A vendor holds a green plastic bag at a market in Lima, Peru

Jamaica bans plastic bags, Vladimir Putin’s 2019 calendar, a year of identity politics

Full Episode

A vendor holds a plastic bag at a market in Lima, Peru Dec. 6, 2018. 

Mariana Bazo/Reuters

In This Episode

How Russia’s arrest of an American widens the divide between Washington and Moscow
These are 3 photos of Vladimir Putin's calendars. On the first one from the left, he is holding a fish in his hands wearing green cargo pants, a hat, sunglasses and no shirt. Second one, Putin is exercising in a gym. Third one he is wearing a black suit
What’s the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?
Special Coverage
World leaders and their happy New Year’s speeches
Right-wing firebrand takes office in Brazil
Same-sex couples rush to get married in Brazil
Jamaica bans plastic bags
What’s in a name?
Francis Fukuyama standing outside with his arms crossed.
Francis Fukuyama on 2018, a year in identity politics
Special Coverage