Latest episode
S6 E16 · 21/10/2026
Unspun World with John Simpson is a news and documentary TV series that premiered on BBC Two on February 23, 2022. It has 6 seasons and 133 episodes so far and is still airing new episodes. The latest episode, Season 6 Episode 16 "21/10/2026", aired on October 21, 2026.
Unspun World provides an unvarnished version of the week's major global news stories - reliable, honest and essential viewing with the BBC's world affairs editor John Simpson.
Last updated
133 episodes · 6 seasons
2022 · 32 episodes · Last episode: 3 years ago
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.
Unspun World with John Simpson Series 1 release dates →John Simpson looks back at 2022's highlights from his discussions with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, from analysing the war in Ukraine to looking at protests in Iran and China to examining what the world is doing to tackle climate change.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses if there is a way out of the war in Ukraine for Vladimir Putin, examines whether the deep political divisions in the United States have started to heal, and looks back at a political rollercoaster of a year in the United Kingdom.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the demonstrations in China, examines whether Nato countries would support an attempt by Ukraine to recapture Crimea from the Russians and looks at what difference the Iranian football team can make to the political battleground in Iran.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether there is growing fatigue in Europe with the war in Ukraine, analyses the significance of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un appearing with his daughter for the first time, and looks at what it means for the global population to reach 8 billion people.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether there is anything world leaders can do at the climate change summit in Egypt to stop the world heating up, analyses to what extent the possible return of Benjamin Netanyahu as Israeli prime minister would shift Israel to the right, and looks at the issues that might taint the Qatar World Cup.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at what life is like for Ukrainians under Russian occupation. Ahead of the next big international climate summit John analyses whether it is already too late to save our planet, and he examines the potential impact of the US mid-term elections on the Biden Presidency.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the challenges facing the UK’s new prime minister, Rishi Sunak, looks at what daily life in Ukraine is like with Russia targeting power supplies there and examines the effects of climate change in northern Norway.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the political and economic turmoil in the UK, examines the changes in Russian tactics in the war in Ukraine and analyses the crucial role that social media has played in the demonstrations in Iran.
John Simpson reports from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. In discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, he looks at how Ukrainians are reacting to a potential escalation in the war with Russia. He examines the response in China to the Russian performance in the conflict and analyses whether the demonstrators in Iran can succeed in forcing social and political reforms in the country.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, reports from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. He looks at how concerned people there are about the war and analyses Russia’s recent approach to the conflict. He also examines how the recent mini-budget in Britain could affect the UK economy.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyse whether the referendums on joining Russia in the four Russian-occupied provinces of Ukraine increases the risks of a nuclear war in Ukraine. They examine what Russia’s chaotic performance in that war could mean for Vladimir Putin’s future and take a look at Kenya’s new President, William Ruto.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts, looks at the way in which the world paid their respects to the Queen, analyses how Russia's war in Ukraine is turning in the latter's favour, and examines the way Iran's women are responding to the increasingly brutal crackdown on the way they dress.
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.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the shocking details of war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in the war in Ukraine, analyses President Biden’s visit to the Middle East, and questions whether there is a future for medical care free at the point of use in the UK and other western countries.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the depth of the political divides in the United States, examines the Russian targeting of civilians in the Ukraine war and talks to former BBC cameraman Peter Jouvenal, who has just been released from jail in Afghanistan, about his experience of captivity there.
This week, John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what lessons can be learnt from the Covid pandemic; analyses whether Brexit has done long-term damage to the UK; and looks at the International Criminal Court’s investigations into war crimes in the Ukraine.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at what Russians make of the dangers of a wider war with the west, examines what life is like in Syria now and analyses whether international sport is at risk of being overwhelmed by Middle Eastern oil money.
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.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the impact of Western arms supplies to Ukraine, analyses the state of South Africa amid allegations of endemic government corruption and examines cases of stolen antiquities in Egypt.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at whether a change is imminent at the top of Chinese politics, analyses the progress and the cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and examines the extraordinary DNA evidence that scientists have retrieved from the ruins of Pompeii.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the war in Ukraine has changed Europe and Germany’s place in it. They look at the continuing outcry over the death of Shireen Abu Aqla, the Al Jazeera correspondent killed in the West Bank, and discover why record numbers of Cubans are migrating to the United States.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the views of Ukrainians on the progress of the war against Russia, analyses why North Korea has - for the first time - confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the country and, examines the first conclusive proof that a gargantuan black hole lives at the centre of our galaxy.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Vladimir Putin’s options in Russia’s war with Ukraine. They also examine the role of Russian mercenaries in fighting Jihadists in Mali and, on the eve of elections in Lebanon, look at the challenges the country is facing.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the long-term strategic picture of the war in Ukraine, how the war is reshaping the global economy, and what impact the conflict could have on climate change.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, gets the latest on reporting on the front line of the war in Ukraine from the BBC’s Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen, explores the effect of a potential Le Pen French presidency on Europe, and looks at the worsening economic situation in Sri Lanka.
John Simpson is in Ukraine, speaking to BBC correspondents on the ground about what it’s been like to cover the conflict there. He examines the impact of the conflict on collaboration between Russia and the west over space exploration, and finds out how the Taliban’s latest declarations are impacting on life in Afghanistan.
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.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what repercussions the war in Ukraine might have on the Iran nuclear deal. He also considers the disinformation war being fought on social media over the conflict, and how the war in Ukraine has led Britain and other countries to face up to queries over billionaires trying to sportswash questionable money.
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.
John Simpson examines how Russian military strategy in Ukraine has fared, how the war has transformed American foreign policy and what is Africa’s attitude towards Russia and the conflict.
John Simpson is in Finland this week - a country very impacted by the events in neighbouring Russia and Ukraine. In discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, he examines why the intelligence on Putin's Ukraine intentions was so accurate, how the war is being reported in the Russian media and what China's attitude is to the conflict.
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.
2023 · 8 episodes · Last episode: 3 years ago
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how Ukraine’s army can finally break through the well-prepared Russian defences, looks at the potential consequences of the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops in Mali and examines whether cultural artefacts should be returned to their original countries.
ohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the consequences for Vladimir Putin of the aborted mutiny by the Wagner group, looks at what Ukrainians make of their country’s counter-offensive against Russia and examines whether populism is in retreat around the globe.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the true Russian death toll in the war against Ukraine, analyses the tense relationship between China and the United States, and looks at the fight against climate change as the European Space Agency reports some of the most intense marine heat increases on Earth in seas around the UK and Ireland.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Russia’s defence against Ukraine’s counter-offensive, examines the runners and riders in the increasingly crowded race for Republican candidate for US President and looks at the mounting problems facing South Africa.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the challenges of reporting the war in Ukraine from Moscow, analyses the escalating civil war in Myanmar and explores one of the biggest questions of our time: where did Covid come from?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the extraordinary way that the US is trying to transform its economy, discusses the launch of BBC Verify and analyses disinformation in the war between Ukraine and Russia, and looks at the thousands of rare sea creatures discovered in the Pacific Ocean under from deep sea mining.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at what it’s like to report from the front line in Ukraine, analyses how Japan is responding to the challenge of an assertive China, and examines what the rapid growth of artificial intelligence means for all of us.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at Ukraine’s counter-offensive in their war with Russia, examines what might happen next in the Turkish Presidential election, and analyses what Syria’s readmittance into the Arab League means for the country and the region.
2023 · 22 episodes · Last episode: 2 years ago
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what’s next for Vladimir Putin after winning re-election, analyses the possibility of civic unrest in the United States as Joe Biden and Donald Trump compete for the presidency, and looks at the battle between miners and environmentalists over extracting rare metals from the bottom of our deepest oceans.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Russia has turned the tide in its war in Ukraine, looks at the situation in Haiti in the wake of the gang violence sweeping the country and examines whether oceans will be navigated by unmanned ships in the future.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the humanitarian situation in Gaza, analyses what it would take to bring peace to the conflicts there and in Ukraine, and explores the significance of the meeting of the National People’s Congress in China.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, examines Donald Trump’s legal problems, and looks at the issues behind the widespread protests by European farmers.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at Vladimir Putin’s position after the death of Alexei Navalny, examines the situation in Ukraine two years after the Russian invasion and analyses the possibility of a new war in Europe.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Israel can win its war in Gaza, examines what’s really happening to the Chinese economy and looks at what the outcome of Indonesia’s elections might mean for the world’s third largest democracy.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the Russian economy has thrived despite western sanctions, examines the American military’s role in the Middle East and looks at the developing food crisis in Ethiopia.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Ukraine can win its war with Russia without the wholehearted support of the west, examines what effect the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Israel might have on the war in Gaza and looks at the challenges ahead following an expected general election in Britain this year.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether the war in Gaza is beginning to slip away from Israel, analyses the implications of Iran’s missile strike on Pakistan, and looks at what the inauguration of a temple in India means for the forthcoming elections there.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the strategy behind the US and UK attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, analyses whether the elections in Taiwan have made an invasion by China more likely and looks at the implications of Donald Trump’s dominant victory in Iowa.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Ukraine's counter-offensive has failed to quickly deliver the hoped-for gains in its war with Russia, examines whether the United Nations is fit for purpose and looks at the latest new extraordinary discoveries we are finding in space.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what might happen next in the war in Gaza. With Cop28 starting in Dubai, they also look at the issue of pollution from oil and gas production in the region, and examine whether Europe is moving towards the far right.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the humanitarian situation in Gaza, examines whether Vladimir Putin's political future is now looking more secure and analyses why the head of one of the world's biggest oil and gas companies is hosting the next climate change talks.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Israel can continue to count on the West’s support in the conflict in Gaza, examines whether the United States and China can avoid a new cold war and looks at whether the Spanish prime minister can stave off Catalan independence.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the conflict in Gaza might shape the future of the region, examines how Jihadist groups view Hamas and the war and looks at the issues that will decide the US Presidential race with a year to go.
John Simpson is in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. From there, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, he analyses the chances of the war in Gaza spreading to the region, examines the reasons behind Pakistan's move to expel more than a million Afghan migrants and looks at whether artificial intelligence can be controlled.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what the consequences of Israel's expected invasion of Gaza might be, examines whether Ukraine is any closer to winning its war with Russia as winter draws in and looks at the state of play in Argentina after the first round of the Presidential elections there.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the crisis in Israel and Gaza is in danger of escalating into a wider Middle East war, looks at what Iran's role might be in the situation and examines if China's spectacular economic growth is coming to an end.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what the consequences of the attacks on Israel might be, examines how European leaders are trying to tackle mass migration and looks at whether the United States is becoming increasingly ungovernable.
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether European support for Ukraine in their war against Russia is starting to fray, looks at the consequences of the coup in Niger, and examines if short-term political considerations might prevent the world tackling climate change.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Vladimir Putin's position a month on from Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, looks at how the possibility of a first ever female President might change Mexico and examines whether Africa has squandered the opportunities of the last two decades.
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the mood in Ukraine as their war against Russia drags on, analyses whether there have been changes in Iran in the wake of the protests there and examines how much of a threat Chinese espionage is to the west.
2024 · 27 episodes · Last episode: 1 year ago
E27
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.
E26
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.
E25
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.
E24
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.
E23
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.
E22
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.
E21
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.
E20
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.
E19
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.
E18
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.
E17
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.
E16
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.
E15
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.
E14
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
2025 · 30 episodes · Last episode: 7 months ago
E30
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump's decision to call a halt to US attacks on Iran, examines what the future might hold for the Iranian people, and explores the significance of the first manned journey to the moon in half a century.
E29
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, explores how the conflict is actually helping Russia, and looks at the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Hungary and how it might affect the upcoming elections there.
E28
This episode, Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores what life is like in Iran as the war intensifies, and analyses what the US objectives are for the war and whether they are obtainable. She also examines the possibility of a new war in Ethiopia and its implications for the region.
E27
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime will survive, looks at what Israel and the United States are aiming to achieve in their war with Iran, and examines whether Iran's attacks on countries in the Gulf will change the balance of power in the region.
E26
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the mood in Ukraine after four years of war, examines how the war has changed Russia, and looks at whether Russia’s long sporting isolation is coming to an end.
E25
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the transatlantic alliance, explores whether the Iranian regime can survive, and looks at the consequences of the repeal of key environmental regulations in the United States.
E24
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores who is actually governing Gaza at the moment, analyses the Prime Minister of Japan's landslide election victory, and looks at a landmark trial in the US that will determine whether social media giants are responsible for harming children who use their platforms.
E23
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the dangers facing the Iranian clerical regime, explores whether peace talks on the war in Ukraine can succeed, and analyses who is actually governing Venezuela.
E22
John Simpson analyses the relationship between the EU and the United States after the row over Greenland, explores how the UK is trying to improve ties with China, and looks at the challenges facing the first female head of the Anglican Church.
E21
This week Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at Donald Trump's first year of his second term, analyses the repercussions of the uprising against the clerical establishment in Iran, and explores whether a new blood test could transform the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
E20
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Russia is so keen to capture the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, explores the challenges of rebuilding Gaza, and looks at how quantum computing could change the way we solve some of the world's biggest challenges.
E19
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores war-weariness in Russia and the problem it poses for the Kremlin, examines the government shutdown in the United States, and analyses whether there will be any effective action from the upcoming climate conference in Brazil.
E18
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump's approach to dealing with China, examines the United States' rivalry with China in South East Asia, and explores what the future holds for Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government.
E17
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Hamas will lay down its weapons in Gaza, looks at how other Jihadist groups have responded to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and explores how Ukraine's approach to the war with Russia might change in the wake of the latest row with President Trump.
E16
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores who will actually be running Gaza in the wake of the ceasefire there, examines the escalating trade war between China and the United States, and looks at the recent spate of cyber-attacks targeting Western companies.
E15
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether, two years on from the October 7th attacks, peace in Gaza is now possible, looks at what it is like for Western journalists to report in Russia and examines the consequences of reimposing sanctions on Iran.
E14
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s plan for peace in the Middle East, examines why Russia is risking further conflict in Europe by provoking NATO, and looks at the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Moldova.
E13
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a state might have, examines whether Syria is back in the international fold, and looks at the latest restrictions that the Taliban have introduced in Afghanistan.
E12
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, analyses whether Israeli's strike at Qatar has played into the hands of Iran, and looks at the widening split between Europe and the United States over Israel and Gaza.
E11
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the latest political crisis in France is a sign of long-term decline, examines the reasons for the simmering tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and looks at the ways in which Russia is trying to win over opinion around the world.
E10
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the way that Donald Trump conducts foreign policy. Examines reaction in Israel to their conflict with Iran and looks at the controversial new project to create artificial human DNA from scratch.
E9
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime has successfully weathered the storm caused by the attacks by Israel and the United States. Examines the state of the NATO alliance and looks at the ferocious gangland culture of Cape Town in South Africa.
E8
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Israel's attacks could topple the Iranian regime. He also assesses the effectiveness of the G7 in dealing with international crises, and examines what the consequences might be of a global drop in human fertility.
E7
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s decision to send in troops to tackle protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. Plus, he examines the impact at home of the Russian army’s death toll in the war in Ukraine and looks at shocking evidence of life in Syria’s prisons under former leader, Bashar al-Assad.
E6
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the election of a right wing President on Poland's government. Examines the long-term effects of the ongoing civil war in Sudan and looks at the continued attempts by the Chinese authorities to suppress any public remembrance of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
E5
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether criticism from within Israel will force Netanyahu’s government to change its approach to the war in Gaza, examines the impact Russia’s latest onslaught is having on Ukrainian citizens, and looks at the conflict in Cameroon between security forces and armed separatists over the independence of the country’s two English-speaking regions.
E4
James Landale, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the UK's new deal with the EU, looks at the possible impact of the lifting of US sanctions in Syria and examines scientists' attempts to discover the origin of life itself.
E3
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, asks what the government of Benjamin Netanyahu really wants to do with Gaza. He also examines China's efforts to lessen its reliance on the United States for trade and looks at attacks against critics of the Iranian regime on foreign soil.
E2
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Russia's current strategy in the war against Ukraine, looks at the preparations the Polish are making for a possible Russian invasion of their country and examines the escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank.
E1
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the role Donald Trump played in the Liberal Party's election victory in Canada, looks at the extent of the Turkish military presence in northern Iraq and examines whether the legacy of Pope Francis will endure under his successor.
2026 · 16 episodes · Last episode: 2 weeks ago
E14
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.
E13
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.
E12
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.
E11
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.
E10
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.
E9
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.
E8
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.
E7
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.
E6
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.
E5
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.
E4
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.
E3
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.
E2
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.
E1
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.
John Simpson
Self - Presenter
Caroline Hawley
Self - Presenter
A date for the next episode of Unspun World with John Simpson hasn't been announced yet. Follow Unspun World with John Simpson in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.
The most recent episode of Unspun World with John Simpson, Season 6 Episode 16 "21/10/2026", aired on October 21, 2026.
Unspun World with John Simpson has 6 seasons with 133 episodes in total.
Unspun World with John Simpson first aired on BBC Two on February 23, 2022.
Download the Streambay app, follow Unspun World with John Simpson, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.
8.4
10.0
S18 · E260 4 years ago
6.3
6.3
6.9
6.5
7.0
4.0
6.8
7.2
6.1
5.3
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