This Week's World - Season 1

For decades now, politicians have been able to tell us we are getting richer. From the West to China and beyond, the whole world dreamt of becoming home owners, car owners and holiday makers. And the promise made sense, because the economic growth rate across the world kept on climbing. Many people assumed this growth would return quickly after the 2008 crash - but eight years on, it remains low. This week's edition asks: why is this happening? And is this lack of growth now permanent?

From energy to the economy and global living standards, to social movements, conflicts, or diplomatic tensions, This Week's World helps viewers understand the impact on the world and possible solutions. It features interviews and debate with big players and those in the know as well as international reporting, graphics and animated explainers.

Current affairs programme for BBC Two presented by Emily Maitlis, bringing audiences in-depth analysis of topical world issues. From energy to the economy and global living standards to social movements, conflicts or diplomatic tensions, This Week's World helps viewers to understand the impact on the world and possible solutions. Featuring interviews and debate with big players and those in the know as well as international reporting, graphics and animated explainers.

The African National Congress, the 'party of Nelson Mandela', is in crisis after corruption allegations against its leader and South Africa's president Jacob Zuma. At the same time, protest movements have grown up around the country, often led by young people fighting against symbols of the racist past and questioning the direction the Rainbow Nation is headed. In This Week's World, we report on the 'born free' generation across South Africa and Emily Maitlis interviews ANC treasurer General Zweli Mkhize and other leading political figures from the country. We also feature an interview with Amartya Sen, the Nobel Prize-winning economist, reflecting on poverty and national identity in his native India and elsewhere.

The oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the west's staunchest allies in the Middle East, but some now fear that is a problem, producing instability and the rise of extremism. Emily Maitlis hears from senior western leaders who criticise Saudi and want the west to pull back. We also speak to Saudi leaders themselves, who are pushing through a programme of reforms, and report on the ground to look at how free ordinary Saudis are. Plus how does North Korea make any money with the sanctions linked to its nuclear programme? Meet the western businessmen doing deals there.

Current affairs programme presented by Emily Maitlis, bringing audiences in-depth analysis of topical world issues. Looking ahead towards the US election, Emily Maitliss unpacks some of the deeper issues facing America both domestically and in terms of international relations. The programme examines the issue of race by speaking to white Americans about their experiences during a period of racial tension. Plus a look at how divisions over immigration and the status of Muslims following recent shooting incidents will play out in the election cycle. Emily talks to two top Republicans, ex-governor Jan Brewer, who is in the frame as a potential Trump running mate, and Chuck Hagel, former defence secretary to Obama. Finally, This Week's world explores human rights in Egypt under president Sisi, and the contemporary of foreign policy dilemmas America faces in the Middle East.