Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

In recent months, analysts have noticed something odd happening in the middle of the East China Sea: Satellite images and ship tracking data show thousands of Chinese fishing boats arrayed in a perfectly straight line. William Yang, a Taipei-based senior analyst with Crisis Group, tells Host Marco Werman that this is an attempt by Beijing to build up its capabilities to assert control over disputed and critical waters.

In recent months, analysts have noticed something odd happening in the middle of the East China Sea: Satellite images and ship tracking data show thousands of Chinese fishing boats arrayed in a perfectly straight line. William Yang, a Taipei-based senior analyst with Crisis Group, tells Host Marco Werman that this is an attempt by Beijing to build up its capabilities to assert control over disputed and critical waters.

Fishing boat diplomacy: How China uses civilian vessels to assert control at sea

At this year’s Super Bowl celebrations, the NFL gave a considerable amount of attention to the gentler version of tackle football, flag football. This move highlights the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. KQED'S Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman has the story.

At this year’s Super Bowl celebrations, the NFL gave a considerable amount of attention to the gentler version of tackle football, flag football. This move highlights the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. KQED'S Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman has the story.

Flag football set to make its debut at 2028 Summer Olympic Games

Military confrontations seem to be happening across the globe these days. One especially fraught area is the Persian Gulf, where a conflict between Iran and the US may be closer than ever. Sending warships to force concessions from a country is not new. The US, as well as other countries, have done this in the past. It's called "gunboat diplomacy," and as The World's Shirin Jaafari reports, it can be extremely risky.

Military confrontations seem to be happening across the globe these days. One especially fraught area is the Persian Gulf, where a conflict between Iran and the US may be closer than ever. Sending warships to force concessions from a country is not new. The US, as well as other countries, have done this in the past. It's called "gunboat diplomacy," and as The World's Shirin Jaafari reports, it can be extremely risky.

'Gunboat diplomacy' makes for high stakes foreign policy

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hundreds of thousands of people cover themselves in glitter for the biggest party in the world, Carnival. But most of that glitter is made of plastic, and it pollutes the environment. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with researcher Juan Diego Rodriguez-Blanco about the problem with glitter and the alternatives available.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hundreds of thousands of people cover themselves in glitter for the biggest party in the world, Carnival. But most of that glitter is made of plastic, and it pollutes the environment. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with researcher Juan Diego Rodriguez-Blanco about the problem with glitter and the alternatives available.

Glitter makes Rio sparkle at Carnival. It also pollutes the environment.

A court in Seoul today sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison. In December of 2024 the conservative leader had declared martial law and sent military forces to the national assembly. His decree lasted only about six hours and soon after Yoon was impeached and arrested. Prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty. Reporter Jason Strother was outside the courthouse in Seoul when the verdict was handed down and shares details of the case with Host Marco Werman.

A court in Seoul today sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison. In December of 2024 the conservative leader had declared martial law and sent military forces to the national assembly. His decree lasted only about six hours and soon after Yoon was impeached and arrested. Prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty. Reporter Jason Strother was outside the courthouse in Seoul when the verdict was handed down and shares details of the case with Host Marco Werman.

Former South Korean president sentenced to life for attempted insurrection

France is in turmoil on the eve of key legislative elections. A 23-year-old far-right activist was brutally beaten to death by far-left counterparts at a leftist political rally in Lyon last week. Police have arrested a bunch of suspects, including an aide to a member of parliament from the far-left France Unbowed party. The tragedy has stirred up France’s surging National Assembly party, which is closer than ever to winning national elections next year, according to polls. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

France is in turmoil on the eve of key legislative elections. A 23-year-old far-right activist was brutally beaten to death by far-left counterparts at a leftist political rally in Lyon last week. Police have arrested a bunch of suspects, including an aide to a member of parliament from the far-left France Unbowed party. The tragedy has stirred up France’s surging National Assembly party, which is closer than ever to winning national elections next year, according to polls. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

High profile murder in France inflames political tensions

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is walking around the globe on foot. His project, called the Out of Eden Walk, started in January 2013. Paul marks 13 years on the road with Host Marco Werman, by looking back at the project's early days.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is walking around the globe on foot. His project, called the Out of Eden Walk, started in January 2013. Paul marks 13 years on the road with Host Marco Werman, by looking back at the project's early days.

Out of Eden Walk: 13 years on the road and counting

In a development that's gripping the British public, not to mention other parts of the globe, police in the UK have arrested the former Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, for alleged misconduct in public office. His arrest follows the latest release of the Epstein files, which have prompted investigations into several senior figures in Europe in the last few weeks. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry shares details and analysis with Host Marco Werman.

In a development that's gripping the British public, not to mention other parts of the globe, police in the UK have arrested the former Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, for alleged misconduct in public office. His arrest follows the latest release of the Epstein files, which have prompted investigations into several senior figures in Europe in the last few weeks. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry shares details and analysis with Host Marco Werman.

UK's former Prince Andrew taken into custody

The European Union has made it illegal to destroy clothing that's been manufactured, but not purchased. It's part of a wider effort to embed sustainability into the EU economy. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Barbara Pino, an expert in the geopolitics of fashion, about what this change means.

The European Union has made it illegal to destroy clothing that's been manufactured, but not purchased. It's part of a wider effort to embed sustainability into the EU economy. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Barbara Pino, an expert in the geopolitics of fashion, about what this change means.

European Union bans destruction of unsold clothing

A new bridge between the US and Canada is on the verge of a long-awaited opening. The Gordie Howe International Bridge crosses the Detroit River, connecting Michigan and Windsor-Ontario. The opening doesn't yet have an official date, but is expected in early 2026 — despite the US president's recent threats to keep it closed. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

A new bridge between the US and Canada is on the verge of a long-awaited opening. The Gordie Howe International Bridge crosses the Detroit River, connecting Michigan and Windsor-Ontario. The opening doesn't yet have an official date, but is expected in early 2026 — despite the US president's recent threats to keep it closed. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

The dispute over a bridge connecting the US and Canada

Two years ago this week, Alexei Navalny died in a Russian penal colony in the Arctic. His Anti-Corruption Foundation once maintained a vast network of offices from Moscow to Siberia, aimed at exposing graft and supporting opposition politicians. That's all gone now. But many Russians who worked with Navalny are carrying on the work, from exile. Reporter Levi Bridges has our story.

Two years ago this week, Alexei Navalny died in a Russian penal colony in the Arctic. His Anti-Corruption Foundation once maintained a vast network of offices from Moscow to Siberia, aimed at exposing graft and supporting opposition politicians. That's all gone now. But many Russians who worked with Navalny are carrying on the work, from exile. Reporter Levi Bridges has our story.

Russia's opposition movement still exists — but it's 'rudderless'

With high-stakes diplomatic talks in Geneva this week, the city is a destination for human rights activists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is among the leading pro-democracy figures attending the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. For more than five years, she’s headed the Belarusian opposition in exile. Tsikhanouskaya spoke with Host Marco Werman about the goals and direction of that movement.

With high-stakes diplomatic talks in Geneva this week, the city is a destination for human rights activists. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is among the leading pro-democracy figures attending the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. For more than five years, she’s headed the Belarusian opposition in exile. Tsikhanouskaya spoke with Host Marco Werman about the goals and direction of that movement.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on fighting from abroad

President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One yesterday that the US is in talks with Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuban officials say there are no high-level negotiations underway, but acknowledge that some messages have been exchanged. Peter Kornbluh, co-author of "Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana," tells The World's Host Marco Werman that diplomacy and negotiations are possible, and even preferable, in ending the current crisis between the two countries.

President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One yesterday that the US is in talks with Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuban officials say there are no high-level negotiations underway, but acknowledge that some messages have been exchanged. Peter Kornbluh, co-author of "Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana," tells The World's Host Marco Werman that diplomacy and negotiations are possible, and even preferable, in ending the current crisis between the two countries.

The state of diplomacy between the US and Cuba

A deep underwater camera has shown, for the first time, that sharks are swimming in the Antarctic Ocean. The 13-foot "sleeper shark" was seen briefly on the camera, located 1,600 feet below the ocean's surface. Host Marco Werman has the details.

A deep underwater camera has shown, for the first time, that sharks are swimming in the Antarctic Ocean. The 13-foot "sleeper shark" was seen briefly on the camera, located 1,600 feet below the ocean's surface. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Shark discovered in a most unlikely place

Less than two months before Hungary’s national elections, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s political future hangs in the balance. For the first time since he took power, the right‑wing populist faces a serious challenge: from a center‑right candidate. Most independent polls show Orbán’s party trailing, though analysts warn that unseating Europe’s longest‑serving prime minister will be no easy task. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Less than two months before Hungary’s national elections, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s political future hangs in the balance. For the first time since he took power, the right‑wing populist faces a serious challenge: from a center‑right candidate. Most independent polls show Orbán’s party trailing, though analysts warn that unseating Europe’s longest‑serving prime minister will be no easy task. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The future of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule in Hungary is uncertain

Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and French cellist Vincent Segal had known about each other for years, traveling in similar music circles and concert halls. But they never really had the chance to forge their own connection. Fonseca made the first move, suggesting they start playing music together. The result is both a friendship and an album: "Nuit Parisienne à la Havane." Host Marco Werman has more.

Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and French cellist Vincent Segal had known about each other for years, traveling in similar music circles and concert halls. But they never really had the chance to forge their own connection. Fonseca made the first move, suggesting they start playing music together. The result is both a friendship and an album: "Nuit Parisienne à la Havane." Host Marco Werman has more.

An international friendship built on music

The American civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson, died today at the age of 84. His advisor James Zogby, pollster and co-founder of the Arab American Institute, traveled with Rev. Jackson throughout the Middle East. Zogby tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Jackson broke political taboos by mainstreaming dialogue with Palestinian leaders, and engaging with Arab Americans as a political constituency, rather than treating them as marginal or politically risky.

The American civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson, died today at the age of 84. His advisor James Zogby, pollster and co-founder of the Arab American Institute, traveled with Rev. Jackson throughout the Middle East. Zogby tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Jackson broke political taboos by mainstreaming dialogue with Palestinian leaders, and engaging with Arab Americans as a political constituency, rather than treating them as marginal or politically risky.

Jesse Jackson's push to globalize the civil rights movement

Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday. The 60 year-old Rahman spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, before returning to Bangladesh late last year. He's the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and will be the first elected leader to take office since the youth-led protests toppled the previous government in Bangladesh in 2024. The World's Carolyn Beeler brings us an update from Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital.

Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday. The 60 year-old Rahman spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, before returning to Bangladesh late last year. He's the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and will be the first elected leader to take office since the youth-led protests toppled the previous government in Bangladesh in 2024. The World's Carolyn Beeler brings us an update from Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital.

After 17 years in exile, he's now the prime minister of Bangladesh

At this week's India AI Impact Summit, Delhi is bringing together leaders of nations and tech for what it's proclaiming to be the first major summit on artificial intelligence hosted in the Global South. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Vinay Narayan, associate director at the Aapti Institute, a public research think tank. He joined the show from the summit in Delhi.

At this week's India AI Impact Summit, Delhi is bringing together leaders of nations and tech for what it's proclaiming to be the first major summit on artificial intelligence hosted in the Global South. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Vinay Narayan, associate director at the Aapti Institute, a public research think tank. He joined the show from the summit in Delhi.

At AI summit, host India seeks position as global tech leader

Host Marco Werman gives updates on some stories that we've covered on the show recently.

Host Marco Werman gives updates on some stories that we've covered on the show recently.

Some news updates

Money sent home to Mexico by migrants in the United States fell last year for the first time in more than a decade. The nearly 5% drop ends an 11-year run of steady growth. Mexico is one of the world’s largest recipients of remittances, and millions of families rely on that support. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Money sent home to Mexico by migrants in the United States fell last year for the first time in more than a decade. The nearly 5% drop ends an 11-year run of steady growth. Mexico is one of the world’s largest recipients of remittances, and millions of families rely on that support. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Remittances to Mexico fall for the first time in over a decade

The hostages taken by Hamas, dead and alive, are back home. But that's not the end of the ordeal for them and their families. It's expected they will need years of counseling to get over the trauma they experienced, both as hostages and relatives of hostages. Stephanie Freid reports from Tel Aviv.

The hostages taken by Hamas, dead and alive, are back home. But that's not the end of the ordeal for them and their families. It's expected they will need years of counseling to get over the trauma they experienced, both as hostages and relatives of hostages. Stephanie Freid reports from Tel Aviv.

Israeli hostages are home but they and their families are not healed

About 60% of Indonesian men ages 15 and up smoke tobacco, the second highest rate globally according to the World Health Organization. Public health advocates point fingers at a local culture that views smoking as what makes a man, plus weak regulations and poor enforcement of existing rules. Dave Grunebaum reports.

About 60% of Indonesian men ages 15 and up smoke tobacco, the second highest rate globally according to the World Health Organization. Public health advocates point fingers at a local culture that views smoking as what makes a man, plus weak regulations and poor enforcement of existing rules. Dave Grunebaum reports.

Why Indonesia can't lower smoking rates

Aside from his mastery of acting and directing, Robert Duvall had two other loves in his life: his wife, the Argentine actor Luciana Pedraza, and tango. He met Pedraza by accident in the streets of Buenos Aires in the mid-'90s and they basically spent their years together, until his death at age 95 on Sunday, dancing the tango and making movies. Host Marco Werman tells us more.

Aside from his mastery of acting and directing, Robert Duvall had two other loves in his life: his wife, the Argentine actor Luciana Pedraza, and tango. He met Pedraza by accident in the streets of Buenos Aires in the mid-'90s and they basically spent their years together, until his death at age 95 on Sunday, dancing the tango and making movies. Host Marco Werman tells us more.

Acting was just one of Robert Duvall's many passions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio got a standing ovation when he spoke at the multinational Munich Security Conference over the weekend. That's got a lot to do with the fact that his address fell short of the hardline populism that Vice President JD Vance brought to the event a year ago. But Rubio's travel schedule after the conference wrapped up also sent a message. He went straight to Slovakia and Hungary, two countries that have embraced far-right, Euro-skeptical views and proven to be reliable friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio got a standing ovation when he spoke at the multinational Munich Security Conference over the weekend. That's got a lot to do with the fact that his address fell short of the hardline populism that Vice President JD Vance brought to the event a year ago. But Rubio's travel schedule after the conference wrapped up also sent a message. He went straight to Slovakia and Hungary, two countries that have embraced far-right, Euro-skeptical views and proven to be reliable friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rubio's message to Europe, a slightly different tone

The Danish government is strengthening its military. Partially fueled by uncertainty about its relationship with the United States, Denmark is increasing the length of mandatory military service from four months to 11 months. The country is also ending a rule that allowed women to opt out of serving. In Denmark, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Teri Schultz visited the first class of conscripts beginning their training under the new system.

The Danish government is strengthening its military. Partially fueled by uncertainty about its relationship with the United States, Denmark is increasing the length of mandatory military service from four months to 11 months. The country is also ending a rule that allowed women to opt out of serving. In Denmark, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Teri Schultz visited the first class of conscripts beginning their training under the new system.

Danes are changing their country's conscription policy

Russian dissident Alexei Navalny died in prison two years ago today. Russian authorities said he died of natural causes, but many Russia watchers immediately suspected poisoning. Those suspicions have now been confirmed by labs that analyzed samples taken from Navalny's body and confirmed the presence of a potent neurotoxin. Host Marco Werman has more details.

Russian dissident Alexei Navalny died in prison two years ago today. Russian authorities said he died of natural causes, but many Russia watchers immediately suspected poisoning. Those suspicions have now been confirmed by labs that analyzed samples taken from Navalny's body and confirmed the presence of a potent neurotoxin. Host Marco Werman has more details.

'Now there's proof': Lab finds Russian opposition figure died by poisoning

A 700-year-old fresco discovered on the wall of a convent church in northern Italy suggests that luxurious Islamic tents were used to cover altars in medieval European churches, as Sarah Birnbaum first reported last winter.This story originally aired on Feb. 10, 2025.

A 700-year-old fresco discovered on the wall of a convent church in northern Italy suggests that luxurious Islamic tents were used to cover altars in medieval European churches, as Sarah Birnbaum first reported last winter.
This story originally aired on Feb. 10, 2025.

Fresco reveals Islamic tent in medieval Christian house of worship

Patrice Nganang is an acclaimed Cameroonian author based in the United States. His new memoir, "Scale Boy," details his childhood in Cameroon. He speaks to Host Marco Werman about being deported from his own country, how Cameroonian President Paul Biya has stayed in power for so long and just what exactly a scale boy is.

Patrice Nganang is an acclaimed Cameroonian author based in the United States. His new memoir, "Scale Boy," details his childhood in Cameroon. He speaks to Host Marco Werman about being deported from his own country, how Cameroonian President Paul Biya has stayed in power for so long and just what exactly a scale boy is.

From scale boy to dissident — one Cameroonian author's story of exile

Islas Marías, off Mexico’s west coast, was known as "Mexico’s Alcatraz" and was the Americas’ last island prison until the penal colony closed in 2019, following controversy over terrible conditions and a history of political prisoners. Now, Mexico’s navy, which runs the island, is allowing tourists to visit on restricted weekend tours. Journalist Jamie Fullerton spent the weekend there.

Islas Marías, off Mexico’s west coast, was known as "Mexico’s Alcatraz" and was the Americas’ last island prison until the penal colony closed in 2019, following controversy over terrible conditions and a history of political prisoners. Now, Mexico’s navy, which runs the island, is allowing tourists to visit on restricted weekend tours. Journalist Jamie Fullerton spent the weekend there.