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State of the World from NPR

State of the World from NPR

NPR 1222 Episodes Sep 18, 2026

State of the World from NPR delivers concise, daily coverage of the most important global stories. With reporters stationed around the world, NPR provides context and human perspectives on international events. The podcast previously focused on Ukraine but now covers a broader range of global issues. Listeners can access sponsor-free episodes by subscribing to State of the World+.

Episodes

A Russian election and a warning to Europe about Russian aggression
A Russian election and a warning to Europe about Russian aggression Sep 18, 2026 459 Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk says that Russia is planning “accidental” strikes on countries supporting Ukraine. This comes after a number of incidents, blamed on Russia, in countries that are part of the NATO alliance.And Russians vote in parliamentary elections for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four and half years ago. Russia has gained minimal territory and
Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs
Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs Sep 17, 2026 353 Russia is believed to be holding thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians as prisoners of war. In addition, Russia is tormenting the families of these prisoners by contacting them on social media and demanding favors. We hear from some of these family members.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. L
The romance between Canada and the European Union gets serious
The romance between Canada and the European Union gets serious Sep 16, 2026 278 For decades, the European Union and Canada have each had strong bonds with the United States. In trade, diplomacy, military cooperation, their close relationships with the U.S. were taken as a given. But the Trump administration has shaken up that status quo with tariff wars and other demands on allies. So now the EU and Canada are now looking at each other and thinking they might feel a spark.
Why are people in Turkey hoarding gold?
Why are people in Turkey hoarding gold? Sep 15, 2026 394 In Turkey, gold is gifted throughout life's major milestones and stashing it safely at home is also a time honored practice. Turks have long used gold to safeguard their fortunes as a hedge against the country’s sometimes volatile economy. But officials say all that gold hoarding is hurting Turkey’s financial future. We go to Istanbul to understand why.And President Trump claims Ukraine and Russia
A Palestinian writer’s secret effort to preserve his diary
A Palestinian writer’s secret effort to preserve his diary Sep 14, 2026 390 Raja Shehadeh, one of the world’s leading Palestinian writers, has been on a mission to save his most personal work: his diaries documenting decades of Palestinian life under Israeli occupation. NPR’s Daniel Estrin has this conversation with the award winning author and the story of his secret effort to preserve his archives.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like
The long tail of the 9/11 attacks for one Afghan family
The long tail of the 9/11 attacks for one Afghan family Sep 11, 2026 486 The 25th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the United States are being observed across the U.S. Those events left marks on countless lives across this country and you can hear and read that coverage at our website. Because our podcast has a global focus, we’re going to hear how those events impacted someone overseas— a woman in Afghanistan. We hear about her journey in the quart
We go to the part of southern Lebanon that Israel now controls
We go to the part of southern Lebanon that Israel now controls Sep 10, 2026 266 Israel launched a ground invasion of neighboring Lebanon in March, after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah ramped up attacks following the U.S. and Israel war in Iran. Israel said it was creating a “buffer zone” on the Lebanese side of the border and over a million civilians were displaced.The U.S. brokered a ceasefire this summer, but since that time Israel has continued seizing territory and dest
What is the future of U.S. military bases in the Middle East?
What is the future of U.S. military bases in the Middle East? Sep 9, 2026 375 When the U.S. and Israel launched a war in Iran over six months go, Iran retaliated by blocking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also launched counterattacks on U.S. military targets across the Gulf. They hit U.S. forces on air bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Now, as the war drags on, and even escalates in recent
The UK pushes back on Israeli settlements; a far-right win in Germany
The UK pushes back on Israeli settlements; a far-right win in Germany Sep 8, 2026 512 The United Kingdom announced a major reset of its relations with Israel. And the country’s foreign minister used surprisingly strong language in explaining the move. The UK was joined by France, Canada and nine other countries who say they’re all banning trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Israel and its closest ally, t
Encore: The promise and frustration of a future economic powerhouse in West Africa
Encore: The promise and frustration of a future economic powerhouse in West Africa Sep 7, 2026 389 In this encore episode, we examine the booming population along coastal corridor from the cities Lagos to Abidjan.  It has the potential to be a bustling West African economic engine, tied together by a long-promised superhighway that could slash travel time and supercharge trade. But the task of harnessing that potential has barely been met. We travel along a section of the road to understand w
The humble Scottish breakfast with rich cultural significance
The humble Scottish breakfast with rich cultural significance Sep 4, 2026 500 We go to the Scottish Highlands to learn about breakfast dish that has just three ingredients but countless variations: porridge, better known in the U.S. as oatmeal. Each fall, foodies and oatmeal lovers gather in Scotland for the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship. We learn what makes a good recipe and which direction you should never stir your porridge.Support public media with
The souring relationship between Trump and Netanyahu
The souring relationship between Trump and Netanyahu Sep 3, 2026 260 Just like in the U.S., Israel’s politicians are focused on an upcoming national election that could be consequential— Israelis vote at the end of October. And that has factored into the relationship between the two countries. The Trump administration has been showing growing signs of frustration with Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As we hear from NPR’s correspondent in Tel Aviv,

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