Episodes

  • How Russia Sees Itself in the World

    How Russia Sees Itself in the World
    Jun 27 2025
    Ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the majority of western countries have been working to marginalize Russia by imposing sanctions and moving away from dependence on Russian oil. This week NATO announced most member countries would dramatically increase defense spending, a move they said was meant to counter threats posed by Russia.

    But Russia is eager to show it still has many partners around the globe and quash talk of a possible economic recession at home. Our correspondent takes us to an international conference in Saint Petersburg where the Russian government is putting it's best face forward.

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    7 mins
  • Evita Sings for the People in London; Gangs in Peru Target Schools

    Evita Sings for the People in London; Gangs in Peru Target Schools
    Jun 26 2025
    As part of a broader crime wave in Peru that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, gangs have begun targeting private schools in poorer neighborhoods for extortion. We hear how administrators and parents are dealing with the threats. And in London's West End, you don't need a ticket to witness the soaring signature song for the musical Evita. It is performed nightly in the street. We attend a recent performance.

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    10 mins
  • Germany Rearms

    Germany Rearms
    Jun 25 2025
    NATO is wrapping up it's meeting and most members are pledging to increase defense spending to counter threats posed by Russia. Among the countries expanding their military is Germany, which is aiming to field the largest army in the European Union with massive investment. Our correspondent in Berlin shows us how Germany plans to accomplish that goal.

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    6 mins
  • A Possible Iran-Israel Ceasefire and Why China is Watching the War Closely

    A Possible Iran-Israel Ceasefire and Why China is Watching the War Closely
    Jun 24 2025
    President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on social media and the agreement was immediately tested. We'll hear the latest. And China has been watching developments in the war closely because gets much of its crude oil imports from Iran through a "dark fleet" of vessels to evade American sanctions.

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    9 mins
  • Were U.S. Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Program Successful?

    Were U.S. Strikes On Iran's Nuclear Program Successful?
    Jun 23 2025
    The U.S. entered Israel's war against Iran over the weekend, dropping bombs and firing missiles on three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. We hear from some experts on whether they think the attacks were successful in damaging or destroying Iran's ability to make a nuclear weapon.

    And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long had sights on attacking Iran but until recently that ambition seemed to be sidelined by President Trump. Now Netanyahu's basking in the moment after the U.S. joined in on the war against Iran.

    For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

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    8 mins
  • What Does the Israel-Iran War Mean for the Middle East?

    What Does the Israel-Iran War Mean for the Middle East?
    Jun 20 2025
    As Israel and Iran continue missile attacks against one another, we look at how countries in the Middle East are viewing the conflict. Whether that war could spread and if other powers in the region are bracing for a wider conflict. And we hear from some residents of Tehran weighing the decision of fleeing the Iranian capital as President Trump commanded or staying and taking their chances.

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    10 mins
  • Can War Games Prevent Actual War?

    Can War Games Prevent Actual War?
    Jun 19 2025
    Though low tech, table top war games can give experts an understanding of how a real-world conflict could play out. With increased global instability there is increased demand for these exercises, even among those with access to classified information. We watch one such war game.

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    5 mins
  • What We Know About Iran's Nuclear Program

    What We Know About Iran's Nuclear Program
    Jun 18 2025
    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says Iran is "marching very quickly" toward a nuclear weapon. The U.S. intelligence community says Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program decades ago. We hear from two NPR correspondents who are watching this very closely to find out who is right.

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    7 mins