State of the World from NPR

Israel has prevented international journalists from entering Gaza, which means getting information from the territory is difficult. NPR has relied on producer Anas Baba who lives in and reports from Gaza to be our microphone. In a conversation with NPR's correspondent Israel Daniel Estrin, we hear about the daily challenges Baba faces in Gaza. 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

Authorities in South Korea are continuing to try to arrest impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his failed declaration of martial law over a month ago. As the country continues to be mired in political crisis, analyst are studying the health of the country's democracy. And as our correspondent in Seoul tells us, they're drawing comparisons to recent events in the U.S.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

Weeks ago, a new interim government in Syria was formed in the wake of the regime of Bashar al-Assad being toppled. And now that new government faces myriad challenges in holding the government together and keeping it running. Our correspondent in Damascus takes us to a bakery to show us one of the most visible signs of the new government's struggle, long bread lines.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 go to the city were there the COVID-19 global pandemic started five years ago, Wuhan, China. We find that security is still tight and trauma is still pervasive. We look at what has changed— and what hasn't— since the "mysterious illness" first emerged.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

Part of a Crusader castle collapsed. An 18th century minaret toppled. Church mosaics burned. Israeli airstrikes have damaged priceless antiquities across Lebanon & Syria during it's war with Hezbollah. With a ceasefire now in place, archaeologists are trying to assess damage to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit some.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

Fighting between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group have displaced some 12 million people in one of Africa's biggest countries. In a story we first brought you in October, our correspondent travels to Sudan and gives us a glimpse of the devastation the war has caused.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

For most western countries January first is a holiday. In Afghanistan and Pakistan it is the date of many, many birthdays. We find out why.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

Just drums and clarinets comprise Linares, Mexico's unique form of music. We visit the quaint, sleepy city four hours south of the Texas border where this unique musical tradition is thriving. 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 pedal through Beijing's small alleys and side streets brings bright glimpses of life in this massive city. Biking used to be commonplace in China before it became the world's largest car market, with some of the worst traffic. In a story we first brought you in November, we hear how a new generation is discovering China's cycling tradition. Support our non-profit journalism by joining 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

The region drained by the Amazon River, including the Amazon Rainforest, is in the second year of a punishing drought. That has lead to the lowest water levels in more than 100 years for the Amazon and its major tributaries. Millions of people and an array of wildlife depend on those quickly disappearing waters. In a story we first brought you in October, we travel to the region to see the effects. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+ 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

Among the vast destruction of buildings in Gaza, some historically valuable and irreplaceable sites are now in ruins. In a story we first brought you in February, our correspondent visited some of these places before the war and brings us to them, then and now. Click here to see photos of some of the places referenced in this story.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

Norway is the largest exporter of salmon in the world. And while some of those fish are wild-caught, many are raised in "fish farms"- large cylindrical pens made of nylon in the open water. Sometimes these farmed fish escape, mixing with the local population and causing ecological issues. In a story we first brought you in October, we see farmed fish in a Norwegian fjord and hear about potential solutions to the problem.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

Notre Dame's longest serving organist Olivier Latry tells of the cathedral's transformed acoustics. After a horrific fire in 2019, craftspeople resurrected the cathedral in just five years. The organist says the thorough cleaning of the instrument and the structure's stone makes the cathedral even more reverberant. 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 a remote corner of southeastern Syria near the border with Jordan, some 7,000 people have been trapped in a refugee camp for more than nine years. They had fled Syrian regime forces and ISIS attacks and had nowhere else they could go. Our reporter is the first person to visit the camp and learns what the future of the residents looks like now that the regime has fallen. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+ 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

Ukrainian soldiers are struggling to stabilize defensive lines near the city of Pokrovsk, in the country's east, against Russia's much larger advancing army. We go to the front lines of Pokrovsk, to see how the fight is playing out. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+ 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 outgoing U.S. national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, has been a top advisor and envoy to President Biden on issues of foreign policy. He talks to NPR about his view of recent events in the Middle East, the U.S. relationship with China and the future of the war between Russia and 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

Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad depended on his military to keep him in power for years. Then in just a matter of days, that same feared military disintegrated as rebel groups took control of the country. Our reporter in Damascus talks to former military members to understand why the military collapsed so fast. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+ at Plus.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

The film "All We Imagine As Light" is an Indian film that has won rare international acclaim from Cannes and the Golden Globes. But at home in India the international buzz was ignored and it was passed over as India's entry for the Oscars. Our correspondent in Mumbai, where the film was shot, explores why it is not receiving the same acclaim in India.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

As the future of Syria begins to emerge, one minority group is particularly fearful about how they'll be treated. The Alawites feel like they were mistreated by now-deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad, but because he was a member of that sect, they are also unfairly tied to him in the minds of other Syrians. We go to an Alawite neighborhood of Damascus to hear their concerns.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 U.N. estimates over a 100,00 people have gone missing in Syria under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. And many families never knew the fate of their loved ones. Now that the regime has fallen, the search is on for the missing. We join some Syrians on that search. 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

Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missile strikes, often targeting infrastructure like power plants. That has caused Ukrainians to endure power cuts even during the harsh winter. Our correspondent visits a power plant to see what it takes to keep the lights on in war.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 the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, how are the insurgents planning to resurrect the state?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

For the first time in a generation, Syrians are no longer living under the regime of a brutal dictator. Our reporter travelled from Lebanon to Syria's capital, Damascus, talking to Syrians along the way and tells us how people are adjusting to their new reality. 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 regime of President Bashar al-Assad crumbled in rapid fashion as rebel groups challenged his power. Assad is now in exile in Russia and the rebels have taken control of the capital, Damascus. Now displaced Syrians, some of whom have been out of the country for over a decade, are returning home. Our correspondent in Lebanon spoke to some returning Syrians.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

Rebels in Syria are making rapid advances against the government forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Assad has managed to stay in power throughout the civil war that has engulfed his country for more than a decade. But he again finds himself in a precarious position. We weigh the chances of his political survival. And in Lebanon, residents are watching as Syrian rebels get closer and closer to their border. There is concern that the fighting will spill over, threatening a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and perhaps becoming a regional war.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

Chile is poised to create it's 47th national park in the coming year, protecting wilderness at the southern tip of South America. That's thanks in large part to the work of a U.S. conservationist and her organization. We go to the bottom of the world to see the stunning landscape that will make up the park.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

Joe Biden's first and last trip to Africa as president wrapped up in a port city in Angola. It's the end of an 800 mile train line connecting the port to massive mineral deposits in Central Africa. The U.S. and other Western countries are raising billions to upgrade the rail line, a move that is seen as an effort to counter China's investments in mining in the region. We go to one of the mining cities along that train route to see how the geopolitics are playing out. Support NPR and get sponsor-free episodes of State of the World. Sign up for NPR+ at plus.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

In a shocking turn of events, martial law was declared late at night by the president of South Korea, giving him extraordinary powers. Then after protests and an act of parliament, the order was reversed seven hours later. To try to understand what is happening with this key U.S. ally and trading partner, we hear from NPR's correspondent in Seoul.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

Syria's bloody civil war against the government of Bashar al-Assad started in 2011 but it had been in a stalemate for years. All that changed recently when rebels lead by a group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rapidly routed government forces seizing the second most populous Syria city, Aleppo. We hear reaction from Syrians and about the group behind the revival of the conflict. Support NPR and get sponsor-free episodes of State of the World. Sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.orgOr donate to NPR this Giving Tuesday at donate.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

In an episode we first brought you in March, we consider butter chicken. It is a much-loved Indian dish, both within that country and around the world. But who can claim they invented it? That question is the subject of a lawsuit. Our reporter tries to get to the bottom of butter chicken's origin and finds out that it is a journey through India's history.You can find celebrated Indian chef Madhur Jaffrey's recipe for butter chicken here. 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 an episode we first posted in January, we go to the West African country of Ghana. The Ghanaian government 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

In an episode we first brought you in April, we go to southeast Asia and the Spratly Islands. Ownership of those island are in dispute. This has been the case for hundreds of years, but tensions have been raised recently as China has tried to expand its claims in the remote area. We get a rare glimpse of one of the islands that has a Filipino community living on it.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 has agreed to a ceasefire with the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon that hopes to bring an end to 13 months of fighting which has uprooted masses of civilians on both sides, and left immense destruction. We hear from NPR reporters on both sides of the conflict. Support NPR and get sponsor-free episodes of State of the World. Sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org Or donate to NPR this Giving Tuesday at donate.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

Israel has mandatory military services for citizens over the age of eighteen that meet certain requirements, and refusing to serve, which has always been controversial is even more contentious now that the country is fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. We meet one young person choosing to go to jail rather than serve in the military. Support NPR and get sponsor-free episodes of State of the World. Sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org Or donate to NPR this Giving Tuesday at donate.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

It has been over a thousand days since Russia began it's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war has had huge geopolitical ramifications, but it has also has affected the lives of millions of ordinary people. Our correspondent in Kyiv tells us how the one couple in Ukraine has weathered the conflict.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 has been accused of using starvation in Gaza as a weapon of war. It's a charge the government denies, however aid groups say too little food is being allowed into Gaza. And making the problem even worse, armed gangs are looting much of the aid that is coming in. We hear more about the issue and what Israel is doing about it. 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

A series of deadly attacks within China in recent weeks have killed dozens and left people uneasy. Those who carried out the attacks have been seemingly ordinary people who authorities say became disgruntled or unhappy. Our correspondent brings us to the site of one recent attacks and says these incidents are raising difficult questions about society and the government.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 has been collecting eyewitness accounts from Gaza that indicate Israel is using a new type of drone. One that has a gun attached that can shoot people remotely. We hear how Israel is using it in Gaza and what this technology could mean for the future of warfare.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 granted permission from the Biden administration to fire U.S.-made long range missiles into Russian territory. We hear from two NPR correspondents about this major policy shift by the White House. Our Pentagon correspondent tells us the goals around the move and what it might mean on the battlefield. And our correspondent in Moscow gives us the Russian Government's reaction to the move.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 bring you views from both sides of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. Israel says they're closer to accomplishing their mission of pushing Hezbollah militants away from the border so that tens of thousands of Israelis can safely return to the area. Our correspondent visits the tense borderland and finds a dramatically changed landscape. And in Lebanon, intense Israeli airstrikes since September have taken their toll. And recently, strikes have occurred deeper in the country, far away from the fighting, endangering and killing displaced Lebanese civilians. We go to the site of a recent attack. 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

In Argentina, President Javier Milei is celebrating both the success of this radical cost cutting in lowering inflation and the re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S. The ultra-libertarian has said that he wants to "make Argentina great again" and is travelling to Florida to congratulate Trump in person. We hear how Argentinians are reacting. And without a war, a revolution or even a debate, plans for a brand new country were announced by Albania's prime minister. We learn why.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

North Korea and Russia each ratified a mutual defense treaty within days of each other. The pact means the countries will defend one another if attacked. And some say it may mean more involvement by North Korea in the war between Russia and Ukraine. We hear about the ramifications from our correspondent in Seoul.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 Defense Minister was fired last week by Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu who said that trust had "eroded" between them. The now former defense minister met with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and gave his thoughts on what Israel can still achieve in Gaza. We hear what was said.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 airlines are generating a windfall as international carriers cancel or limit flights due to security concerns. Flying in or out of Israel has become a logistical challenge since the war in Gaza erupted.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 visit Old Trafford Stadium, where iconic British football club Man U is in crisis. Are its US owners running it into the ground, or playing a long game?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

Donald Trump's return to the White House will reverberate through trade, security and immigration in China and Mexico. NPR's John Ruwitch and Eyder Peralta take us to both key nations.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

Germany, China and Russia react to Donald Trump's re-election to the U.S. presidency with cautious words of welcome— and sometimes, silence. NPR's International Correspondents Rob Schmitz, John Ruwitch and Charles Maynes report. 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 pedal through Beijing's small alleys and side streets brings bright glimpses of life in this massive city. Biking used to be commonplace in China before it became the world's largest car market, with some of the worst traffic. Now, a new generation is discovering China's cycling tradition.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

This Russian dissident believes the country must be changed from within. He and others were traded in the largest prisoner swap in the post-Cold War era. Now, they're planning a protest in Berlin and advocating for pro-Ukrainian policy in the U.S. to defeat Russia.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 are rules and norms in place in conflicts meant to shield civilians from the worst harms of war. But human rights groups say lately they're being ignored or broken. Our correspondent has been covering two wars in which many of the laws of war are being flouted.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