Donate

Mikhail Gorbachev

A large group of people are shown climbing on the Berlin Wall on the night it was opened.

Love, friendship, protest: 3 former East Germans reflect on the fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years later

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a historic moment for East Germans, with a “before” and “after” that resonates 30 years later. The World’s Carol Hills asked three former East Germans to recall how it all went down.

Two men sit at a desk and sign a paper

As landmark nuclear treaty fades, its Cold War authors ask ‘What next?’ 

Nuclear
Director Werner Herzog and former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in the new documentary “Meeting Gorbachev.”

Werner Herzog on the art of narration, Gorbachev and cat videos

Culture
Communist flags are reflected in a lingerie shop window during a traditional Labor Day march in St. Petersburg in 2013.

The Russian government has banned lingerie — for your health

Global Politics
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan (R) stands with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev (L) during Gorbachev's arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, December 8, 1987.

Suzanne Massie taught President Ronald Reagan this important Russian phrase: ‘Trust, but verify’

Global Politics

Around the world, people remember Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, dead at 87

Global Politics

Margaret Thatcher was a controversial figure in life and was similarly so in death. While world leaders, especially conservative ones, praised her accomplishments, some liberals panned the Iron Lady’s legacy while recognizing the impact she had on the world in 11 years as Britain’s prime minister.

Anniversary prompts memories of German teen who landed private plan in Red Square

Global Politics

At the height of the Cold War, a German teen decided he’d fly his single-ending plane deep into the Soviet Union to build a metaphorical bridge between the Germans and the Soviets. He landed in Red Square — and was arrested and sentenced 25 years ago last week.

Britain’s Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher Dies at 87

Global Politics

Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher has died in London at the age of 87. The World’s Alex Gallafent examines the career of one of the singular politicians of the twentieth century.

Remembering Classical Music Luminary Van Cliburn

Arts, Culture & Media

American pianist Van Cliburn, a luminary in the world of classical music, died Wednesday in his home state of Texas. He was 78.

What We Can Learn from the Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan

In February 1989, after nine long years, the last Soviet troops left Afghanistan. Today, as the United States transitions out of the country,  Nikolas Gvosdev, professor of  national security studies at the U.S. Naval War College, says that Americans have plenty of lessons to learn from the Soviet withdrawal. The USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 with grand […]