Episodes List
Ep.1 22/04/2026: Gulf tensions rise as Lebanon crisis deepens and Orbán’s fall shakes EU
Air Date: 2026-04-22
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.
Ep.2 29/04/2026: Iran tensions test Trump, China feels impact and Gaza votes after 20 years
Air Date: 2026-04-29
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.
Ep.3 06/05/2026: Three Crises Assessed - Gulf Standoff, Ukraine Fighting, Israel Vote
Air Date: 2026-05-06
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.
Ep.4 13/05/2026: US-Iran deadlock, global economic fears and African jihadists raise alarm
Air Date: 2026-05-13
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.
Ep.5 20/05/2026: US-China Rifts, UK Political Turmoil and the Rise of AI Anxiety
Air Date: 2026-05-20
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.
Ep.6 27/05/2026: Cuba in US Crosshairs, Putin’s Standing and the Rise of Prediction Markets
Air Date: 2026-05-27
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.
Ep.7 03/06/2026: Voices from Iran, Extreme Weather, and Ethiopia’s Elections
Air Date: 2026-06-03
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.
Ep.8 10/06/2026: Israel Strikes Lebanon as SpaceX Float Nears and Armenia Votes
Air Date: 2026-06-10
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.
