Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,27 Dec 2025,49 mins

BBC Correspondents' Look Ahead to 2026

BBC Correspondents' Look Ahead

Available for over a year

James Coomarasamy and BBC correspondents gaze into their crystal balls to predict what 2026 might have in store. Among the points of discussion, The Global Story's Asma Khalid and BBC North America Correspondent, Anthony Zurcher, talk about the year ahead for President Trump and how his presidency could be shaped by November's midterm elections. They are joined by BBC Economics Editor, Faisal Islam, to discuss the state of the global economy and whether the A.I bubble will continue to balloon - or burst. From Beijing, BBC China Correspondent Laura Bicker examines the challenges facing the world's second-largest economy, from housing to youth unemployment, and the strides being made by China in developing green energy. The BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, considers some of the on-going conflicts around the world and whether we will see a clearer path to peace in 2026. And from Johannesburg, BBC Africa Correspondent Mayeni Jones looks at the impact of widespread youth protests across the world's youngest continent.

Programme Website
More episodes