for the Hard Part
Two years of tough negotiations lie ahead for Britain and the EU.
What is an Islamic State?
Pakistan is a Muslim majority country but is it an Islamic state?
De-Extinction: Return of the Woolly Mammoth?
If we had the scientific capability to bring back extinct species should we do it?
The French Election: What's at Stake?
The race is wide open. Can the populist, anti-European Marine Le Pen win?
Libya: Return of the Strongman
Is General Khalifa Haftar Libya's best chance for stability or a threat to a free future?
Will Your Children Have A Job?
Are we on the threshold of a world where robots do most of the work?
What Does Steve Bannon Think?
Hugely influential as Trump's strategist, where does Steve Bannon want to take America?
Nuclear Weapons: How Safe are We?
How secure are global stockpiles, and could nuclear weapons be launched by accident?
Turkey: Democracy and Crisis
What future for Turkey, facing insecurity at home and conflict abroad?
What Future for Ukraine?
Amid the poor economic conditions, corruption and conflict, what lies ahead for Ukraine?
Tackling Urban Violence
How to deal with rising rates of violent crime in cities around the world.
What to Look Out for in 2017
BBC correspondents predict what's going to happen on the world stage in the coming year.
After Aleppo?
What should we make of the growing influence of Iran in the politics of the region?
Just a Phone Call: Shaking up US-China Relations
Is Donald Trump really looking to re-boot US-China relations?
Congo in Crisis
Will President Kabila heed opposition demands for him to leave office?
Why is Guantanamo Still Open?
The past, present and future of the Guantanamo Bay detention centre.
Trade Wars: the End of Globalisation?
What does Trump's abandonment of the TPP mean for global trade deals?
Syria: A Complicated War
Is the Syrian conflict a civil war or a war waged by militant jihadi groups?
Trump’s World
What might American foreign policy look like under a Donald Trump presidency?
The Anti-Establishment Revolt
Is politics changing - and should we embrace it?
Election Rigging: Safeguarding the Vote
How do politicians and their supporters manipulate polls?
South Africa: an Uncertain Future
Has the "rainbow nation" lost its way?
Debt: Borrowers Beware?
Should countries burdened with huge debts be forced to repay them?
Mercenaries: Guns for Hire
The role played by privatised military forces in modern conflict
Challenging America's Two Party System
Why can't a third party candidate become US president?
Kashmir in Crisis
Tensions are high in the disputed region of Kashmir. Can a political solution be found?
Driving into the Future
How comfortable would you feel getting into a car driven by a computer?
Aleppo: Syria’s Stalingrad?
Is the struggle for control of Aleppo the key battle in Syria's long-running conflict?
The End of Cash?
How far are we from a truly cashless society?
What is the Cost of Preserving the Past?
Why does protecting culture and heritage matter?
Online Harassment: the Plague of Social Media
Why does the abuse happen and should there be limits to free speech on social media?
Is it time to Abolish India’s Caste System?
Are recent protests by low-caste Dalits a turning point?
Zimbabwe after Mugabe
Robert Mugabe says he'll rule until he dies, but who will succeed him?
A Flickering Flame: is the Olympic Ideal Dead?
As the Rio Games approach, Owen Bennett Jones and his guests discuss sporting ethics.
Turkey’s Failed Coup: What Next?
Owen Bennett Jones is in Istanbul in the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in Turkey
Bangladesh: Extremism on the Rise
Is Bangladesh losing control to violent fundamentalists?
Power to the People?
Is the old political order being overturned by a new democratic populism?
Don’t Be Evil: Technology and Power
Google famously said "don't be evil". But what does this actually mean in practice?
Does the EU Have a Future?
The economy, migration, foreign policy - the EU's challenges post-Brexit
The Shameful Game: Understanding Hooliganism
What's behind the fan violence at the Euro 2016 football championships
America’s Global Challenge
What might foreign policy look like under the next president of the United States?
Cyberwarfare: The Digital Battlefield
Will future wars be fought online?
Venezuela on the Brink
How has a country so rich in natural resources ended up so poor?
Saudi Arabia's Grand Vision
The plan to provide new job opportunities for a generation of frustrated young Saudis
The Cost of Corruption
Tax havens and money laundering - what can be done to make financial flows transparent?
The Philippines: a Pivotal Election?
Is democracy in the Philippines under threat?
US Sport: Money and Power
The politics of top level sport in America
The End of Feminism?
Owen Bennett Jones is in New Orleans, debating the relevance of feminism today
Oklahoma: Reclaiming Native America?
Owen Bennett Jones travels to Oklahoma to discuss Native American politics.
Should Britain Be Ashamed Of Its Colonial Past?
This week, Owen Bennett Jones and guests are at the Oxford Literary Festival
Can Iraq Avoid Fragmentation?
Will the Iraqi government have to cede power to armed groups controlling their own areas?
Tanzania: Can Language Unite a Nation?
What has Swahili contributed to the success and stability of Tanzania?
Colombia: Peace at Last?
Is half a century of civil war about to come to an end in Colombia?
Understanding North Korea
We take a look inside North Korea - the world's most secretive state
Money for Nothing?
What if governments paid all citizens a universal basic income?
Is Iran Changing?
With the lifting of international sanctions, what changes are taking place inside Iran?
What Hope For Peace in Syria?
As more regional and local powers become embroiled in Syria, is there any hope for peace?
Getting the World Online
What's the best strategy for widening global access to the internet?
Zika and the Next Global Pandemic
Can we defeat mosquito-borne diseases and other global health threats?
Cities of the Future
What will the cities of the future look like, and will we like living in them?
One Rule for the Rich…
Do the world's wealthiest people live by different rules from the rest of us?
A New Deal for Libya?
A new unity government offers a glimmer of hope to end the chaos in Libya
The End of Oil?
What might a world look like without fossil fuels as the dominant energy source?
Reaching for the Stars
What does the future hold for human space exploration?
Exodus from Eritrea
Why are so many Eritreans fleeing their country?
Adapting to a Warmer World
What might the world look like if temperatures keep rising?
Editing the Human Genome
Should scientists be tinkering with our genetic inheritance?
What Drives Islamic State?
How did it emerge, what do its leaders want, and is it succeeding in its aims?
Global Trade: the New Imperialism?
Will new global trade deals bring prosperity or poverty?
The Obama Doctrine
How should we judge Obama's foreign policy?
Egypt: Democracy or Dictatorship?
Can meaningful parliamentary elections take place in Egypt?
A Scramble for the Arctic
Will the next "Great Game" be in the High North?
Is Europe Broken?
Owen Bennett Jones and guests discuss the multiple crises facing the EU
Doing Business with Mr Putin
Should the West be doing business with Putin's Russia?
Watching Big Brother
Has the right balance been struck between government surveillance and personal privacy?
Does Power Make You Mad?
Should political leaders be subject to term limits?
Who Runs Pakistan?
Is the military exerting a growing influence in Pakistan?
Argentina's Lessons for Greece?
What can Greece learn from Argentina? Is default such a bad option?
Britain's Battle with Radical Islam
What motivates young British muslims to leave the UK to support jihadist causes abroad?
Have we Forgotten to Fear the Bomb?
How successful have efforts been to stop the spread of nuclear weapons?
How Close Are We to an Independent Kurdistan?
Will the world ever allow the Kurds to have a state of their own?
Haiti Aid: Throwing Good Money After Bad?
As Haiti goes to the polls, is it an aid success or a triumph of “disaster capitalism”?
China's Embattled Lawyers
What's the state of the rule of law in China?
Dangerous Games
What is the best way to tackle concussion and brain injuries in contact sports?
India’s Education Boom
Can you educate your way out of poverty?
Yemen's Forgotten War
Is there a way out of the humanitarian and political crisis facing the country?
Crash, Contagion or Correction?
Is another financial crisis inevitable?