By BBC World Service The Global Jigsaw
The Global Jigsaw
Podcast

The Global Jigsaw

By BBC World Service
67
5

Looking at the world through the lens of its media. Think of us as your media detectives, helping you get past the propaganda and misinformation. The Global Jigsaw comes from BBC Monitoring, which tracks, deciphers and analyses news media in 100 languages.We reach across multiple time zones, from China and India, to Iran, Africa and Latin America. We watch Russian state TV around the clock, giving unrivalled insight into the evolution of Kremlin propaganda. But propaganda is just part of the information space we inhabit. In its more extreme form, we focus on disinformation that aims to defame enemies, sway elections, and undermine democracy.We have been monitoring jihadist media for nearly two decades, following the chatter from al-Qaeda and Islamic State group, gaining extraordinary knowledge about their aims, their ideological differences and allegiances. We watch the behaviour of Russia’s Putin, Iran’s Khamenei, Turkey’s Erdogan, China’s Xi Jinping, Hungary’s Orban and anyone else who might be challenging the established order, seeking to expand their global footprint or export their brand of ideology. At BBC Monitoring, we don’t just speak the language, we understand the narrative. So we can help you untangle the context and single out rhetoric from reality, deception from truth.

Looking at the world through the lens of its media. Think of us as your media detectives, helping you get past the propaganda and misinformation. The Global Jigsaw comes from BBC Monitoring, which tracks, deciphers and analyses news media in 100 languages.We reach across multiple time zones, from China and India, to Iran, Africa and Latin America. We watch Russian state TV around the clock, giving unrivalled insight into the evolution of Kremlin propaganda. But propaganda is just part of the information space we inhabit. In its more extreme form, we focus on disinformation that aims to defame enemies, sway elections, and undermine democracy.We have been monitoring jihadist media for nearly two decades, following the chatter from al-Qaeda and Islamic State group, gaining extraordinary knowledge about their aims, their ideological differences and allegiances. We watch the behaviour of Russia’s Putin, Iran’s Khamenei, Turkey’s Erdogan, China’s Xi Jinping, Hungary’s Orban and anyone else who might be challenging the established order, seeking to expand their global footprint or export their brand of ideology. At BBC Monitoring, we don’t just speak the language, we understand the narrative. So we can help you untangle the context and single out rhetoric from reality, deception from truth.

67
5

The battle for Hungary

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Viktor Orban faces a high-stakes showdown as a former ally-turned-rival takes him on in one of Europe’s most consequential elections in years. In a short time, Peter Magyar has built remarkable momentum, with polls placing him ahead of the incumbent. Yet victory may still prove elusive within a power structure designed to protect the status quo. In this episode we examine the unequal playing field that is the election machine. We cut through the exuberance of the campaign to distil the messages of the rival camps - Fidesz and Tisza, and explore how the outcome could redefine Hungary’s role in the region. Contributors: Amitis Sedghi, Rita Palfi, Zsofia Paulikovics Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 1 week
0
0
7
40:36

Iran's media at war

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
The war in Iran through the eyes of the Islamic Republic, and how Tehran’s restrictions on information went full throttle. In this episode we peek under the bonnet of the machinery that shapes official narratives and controls the media in Iran. And we revisit the turbulent first days of the war as they unfolded on national TV, from the death of Ayatollah Khamenei to the surprise apology by President Pezeshkian and the rise of a new Supreme Leader. Producer: Kriszta Satori, Barry Sadid, Krassi Ivanova Twigg Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 1 month
1
0
8
36:01

The women of IS: Part three

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
What next for the Syrian detention camps and their residents? After the fall of the so-called “caliphate”, tens of thousands of women and children from around the world - followers of the Islamic State group as well as its victims - ended up in a handful of camps in north-eastern Syria. Once run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, those camps are now in the process of being closed down by the Syrian authorities. This series explores the trauma that led to the prolonged existence of the camps and what the future might hold for their residents. In part three, we discuss justice and rehabilitation, as well as where the latest dramatic events leave the story. Contributors: Mina al-Lami, Barry Marston, Clare Denning, Samia Hosny, Mohammed al-Jumaily, Bryn Windsor Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 1 month
0
0
6
30:40

The women of IS: Part two

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
What next for the Syrian detention camps and their residents? After the fall of the so-called “caliphate”, tens of thousands of women and children from around the world - followers of the Islamic State group as well as its victims - ended up in a handful of camps in north-eastern Syria. Once run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, those camps are now in the process of being closed down by the Syrian authorities. This three-part series explores the trauma that led to their prolonged existence and how it might affect their future. In part two, we examine where governments are drawing the line on repatriation, from Britain’s tough stance to Kazakhstan’s model of success. Contributors: Mina al-Lami, Jiyar Gol, Barry Marston, Clare Denning, Mohammed Al-Jumaily, Bryn Windsor Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 1 month
0
0
5
29:44

The women of IS: Part one

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
What next for Syria’s detention camps and their residents? After the fall of the ‘Islamic State caliphate’, tens of thousands of women and children from around the world - followers of the group as well as its victims - ended up in a handful of camps in north-eastern Syria. Until recently run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, those camps are now under the control of the Syrian authorities, who are in the process of closing them down and repatriating their residents. This three-part series explores the trauma that led to the prolonged existence of these camps. In part one, we picture what life has been like inside the tent city of al-Hol, and find out who its residents are. Contributors: Mina al-Lami, Jiyar Gol, Barry Marston, Mohammed Al-Jumaily Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 1 month
0
0
7
29:28

Ukraine: Whose peace?

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Can diplomacy alone end the war in Ukraine in the absence of a compromise? After nearly four years of fighting and countless deaths, top diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, the US and Europe have been hard at work trying to hammer out a peace deal. Indeed, this work has produced several multi-point peace plans amid proclamations of “productive talks”, creating the impression that peace is around the corner. We compare the Russian and Ukrainian wish lists to reveal two parallel realities of peace that cannot coexist. What are the peace negotiations achieving? Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 2 months
0
0
7
42:43

Persian poetry and politics

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
How poetry is used by Persian speaking leaders to build legitimacy and shape the political narrative. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, millions share a language - and a passion for poetry. But with its abundance of lovers and wine, Persian poetry sits uneasily with Iran’s theocratic leaders. We explore their complicated relationship with this facet of Persian identity, and how they occasionally turn to verse to secure popular appeal. Producer: Kriszta Satori, Barry Sadid Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 3 months
0
0
8
36:21

Made in Russia: The Kremlin’s economic rebrand

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
How Moscow is working around international sanctions: promoting self-sustainability, elevating Russian brands and deepening trade with friendly countries. After Western companies retreated as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine started, Russian consumer habits and the economy began to shift. We explore how sanctions reshaped everyday life and ask the million-dollar question: can Russia sustain a forever war? Contributors: Evgeny Pudovkin, Tim Bowler Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
6
34:27

What is the 'Russian cultural code'?

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Why the traditional kokoshnik headdress is en vogue in Russia, and how it has become a poster image for the Kremlin’s vision of national identity. When President Putin talks not of tanks but of tiaras, it’s a signal that symbolism matters. We unpick the dress code of the Russian “patriot” to explore a deeper idea at the heart of everything from fashion and music to entertainment and literature. We go on a mission to decode the “cultural code” that, in the eyes of Russia’s leaders, makes the nation unique - and morally superior. Contributors: Veronika Malinboym, Yulia Volovik Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 4 months
0
0
8
31:54

What’s behind the war in Sudan?

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Blood spilled in Sudan's el-Fasher massacre is visible from space. What led to the latest dark turn of events that took place after the Rapid Support Forces seized the city in Northern Darfur from the Sudanese Armed Forces? In this episode, first recorded in 2024, we dig into the prehistory of Sudan’s civil war. We focus on the power struggle between two men: Hemedti, in charge of the RAF, and Burkhan, the general leading the SAF. We ask who are the foreign powers aiding them, and why. Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg
Politic and economy 5 months
0
0
7
37:03

Jihadists and AI

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
How Jihadists wrestle with the question: to use or not to use AI. The allure of this powerful tool and the damage they fear it could inflict on their image and reputation. Supporters of the Islamic State group tend to be early adopters of new tech, and some have already experimented with generative Artificial Intelligence. But that has exposed deep divisions in jihadist circles. We explore this debate to understand what “responsible AI” means for them. Contributors: Mina al-Lami, Steven Humphry Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 5 months
0
0
5
30:19

Nuclear tensions in the Middle East

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hasn’t just threatened to redraw the map of Europe - it has transformed the global security landscape. The ripple effects have been felt way beyond the borders of the continent, reigniting fears not felt since the Cold War - of a new nuclear arms race. In this episode of The Global Jigsaw we take stock of the narratives in the nuclear hotspot of the world - the Middle East. We go back to the beginnings of nuclear ambitions in the region, assess the reasons why countries want to go nuclear and weigh up the consequences for the world today.
Politic and economy 6 months
0
0
7
49:40

Decoding China’s doublespeak

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
How the Chinese Communist Party gets lost in translation and whether it’s accidental or intentional. “The Belt and Road Initiative”, “community with a shared future for humankind”, “socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era” - the slogans and proclamations coming out of Beijing can sound abstract and bewildering. We examine the complex character of the language and how it’s put to use by the CCP to understand why its message can get lost on the outside world. Contributor: Tom Lam Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham
Politic and economy 7 months
0
0
6
27:13

Life under JNIM

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
The al-Qaeda offshoot JNIM is one of the deadliest Jihadist groups in the world. It exploits a security vacuum in Africa’s Sahel region to impose its Salafist version of Islam. In part one of this miniseries we explored the structure and ideology of JNIM. In this episode we’ll try to understand its impact on local life and on the region’s complex geopolitics which increasingly looks like a proxy war - on both the information and physical battlefields. Contributors: Collins Nabiswa, Jacob Boswall, Barry Marston Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Politic and economy 8 months
0
0
7
31:32

The JNIM branch of al-Qaeda

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
The JNIM branch of al-Qaeda is one of the world's deadliest jihadist groups. It has firmly planted its flag in the Sahel. Sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as a key battlefront for jihadists: around 50 percent of deaths from terrorism in 2024 were registered in the Sahel region alone, according to the Global Terrorism Index. JNIM is an eclectic yet united coalition, rooted in the tribal desert regions of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. We look into its leaders, its narrative, and its modus operandi, and analyse the complexity of a region beleaguered by military coups, ethnic violence, and climate change. Contributors: Barry Marston, Jacob Boswall Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Politic and economy 8 months
0
0
5
32:09

What next for Poland?

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Why are Poland's young voters turning to the right? With his veto powers, Poland’s president-elect Karol Nawrocki could halt the pro-EU government of Donald Tusk. Poland is a NATO member and backs Ukraine in the war with Russia. Scaling up security is an issue almost all Poles agree on, yet there are some signs of shifting attitudes - on foreign policy and immigration. We examine the gender gap among voters and the recent election discourse to understand how conflicting priorities and enduring conservative values are shaping the eastern flank of the West. Contributors: Margaryta Maliukova Producers: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Politic and economy 9 months
0
0
6
29:33

Netanyahu’s media squeeze

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
The Israeli government’s push to transform the media landscape has been described by critics as a “hostile takeover” that poses a threat to press freedom. In this episode we take a look at what people in Israel see about the war in Gaza on their TV screens. We examine the methods and the motives behind the prime minister’s media squeeze, and ask what this means for the country priding itself on being ‘the only democracy’ in the Middle East. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Contributor: Shaina Oppenheimer
Politic and economy 10 months
0
0
7
31:43

The Trump effect on global media

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
We assess the damage to independent journalism globally by cuts to USAGM and USAID, described as “the chainsaw approach” of the Trump administration. The defunding of Voice of America, RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) and its multiple language services has been decried as “a gift to dictators”. Although these cuts are being disputed in court, they could have long-lasting implications for audiences around the world. Can the harm be undone? Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg Contributors: Pascal Fletcher, Samia Hosny, Margaryta Maliukova, Andrey Vladov, Tom Lam, Sarbas Nazari, Moses Rono
Politic and economy 11 months
0
0
9
34:19

The Kurdish issue: Part three

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.
Politic and economy 11 months
0
0
10
30:30

The Kurdish issue: Part two

Episode in The Global Jigsaw
Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.
Politic and economy 12 months
0
0
8
29:04
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