The Explanation

Many global health experts believe we should brace ourselves for more epidemics and pandemics in the future. But deadly diseases are not exactly new. Since 1948, the World Health Organization’s aim has been "the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health". Many would say its greatest achievement has been the eradication of smallpox; in more recent years, some were critical of...

Can anything break the stalemate in the Ukraine war? Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, tells the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, about growing tensions for President Zelensky as so little progress is made on the frontline. As the UN exits countries in Africa, diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, asks if the organisation meant to promote peace, security, and cooperation around...

A secret intelligence pact between the UK and US began during the Second World War, focused on intercepting communications and breaking codes. Expanding to what is now known as Five Eyes, with the addition of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the secrecy around the alliance continued for decades. It wasn’t until 2013, when the ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents, that the...

Wilders’ Dutch victory sends tremors around Europe so why is migration now top of the European political agenda? Europe editor, Katya Adler, gives world affairs editor, John Simpson, her analysis. Also, once the ceasefires end, we ask Jeremy Bowen what does the future hold for Israel? And as COP28 opens with the head of the state oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, as its president, a BBC documentary, B...

A ceasefire in Gaza but BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, asks Yogita Limaye - who has been gathering material from the area - what it is like for those living there? Also Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, on why Vladimir Putin might welcome unrest in the Middle East. We also turn to Argentina and ask South American correspondent, Katy Watson, what the new president - a former tantric sex guru...

The Israel Gaza conflict has commanded attention in every corner of the globe and has created what media present as unprecedented polarisation. Leaders seeking a bigger role on the world stage have used this as an “ideological purity test” and an opportunity to promote their own vision of a multi-polar world. Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk Producers: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Pres...

China and the US make deals on the military and fentanyl trafficking. The BBC's World Service's Asia Pacific editor, Celia Hatton, explains why the two superpowers need each other now more than ever. Plus, how long can Israel continue to count on the West’s support in the conflict in Gaza? BBC reporter Guy Hedgecoe finds out if the Spanish Prime Minister can stave off Catalan independence and Moe...

The war of narratives reflecting power tilts in the Middle East. Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October, which is said to have killed an estimated 1,300 people, triggered a war in Gaza that has so far claimed more than 10,000 lives. A “Ground Zero” moment for Israel, “a golden opportunity” for Jihadists, a window for those opposing normalisation with Israel. We explore the narratives,...

Security correspondent, Frank Gardener, gives his take on the future of the region. The BBC's World Affairs editor, John Simpson, also asks Mini Al-Lami from BBC Monitoring what jihadi groups make of the conflict. He has over 100 charges against him but might Donald Trump be on his way back to the White House? North America editor, Sarah Smith, looks ahead to the US elections next year. Plus - pre...

BBC World Affairs editor, John Simpson, is in Lebanon - a country deeply nervous it might get sucked into yet another war with Israel. So what are the chances it will? Analysis from Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega. Lebanon has been politically and economically unstable for years. It is also hugely diverse. Jim Muir- a stalwart of the BBC’s reporting in Lebanon for nearly 50 years - shares h...

Will Israel launch a ground assault in Gaza and, if they do, what is at stake? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson gets the latest from Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman. Plus, World Service Middle East editor, Sebastian Usher, examines the position of other Arab countries in the region - is there a chance they will get dragged into the conflict? Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine rages on but, a...

After a shock primary win, far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei is leading polls ahead of Argentina's presidential election. He's vowing to upend the status quo. With poverty rising, inflation into triple digits and recession looming, Argentinians are divided over who to trust to lead them out of the crisis. The intensifying virulence of the debate in the already polarised political landsc...

Israel starts 'a prolonged and powerful campaign' in Gaza. What might be the consequences? BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson analyses the fallout. Also in the programme: diplomatic correspondent James Landale examines why European leaders are changing the way they tackle mass migration; senior North America reporter Anthony Zurcher explores why the United States has become increasingly ungover...

Short-term politics gets in the way of dealing with an ever-warming planet. The BBC's climate editor, Justin Rowlatt, discusses the problems with how democracies tackle climate change with the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson. With no victory in sight, are some leaders in Europe growing weary of supporting Ukraine? The BBC's Europe editor, Katya Adler, outlines the growing tensions inside...

Now Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead, can anyone in Russia challenge President Putin’s power? BBC Russian news editor Famil Ismailov gives us his vision of the future for Ukraine. Machismo in Mexico is alive and kicking, but it looks like the country’s heading for its first female president. South America correspondent Katy Watson analyses what this might mean for women’s rights and society as a whole. P...

What next for the notorious Wagner group after the plane crash that wiped out its leadership? The Russian private military group that’s left boot prints in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is facing an uncertain future. We look at official movements and narratives - in Russia and abroad - to lift the deliberate veil of murkiness and find the clues. Get in touch: theglobaljigsaw@bbc.co.uk Produce...

Iranian women are still fighting for freedom, despite government crackdowns. World Service correspondent Faranak Amidi speaks to the BBC’s world affairs editor, John Simpson, about the fight for equality. They also discuss what has changed since Mahsa Amini's death in police custody. We also ask BBC Ukrainian editor Marta Shokalo what life is like now in Ukraine, with the war showing no sign of en...

Russia and Turkey failed to reach an agreement to bring Ukrainian grain to countries that desperately need it, at a meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. What are the obstacles - and the implications for global food security? The Global Jigsaw team brings together Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Middle East and Africa experts to assess what could happen next.

As a US territory, Puerto Rico uses the dollar, its people are US citizens and they can move freely back and forth. However, it isn’t a US state, and its residents can’t vote in presidential elections or for members of Congress. The country has a deep debt crisis, high unemployment and has experienced devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. As a result, migration to the US is common, with almost a...

After unilaterally declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has been recognised by many countries, but not Serbia, which still claims it as one of its provinces. After the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia cracked down on Kosovo separatists, resulting in a NATO military intervention in 1999. Tensions have remained high and have begun to flare up again in recent years. The majori...

Nato members agree to support each other if they come under attack. That’s the fundamental purpose of Nato, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed in the wake of World War II. But how has its remit changed in the seven decades since its foundation? Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more states have sought to join Nato, but its expansion is perceived as a threat by President Putin. Jam...

How has Venezuela, home to the world's largest oil reserves, become crippled with food and medicine shortages, hyper-inflation, violence and corruption? Hugo Chavez promised a socialist revolution in the 1990s, using high oil prices to fund his economic developments. However, during his time in power, he became increasingly autocratic and the economy slumped. Following Chavez’s death, Nicolas Madu...

With its foundations in the ashes of World War II, the European Union was initially formed to avoid further wars and remove trade barriers. It grew from a six-nation club as the ECC in 1957, to today’s 27 members that covers much of the continent and has evolved to tackle contemporary issues such as mass migration, a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In recent years, it survived a wave of Eu...

In 2017, a deadly crackdown by Myanmar's army resulted in the mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims across the border into Bangladesh. Years later, many of those who fled are still in refugee camps. But why have the Rohingya people become stateless? And will they ever return to Myanmar, which is now run by a military junta after a coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and her government in 2021. The BBC’s Burmes...

What is the difference between a war crime, a crime against humanity and genocide? And who holds those responsible to account? Anna Holligan, the BBC's correspondent in The Hague, gives an insight into how the International Criminal Court works. She shares some of the cases of those who have been charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, from Congolese warlord Thom...