State of the World from NPR

Latest Episodes:

Looking back at the deadly protests in Iran Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Seven months ago, Iran unleashed a deadly crackdown on protesters who were demanding an end to the 47-year-old theocratic regime. At least 7,000 people were confirmed killed over the course of two days, according human rights groups say, although they warn the death toll is likely closer to 20,000. Those events were cited as one of the U.S. government’s justifications for going to war with Iran— a war that is still dragging on.
Internet blackouts and continued fear of government retribution have made getting a full picture of the crackdown difficult. We try to get a better understanding of the extent of the killings by hearing from some eyewitnesses.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
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

Abandoned island in Venice lagoon saved as green nature retreat Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

When residents of Venice, Italy, learned that a beloved, uninhabited island was being eyed for development, they organized to save it. A year on, this citizen brigade is transforming the island of Poveglia into a rare public green space. Locals are now able to wander its newly created paths. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
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

Wildfires threaten France. Cubans look to Brazil for new home Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Firefighters have been working day and night to extinguish fires that have devoured more than 100,000 acres around Bordeaux. Cubans have historically looked to the U.S. to escape their country’s economic woes. But with legal immigration pathways to the U.S. narrowing, some Cubans are increasingly looking south — to Brazil. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
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

United Nations’ new Ebola coordinator, and choosing a new U.N. secretary-general Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Veteran humanitarian official Julien Harneis will coordinate the U.N.’s response to the Ebola outbreak in central Africa. The United Nations also begins to choose its next secretary-general.
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 Zulu-language Netflix drama is a surprise global binge-watch Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Netflix’s The Polygamist, a Zulu-language drama from South Africa, has become a worldwide hit. The series about a wealthy family torn apart by a husband’s secret second life has drawn millions of viewers and sparked conversations far beyond the country’s borders.
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

Pakistani researchers find link between the microbiome and premature birth Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

A single bacteria in a pregnant person’s microbiome can signal whether their baby is at risk for premature birth. Lower levels of a bacteria called Prevotella copri indicated a greater chance a woman would not carry her pregnancy to full term. Researchers in Pakistan called the discovery a “Eureka moment” for them.
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

Retracing the route of ancient Pacific voyagers Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Thousands of years ago, people left what is now Taiwan on boats to roam and settle on islands throughout the Pacific. This summer a group of Indigenous Taiwanese modern-day voyagersdecided to recreate the journey in a large rowboat from one of Taiwan’s islands all the way to the Philippines in an effort to reconnect with their ancient seafaring heritage. We go to the island where they prepare for their journey.
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 Israel, a strong challenger for political change Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a major political test this fall. After three years of war and growing public frustration, a former military chief is emerging as an unlikely challenger, offering voters a different vision for the country’s leadership. We look at how an outsider with deep security credentials is tapping into a desire for change — and what his rise could mean for Netanyahu’s political future.
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

Migrating swifts swirl in the skies of Jerusalem Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Swifts have nested in Jerusalem’s Western Wall since it was built over 2,000 years ago. But that ancient site is now surrounded by a modern city. And the birds are finding help adapting from an unexpected source: an Israeli paraglider.
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

Pakistan’s role in brokering Iran deal; will Iranian hardliners let it happen? Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

The U.S. and Iran have resumed striking each other for more that a week, ever since the collapse of a ceasefire deal over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan, the country that helped mediate the first ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is being asked to play the same role again. We look at how this peace role represents a remarkable turn of fortune for Pakistan.
And if Pakistan is able to negotiate a new ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, will Iranian hardliners allow it to go into place? Do they have the clout to stop it? We examine were hardliners fall in the current Iranian regime.
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 TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

State of the World from NPR

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected