Unspun World with John Simpson
Series 6
Unspun World provides an unvarnished version of the week's major global news stories - reliable, honest and essential viewing. The BBC's world affairs editor John Simpson brings his experience and expertise to bear on the most important international stories. In discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, he uses their unique local knowledge to go beyond the headlines to get to the unspun truth about the world.
Where to Watch Unspun World with John Simpson • Series 6
10 Episodes
- 22/04/2026: Gulf tensions rise as Lebanon crisis deepens and Orbán’s fall shakes EU
E122/04/2026: Gulf tensions rise as Lebanon crisis deepens and Orbán’s fall shakes EUThis 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. - 29/04/2026: Iran tensions test Trump, China feels impact and Gaza votes after 20 years
E229/04/2026: Iran tensions test Trump, China feels impact and Gaza votes after 20 yearsThis 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. - 06/05/2026: Three Crises Assessed - Gulf Standoff, Ukraine Fighting, Israel Vote
E306/05/2026: Three Crises Assessed - Gulf Standoff, Ukraine Fighting, Israel VoteJohn 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. - 13/05/2026: US-Iran deadlock, global economic fears and African jihadists raise alarm
E413/05/2026: US-Iran deadlock, global economic fears and African jihadists raise alarmJohn 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. - 20/05/2026: US-China Rifts, UK Political Turmoil and the Rise of AI Anxiety
E520/05/2026: US-China Rifts, UK Political Turmoil and the Rise of AI AnxietyJohn 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. - 27/05/2026: Cuba in US Crosshairs, Putin’s Standing and the Rise of Prediction Markets
E627/05/2026: Cuba in US Crosshairs, Putin’s Standing and the Rise of Prediction MarketsJohn 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. - 03/06/2026: Voices from Iran, Extreme Weather, and Ethiopia’s Elections
E703/06/2026: Voices from Iran, Extreme Weather, and Ethiopia’s ElectionsJohn 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. - 10/06/2026: Israel Strikes Lebanon as SpaceX Float Nears and Armenia Votes
E810/06/2026: Israel Strikes Lebanon as SpaceX Float Nears and Armenia VotesJohn 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. - 17/06/2026: US-Iran agreement, Ukraine's EU bid and Taliban rule
E917/06/2026: US-Iran agreement, Ukraine's EU bid and Taliban ruleThis 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. - 25/06/2026: UK PM resignation, America at 250, Colombia election analysed
E1025/06/2026: UK PM resignation, America at 250, Colombia election analysedJohn 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.
