Unspun World with John Simpson
Series 6
202617 episodes
Episode 1
22/04/2026: Gulf tensions rise as Lebanon crisis deepens and Orbán’s fall shakes EU
Apr 22, 202626m
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the confrontation between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, looks at the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and examines the effect of the downfall of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, on the European Union.
Episode 2
29/04/2026: Iran tensions test Trump, China feels impact and Gaza votes after 20 years
Apr 29, 202626m
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the pressure on President Trump to find an end to the confrontation with Iran, examines the way in which the war in the Middle East has affected China and analyses the first elections in Gaza for twenty years.
Episode 3
06/05/2026: Three Crises Assessed - Gulf Standoff, Ukraine Fighting, Israel Vote
May 6, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the Iranian position in their confrontation with the United States in the Gulf, examines the state of play in Russia’s war with Ukraine and looks at the chances of Benjamin Netanyahu surviving as Israeli prime minister after elections later this year.
Episode 4
13/05/2026: US-Iran deadlock, global economic fears and African jihadists raise alarm
May 13, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what is preventing the United States and Iran from reaching an agreement to end their conflict, examines the global economic impact of the confrontation, and looks at the growing threat from jihadists in West Africa.
Episode 5
20/05/2026: US-China Rifts, UK Political Turmoil and the Rise of AI Anxiety
May 20, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether there has been a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and China, examines the long-term political turmoil in the United Kingdom, and looks at the psychological impact of Artificial Intelligence.
Episode 6
27/05/2026: Cuba in US Crosshairs, Putin’s Standing and the Rise of Prediction Markets
May 27, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of the US forcing regime change in Cuba, examines the effect of the war in Ukraine on Vladimir Putin’s standing in Russia and looks at the increasing popularity of prediction markets.
Episode 7
03/06/2026: Voices from Iran, Extreme Weather, and Ethiopia’s Elections
Jun 3, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the feelings of ordinary Iranians about the conflict with the United States, analyses the latest extreme global weather warnings and looks at the state of Ethiopia as it heads to the polls.
Episode 8
10/06/2026: Israel Strikes Lebanon as SpaceX Float Nears and Armenia Votes
Jun 10, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the impact of Israel's recent attacks on Lebanon, analyses the flotation of SpaceX and what it will mean for Elon Musk, and looks at the outcome of the election in Armenia.
Episode 9
17/06/2026: US-Iran agreement, Ukraine's EU bid and Taliban rule
Jun 17, 202626m
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the new deal aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran, analyses Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and looks at the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Episode 10
25/06/2026: UK PM resignation, America at 250, Colombia election analysed
Jun 27, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the factors behind the latest resignation of a British prime minister, explores the state of US politics and society on the eve of the country's 250th birthday and analyses the results of the Colombian presidential election.
Episode 11
16/09/2026: Yemen hostilities, Palestinian state hopes and AI risks
Sep 16, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence.
Episode 12
23/09/2026: Election defeats in Germany as UN faces US cuts and Russia votes
Sep 23, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the German government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the future of the United Nations and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia.
Episode 13
30/09/2026: Russian attacks intensify, US-China ties examined as Ethiopia fears civil war
Sep 30, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China and the United States and examines the possibility of renewed civil war in Ethiopia.
Episode 14
07/10/2026: Israel three years on, Trump's midterms and Yemen's civil war
Oct 7, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the October 7th attacks, analyses the possible impacts of the mid-term elections on the Trump presidency, and examines the civil war in Yemen.
Episode 15
14/10/2026: Ukraine's civilian toll, Turkey's authoritarian turn and China's AI rules
Oct 14, 202626m
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state and analyses China’s decision to regulate AI chatbots.
Episode 16
21/10/2026
Oct 21, 202626m
Episode 17
28/10/2026
Oct 28, 202626m