The Global Story
The Global Story
The soft power superpower, with Roman Mars
29 June 2026
Available for over a year
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, all this week The Global Story is exploring the surprising and often hidden ways the US has shaped the modern world.
Today we’re joined by Roman Mars – the host of 99% Invisible and the new BBC series A History of the United States in 100 Objects – who sets out his theory of how the US used design to shape the world in its image.
Producer: Sam Chantarasak
Executive producer: James Shield
Mix: Travis Evans
Digital producer: Matt Pintus
Senior news editor: China Collins
Image: An illustration of a US city rising high above the world’s surface. Credit: BBC
