The Explanation Episodes Available now

Cuba–United States relations
How a long, complex history between neighbours led to such an uneasy relationship

Roe v Wade and abortion in America
Katty Kay explains how abortion became central to American politics

How Syria's peaceful uprising became a civil war
Lina Sinjab tells Claire Graham about the conflict in her native country

Understanding the long history between Russia and Ukraine
What has bound Russia and Ukraine together, and what has pulled them apart?

Understanding South Africa’s continuing quest for equality
Why has the post-apartheid dream of a ‘Rainbow Nation’ not been easy to realise?

Understanding the power that Saudi Arabia wields
How has the Saudi royal family maintained strong worldwide influence in spite of critics?

Understanding relations between Taiwan and China
Why is Taiwanese reunification so important to China?

Understanding the rise of Boko Haram
How the militant Islamic group took hold in northern Nigeria

Understanding North Korea and the Kim dynasty
How the Kim family shaped one of the world’s most secretive countries

Understanding the Islamic State group
Quentin Sommerville on the rise, fall and potential re-emergence of IS