State of the World from NPR

What does Iran stand to lose if the ceasefire with the U.S. collapses?

Speaking at a meeting of NATO, President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over, but he is open to negotiations. That statement came after days of renewed airstrikes between the two sides. We know President Trump wants a deal to help bring down oil prices ahead of midterm elections, Iran stands to lose out on billions of dollars without the deal. We hear about the stakes for Iran on the ceasefire collapsing.We also hear from a retired U.S. four-star general on what the four months of war with Iran have meant for U.S. military readiness in the Middle East.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 expands its control of Gaza

The Gaza strip has been split in half ever since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire went into effect in October, 2025. Israel’s military occupies the east and 2 million Palestinians are squeezed into the remaining half along Gaza’s western coast. But in recent months, despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have been expanding their area of control, pushing deeper into Gaza. They now control at least 65% of the territory. We go to Gaza to understand Israel’s expanding line of control. 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

Youth seeking political power in India

They’re called “cockroaches”, but the name itself is a dig at the political establishment. It is a political movement in India dominated by Generation Z. They’re demanding political reforms and accountability from the government of prime minister Narendra Modi. We go to New Delhi to understand this youth movement.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

How is the U.S. relationship with NATO evolving?

As a meeting of NATO leaders begins in Ankara, Turkey we look at the alliance’s relationship at the top level, where messages of unity are challenged by anxieties about President Trump’s commitment to the alliance. And at the ground level, where the militaries of NATO countries conduct joint exercises off the coast of the U.S.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

How Hong Kong’s political opposition was silenced

Six years ago, the Chinese government imposed its national security law on Hong Kong which, among other things, restricted free speech and increased government surveillance on the former British territory. At the time officials said it would only affect a small number of people, but critics say it has transformed life in the city. We go to Hong Kong to see how it has changed.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