State of the World from NPR

We hear of the saga of the mango pineapple, an exclusive new pineapple cultivar from Taiwan that was allegedly stolen by China. It shows the economic ties between two places that are also adversaries and the incident is prompting questions about how far Beijing will go to coerce Taiwan — and who really owns the food we eat.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We look at the economic impacts caused by the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. In Israel, the call-up of military reserves has led to a severe labor shortage. In the West Bank, curtailed economic activity with Israel has taken a toll. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We talk to a Russia expert who is keeping tabs on what is going on in the roughly 18% of Ukraine that Russia now controls. He says that an "administrative occupation" seeks to incorporate the people that live in those areas into Russian politics and culture. And that with U.S. and Western aid for Ukraine in doubt, there is a chance these areas could be lost for good.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In Northern India, Prime Minister Modi consecrates a temple to the Hindu god Ram. The event is meant to draw support ahead of spring elections, but it also highlights the growing rift between Hindu nationalists and Muslim communities.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Grain export is a vital part of the Ukrainian economy and Russian attacks and threats on ports have come close to shutting it down. We go to one Ukrainian port, barely used before the war, which has now become crucial.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

It has been over one hundred days since the war between Israel and Hamas began with an attack on Israel October 7th, killing over 1,200 with more than two hundred Israelis taken hostage. Israel responded with a ground, air and sea offensive on Gaza that has killed thousands and displaced many more. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas. We investigate whether, after a hundred days, Israel is any closer to that goal. For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Taiwan held a close and closely watched election for president that has implications for the self-ruled island's relationship with China, which claims Taiwan as it's own. And Guatemala swore in a new president, the anti-corruption campaigner Bernardo Arevalo. But opponents tried to prevent the transfer of power up to the last minute. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In Pakistan, a dolphin species that's lived in the Indus River for millions of years was facing near-extinction. Now, thanks to the help of nearby fisher-people, the dolphin is making a fragile recovery. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The series of strikes in Yemen were against the Houthis, an Iran-backed military group, that had been attacking military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, in what they said was retaliation for Israel's war in Gaza. We hear from our national security correspondent and a international trade expert on the strikes and their economic implications.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Taiwan elects a president this weekend and while the government in China believes Taiwan should be under its control, we hear that people in China hold a variety of views about the island next door. And the story of a Palestinian artist in Gaza who continues to make art amid destruction and displacement. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Poland has been one of Ukraine's strongest allies in its fight against Russia. But the two countries are now in a border dispute over trucking. Polish truckers are blocking thousands of Ukrainian trucks waiting to return home. We go to the border and talk to truckers on both sides of the dispute.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Taiwan has an important election coming up and we hear that relations with China is one of the main things on the minds of many voters. And though China is much bigger and more powerful than Taiwan, the island does wield influence in China when it comes to pop culture.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Hundreds of Nepalese have travelled to Russia to join the army. They've been lured by the promise of employment and Russian citizenship. Some say they were told they wouldn't be doing risky jobs, but once they arrive they say they were sent to the front line to fight in Ukraine. Reporter Shalu Yadav went to Nepal and spoke to families of those who died fighting in Ukraine.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Ghana began encouraging people of African descent from around the world to move to the country in 2019, calling it the "Year of Return". They even created settlements for the people who took them up on the offer, giving out free land. But our correspondent talks to locals who say their farm land was stolen to give to foreigners.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Israel's Prime Minister has vowed to fight until the "definitive victory over Hamas". But what is actually achievable? Our correspondent in Tel Aviv examines what it will take for Israel to declare mission accomplished in Gaza, and end the war. And Uber is trying to win over cab drivers in London, who have resisted the company for years. We talk to cabbies to see if they might succeed.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Inside China, the state is cracking down queer and feminist groups... so some are staging their own events in New York City. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Greece says Britain should return sculptures taken from the Acropolis and a Turkish archeological dig uncovers Roman churches, temples, and canals. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Two stories about Africa's art and music. We hear from a rapper who raises awareness of the war in Sudan. And attend an influential art festival in Lagos.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

A Ukrainian village with divided loyalties reels from both the loss of life following a missile attack and the loss of trust in their community.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

NPR's Eyder Peralta brings exclusive reporting from Nicaragua, which has become one of the most authoritarian countries in the Western Hemisphere, and bars foreign journalists. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Hollywood left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. However, improbably, Barbie was a huge hit in the country. Our correspondent in Moscow examines the phenomenon.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Surviving climate threats demands adaptation. In Bangladesh, an engineer and a housewife improvised their own early warning system for historic floods. And villagers in Pakistan are revisiting an old tradition of growing their own glaciers. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We visit Guedelon Castle in Burgundy, France. A 26 year-old building project, dedicated to training workers in medieval construction techniques and teaching visitors about history.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

German economists and politicians have warned German companies to not rely so heavily on Chinese businesses, advocating "de-risking". We go to Germany's industrial heartland where business leaders have found that advice hard to follow.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Ukraine is been at war for nearly 22 months, with airports closed and many sea ports blockaded. Yet NPR's Nathan Rott has found sushi in the country is widely available. And, he says, that says something about the supply chain and the resilience of the Ukrainian economy. Support the NPR Network by joining State of the World+ or by giving a tax-deductible donation. And thank you! To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

U.S. officals have been increasingly public in their appeals to Israel to limit casualties in Gaza, but so far nothing has changed. So what does this say about the relationship between the U.S. and Israel now? We hear from a retired diplomat with long experience in the region.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Even as Ukraine continues to battle Russia, funding from the West is in doubt. We hear from some Ukrainians who are nervous about the funding. And the former Soviet state of Georgia has been partially occupied by Russia since 2008. We hear about Georgia's delicate balance between Russia and the West. Support the NPR Network by joining State of the World+ or by giving a tax-deductible donation. And thank you!To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

China is at an inflection point. The country that enjoyed decades of growth, confident that the future was bright, has experienced a shift in the vibes. Our correspondent in Beijing illustrates what this looks like by bringing us stories from 4 people living in China today. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

A government program in Russia offers pardons to prisoners convicted of serious crime who agree to fight in Ukraine, if they survive. The policy has serious consequences for victims of crimes and their families. We hear more from our correspondent in Moscow. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Though Israel's goal in Gaza is to eliminate Hamas as a military threat, there appears to be rising popularity for Hamas among Palestinians in the West Bank. We travel there and hear that many Palestinians don't believe Hamas committed atrocities in the October 7th attack. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Nearly two years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine is building its tech industry as a part of its war effort and as a means of rebuilding its economy. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

There is a fierce battle between Israeli forces and Hamas in the city of Khan Younis in Gaza. The battle is coming close to the city's main hospital. We hear dispatches from Khan Younis. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.orgTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

A vote in the Polish parliament ended the rule of a right-wing political party— an historic power shift in the country, which is a key US ally and NATO member. A movie studio plans to use artificial intelligence to recreate the voice and image of iconic late French cabaret singer Edith Piaf. Super-fans in her neighborhood aren't so sure machines are up to the task. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The British government is pushing forward with a controversial plan to deport undocumented migrants, no matter where they've come from, to the central African country of Rwanda.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Israeli forces have traded artillery and rocket fire with Hezbollah, a militia backed by Iran that operates in Lebanon. We hear the voices of people living on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Russia has made it a practice of attacking electrical infrastructure in Ukraine over the winter with missiles and drones. We hear about Ukraine's preparations for these attacks and how they'll be put to the test. Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. And you can donate to your local NPR member station by going to stations.npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Once again at COP28, the annual global climate summit, experts are warning of the dire consequences of the world ignoring a warming planet. But this year that message is being delivered in the United Arab Emirates, a country that is dependent on oil and gas. Our correspondent based in Dubai is at the conference and talks about that tension.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Venezuela held a vote on whether to annex some of neighboring Guyana. But the turnout may point to problems for the autocratic ruler of Venezuela.And, a rehabilitation camp in Ukraine for children, who have witnessed death, survived bombings and lost family. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

After a week-long pause, Hamas again fired rockets into Israel and Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza. A report on why the fighting resumed. And were Gaza's hospitals able to resupply and catch up on treating patients during the cease-fire?For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Our reporter in Moscow tells us of a manifesto, claiming to be from families of Russian troops, calling for demobilization and other signs of faltering support for Russia's war in Ukraine.And amid an improving economy, Venezuela is trying to ramp up oil production. But with neglected oil infrastructure, that has meant more oil spills.Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We hear about two experiences of life in Gaza. One from a 22 year-old Israeli reserve soldier sent into the Gaza Strip with his unit. And a mother of two who lives in Gaza trying to shield her children from the horrors of war and stay alive.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We hear from the family of four-year-old Abigail Edan, who was held hostage by Hamas and is the first American freed. And even though Israel urged civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south of the territory for safety, Israeli bombardment in the south continued.Mark Giving Tuesday by signing up for State of the World+ and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The secretive leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahiya Sinwar, is thought to be the mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel and he has led the Hamas negotiations on hostages. Our Jerusalem correspondent has met the Hamas leader at press conferences over the years and has this look at who he is and what his war strategy seems to be.Mark Giving Tuesday by signing up for State of the World+ and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Illegal gold mining is profitable in Brazil, bringing in more than $2 billion a year. And the government has made it easier to get away with. But the practice damages the rainforest and poisons indigenous communities. We go to a town at the center of the illegal mine business.You can support NPR's journalism this Giving Tuesday by going to donate.npr.org or learn more about NPR+ at plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Hamas and Israel have reached a deal to release some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a pause in fighting. We get the details from our reporter in Tel Aviv.And in Russia, a crack down on journalists following the invasion of Ukraine has caused some to continue their work outside the country.You can support NPR's journalism this Giving Tuesday by going to donate.npr.org or learn more about NPR+ at plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

One fifth of Israeli citizens also identify as Palestinian or Arab. Israel's war with Gaza has meant a tension between the actions of their country and their identity. At the same time, many are facing increased discrimination.And we meet a mother whose premature babies were finally evacuated from Gaza.You can support NPR's journalism this Giving Tuesday by going to donate.npr.org or learn more about NPR+ at plus.npr.org.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We hear about a time when an airport opened in Gaza, a U.S. president visited and it seemed like Palestinian statehood was close to being a reality.And, a multi-ethnic, multi-religious band in Israel is working to bridge some of the divides in the country.Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

There's only one place goods or people are allowed to enter or leave Gaza. Our reporter is in Rafah, Egypt and sees the trickle of aid going into Gaza.Also, in an interview with NPR, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is vague on who will govern Gaza when the fighting stops.And comedians and writers on both sides of the conflict use satire to express their anger and grief.Sign up for State of the World+ to listen sponsor-free and support the work of NPR journalists. Visit plus.npr.org. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Biden met with President Xi Jinping of China for the first time in a year. And though expectations were low, our China correspondent tells us some important agreements emerged from the meeting.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The Israeli military says Hamas militants operate in the hospital. International rights groups say hospitals are protected under international law.And the president-elect of Guatemala, who won on an anti-corruption platform, believes the country's ruling elite are trying to prevent him from taking office.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy