John Simpson on the pivotal moments that shaped the world as we know it | The Global Story

BBC correspondent John Simpson, who has reported for the BBC for 60 years, reflects on historic moments he witnessed, including the 1979 Iranian revolution, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. Speaking with The Global Story's Asma Khalid, he discusses whether current wars and shifts in the global order repeat familiar patterns. He also shares a perspective that is not entirely pessimistic, drawing on the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of apartheid.

• Simpson's career and his reporting from key events
• The 1979 Iranian revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall
• Comparing past turning points with today's conflicts and global order
• His message to younger viewers

Politicians and commentators keep telling us we’re living through unprecedented times. But how unusual is the world we’re living in, really? John Simpson has spent 60 years reporting for the BBC, witnessing some of the most consequential moments in modern history. He was on the plane that brought Ayatollah Khomeini back to Iran during the 1979 revolution. He watched the Berlin Wall come down. And he reported from Beijing during the protests in Tiananmen Square. Those experiences have left Simpson with a perspective that’s not entirely pessimistic. Having lived through the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of apartheid, Simpson has seen seemingly entrenched systems change in ways few thought possible. Now, as wars rage and the global order shifts again, he joins The Global Story’s Asma Khalid to reflect on what those moments can tell us about the present — and whether today’s conflicts are repeating familiar patterns. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news Timecodes: 0:00 Are we living through unprecedented times? 0:54 John Simpson and his career throughout the BBC 3:50 The Iranian revolution of 1979 5:55 Did it feel the revolution would last as long as it has? 7:13 The fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 12:55 What is John's main takeaway from the Berlin wall? 13:23 Tiananmen Square incident in China, 1989 15:12 The U.S and British involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan 17:37 Are more unprecedented times ahead? 20:30 John's message to the younger generation #BBCNews