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The Explanation

BBC World Service

Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world.

Featuring new episodes of The President's Path, Unspun World with John Simpson, and The Media Show.

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56 episodes
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Avg 22 min
English

Episodes 56

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Friday · 25 min
Democrats win big in US midterms
Democrats have won control of Congress. Is this a midterms reckoning for Trump?
Friday · 26 min
How will Trump react to Republicans’ midterms defeat?
John Simpson explores what Donald Trump’s final two years in office might look like
Thursday · 22 min
The Media Show: The role of social media in Gen-Z protests across Europe
How online platforms shaped unrest in Europe and the narratives that followed.
October 30 · 16 min
The President's Path: Midterm races to watch
An essential guide to the states – and seats – to watch in the US midterm elections
October 30 · 26 min
Unspun World: Ukrainians prepare for winter at war
John Simpson explores the challenges facing Ukraine as winter approaches
October 29 · 22 min
The Media Show: Is TV news fit for purpose in the internet age?
Are traditional TV news channels fit for purpose in the digital media age?
October 23 · 15 min
The President's Path: Trump's immigration stance and the midterms
In Florida, immigration is a key issue for many voters ahead of November’s midterms
October 23 · 26 min
Unspun World: Saudi Arabia’s safe-haven reputation
John Simpson analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing Houthi attacks
October 22 · 22 min
The Media Show: More cuts at the BBC
A panel of politicians and current and ex-BBC execs reflect on the cuts announced so far
October 16 · 16 min
The President's Path: Will affordability decide the US midterms?
How the issue of affordability is playing out in different parts of the US
October 16 · 26 min
Unspun World: Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine
John Simpson explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities
October 15 · 22 min
The Media Show: TV screenwriter Russell T Davies
Russell T Davies reflects on his career in TV drama
October 9 · 16 min
The President's Path: Could Trump deliver Democrats a midterm victory?
Democrats are looking to pick up crucial seats at November’s midterms
October 9 · 26 min
Unspun World: Israel marks three years since 7 October attacks
How Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks
October 8 · 22 min
The Media Show: Hungary and the battle for press freedom
Nick Thorpe reports on Hungary’s media landscape six months after the election.
October 2 · 16 min
The President's Path: Do Trump's endorsements help?
Republicans are weighing whether Trump's backing can help them win crucial midterm votes
October 2 · 26 min
What effect are Russian drone strikes having on Ukraine?
John Simpson looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine
October 1 · 22 min
The Media Show: Reporting the Man City scandal
The journalists who tried to blow the whistle on Manchester City
September 28 · 16 min
The President's Path: Trump on the world stage
From the UN to a White House summit with China, Trump faces a pivotal diplomatic week
September 25 · 26 min
Unspun World: The state of Germany's government
John Simpson analyses the state of Germany’s government after regional election defeats

Showing 1–20 of 56 episodes