Unspun World with John Simpson
Series 4
202427 episodes
Episode 1
08/05/2024
May 8, 202425m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza is now, looks at the mood on the Ukrainian frontline ahead of the arrival of US military aid, and analyses what is at stake in the South African general election.
Episode 2
15/05/2024
May 15, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Israel’s government is deliberately flouting the wishes of its closest ally, the United States, examines the extent of China’s infiltration into western countries and looks at why there have been mass protests in Georgia over a new law.
Episode 3
22/05/2024
May 22, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how the relationship between Russia and China has changed, analyses the state of European politics in the wake of the attempted assassination of Slovakia's prime minister and looks at whether the idea of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians has any future after the Gaza War?
Episode 4
29/05/2024
May 29, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how a snap general election might change the UK's position in the world, explores whether Iran's governing elite can win back popular support after the death of President Raisi, and analyses the new shape of the Middle East.
Episode 5
05/06/2024
Jun 5, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the new threats to peace and security on the 80th anniversary of the Allies' D-Day campaign to liberate Western Europe, explores why after 30 years in power the African National Congress party has failed to win a majority in the South African parliament, and explores why immigration is a key issue in elections this year in many countries.
Episode 6
12/06/2024
Jun 12, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether the Israeli government will survive the resignations of two leading cabinet members, explores why US economic growth isn’t having a greater impact on the presidential election and assesses why Narendra Modi’s BJP party failed to win an absolute majority in critical elections there.
Episode 7
19/06/2024
Jun 19, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether Ukraine is now preparing for a deal, assesses what’s at stake as Nato members prepare for their annual summit in Washington next month, and asks who owns the moon as we enter a new era of lunar exploration. As football's European Championship, the Euros, gets into full swing, he assesses why the beautiful game is coming under increasing scrutiny by regulators and fans alike.
Episode 8
26/06/2024
Jun 26, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the key issues for voters in the UK’s imminent general election, explores the plight of women in Afghanistan after almost three years under Taliban rule, and looks at the impact of the extreme heat affecting parts of the world this summer.
Episode 9
25/09/2024
Sep 25, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at life in Beirut as Israel's war with Hezbollah intensifies, analyses the state of the US election and examines the chances of transforming the United Nations.
Episode 10
02/10/2024
Oct 2, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what Iran’s strategy will be in the wake of Israel’s assault on Hezbollah, looks at how the attack is being seen inside Israel and examines the disappearance of one of China’s leading economists.
Episode 11
09/10/2024
Oct 9, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the prospects for the Middle East following the anniversary of the 7 October attacks on Israel, examines Russia’s recent advances in the war in Ukraine and looks at the state of democracy in Tunisia after the president wins re-election.
Episode 12
16/10/2024
Oct 16, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Israel's long-term strategy in the Middle East, explores whether the US Government will force Google to break up, and examines what is fast becoming the deadliest migrant journey in the world: the Atlantic crossing from west Africa to the Canary Islands.
Episode 13
23/10/2024
Oct 23, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the attitudes of other countries in the Middle East towards Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon, examines the signs of a recovery in the global economy and looks at the Italian prime minister's right-wing domestic agenda.
Episode 14
30/10/2024
Oct 30, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the Iranian regime might respond to Israel's attack on the country, examines the role of disinformation in the US Presidential election and looks at whether a rape trial in Provence could change French society.
Episode 15
06/11/2024
Nov 6, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how the US presidential campaign has highlighted the deep divisions in the country, analyses the future for Hezbollah in Lebanon in the wake of Israel’s attacks, and looks at the challenges of life in Afghanistan under the Taliban.
Episode 16
13/11/2024
Nov 13, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the implications of a second Trump term for US foreign policy, analyses the role of Saudi Arabia in the search for stability in the Middle East and looks at why South Korean culture has such a global appeal.
Episode 17
20/11/2024
Nov 20, 202426m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the risk of escalation in Russia’s war with Ukraine, analyses the political situation in Germany ahead of a snap general election there, and looks at the crisis in the Anglican church in the wake of the resignation of the archbishop of Canterbury.
Episode 18
22/01/2025
Jan 22, 202526m
John Simpson is in Taiwan for a special episode of Unspun World where he reflects on the extraordinary rollercoaster of Chinese politics over the last 60 years. With the BBC experts in the region, John examines the growing tensions between Taiwan and China and explores how China may deal with Trump 2.0 as the US President once again takes office.
Episode 19
29/01/2025
Jan 29, 202526m
John Simpson visits Russia's neighbour Latvia for a special episode of Unspun World where he reflects on how the collapse of the Soviet Union has shaped Putin’s Russia. With BBC experts in the region, John explores how a second Trump presidency may affect the war in Ukraine and looks at the Baltic balancing act over the threat from Moscow.
Episode 20
05/02/2025
Feb 5, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office, analyses Donald Trump’s high-stakes confrontation with America’s closest trading partners and looks at how Mexico is responding to the new administration in Washington.
Episode 21
12/02/2025
Feb 12, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether western support for Ukraine is holding firm, analyses Donald Trump’s plan for a Middle East Riviera in Gaza and looks at whether Artificial Intelligence is still a danger to us.
Episode 22
19/02/2025
Feb 19, 202525m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses exactly what’s at stake following talks between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war, examines whether a second Trump presidency has opened new avenues for China abroad, and looks at the new challenges Syrians are facing following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Episode 23
26/02/2025
Feb 26, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing an endgame, examines the implications of the surge in support for the right in the German elections and looks at the huge increase in government surveillance under the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Episode 24
05/03/2025
Mar 5, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Ukraine can do to win back American military support in its war with Russia, explores whether a European army could provide a bulwark against Russia and looks at how Donald Trump and Elon Musk have waded into the controversy over South Africa's land inequality.
Episode 25
12/03/2025
Mar 12, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether jitters in the world markets suggest an economic downturn is imminent, examines how the American decision to hold talks with Hamas has affected the situation in Gaza, and looks at how scientists are trying to counter the jamming of GPS signals.
Episode 26
19/03/2025
Mar 19, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the negotiations between the United States and Russia over a ceasefire in Ukraine, examines Canada's attempts to forge European alliances amidst a trade war with Donald Trump, and at a pivotal moment for the International Criminal Court, explores the impact of the arrest of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte.
Episode 27
26/03/2025
Mar 26, 202526m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how Gaza could be governed in the future, analyses what a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia might look like and looks at whether a mineral deal with the US might end the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.