The World

For many, 2020 has been a scary year. In an effort to get to the root of why many people feel this way, the first thing we did was something we probably should have done a long time ago — we reached out to a psychiatrist. In a new season of "Things That Go Boom," The World's partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley also asked listeners, friends and family to answer what might seem like a pretty simple question: How safe do you feel? The answers weren't simple at all. Guests: Arash Javanbakht, psychiatry researcher; Bunmi Akinnusotu, host of What in the World? Additional reading: Sex and Death in the Rational World of Defense Intellectuals, Carol Cohn The politics of fear: How fear goes tribal, allowing us to be manipulated, Arash Javanbakht When mask-wearing rules in the 1918 pandemic faced resistance, Becky Little As the 1918 flu emerged, cover-up and denial helped it spread, Becky Little

Why did the US Navy reinstate celestial navigation as part of its curriculum a few years ago? Well, you can’t hack a sextant. In the seventh episode of the third season of "Things That Go Boom," our partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley looks at some of the vulnerabilities that come with an overreliance on high-tech defense systems. Guests Peter Singer and August Cole are national security experts who have taken to writing futuristic techno-thrillers to sound a few alarms. Among their warnings: The opening battles of World War III won’t happen on a battlefield, and they will probably be silent. Guests: Peter Singer, strategist and senior fellow at New America August Cole, non-resident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council Additional reading: Burn-In, Forbes. Ghost Fleet, The Diplomat. China Uses AI To Enhance Totalitarian Control, The Atlantic.

Disinformation and misinformation have been blurring the line between fantasy and reality since the start of communication itself. But over the last decade, they’ve posed an increasing threat to democracy in the United States, with the 2016 presidential election becoming a major flashpoint in Americans’ understanding of the consequences of fake news. In episode six of the third season of "Things That Go Boom," our partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley looks into how false information flooding the internet and spreading like wildfire on social media poses risks not just to national and election security, but to our health and safety. Guests: Mike Mazarr, senior political scientist at RAND Corporation Cindy Otis, author, former CIA analyst and disinformation investigations manager Camille Stewart, head of security policy for Google Play and Android Russell Jeung, professor of Asian American studies at San Francisco State University Additional reading True or False: A CIA Analyst's Guide to Spotting Fake News, Cindy Otis "Vote and die: Covering voter suppression during the coronavirus pandemic," Nieman Foundation "Combating disinformation and foreign interference in democracies: Lessons from Europe," Margaret L. Taylor

As the US reckons with systemic racism and a less-than-democratic past, China is doubling down on its authoritarian ways. Meanwhile, research on the health of democracy from across the globe indicates the patient is not well. In episode five of the third season of "Things That Go Boom," our partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley traces China’s rise from the 1990s, when American pop music held a place alongside patriotic education, to its more recent political assertiveness — not to mention its chokehold on civil rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. As China moves to assert itself on the world stage, is democracy losing? Guests: Connie Mei Pickart, writer and educator Yascha Mounk, associate professor at Johns Hopkins University and senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund Additional reading: How the world views American-style democracy, Eurasia Group Foundation Nationalism ruined my Chinese friendships, Connie Mei Pickart via SupChina In Hong Kong, defiance has gone quiet, The New York Times

Are we in the middle of a new Cold War — or have we rewritten the game? With old nuclear arms treaties expiring and no new ones being signed, are we adapting to the times — or playing with fire? In episode four of the third season of "Things That Go Boom," our partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley looks at the past and present of civil defense and nuclear arms control and asks what we can do — as individuals and as a nation — to prevent the existential threat of nuclear war. Guests: Alex Wellerstein, professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology and historian of nuclear weapons; Alexandra Bell, senior policy director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-proliferation. Additional Reading: NUKEMAP Trump Will Withdraw From Open Skies Treaty, The New York Times Time Running Out on the Last US-Russia Nuclear Arms Treaty, Defense News Will Donald Trump Resume Nuclear Testing?, The Economist

In Russia, after almost a decade in prison, businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin was released into a new world: Mikhail Gorbachev had given his last speech as leader of the Soviet Union and the Communist Party was outlawed. Soon, gangs were violently extorting new business owners and the murder rate soared in the country. But Prigozhin was comfortable with chaos. He started a hot dog stand and climbed his way up into the highest echelons of power — and then decided to diversify. In episode three of the third season of "Things That Go Boom," our partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley looks at a Russian businessman who takes on a new game — a war in the shadows — and how we prepare for what we can't see.

Thousands of people with perceived connections to ISIS remain locked away in detention camps across northeastern Syria. Some of the prisoners are children. We visited several sites in what's been called "Guantanamo on an epic scale." Plus, in Kenya, health care workers at public hospitals are on strike over insufficient pay. The strike has already had an impact, with some public hospitals no longer providing services. And, a look inside the European Union's struggle to keep economically and culturally significant plant species, like olive trees used to make olive oil in Italy, safe from imported pathogens and pests. Also, check out The World's Music Heard on Air playlist on Spotify.

Britain’s Parliament has passed contentious legislation aimed at deterring asylum-seekers from heading to the UK. People arriving via small boats or any other “irregular means” will be deported to Rwanda where their asylum cases will be heard. Also, a new report by the Swiss investigative organization Public Eye says that several popular Nestle products sold in lower-income countries contain added sugar, often at high levels, while the same products, when sold in Switzerland, do not. And, a family in the West Bank village of Burin tells the story of their eldest son who was the victim of recent violence by the Israeli army and settlers against Palestinians. Plus, The Little Shop of Kindness, run by volunteers, offers clothes, toiletries and humanity to migrants in New York City.Music heard on air Ta Nye Sal Al Malecon Flowing and Bending Bbye

The head of military intelligence for Israel, Aharon Haliva, has resigned, saying his directorate failed to alert the military and nation in time to prevent Hamas's Oct. 7 attack. Also, the US House of Representatives passes another spending package worth $61 billion for Ukraine. And, a German bank has frozen the account of Judische Stimme (Jewish Voice). It comes amid a string of confrontations between the German government and Jewish artists and intellectuals who criticize the war in Gaza and Germany’s unwavering support for Israel. Plus, the Chinatown that has no Asian grocery store.Music heard on air Makhafi  Modul 22 Gedima Shade 

Voting has begun in India in what's being called the largest election in recorded history. Nearly 1 billion people are eligible to vote in the election, which will happen over the next six weeks. Also, US and Iranian officials confirm an Israeli attack on the Iranian city of Isfahan, which is home to several key military sites. And, there’s a growing social media campaign to boycott Canada's biggest grocery store chain, Loblaws, as prices rise across the market. Plus, the UN describes the current state of government and society in Haiti as "cataclysmic," with armed gangs seizing control of much of the country.Music heard on air My Soul Thirsts Moonshine Part 1 All Winter Nature

Qatar has been holding negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza. But those efforts have so far failed and Qatar is taking heat for its role from politicians in Washington. And, British surgeon Dr. Khaled Dawas completed his second trip to Gaza last week. He tells us about deteriorating health care conditions in the conflict zone. Also, repeated volcanic eruptions on a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago have prompted authorities to issue a tsunami alert and order more than 11,000 people to leave the area. Indonesia sits along the "Ring of Fire" and has 120 active volcanoes. Plus, a walk across the plains of eastern Turkey, historically known as Anatolia.Music heard on air: Shifting Sky Albala West Vybe Yapilacak Kadin

Heavy rains have dumped more than two years worth of precipitation on Dubai and surrounding nations. It’s in an extreme weather event analysts are linking to climate change. More than five inches of rain fell in 24 hours. And a controversial bishop in Australia is the latest victim of a knife attack. It’s the second-highest profile knifing in three days. Also, a new landmark agreement between the Haida Nation and the British Columbia government recognizes Haida title over all of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago of more than 150 islands almost 60 miles off of British Columbia's north coast. This agreement was negotiated, not litigated in the courts. Plus, Emerson the seal is back again. Music heard on air: Trippar  The Dadra Cycle Camino De Nacar Bla Planet Mars

What is the US' role at this moment in the Middle East, and does the Biden administration hold sway over what comes next? We speak with Retired Admiral John Kirby, who is the spokesman for the National Security Council. Also, Ukraine's leadership has been calling on the US and other partners to replenish its air defense and artillery stocks. Right now, Ukraine is rationing artillery on the front lines, while being outgunned by Russia at a rate of 5 to 1. And, venting when you're angry is often said to be the best way to "get it out." But researchers say that increasing arousal is probably not a good thing. Despite what popular wisdom may suggest, even going for a run is not an effective strategy because it increases arousal levels and ends up being counterproductive. We'll tell what the best way really is.Music heard on air: Sekerleme Olutobazzi Malungu Repetitions Chorinho De Gafieira Bir Adim Ote E40

Iran used hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend. It's a turning point in the hostility between the two countries, and in the regional conflict in the Middle East. We have the latest on Israel, Iran and the US role in a deepening crisis as well as reaction inside Iran to weekend attacks on Israel. Plus, a kora player from The Gambia defies deep family traditions around the musical instrument by becoming the first woman to play it. And, Indigenous and First Nations fashion designers are getting more opportunities to showcase their work in special fashion week events.

Ten years ago on Friday, the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped over 200 young women from a secondary school in Nigeria. A decade later, we hear how things have turned out for those women and their families. Also, The World's team in Israel has spoken with the parents of an American-Israeli hostage about efforts to keep pressure on their government — and international community — to bring their son and the rest of the hostages home. And, a city in Thailand has too many monkeys. The situation has gotten so chaotic that the people residing in the city are demanding government intervention.Music heard on air Garland Rose Malungu Sal Al Malecon

The World continues its weeklong series from Israel. According to a new survey, more than 70% of Israelis think Netanyahu should resign now, or as soon as the war in Gaza comes to an end. But there are stark divisions over what should happen next. Also, this year, the US will accept 125,000 refugees, the highest number in decades. That means local aid groups in American cities will be mobilizing to facilitate a smooth landing for new residents as they settle into their new homes. Plus, the movie "Blue Sunshine" tells the story of a transgender schoolteacher living in a small town in India, including her struggles, and perhaps more importantly, her joys. As the film makes its US debut, we'll find out what inspired the director to tell this semi-autobiographical story, and how moviegoers have been responding so far. Music heard on air B’nei Heichala  Olutobazzi  Control Per Capita 

With polls opening this month in India, farmers are angry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2021, Modi made a rare concession by repealing farm laws after they were met with massive monthslong protests in Delhi. Now, farmers are returning  to the streets. Also, the Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza is also being felt by Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories. One area the impact is being felt is around the critical resource of water. Also, Russia often targets Ukrainian apartment buildings and gathering places. Firefighters are typically the first people to arrive after an attack. We talk to a young Ukrainian firefighter who risks his life to save others. Plus, the founder of the first major Black children’s magazine in the UK is opening a journalism school to increase representation for people of color in the industry. Music heard on air: Trembler Con carido y con cuidado Sarı Çizmeli Mehmet  Bad Dog Makhafi

We continue our focus on Israel and the Palestinian territories, with a trip to the West Bank. When the war in Gaza finally ends, the Biden White House is looking for “revitalized” leadership from the Palestinian Authority, which has sworn in a new technocratic government. But it’s not generating a lot of excitement from Palestinians, who are feeling deeply pessimistic about what’s happening in the Gaza Strip. Also, Sharren Haskel is a member of Israel's Knesset, or parliament, from the New Hope party. She's a rising star in Israeli politics and sat down with us to talk about the current status of the war with Hamas and the future of Israel. And, with polls opening this month in India, farmers pose a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2021, Modi made a rare concession by repealing farm laws after they were met with massive, months-long protests in Delhi. Now, farmers are threatening to return to the streets unless they get guaranteed prices for crops.

 Hamas' deadly attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7 left an estimated 1,200 people dead and 250 taken as hostages. Most of the world first saw the terrifying videos and images from the Nova music festival. We hear from witnesses who bore the brunt of these attacks and how they feel today. And, Israel is still planning to attack the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which borders Egypt. Nearly half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been pushed there to take shelter as Israel continues to strike hard against Hamas. Also, a total solar eclipse makes its way across Mexico, the US and Canada on Monday. The city of Mazatlan, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, was the first place in continental North America on the path of totality, and more than half a million people traveled there to see it. Plus, Brazil's Kamilla Cardoso is named "most outstanding player" of NCAA tournament. 

The killing of seven international World Central Kitchen staff members in an Israeli strike has brought a firestorm of criticism upon Israel. US President Joe Biden called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to get humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel responded by opening up a border crossing with the Gaza Strip. And, engineered quartz is the most popular choice for kitchen counters in many parts of the globe, including the US and Australia, but the tradespeople who cut and polish them are suffering from deadly silicosis. As of July 1, Australia will implement a complete ban on engineered stone. Also, since 2016, more than 500 women in Kenya have died in gender-related killings. While gender-based violence received national attention earlier this year, activists say interest in the issue has died down. Plus, Brazil's Tropicália superstar Caetano Veloso is on tour.