Global News Podcast – Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

BBC World Service | Host: Ankur Desai | Aired: 17 February 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Global News Podcast begins with the breaking news of the death of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at 84, reflecting on his legacy and impact. It also covers key international affairs: the latest on US-Iran nuclear negotiations and Geneva-based Russia-Ukraine peace talks, a major AI summit in India, Ukraine’s efforts to address fertility amid war, and cultural celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

1. Remembering Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Icon (00:56–08:39)

Key Points & Insights

• Jesse Jackson’s Life and Contributions:

  • Marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.
  • Survived King’s assassination and continued the civil rights struggle.
  • Twice ran for president in the 1980s, becoming the first Black man to be a serious contender for the Democratic nomination.
  • Advocated for justice, equality, inclusion, and coalition-building.
  • International activism: Advocated for a Palestinian state, negotiated release of hostages in Iraq, maintained pressure against South African apartheid.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity, and that he left an indelible mark on history.” – Family statement (01:32)
  • “Jesse Jackson was a giant among men. He was tall and powerful in stature, powerful in presence… he inspired me to run for public office…What he showed is that the philosophy of inclusion, the philosophy of coalition building could and needed to be central to American politics in the 90s and beyond.” – Mark Morial, National Urban League (06:16)
  • “He had that slogan which he so oft repeated of ‘keep hope alive’, which was seen as a precursor… to Barack Obama’s mantra of hope and change.” – Helena Humphrey, Washington correspondent (07:29)

• Lasting Legacy:

  • Philosophy of inclusion and hope that influenced political movements up to and including the election of Barack Obama in 2008.
  • Served as a role model for younger generations, particularly in the Black community.

Memorable Moment

• 2008 Election Night: The tear-stained face of Jesse Jackson in the crowd as Barack Obama was elected, symbolizing the culmination of decades of activism (03:07).

2. US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva: Progress & Uncertainty (08:52–19:18)

Key Points & Insights

• Recent Developments:

  • Iran and the US reportedly agree on a set of “guiding principles” for future negotiations, though details remain vague and skepticism persists.
  • Iran’s demands: No discussion of missile programs, relief from harsh sanctions.
  • American demands encompass nuclear, regional, and domestic issues related to Iran.

• Voices from Tehran:

  • Citizens express desperation and hope that an agreement may improve daily life and prevent further US military action.
  • Calls for freedom and skepticism about negotiations’ transparency.

• Expert Analysis:

  • “My interpretation is that, if indeed correct, the US and Iran have agreed on the parameters of the negotiations…at least one side has given ground.” – Ellie Geranmayeh, European Council on Foreign Relations (17:10)
  • Persistent military posturing from both sides, reducing prospects for relaxation of tensions in the near-term.

3. AI Summit in India: Between Innovation & Inequality (19:18–26:52)

Key Points & Insights

• Summit Scale and Themes:

  • 50,000 attendees in Delhi to discuss AI safety, governance, accessibility, and climate impact.
  • Star speakers: Professor Yoshua Bengio (“godfather of AI”), Sundar Pichai, Bill Gates, with major world leaders and ambassadors.

• Core Concerns:

  • “Capabilities of AI have continued to advance, and although mitigation and risk management… have also progressed, not as quickly. So it becomes urgent… that leaders… understand where we could be going.” – Prof. Yoshua Bengio (20:45)
  • Lower- and middle-income countries, especially India, worry about being left behind, despite having built the foundations for many AI systems.
  • Only about half of India’s official languages are supported by major AI products.

• Skepticism and Ambition:

  • Skeptics worry the summit’s scale might undermine meaningful outcomes.
  • India seeks to showcase itself as an AI superpower (21:55–26:45).

4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: Pessimism & Attrition (29:45–36:23)

Key Points & Insights

• Geneva Peace Talks:

  • Continued fighting as peace talks stall; skepticism dominates among Ukrainian officials.
  • Ukraine’s parliamentarian Alexander Merezhko dismisses the talks as “a mockery instead of true negotiations” (30:03).
  • Pressure on the US to step up sanctions and provide more security guarantees.

• Battlefield Update:

  • Ukraine has recaptured some territory, possibly aided by Russia’s lack of access to Starlink.
  • Russian advances persist; Ukraine leans towards resisting ‘surrender’ via any unfavorable deal.
  • “…Ukraine… would rather keep fighting… than sign a peace agreement that would be tantamount to a gradual surrender.” – James Waterhouse, Ukraine Correspondent (34:26)

5. Fertility, War & Sperm Freezing in Ukraine (36:24–41:54)

Key Points & Insights

• Impact of War on Ukrainian Demographics:
  • Sperm freezing for soldiers is now commonplace, offering peace of mind and a chance for family continuity.
  • Drastic fall in birth rate due to deaths, stress, and women fleeing as refugees.
  • Legislative efforts to safeguard sperm samples for widows rather than parents of fallen soldiers.
  • “Ukraine’s gene pool is dying. Our men are dying. It’s about the survival of our nation.” – Maxim, Ukrainian soldier (37:11)
  • Importance for soldiers: “If all of this ever ends and I do make it home, I have more chance of having a child one day.” – Maxim (41:41)

6. Iconic Backflip: Surya Bonaly’s Olympic Moment (41:55–46:58)

Key Points & Insights

• Historic Figure Skating Move:
  • French skater Surya Bonaly recalls her decision to perform the first Olympic backflip on ice in 1998, despite injury and the move being banned.
  • “It was my last competition…I had to land on one foot…As soon as I landed, the crowd just went nuts. And I got, I think, a standing ovation for like a minute.” – Surya Bonaly (44:40)
  • bonaly took the risk to “leave [her] trademark” on the sport.

7. Chinese Lunar New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse (46:59–51:07)

Key Points & Insights

• Significance and Traditions:

  • Fire Horse year brings symbolism of courage, wisdom, perseverance, and ambition (47:30).
  • Celebration traditions: group meals, exchanging “hong bao” (red envelopes with money), fireworks, TV countdown shows (including performances by East and West pop stars).

• Broad Cultural Reach:

  • Celebrated across China and throughout East Asia, serving as a culturally unifying event.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Can you wish our listeners a happy New Year in the language?”
    • Kerry Allen: “Xīnnián kuàilè!” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) (50:25)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Jesse Jackson Obituary & Legacy: 00:56–08:39
• US-Iran Nuclear Talks: 08:52–19:18
• AI Summit in India: 19:18–26:52
• Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 29:45–36:23
• Ukrainian Sperm Freezing Program: 36:24–41:54
• Surya Bonaly’s Olympic Backflip: 41:55–46:58
• Lunar New Year / Year of the Fire Horse: 46:59–51:07

Memorable Quotes

• Jesse Jackson’s Legacy:

  • “Keep hope alive.” – Jesse Jackson (recalled by Helena Humphrey, 07:38)

• Ukraine’s War and Families:

  • “Ukraine’s gene pool is dying. Our men are dying. It’s about the survival of our nation.” – Maxim, Ukrainian soldier (37:11)

• AI Future:

  • “It becomes urgent…that leaders of this world understand where we could be going.” – Prof. Yoshua Bengio (20:45)

• Cultural Tradition:

  • “Xīnnián kuàilè!” (Happy New Year) – Kerry Allen, China Media Analyst (50:25)

This episode delivers rich context on the life of Jesse Jackson, contemporary geopolitical currents, technological advances, and global cultural moments, capturing the world’s urgent headlines in moving and memorable terms.