The Explanation

John Simpson, talks to Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's international editor, who analyses whether Israel can win its war in Gaza. He examines what is really happening to the Chinese economy with BBC Asia Pacific editor Celia Hatton and looks at what the outcome of Indonesia’s elections might mean for the world’s third largest democracy with Jonathan Head, the BBC's South East Asia correspondent.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the Russian economy has thrived despite Western sanctions, examines the American military’s role in the Middle East, and looks at the developing food crisis in Ethiopia. Produced by Max Horberry and Benedick Watt

This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Ukraine can win its war with Russia without the wholehearted support of the West, examines what effect the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Israel might have on the war in Gaza, and looks at the challenges ahead following an expected general election in Britain this year.Produced by Max Horberry and Benedick Watt

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, asks whether the war in Gaza is beginning to slip away from Israel, examines the implications of Iran’s missile strike on Pakistan, and considers what the inauguration of a temple in India means for the forthcoming elections there.Produced by Max Horberry and Benedick Watt

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the strategy behind the US and UK attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, analyses whether the elections in Taiwan have made an invasion by China more likely, and looks at the implications of Donald Trump’s dominant victory in Iowa.Produced by Max Horberry and Benedick Watt

The World Bank was originally established after World War Two with the goal of eradicating poverty and establishing shared prosperity. With new challenges such as health crises, climate change and the establishment of the Asian Development bank, the World Bank’s purpose is under greater scrutiny than ever before, but has its core mission changed? Michelle Fleury, the BBC’s North America business correspondent, talks to Claire Graham about the origins and purpose of the World Bank, and the current challenges it faces as it tries to support sustainable development throughout the world.

In recent years, many sports have received huge investment from oil-rich petrostates, and while the term ‘sportswashing’ is relatively new, the idea of using sport as a way to deflect negative publicity has been around for years. The impact of recent huge investment has changed the landscape for football, golf, F1, cricket and boxing and many believe this to be a new form of soft power for those involved. Dan Roan, sports editor at BBC News, talks to Claire Graham about the accusation that countries are investing in sport and high-profile events to improve their international reputation.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa make up what is currently called BRICS, a group of emerging economies which is challenging the Western-dominated order and institutions through its collective power. Its New Development Bank is seen as a rival to the World Bank and IMF. Its political and financial strength looks set to grow, with a soar in applications from other nations to join. Its latest expansion will see the bloc at least double in size in 2024. But what are its aims? And how does it plan to achieve them? BBC correspondent Emir Nader talks to Claire Graham about this growing club of nations and its potential influence around the world.

Many global health experts believe we should brace ourselves for more epidemics and pandemics in the future. But deadly diseases are not exactly new. Since 1948, the World Health Organization’s aim has been "the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health". Many would say its greatest achievement has been the eradication of smallpox; in more recent years, some were critical of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tulip Mazumdar, the global health correspondent for BBC News, speaks to Claire Graham about the organisation’s successes, failures and future.

Can anything break the stalemate in the Ukraine war? Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, tells the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, about growing tensions for President Zelensky as so little progress is made on the frontline. As the UN exits countries in Africa, diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, asks if the organisation meant to promote peace, security, and cooperation around the world is still fit for purpose. Plus, science editor, Rebecca Morelle, shares the latest extraordinary discoveries in space.

A secret intelligence pact between the UK and US began during the Second World War, focused on intercepting communications and breaking codes. Expanding to what is now known as Five Eyes, with the addition of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the secrecy around the alliance continued for decades. It wasn’t until 2013, when the ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents, that the extent of its operations came into the public spotlight. Gordon Corera, the BBC’s security correspondent, talks to Claire Graham about the origins of this spy network and how relevant it is in a modern digital world.

Wilders’ Dutch victory sends tremors around Europe so why is migration now top of the European political agenda? Europe editor, Katya Adler, gives world affairs editor, John Simpson, her analysis. Also, once the ceasefires end, we ask Jeremy Bowen what does the future hold for Israel? And as COP28 opens with the head of the state oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, as its president, a BBC documentary, Breathless, exposes how oil giants are risking the health of millions in the Gulf with toxic air pollution.

A ceasefire in Gaza but BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, asks Yogita Limaye - who has been gathering material from the area - what it is like for those living there? Also Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, on why Vladimir Putin might welcome unrest in the Middle East. We also turn to Argentina and ask South American correspondent, Katy Watson, what the new president - a former tantric sex guru and admirer of Donald Trump - might do for the economy. Plus, COP28 is on the horizon but its president this year is UAE oil boss Sultan al-Jaber. Why?

The Israel Gaza conflict has commanded attention in every corner of the globe and has created what media present as unprecedented polarisation. Leaders seeking a bigger role on the world stage have used this as an “ideological purity test” and an opportunity to promote their own vision of a multi-polar world.Get in touch: [email protected]: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg

China and the US make deals on the military and fentanyl trafficking. The BBC's World Service's Asia Pacific editor, Celia Hatton, explains why the two superpowers need each other now more than ever. Plus, how long can Israel continue to count on the West’s support in the conflict in Gaza? BBC reporter Guy Hedgecoe finds out if the Spanish Prime Minister can stave off Catalan independence and Moe Myint Myint reveals why the Myanmar military's days might be numbered.

The war of narratives reflecting power tilts in the Middle East. Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, which is said to have killed an estimated 1,300 people, triggered a war in Gaza that has so far claimed more than 10,000 lives. A “Ground Zero” moment for Israel, “a golden opportunity” for Jihadists, a window for those opposing normalisation with Israel. We explore the narratives, and the driving forces behind them, to understand how this war could change the region.

Security correspondent, Frank Gardener, gives his take on the future of the region. The BBC's World Affairs editor, John Simpson, also asks Mini Al-Lami from BBC Monitoring what jihadi groups make of the conflict. He has over 100 charges against him but might Donald Trump be on his way back to the White House? North America editor, Sarah Smith, looks ahead to the US elections next year. Plus - pressures on Germany as immigration keeps growing. Is the country reaching a tipping point? Berlin correspondent, Jessica Parker, gives her view.

BBC World Affairs editor, John Simpson, is in Lebanon - a country deeply nervous it might get sucked into yet another war with Israel. So what are the chances it will? Analysis from Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega. Lebanon has been politically and economically unstable for years. It is also hugely diverse. Jim Muir- a stalwart of the BBC’s reporting in Lebanon for nearly 50 years - shares his view on the nation today.

Will Israel launch a ground assault in Gaza and, if they do, what is at stake? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson gets the latest from Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman.Plus, World Service Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher, examines the position of other Arab countries in the region - is there a chance they will get dragged into the conflict?Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on but, as the winter draws in, is Ukraine any closer to victory?

After a shock primary win, far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei is leading polls ahead of Argentina's presidential election. He's vowing to upend the status quo. With poverty rising, inflation into triple digits and recession looming, Argentinians are divided over who to trust to lead them out of the crisis. The intensifying virulence of the debate in the already polarised political landscape makes that choice even harder.

Israel starts 'a prolonged and powerful campaign' in Gaza. What might be the consequences? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson analyses the fallout. Also in the programme: diplomatic correspondent James Landale examines why European leaders are changing the way they tackle mass migration; senior North America reporter Anthony Zurcher explores why the United States has become increasingly ungovernable; and a BBC Eye Investigations team uncovers deadly loan apps in India and beyond. Reporter Poonam Agarwal reveals the trap ensnaring some of the world's poorest people.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

Short-term politics gets in the way of dealing with an ever-warming planet. The BBC's climate editor, Justin Rowlatt, discusses the problems with how democracies tackle climate change with the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson. With no victory in sight, are some leaders in Europe growing weary of supporting Ukraine? The BBC's Europe editor, Katya Adler, outlines the growing tensions inside the EU. What next for Niger now the military is in charge, and what might it mean for the region? West Africa correspondent Mayeni Jones explains what she learnt from those on the ground after gaining rare access to the country. And Armenians have fled Nogorno-Karabakh. Kian Sharifi from BBC Monitoring analyses what's at stake for neighbouring countries. Photo: Fridays for Future climate rally in Italy, Naples - 06 Oct 2023. Credit: Photo by CESARE ABBATE/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

Now Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead, can anyone in Russia challenge President Putin’s power? BBC Russian news editor Famil Ismailov gives us his vision of the future for Ukraine.Machismo in Mexico is alive and kicking, but it looks like the country’s heading for its first female president. South America correspondent Katy Watson analyses what this might mean for women’s rights and society as a whole. Plus, after more than a decade in South Africa, BBC correspondent Andrew Harding reflects on the highs and lows and his hopes for the nation’s future.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Ben Watt

What next for the notorious Wagner group after the plane crash that wiped out its leadership? The Russian private military group that’s left boot prints in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is facing an uncertain future. We look at official movements and narratives - in Russia and abroad - to lift the deliberate veil of murkiness and find the clues. Get in touch: [email protected]: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Iranian women are still fighting for freedom, despite government crackdowns. World Service correspondent Faranak Amidi speaks to the BBC’s world affairs editor, John Simpson, about the fight for equality. They also discuss what has changed since Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. We also ask BBC Ukrainian editor Marta Shokalo what life is like now in Ukraine, with the war showing no sign of ending anytime soon. And how much of a threat are Chinese spies to the West? The BBC’s security correspondent, Gordon Corera, reveals how today’s espionage works.

Russia and Turkey failed to reach an agreement to bring Ukrainian grain to countries that desperately need it, at a meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. What are the obstacles - and the implications for global food security? The Global Jigsaw team brings together Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Middle East and Africa experts to assess what could happen next.

As a US territory, Puerto Rico uses the dollar, its people are US citizens and they can move freely back and forth. However, it isn’t a US state, and its residents can’t vote in presidential elections or for members of Congress.The country has a deep debt crisis, high unemployment and has experienced devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. As a result, migration to the US is common, with almost a million more Puerto Ricans in the US than on the island. In 2020, a non-binding referendum resulted in Puerto Rico voting again to become a US state. But will it ever happen?BBC Mundo’s Ronald Avila-Claudio tells us more about his homeland and what the future might hold.Presented by Claire Graham and produced by Owen McFadden for the BBC World Service.

After unilaterally declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has been recognised by many countries, but not Serbia, which still claims it as one of its provinces. After the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia cracked down on Kosovo separatists, resulting in a NATO military intervention in 1999. Tensions have remained high and have begun to flare up again in recent years.The majority Albanian population mostly supports independence, but in the northern areas of Kosovo, Serbs are the majority, and many refuse to recognise Kosovan institutions. BBC Serbian reporter Aleksandar Miladinović explains these divisions, and considers if relations between the two countries can ever be normalised.

Nato members agree to support each other if they come under attack. That’s the fundamental purpose of Nato, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed in the wake of World War II. But how has its remit changed in the seven decades since its foundation? Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more states have sought to join Nato, but its expansion is perceived as a threat by President Putin.James Landale, the BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent, explains how Nato works and what challenges lie ahead for the organisation.

How has Venezuela, home to the world's largest oil reserves, become crippled with food and medicine shortages, hyper-inflation, violence and corruption? Hugo Chavez promised a socialist revolution in the 1990s, using high oil prices to fund his economic developments. However, during his time in power, he became increasingly autocratic and the economy slumped. Following Chavez’s death, Nicolas Maduro, also from the socialist PSUV party, became President but global oil prices began to plummet. The economy went into freefall and controversial elections in 2018 have led to ongoing political unrest. Jorge Pérez, a BBC Mundo journalist, explains how Venezuela descended into chaos.

With its foundations in the ashes of World War II, the European Union was initially formed to avoid further wars and remove trade barriers. It grew from a six-nation club as the ECC in 1957, to today’s 27 members that covers much of the continent and has evolved to tackle contemporary issues such as mass migration, a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In recent years, it survived a wave of Euroscepticism that led to Britain leaving (Brexit), but other member states have looked to reform from within, preferring to stay part of the larger bloc during uncertain times. Katya Adler, the BBC’s Europe Editor, shares insights into the EU from its foundation to its contemporary challenges.

In 2017, a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army resulted in the mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims across the border into Bangladesh. Years later, many of those who fled are still in refugee camps.But why have the Rohingya people become stateless? And will they ever return to Myanmar, which is now run by a military junta after a coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and her government in 2021.The BBC’s Burmese Editor, Soe Win Than, explains how tensions grew in the Rakhine State and explores if the Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists could ever live side by side again.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

What is the difference between a war crime, a crime against humanity and genocide? And who holds those responsible to account?Anna Holligan, the BBC's correspondent in The Hague, gives an insight into how the International Criminal Court works. She shares some of the cases of those who have been charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, from Congolese warlord Thomas Lubang to Bosnian Croat war criminal Slobodan Praljak.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

What should we done with stolen treasures? The BBC's culture editor, Katie Razzall, confronts colonialism's legacy with world affairs editor John Simpson. John also finds out if victory is finally in sight for the Ukrainians. Security correspondent Frank Gardner thinks it might be if they can push past the Russians' strong defences - but not all Ukrainians are up for fighting. Eastern Europe correspondent Nick Thorpe has been on the trail of those who risk life and limb to escape the front line. Plus, who might fill the vacuum left by first French and now UN troops leaving Mali - Wagner or jihadis? Beverly Ochieng from BBC Monitoring reveals a precarious state of affairs.

Since Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010, the country has been in turmoil. Some 200 gangs have taken control in the absence of a functioning state, with murder, kidnapping and rape becoming commonplace. President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021 and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight to the violence.Harold Isaac, a Port-au-Prince based journalist, explains how Haiti has descended to this point, and if there’s any hope of a more stable future for the country.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

President Putin's days might well be numbered, BBC Russian service editor Famil Ismailov tells world affairs editor John Simpson. John also hears from Ukrainian journalist Olga Malchevska about how united Ukrainians are as the war drags on, and finds out why President Biden rolled out the red carpet for India’s prime minister - and what it says about China - with BBC Hindi reporter Zubair Ahmed. Plus, is populism in politics finally on the way out? Diplomatic correspondent James Landale gives his take on some of the world's most memorable leaders.

Protests, power cuts and bank hold-ups – Lebanon was already struggling before the 2020 port explosion that devasted its capital, Beirut, but now it’s in a desperate economic collapse. The Lebanese people are struggling to buy basic food and medicine. And the country also hosts the highest number of refugees per capita worldwide. BBC correspondent in Beirut, Carine Torbey, tells us how Lebanon got here and how it might recover. Presenter: Claire Graham. Producer: Owen McFadden.

Chinese service editor Howard Zhang speaks to world affairs editor John Simpson about Xi Jinping's growing ambition and what it means for China - and the rest of us. We also speak to Olga Ivshina, BBC News Russian correspondent, to find out how many Russian soldiers have really died so far in the war - a figure that's a lot higher than the Kremlin will admit - and we find out why the Saudis are so keen to get their hands on major sports tournaments with sports editor Dan Roan. Plus, the seas around the UK and Ireland are hotter than ever before. We ask environment correspondent Matt McGrath how worried we should be.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

The Wagner group has been linked to military conflicts around the world, but who are they?The Russian mercenary organisation is believed to have been founded nearly 10 years ago, but ramped up recruitment in recent years, particularly since the beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, it now commands 50,000 fighters in Ukraine alone, but is said to have links to other parts of the world, particularly in many African nations.BBC Russia’s Andrei Goryanov has been based in Riga, Latvia since the BBC Russian Bureau relocated after the invasion of Ukraine. He explains who the Wagner Group are, where they have been and how aligned they are with President Putin and his government.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

The BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, asks defence correspondent Jonny Beale where the war in Ukraine is heading and what victory might look like; finds out from North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher if any of the Republican presidential candidates will give Donald Trump a run for his money; analyses a new era in relations in the Middle East with Baran Abbasi from BBC Persian; and explores why South Africa is in so much trouble, and what can be done about it, with South Africa correspondent Nomsa Maseko.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt.

The BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, asks Russia editor Steve Rosenberg what the mood is like in Russia as the war gets closer to home; finds out from South Asia editor Rebecca Henschke why no one is taking any notice of the brutal civil war in Myanmar; and asks Balkans correspondent Guy Delauney why tensions are flaring up again in Kosovo. John also speaks to former Beijing correspondent John Sudworth, to find out if Covid really originated from a lab in Wuhan after all.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

Can the US transform the world's economy? We get the detail - and why it matters for the rest of us - from economics editor Faisal Islam. And our host, the BBC’s world affairs editor John Simpson, asks Olga Robinson from BBC Verify how the new team goes about sorting fact from fiction in Russia's war with Ukraine. BBC Urdu's Farhat Javad examines what's next for cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan in Pakistan. And environment correspondent Helen Briggs marvels at thousands of newly discovered ocean creatures already at risk from deep sea mining.Produced by Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

Unspun World provides an unvarnished version of the week's major global news stories with the BBC's world affairs editor John Simpson and the BBC's unparalleled range of experts.This week, John finds out what it's like to report from the battlefield with Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse; Asia Pacific editor Celia Hatton on President Xi's gameplan; how worried should we be about artificial intelligence, with technology editor, Zoe Kleinman, and what is fuelling the political, economic and social turmoil in Ecuador, with BBC's Mundo's Ana Maria Roura.

Unspun World provides an unvarnished version of the week's major global news stories, with the BBC's world affairs editor John Simpson and the BBC's unparalleled range of experts.This week John explores the ongoing war effort in Ukraine with BBC Monitoring's Vitaliy Shevchenko; the future of Turkey with international correspondent Orla Guerin; what President Assad of Syria's rehabilitation will mean for Syrians, with Middle-East correspondent Lina Sinjab, and he speaks to the BBC's science correspondent, Pallab Ghosh, about the pangenome. What is it, and how can it help humanity?Producers: Pandita Lorenz and Benedick Watt

On a mission to make sense of the world. A new podcast, with hosts John Simpson and Claire Graham. Episodes released weekly from 20 May 2023.

This year marks 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement, signed by politicians from Northern Ireland and the British and Irish governments in an attempt to bring peace to Northern Ireland. Over his 26 years at the BBC, Denis Murray reported extensively on the peace process, including this pivotal moment. He explains to Claire Graham how it came about, its legacy and how it's still discussed in today's political battles.Producer: Owen McFadden Presenter: Claire Graham

Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have historically been difficult. Eritrea won independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year war. A bitter border war between the two countries began a few years later. But by 2020, Eritrea sent troops to fight alongside the Ethiopian government against rebel forces in its northern Tigray region.Kalkidan Yibeltal is a BBC correspondent in Addis Ababa. He explains the complex history between the two countries, and looks at the tentative peace now emerging in Tigray.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

A military coup in 1989 brought Omar al-Bashir to power, until being overthrown by the military in the face of mass protests in 2019. During this time, war has raged in Darfur, South Sudan has gained independence and the Sudanese people demanded a return to civil government. BBC journalist Mohanad Hashim grew up in Khartoum and has reported extensively on the Middle East and Africa. He speaks to Claire Graham about Sudan’s journey from independence to revolution.Producer: Owen McFadden Presenter: Claire Graham

After almost a decade of fighting, civil war in Yemen has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Nawal Al-Maghafi is a Special Correspondent with the BBC who has been reporting on the Middle East since 2012. She explains to Claire Graham how this complex war began between government backed forces and the Houthi rebels.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden

China has been accused of the mistreatment of the Uyghur people in the north-western region of Xinjiang for a number of years. This Muslim ethnic group are distinct with different culture, language and history to China's ethnic majority, Han Chinese. But why did the government start this crackdown? And what’s really going on?Senior correspondent John Sudworth was based in China for nine years, and reported on the treatment of the Uyghur people. He speaks to Claire Graham to help us understand the region and how Xinjiang became a surveillance state.Presenter: Claire Graham Producer: Owen McFadden