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.

A new report out this week shows conflicts between states have now surged to their highest level since World War II. Meanwhile, protracted conflict in the Middle East suggests the world may be entering into an era in which states increasingly remain in perpetual confrontation without crossing into all-out war.  The World’s Host Marco Werman talks with Monica Duffy Toft, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, about the current state of global conflict.

A new report out this week shows conflicts between states have now surged to their highest level since World War II. Meanwhile, protracted conflict in the Middle East suggests the world may be entering into an era in which states increasingly remain in perpetual confrontation without crossing into all-out war.  The World’s Host Marco Werman talks with Monica Duffy Toft, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, about the current state of global conflict.

Trapped in an era of forever wars

Global conflict is increasing — more than at any time since World War II, according to some estimates. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are driving the surge. But there are exceptions to the grim headlines. Last year, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Central Asia signed a deal that ended a decades-old border conflict. From southern Kyrgyzstan, Levi Bridges has this story of two countries making peace.

Global conflict is increasing — more than at any time since World War II, according to some estimates. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are driving the surge. But there are exceptions to the grim headlines. Last year, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Central Asia signed a deal that ended a decades-old border conflict. From southern Kyrgyzstan, Levi Bridges has this story of two countries making peace.

Border conflicts are common. Here's a rare resolution.

Australia is now about six months into a social media ban that prohibits children under 16 from using certain platforms. But whether or not that ban is working is still up for debate, as kids have resisted, found work arounds or not been kicked off at all. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with author and psychology professor Angela Duckworth about why bans may not be the best way to get kids off of social media.

Australia is now about six months into a social media ban that prohibits children under 16 from using certain platforms. But whether or not that ban is working is still up for debate, as kids have resisted, found work arounds or not been kicked off at all. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with author and psychology professor Angela Duckworth about why bans may not be the best way to get kids off of social media.

Do social media bans work?

FIFA World Cup Host Mexico will play in the first match, going toe-to-toe — or cleat to cleat — with South Africa. The visiting squad is making its first appearance at the men's World Cup in 16 years. Host Marco Werman hears from Kamogelo Ndlovu, a soccer fan and sports journalist in Johannesburg who says there's not as much hype in South Africa as he had hoped.

FIFA World Cup Host Mexico will play in the first match, going toe-to-toe — or cleat to cleat — with South Africa. The visiting squad is making its first appearance at the men's World Cup in 16 years. Host Marco Werman hears from Kamogelo Ndlovu, a soccer fan and sports journalist in Johannesburg who says there's not as much hype in South Africa as he had hoped.

A view from South Africa on Day 1 of the FIFA World Cup

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the globe on foot for over 13 years. One facet of life that he encounters everywhere he goes is gender. He joins Carolyn Beeler to talk about the importance of walking alongside women in his travels, and what's missing from his project when social barriers make speaking to women difficult.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the globe on foot for over 13 years. One facet of life that he encounters everywhere he goes is gender. He joins Carolyn Beeler to talk about the importance of walking alongside women in his travels, and what's missing from his project when social barriers make speaking to women difficult.

How gender shapes a global walk

Summertime in Japan means festivals to deities, and each individual shrine hosts its own. A highlight of the season is happening now: a 10-day festival in Tokyo, which will culminate in a parade on Friday, featuring the god of fortune riding a shrimp. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Summertime in Japan means festivals to deities, and each individual shrine hosts its own. A highlight of the season is happening now: a 10-day festival in Tokyo, which will culminate in a parade on Friday, featuring the god of fortune riding a shrimp. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A season of shrine festivals kick off in Japan

As part of The World's Chasing Democracy series, about American democracy on the world stage 250 years after the country was founded, we look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere, namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.

As part of The World's Chasing Democracy series, about American democracy on the world stage 250 years after the country was founded, we look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere, namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.

Teaching the American Revolution abroad

Violent anti-immigrant riots erupted in Belfast last night in Northern Ireland, in response to a viral video showing a stabbing attack perpetrated by a Sudanese national. Masked protesters burnt down houses and torched cars overnight, sending some families fleeing, and others into hiding. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Marco Werman with the latest.

Violent anti-immigrant riots erupted in Belfast last night in Northern Ireland, in response to a viral video showing a stabbing attack perpetrated by a Sudanese national. Masked protesters burnt down houses and torched cars overnight, sending some families fleeing, and others into hiding. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Marco Werman with the latest.

What's fueling attacks on immigrants in Belfast neighborhoods?

It's not uncommon for people in Sardinia to live to be 100 years old, and some have attributed their famous longevity to the foods commonly eaten on the island. Italian chef Francesco Mattana is out with a new cookbook, "Eat Like a Sardinian: Live to 100." Mattana grew up in Sardinia, but now lives most of the time in London. He came on The World to talk about his book with Host Marco Werman.

It's not uncommon for people in Sardinia to live to be 100 years old, and some have attributed their famous longevity to the foods commonly eaten on the island. Italian chef Francesco Mattana is out with a new cookbook, "Eat Like a Sardinian: Live to 100." Mattana grew up in Sardinia, but now lives most of the time in London. He came on The World to talk about his book with Host Marco Werman.

What it means to 'Eat Like a Sardinian'

Renowned author and war correspondent Anna Badkhen has seen humanity under pressure. In her new collection of essays, "To See Beyond," she explores how humans have managed to survive catastrophic change by employing what she calls “radical hope.” Badkhen speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how to approach climate change through that lens, arguing that hope can serve as a powerful tool for addressing the crisis without succumbing to wishful thinking.

Renowned author and war correspondent Anna Badkhen has seen humanity under pressure. In her new collection of essays, "To See Beyond," she explores how humans have managed to survive catastrophic change by employing what she calls “radical hope.” Badkhen speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how to approach climate change through that lens, arguing that hope can serve as a powerful tool for addressing the crisis without succumbing to wishful thinking.

'Radical hope' in the face of climate change

The FIFA Men's World Cup, which begins tomorrow, is a big deal for fans around the world, especially in host countries. GBH reporter Sarah Betancourt went to one community in East Boston that is especially excited.

The FIFA Men's World Cup, which begins tomorrow, is a big deal for fans around the world, especially in host countries. GBH reporter Sarah Betancourt went to one community in East Boston that is especially excited.

One Boston neighborhood on the eve of the World Cup

The Fijian government this month rejected a proposed waste incinerator plant that would, in their view, risk increasing "waste colonialism." That is, the pattern of trash from the Global North being dumped in developing nations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses this global garbage network with Ernesto Estrada, a research professor at the Institute of Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complexity in Spain.

The Fijian government this month rejected a proposed waste incinerator plant that would, in their view, risk increasing "waste colonialism." That is, the pattern of trash from the Global North being dumped in developing nations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses this global garbage network with Ernesto Estrada, a research professor at the Institute of Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complexity in Spain.

Fiji rejects 'waste colonialism'

Local officials in southern Iran say the US has struck a water reservoir there, leaving thousands of people without clean drinking water. This comes with the two countries engaged in fraught negotiations to end the fighting between them. The World’s Shirin Jaafari joins Host Marco Werman with more.

Local officials in southern Iran say the US has struck a water reservoir there, leaving thousands of people without clean drinking water. This comes with the two countries engaged in fraught negotiations to end the fighting between them. The World’s Shirin Jaafari joins Host Marco Werman with more.

Thousands of Iranians left without water after strike on reservoir tanks

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un played host to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week. It's the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea in seven years and follows two high-profile meetings in Beijing between Xi and the leaders of the US and Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Isabel Hilton, the London-based founder of China Dialogue.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un played host to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week. It's the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea in seven years and follows two high-profile meetings in Beijing between Xi and the leaders of the US and Russia. Host Marco Werman speaks with Isabel Hilton, the London-based founder of China Dialogue.

Xi wraps up two-day visit to North Korea

Women in Afghanistan are increasingly facing arrest and detention for leaving their homes without wearing a full face and body covering. Rights monitors say they have verified at least 16 arrests and detentions, including that of a pregnant woman, in the western city of Herat. Rina Amiri, the former US special envoy for Afghan women, girls and human rights, tells The World's Host Marco Werman that Taliban forces have opened fire on civilians protesting the restrictions.

Women in Afghanistan are increasingly facing arrest and detention for leaving their homes without wearing a full face and body covering. Rights monitors say they have verified at least 16 arrests and detentions, including that of a pregnant woman, in the western city of Herat. Rina Amiri, the former US special envoy for Afghan women, girls and human rights, tells The World's Host Marco Werman that Taliban forces have opened fire on civilians protesting the restrictions.

Taliban forces fire on civilians protesting morality police in Afghanistan

As the World Cup approaches, one tradition is taking over schoolyards and city plazas across Latin America: the Panini sticker album. The albums started in 1970, and now bring people from different walks of life together, while generating a profitable trade for street vendors, who will re-sell rare stickers of star players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for up to $200. From Bogota, Colombia, Manuel Rueda reports.

As the World Cup approaches, one tradition is taking over schoolyards and city plazas across Latin America: the Panini sticker album. The albums started in 1970, and now bring people from different walks of life together, while generating a profitable trade for street vendors, who will re-sell rare stickers of star players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for up to $200. From Bogota, Colombia, Manuel Rueda reports.

Sticker album fever sweeps Latin America ahead of World Cup kickoff

Host Marco Werman offers us a calming track called "Ocean Blue" from Austin-based, Mumbai-born singer Nagavalli.This story originally aired on Feb. 7, 2023.

Host Marco Werman offers us a calming track called "Ocean Blue" from Austin-based, Mumbai-born singer Nagavalli.
This story originally aired on Feb. 7, 2023.

'Ocean Blue,' out of Austin, Texas

When his mother was catfished on a dating app, journalist Carlos Barragán got curious about who was on the other side of the screen. In his new book, “The Yahoo Boys: Real Life with the Love Scammers of Lagos,” Barragán takes readers to Lagos, Nigeria, to meet face-to-face with the love scammers exploiting lonely victims and costing them thousands of dollars. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with the author.

When his mother was catfished on a dating app, journalist Carlos Barragán got curious about who was on the other side of the screen. In his new book, “The Yahoo Boys: Real Life with the Love Scammers of Lagos,” Barragán takes readers to Lagos, Nigeria, to meet face-to-face with the love scammers exploiting lonely victims and costing them thousands of dollars. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with the author.

New book, 'The Yahoo Boys,' explores the world of Nigerian love scammers

Pope Leo XlV will be in Barcelona this week, to offer blessings at two Catholic churches that couldn't be more different. First, he'll hold mass at the Sagrada Familia, the spectacular brain-child of Antonio Gaudi, and then at a humble church referred to as "The Cathedral of the Poor," in a densely packed, largely immigrant neighborhood. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Pope Leo XlV will be in Barcelona this week, to offer blessings at two Catholic churches that couldn't be more different. First, he'll hold mass at the Sagrada Familia, the spectacular brain-child of Antonio Gaudi, and then at a humble church referred to as "The Cathedral of the Poor," in a densely packed, largely immigrant neighborhood. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Pope offers blessings at two very different churches in Barcelona

The US has imposed visa restrictions on dozens of soccer players and other related personnel trying to get into the country for the World Cup. It includes referees, team staff members and soccer officials from different countries. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

The US has imposed visa restrictions on dozens of soccer players and other related personnel trying to get into the country for the World Cup. It includes referees, team staff members and soccer officials from different countries. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

US makes it hard for some foreign teams and officials to get visas for World Cup

Armenia’s pro-West prime minister secured an election victory on Monday, despite a Russia-backed disinformation campaign and economic pressure from Moscow. Journalist Francesca Ebel tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the former Soviet republic has drifted from Russia’s orbit.

Armenia’s pro-West prime minister secured an election victory on Monday, despite a Russia-backed disinformation campaign and economic pressure from Moscow. Journalist Francesca Ebel tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the former Soviet republic has drifted from Russia’s orbit.

Armenia's pro-Europe party wins, amid Russian pressure campaign

In Japanese, "minyo" refers to Japanese folk songs. The band Minyo Crusaders takes traditional Japanese songs and rearranges them using Caribbean, African and Latin styles. We take a listen to their latest, a traditional poignant tune titled "Shigesa Bushi" which was popularized by sailors during the Edo period (1600-1800s), which the band has effectively turned into a bouncy Ghanaian-style highlife melody.

In Japanese, "minyo" refers to Japanese folk songs. The band Minyo Crusaders takes traditional Japanese songs and rearranges them using Caribbean, African and Latin styles. We take a listen to their latest, a traditional poignant tune titled "Shigesa Bushi" which was popularized by sailors during the Edo period (1600-1800s), which the band has effectively turned into a bouncy Ghanaian-style highlife melody.

Japanese band plays traditional folk song as Ghanaian highlife music

The World Cup is becoming a stage for Mexico City’s unresolved social issues. Teachers, mothers searching for disappeared children, anti-gentrification groups, sex workers — just about everything. These neighborhood activists may not all be protesting the same thing — but they are using the World Cup spotlight to say: "You’re preparing the city for the world, but what about us?" The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

The World Cup is becoming a stage for Mexico City’s unresolved social issues. Teachers, mothers searching for disappeared children, anti-gentrification groups, sex workers — just about everything. These neighborhood activists may not all be protesting the same thing — but they are using the World Cup spotlight to say: "You’re preparing the city for the world, but what about us?" The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Mexico's World Cup is a stage for amazing soccer — and social protest

The humble trout is a big deal in Kashmir. Fish farmers there have seen their businesses boom. There's even a festival devoted to the fish, where village residents flock to a local spring each year to catch the them — old school style, with wicker baskets. Syed Shahriyar reports from Panzath village.

The humble trout is a big deal in Kashmir. Fish farmers there have seen their businesses boom. There's even a festival devoted to the fish, where village residents flock to a local spring each year to catch the them — old school style, with wicker baskets. Syed Shahriyar reports from Panzath village.

Trout is a big deal in Kashmir

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for about three months as the US war in Iran has developed. With about 1,600 ships still stuck in the gulf, shipping organizations are issuing new safety guidance to vessels. The Word's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with John Stawpert, marine director for the International Chamber of Shipping, about those recommendations.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for about three months as the US war in Iran has developed. With about 1,600 ships still stuck in the gulf, shipping organizations are issuing new safety guidance to vessels. The Word's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with John Stawpert, marine director for the International Chamber of Shipping, about those recommendations.

Shipping industry looks to adapt as Strait of Hormuz remains closed

It has been six months since the 20,000 acre Collersola natural park was declared off limits to humans — so that authorities could cull it of wild boar infected with the African Swine Flu. But they keep finding sick boar, and extending the park's closure. The World's Gerry Hadden went to a protest where hundreds of hikers slipped around blockades to demand access again to their beloved green space.

It has been six months since the 20,000 acre Collersola natural park was declared off limits to humans — so that authorities could cull it of wild boar infected with the African Swine Flu. But they keep finding sick boar, and extending the park's closure. The World's Gerry Hadden went to a protest where hundreds of hikers slipped around blockades to demand access again to their beloved green space.

'Endless' swine flu park closure sparks protests in Spain

Don Broussard grew up in Louisiana, moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, school to school. He struggled to make friends. On the GBH live television series Stories from the Stage, he remembered one person who made a difference, and unwittingly sent him down paths neither of them expected.

Don Broussard grew up in Louisiana, moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, school to school. He struggled to make friends. On the GBH live television series Stories from the Stage, he remembered one person who made a difference, and unwittingly sent him down paths neither of them expected.

How one person can make a huge difference

Germany has dozens of German American friendship clubs around the country. They came into being after WWII, and are part of a decades-long effort by the US and German governments to cement people-to-people ties between their citizens. But now, with US-German relations on the ropes and Germans' trust in the US at a historic low, does anyone still want to be a member? Valerie Hamilton takes a look from Munich.

Germany has dozens of German American friendship clubs around the country. They came into being after WWII, and are part of a decades-long effort by the US and German governments to cement people-to-people ties between their citizens. But now, with US-German relations on the ropes and Germans' trust in the US at a historic low, does anyone still want to be a member? Valerie Hamilton takes a look from Munich.

Once the symbol of unity, German American clubs are fading

Iran has conditioned a ceasefire with the US with an end to the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Tehran has long had a close relationship with the Lebanese militant group, and as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, it is now using it as leverage in the talks with the US.

Iran has conditioned a ceasefire with the US with an end to the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Tehran has long had a close relationship with the Lebanese militant group, and as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, it is now using it as leverage in the talks with the US.

Why has Iran linked a deal with the US to events in Lebanon?

Voters in Peru head to the polls this weekend for a runoff presidential election. One key issue shaping their decisions is a wave of extortion that has surged in recent years. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Peruvian journalist Marco Sifuentes, based in Spain, about the dynamics heading into the vote.

Voters in Peru head to the polls this weekend for a runoff presidential election. One key issue shaping their decisions is a wave of extortion that has surged in recent years. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Peruvian journalist Marco Sifuentes, based in Spain, about the dynamics heading into the vote.