Introducing The Global Story... what's really behind Trump's foreign policy?

Introducing The Global Story... what's really behind Trump's foreign policy?

Author: BBC News January 18, 2026 Duration: 30:44

How are Donald Trump’s ambitions in Venezuela and Greenland changing America’s place in the world? President Trump’s key adviser Stephen Miller has said that we are living in a world “that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power” - so where has that philosophy come from?

All this week, we are teaming up with our sister podcasts to explore how power and influence around the world is shifting. We exploring who is in a sphere of influence and who is being controlled by one.

Today, we speak to Anthony Zurcher, co-host of Americast and the BBC’s North America correspondent, about what US history tells us about this moment.

Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin

Executive producer: Bridget Harney

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins


Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Americast
Podcast Episodes
Why is Trump blowing up Venezuelan "drug boats"? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
In today’s episode, we look at some of the stories “under the radar”, away from the main news headlines in the United States. Why is the Trump administration blowing up boats which it says are carrying drugs from Venezue…
Will the Democrats’ shutdown gamble pay off? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
The US federal government has shut down for the first time since 2018, and with it the suspension of all non-essential services and the threat of mass firings among federal workers. The shutdown comes after Congress fail…
Americanswers… on 5 Live! What next after US government shutdown? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:18
In another extraordinary week in U.S politics, the US government has shut down for the first time in almost seven years after members of Congress failed to agree a last-ditch funding deal. Donald Trump has said federal w…
Trump vs Comey (and the city of Portland) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:26
It started with a Truth Social post from the president, calling for a handful of his critics to be prosecuted, one of those targeted was the former FBI director James Comey. Less than a week later, he has been indicted a…
Is America's health secretary RFK Jr a danger to public health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:06
Monday’s White House announcement made headlines worldwide when Donald Trump - flanked by his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior - said taking Tylenol, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy was linked to a "…
MAGA’s “righteous fury” at Charlie Kirk’s memorial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:50
Justin and Anthony unpack the memorial service held yesterday in Glendale, Arizona for the conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this month. Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, was given a standing…
Has Trump cancelled Jimmy Kimmel over Charlie Kirk? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Donald Trump has finished his state visit to the UK and it ended with a joint press conference with the British PM Keir Starmer. What did the two leaders say about Gaza and Ukraine, why was Epstein not really mentioned,…
What does Donald Trump want from his UK state visit? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:06
As King Charles welcomes Donald Trump to Windsor, England for the US president’s second state visit to the UK, what should we be expecting from the trip? Sarah joins Justin and Marianna from Windsor to unpack how divisio…

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