BBC World Service Online

The Thought Show

Factual

Brings together in a single hour The Why Factor; More or Less and Trending.

ChineseMomandBaby x1920.jpg

The Thought Show: The Far Right and Sweden

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

08/02/2018 GMT

The Far Right and Sweden

BBC World Service - The Thought Show, The Far Right and Sweden

Why is the far right so obsessed with Sweden? Plus, is China on track to end poverty by 2020? And what are the benefits and risks of being hypnotised?

Why is the far right so obsessed with Sweden? Despite seeming to be unlikely territory with its reputation for progressive social policies, reports about crime and immigration in Sweden routinely go viral on internet chat forums, Facebook and Twitter. And what links do Swedish activists have with the global alt-right?
 
A key pledge of the Chinese President Xi Jinping is that China will have eradicated poverty by 2020. It’s an extraordinary claim, but China does have a good track record in improving the wealth of its citizens so how does it measure poverty? And is it possible for the government to ensure, over the next few years, that no one falls below its  poverty line?

Curing phobias, managing pain, entertainment: hypnotism has a number of tangible benefits. But it can also carry significant risks for the most suggestible people. So why would anyone allow a stranger to access their mind? Nicola Kelly speaks to performers, dentists and therapists who use hypnotism in their work and discovers how the brain functions when in a trance.

(Photo: A woman tends to her niece amid the poor surroundings of her home's kitchen. Credit: Frederic J.Brown/Getty Images

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Thought Show

The Far Right and Sweden

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service