State of the World from NPR

Encore: What 9,000 year old remains in Germany tell us about human development

In this encore episode, we learn about our evolving understanding of an ancient find. When a 9,000 year-old grave of a shaman was discovered in 1930s Germany, the discove

The roots of the Mexican music known as fandango

We go to Mexico’s gulf coast to learn about fandango. It is a joyous musical tradition born in the Mexican state of Veracruz that’s been going on for more than 300 years

Gaza, three years after the war there began

It has been three years since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza.  It’s a war that has yet to end, despite a ceasefire. On yesterday’s

3 years after the Hamas-led attacks, Israelis are returning to areas near Gaza

Three years after the October 7th attacks, Israel’s southern border with Gaza is undergoing a dramatic rebound. That region was nearly abandoned after thousands of Hamas-

Afghanistan 25 years after the U.S. invasion

This week marks twenty five years since the United States invaded Afghanistan, on October 7th, 2001.  It was less than a month after the September 11th attacks and Presid

Russia changes what it is attacking in Ukraine’s capital

Russia's jet-powered drones are targeting bridges in the Ukrainian capital, an escalation after more than a month of day-and-night strikes that have left Kyiv feeling alm

Brazil’s election turns on the fight against crime

Crime is at the top of voters’ concerns in Brazil heading into Sunday’s national elections. Many are calling for tougher measures — part of a broader rightward shift acro

Remembering London’s Pearly King of Peckham

In mother-of-pearl suits, the Pearly Kings used to canvass East London for charity. The tradition of the Pearly Kings stretches back to the 1800s, when this area of the c

U.S. military officially leaves Iraq

American forces made a formal exit from Iraq with a low-key ceremony. It marks the end of an era that began over 23 years ago with President George Bush’s “shock and awe”

U.S. demands action on Nicaraguan decision to end elections

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega made a bombshell announcement this summer that he’s ending national elections. Now, the U.S is pushing leaders in the Americas to confr

Turkey’s quest for Mideast power

Turkey’s burgeoning defense industry, soft cultural power and role as conflict mediator are growing its influence in the Middle East. As dynamics with Iran, Gaza and the

Remembering Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour

Born a year before Israel's creation, Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour spent his life painting the faces and landscapes of Israeli occupation. He died in August at age 7

The pope visits France. Barbeque unites on South Africa’s Heritage Day

Pope Leo XIV makes the first papal state visit to France in nearly 20 years. The pope will preside over Mass in the heart of Paris, meet with sex abuse survivors and deli

Xi Jinping's White House visit: Shifting Chinese views & skirting Iran oil sanctions

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with President Trump, we examine shifting views of America in China. Also — how Beijing is circumventing U.S. sanctions on

Unsafe medical practices drive a rise in child HIV cases in Pakistan

In Pakistan, dozens of parents who brought their children to hospitals for routine care say their kids now have HIV. At least six children have died. Parents accuse hospi

What role does the United Nations play now?

World leaders are again gathering in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly. This will be the last meeting of the body for the current U.N. secretary gen

A Russian election and a warning to Europe about Russian aggression

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 R

Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs

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 c

The romance between Canada and the European Union gets serious

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 th

Why are people in Turkey hoarding gold?

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