Amanpour

World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels. Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; playwright Bess Wohl and actor Kristolyn Lloyd, "Liberation"; Zoe Weissman, a survivor of both the Brown University and Parkland school shootings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"An alcoholic's personality," "a right-wing absolute zealot," and "a conspiracy theorist" are some of the descriptions of President Trump and top members of his team by his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a new Vanity Fair interview. She claims her words were taken out of context and key administration figures are standing by her. But are fractures starting to appear in the Trump coalition? David A. Graham, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America," joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Steve Huffman, CEO and Co-founder, Reddit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are we one step closer to peace in Ukraine? After two days of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Europe, there certainly seems to be optimism in the air. Now the new proposal goes back to the Kremlin, but is President Putin ready to accept the terms? We ask Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, who served as special envoy to Ukraine during President Trump's first term. Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov; actor and playwright Yousef Sweid & playwright and director Isabella Sedlak discuss Sweid's one-man play, "Between the River and the Sea"; author Saikrishna Prakash, “The Presidential Pardon” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia's tight-knit Jewish community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish leaders have been warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government about rising antisemitism for several years now. As the Hanukkah holiday continues, with its celebration of light and resistance, Bianna speaks with Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann from Melbourne. Also on today's show: British Conservative MP Alicia Kearns; Director Park Chan-Wook; US Senate Democrat Andy Kim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a tough week for Europe after President Trump described the continent as "weak" and "decaying". Can US-Europe relations recover? Christiane gets the view from both sides of the pond, with former US Defense Department official Celeste Wallander and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan. A year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the country’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa talks to Christiane about Syria’s future following a decade of civil war. Plus, who are the “Pink Ladies”? A special report on Britain's new protest movement which is echoing far right rhetoric. Then, into the past with author Jonathan Freedland, who reveals the hidden history of the millions of Germans who resisted Nazi rule. From the archives, how one man from Harlem trekked to the North Pole to inspire New York's schoolchildren. And finally, Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado makes a daring journey to Oslo, telling the world what the award means to her. Air date: December 13, 2025 Guests: Celeste Wallander & Peter Frankopan Ahmed al-Sharaa Jonathan Freedland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Syrians are celebrating one year of freedom from the Assad regime, but there are many wounds still to be healed, and the work of transitional justice must now take place. It's a process that links Syria to the US, South Africa and many other countries in between. Ruti Teitel, professor of law at New York Law School and author of "Presidential Visions of Transitional Justice" and Aria Florant, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Ventures, an organization advocating for slavery reparations in the US, join the show. Also on today's show: Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland; law school professor Kate Shaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After nearly a year in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado snuck out of her country and appeared in public after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The 58-year-old dedicated her prize in part to President Trump, who is taking an aggressive strategy against the Maduro regime. Contributor Stefano Pozzebon has been following this story closely, and joins the show from Caracas. Also on today's show: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Leopoldo López; Marshall Prject staff writer Shannon Heffernan & Futuro Media reporter Julieta Martinelli; New Yorer staff writer Susan Glasser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has been a year like no other for two of Britain's best-known institutions. The BBC, the country's independent public broadcaster, has found its editorial integrity in question, and has been forced to defend its practices on multiple occasions. The British monarchy too, is under greater scrutiny than perhaps ever before. David Dimbleby is a veteran journalist who knows both institutions well. "What's the Monarchy For?" is his latest project airing on the BBC now. He joins the show from London. Also on today's show: author Kiran Desai ("The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny"); Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The just-published Trump 2.0 national security strategy is causing a mix of fury, resignation, and even accusations of ignorance. Moscow has welcomed the plan, saying it aligns with Putin's vision, while former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt posted that it's "to the right of the extreme right of Europe." Celeste Wallander served as an assistant secretary of defense under President Biden, and Peter Frankopan is a professor of global history at Oxford University. They join Christiane to discuss. Also on today's show: Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani; European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas; Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares; Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan; New Yorker Editor David Remnick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One year ago today, Syria's fallen President Bashar al-Assad fled the country. The man who replaced him, opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, is certainly an international darling, welcomed all the way to the White House. According to a new poll by Arab Barometer, he has the approval of 81% of the Syrian people. But these numbers aren't universal: among minorities, including Alawites and Druze, support for him falls below 50%. Moreover, a United Nations commission warns that Syria's transition remains fragile amid continuing insecurity and sporadic violence. Christiane put crucial questions to him at this weekend's Doha forum. Also on today's show: correspondent Clare Sebastian; former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is time running out for Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro? Christiane asks Colombia's former president Ivan Duque why he supports Trump's aggressive stance against the country next door. And while the U.S. president has his eye on Latin America, the White House is snubbing Europe again, opting not to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a NATO foreign minister meeting. Julianne Smith, former US Ambassador to NATO, speaks to Christiane about transatlantic tension, and those marathon peace talks between Trump's team and Putin that appeared to produce nothing. Plus, Oedipus on Broadway! Christiane speaks to stars Lesley Manville and Mark Strong about modernizing the 2,5000-year-old Greek tragedy, and playing a mother and son in love. From the archives, we revisit a 1988 mutiny in a New Jersey monastery, and remember legendary playwright Tom Stoppard. Air date: December 6, 2025 Guests: Ivan Duque Julianne Smith Lesley Manville & Mark Strong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A week of intensive US diplomacy is wrapping up, with no Ukraine deal in sight, and escalating threats from Moscow. 30 years ago, the Dayton Agreement brought an end to the savage war in Bosnia, where, like Putin's dream of a greater Russia today, Serbia wanted more land and control, not an independent Bosnia. Rupert Smith was commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces at the end of that conflict. Through his four decades in the military, he also led troops in the first Gulf war and Northern Ireland. He joins the program from London. Also on today's show: photographer Annie Leibovitz; Bulwark reporter Will Sommer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent months, the Trump administration has hit 21 boats suspected of smuggling on behalf of drug cartels, as part of their self-declared war on narcoterrorism. It's all part of a wider campaign aimed at Venezuela and its leader Nicolas Maduro. Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show NYT journalist Farnaz Fassihi; New Yorker contributing writer Joshua Yaffa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite five hours of talks between Russia and the US, they failed to reach an agreement for ending the war in Ukraine. Both President Zelensky and NATO officials say that Putin shows no sign of making "meaningful concessions. Julianne Smith was Ambassador to NATO under President Biden, including during Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. She joins the show from Washington DC. Also on today's show: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; Republican Senator Bill Cassidy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the sixth time this year, President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with President Putin in Moscow, presenting a revamped proposal agreed upon by both the White House and Ukraine. Meanwhile, an investigation by the Wall Street Journal alleges the White House may be prioritizing business interests with Russia over a just peace for Ukraine. The newspaper's chief foreign affairs correspondent, Yaroslav Trofimov, joins the show from DC. Also on today's show: Andrey Kurkov, author, "Three Years on Fire: The Destruction of Ukraine"; CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman; Iranian women's rights activist Mahnaz Afkhami Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Outrage is mounting in Washington over the Trump administration's latest moves in its pressure campaign against Venezuela and the Maduro regime. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for an investigation into a so-called "double tap" strike by the US military, targeting survivors from an alleged drug trafficking vessel. President Trump is denying knowledge of the strike, and backing his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who insists the strikes are legal. Reporter Stephen Collinson joins the show to discuss. Also on today’s show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-chief, "Americas Quarterly"; former US Secretary of State John Kerry; Pastor Tim Johnson, founder, Fatherless No More Initiative; Andrew Rice, features Writer, New York Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joins Christiane to discuss the leaked phone call which appears to show Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Putin aide. They also discuss the administration's 28-point peace plan that would see Ukraine surrender territory to Russia, and Kerry weighs in on Trump's case against military veteran and Democratic Senator, Mark Kelly. Then, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba gives Kyiv's perspective on the Witkoff call controversy. CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on the mass grave site unearthed in the north of Sri Lanka, reopening painful wounds of a decades long civil war. Plus, renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz on her new book "Women", liberating Michelle Obama, the final photo of John Lennon and her Vogue cover of Timothée Chalamet. And as many celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we look at Christiane's archive piece from 1988, where she joined the charity "God's Love, We Deliver" on their meal train for those in need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The leaked US plan has spurred frantic efforts to prevent it from being advanced. Joining us to discuss is former US Secretary of State and veteran negotiator John Kerry. Also on today's show: Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz; award-winning director Wes Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As peace talks for Ukraine continue, a leaked transcript released by Bloomberg has shocked many observers: It documents a phone call between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin's main peace negotiator, where Witkoff appears to offer advice on how the Russian leader can get the most out of President Trump. Nonetheless, the president says Witkoff will travel to Moscow for more negotiations next week. Meanwhile, civilian casualties in Ukraine have spiked, as Russia intensifies its attacks on energy infrastructure. Dmytro Kuleba served as Ukraine's foreign minister until last year, and he joins the show from Kyiv. Also on today's show: actors Mark Strong and Lesley Manville ("Oedipus"); country superstar Kenny Chesney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge has dismissed cases against both former FBI chief James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on the grounds that Donald Trump illegally appointed prosecutor Lindsey Halligan. This is yet another setback for the resident, who, in the face of the Epstein files and criticism from longtime political ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, is currently polling at an all-time low. CNN's Stephen Collinson joins the program to discuss how all this might impact the administration. Also on today's show: Dr. Atul Gawande, former Head of Global Health, USAID & Tom Jennings, Co-director, "Rovina's Choice"; author Susan Choi ("Flashlight"); David Herzberg, Professor of History, University at Buffalo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Geneva, US President Donald Trump has hinted at potential movement toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. His proposed 28-point peace plan, however, has raised alarm in Kyiv and among its allies due to the significant concessions it would require, ranging from major territorial losses to limits on Ukraine’s military. CNN's Matthew Chance joins the show to discuss the developments of the plan. Also on today's show: Tymofiy Mylovanov, President, Kyiv School of Economics; Nabih Bulos, Middle East Bureau Chief, Los Angeles Times; filmmaker Jimmy Chin and photojournalist Lynsey Addario Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola joins Christiane to discuss President Trump snubbing the G20 and the mysterious flights shuttling Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa. Then, retired Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré explains his fear for American democracy in the wake of the White House's immigration crackdown. From Mozambique, CNN's Nick Paton Walsh brings us a report on the sudden ISIS resurgence there in the wake of U.S.A.I.D withdrawal. Plus, movie star Tilda Swinton tells us about her new book "Ongoing" that traces her career and artistic collaborations. And from Christiane's archive, we mark the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials with Chief Prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz, who witnessed the horrors of World War II and convicted dozens of Nazi leaders. Air date: November 22, 2025 Guests: Ronald Lamola Russel L. Honoré Tilda Swinton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks the signing of the historic 1995 Dayton Agreement, which brought over three years of brutal fighting in Bosnia to an end. The Agreement yields important lessons today about bridging deep divides and finding a path to peace even in the most improbable conditions. Two key architects of the Agreement, Carl Bildt, High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995-97), and Christopher Hill, former US Ambassador to Serbia, join Christiane to reflect on the challenges of reaching the agreement and how it can help guide solutions for today's most pressing conflicts. Also on today's show: actor Tilda Swinton; sports journalist Joon Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the ceasefire, the killing continues in Gaza, with at least 312 Palestinians confirmed dead since the deal between Israel and Hamas six weeks ago. Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank, the UN has logged 264 attacks in October alone, its highest monthly tally, as Israeli settlers attack farmers and burn olive trees. Senior Israeli officials are warning that the state is losing control there. CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson joins the show from Jerusalem. Also on today’s show: Israeli comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi; author Jelani Cobb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The G20 is preparing to kick off in South Africa this weekend. It's supposed to be when the world's major powers come together to tackle the biggest global challenges, from economic stability to climate change. But this year's summit in Johannesburg begins with something extraordinary: virtually no senior US presence. All of it unfolds as South Africa confronts another unexpected crisis: mystery flights carrying Palestinians from Gaza into the country, which officials fear could signal an effort to remove Palestinians from their homeland. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola joins the show from Johannesburg. Also on today’s show: Rev. Alex Santora; author Elizabeth Kolbert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince walked into the White House today, just years after being labelled an international pariah. President Trump welcomed Mohammed Bin Salman, the man increasingly seen as the Kingdom's most consequential leader in recent history. Few Americans know and understand MBS better than Princeton scholar Bernard Haykel. Haykel has interviewed the Crown Prince more than 20 times for his forthcoming book "The Realm" and he joins Christiane from Washington. Also on today's show: international reporter Steffano Pozzebon; former NSC Senior Director Juan Gonzalez; director Geeta Gandbhir ("The Perfect Neighbor") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council moved to investigate mass killings in Sudan. That comes after stark new evidence of atrocities in El Fasher, in the Darfur region. The UN’s top aid official, Tom Fletcher, has just returned from Tawila in northern Darfur. While in Sudan, Fletcher also met with the Sudanese army chief, as well as the opposition paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Also on today's show: political reporter Stephen Collinson; singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan; MTV co-founder Tom Freston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former U.S. Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore joins Christiane to discuss the COP30 climate summit and U.S. politics. Then, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter talk about their reunion, this time for a bold new Broadway production of “Waiting for Godot.” In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians have surged, CNN brings a special report from the ground. Plus, a taste of Ukrainian soft power as a London chef who once fought on the frontlines brings his country’s culture to the table. And from Christiane’s archive, Holocaust survivor and resistance fighter Selma van de Perre reflects on survival, courage, and the cost of defiance. Air date: November 15, 2025 Guests: Al Gore Keanu Reeves & Alex Winter Eugene Korolev & Polina Sychova Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As many Americans gathered to celebrate Veterans Day, they did so at a time of political upheaval and division. From the nation's capital to cities like Chicago and Portland, soldiers police their own streets, their own people. Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, who served his country for more than 37 years, says, "never before have I been as concerned for our democracy -- we are being tested, and this is a test we cannot afford to fail." He joins the show from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Also on today's show: Ukrainian restaurateurs Eugene Korolev & Polina Sychova; acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands of emails to and from Jeffery Epstein have been released by the House Oversight committee, exposing a web of connections to the disgraced businessman and convicted sex offender, who was found dead in his jail cell in 2019. Of course, all everyone wants to know about is how President Donald Trump is connected to it all. CNN Chief US National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Zack Polanski, Leader, The Green Party of England and Wales; actors Alex Winter & Keanu Reeves ("Waiting for Godot"); US House Democrat Jim Clyburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Indigenous protesters against deforestation are making their voices heard in Belem, Brazil, the site of the UN's major climate summit. But the world's most powerful people aren't even at the conference: Presidents Trump and Xi are no-shows, and so is India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all big polluters. One well-known American trying to fill the leadership gap is former US Vice President Al Gore. One of the earliest politicians to sound the alarm on climate change, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in part for his prescient documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." Also on today's show: Juanita Goebertus, Director, Americas Division, HRW & Noah Bullock, Executive Director, CRISTOSAL; NYT reporter Charlie Savage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: As Russia advances on Ukraine, G7 leaders meet in Canada with this war high on their agenda. So, what's at stake, and how long can Ukraine hold out? Next: "The President's Cake" is the award-winning film exploring the realities of Saddam Hussein's rule in 1990s Iraq. We speak with writer/director Hassan Hadi. Then: On Veterans Day, Hari Sreenivasan speaks with former Navy Seal Marcus Capone and Bonni Cohen, director of "In Waves and War," a film about controversial psychedelic therapy that seeks to heal brain injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The longest US government shutdown ever recorded could be coming to an end soon after eight Democratic senators voted with Republicans to advance a measure to reopen the government. Angus King, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, was one of those senators who broke ranks. He joins the show to discuss that decision and what happens next. Also on today's show: Reem Turkmani, Director, Syria Conflict Research Program at the London School of Economics & Charles Lister, Syria Program Director at Middle East Institute; Gabriela Jauregui, Mexican author, poet and women's rights activist; author Marion Nestle (“What to Eat Now”) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special program from Rio de Janeiro as Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit. Christiane talks to Britain’s Prince William about the Earthshot prize, which rewards five innovators for finding climate solutions, and she asks him about changes in the British monarchy. The former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres speaks about finding optimism amid the dire climate forecast and tells Christiane why she thinks Bill Gates’s latest memo on global warming is misguided. Then, a little inspiration from above as NASA’s first female space shuttle pilot Eileen Collins discusses the new documentary about her extraordinary life “Spacewoman”. From Christiane’s archive, a return to Brazil’s last time hosting a major climate gathering in 1992. When the Earth Summit saw then-Senator Al Gore tell Christiane that the world needed American climate leadership. And finally, some words of wisdom from David Attenborough as he releases his latest nature documentary. Air date: November 8, 2025 Guests: Prince William Christiana Figueres Eileen Collins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ten years ago in Paris, the world set its key climate goal, to limit a rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Now the United Nations is warning that the planet is likely to overshoot that target in the next decade, and that swift action is needed to limit the damage. The warning comes as world leaders are gathering for the COP30 Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil. Christiane spoke to former UN Climate Chief Christiana Figueres, a key architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, in Brazil ahead of the summit. Also on today's show: author Katy Hessel ("How to Live an Artful Life"); Grammy-award winning musician and songwriter Jacob Collier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is throwing out all kinds of reasons to try to explain some of Tuesday's US election results. While this includes false claims of election rigging, a new cover story in The Atlantic suggests this administration is also taking concrete actions that undermine that very security. According to one expert, "If you are not frightened, you are not paying attention." Atlantic staff writer David A. Graham joins the show to discuss his reporting. Also on today's show: author Salman Rushdie; NYT climate reporter Raymond Zhong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World leaders are heading to Brazil ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Summit there. One of the highest profile attendees is Britain's Prince William. But before that, he's hosting his own gathering for his annual Earthshot Prize. Today, Christiane moderates the Earthshot Impact Assembly and she sat down with the man at the center of it all, Prince William. Also on today's show: Brian Lehrer, Radio Host, WNYC & Ron Brownstein, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist; author Scott Galloway ("Notes on Being a Man") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's tariff war is facing its biggest legal challenge yet this week. The Supreme Court will hear arguments challenging the legality of many of his administration's tariffs. The World Trade Organization is paying close attention to this legal challenge and Christiane sat down with its Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in London. Also on today's show: Wolf Blitzer on the death of Dick Cheney; Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson; Michael Sandel, Winner, Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government shutdown is inching closer to becoming the longest in history, with the effects being felt by millions facing frozen paychecks and reduced food aid. Meanwhile, voters are preparing to cast ballots in a series of key elections taking place tomorrow, the first real test of the nation's political mood, and a moment that could finally shake up the shutdown impasse. Jessica Taylor, the Senate and governors editor for the Cook Political Report, joins the show. Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director, Yale Humanitarian Research Lab & Hamid Khalafallah, Sudanese policy expert; Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As President Trump concludes his high-stakes tour of Asia, former Deputy oNational Security Adviser Matthew Pottinger joins Christiane to discuss what went right, and wrong, in his meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping. Then, the Bishop of Washington, Mariann Budde, author of ‘We Can Be Brave’, speaks with Christiane about learning to be courageous and even challenging a president. One year after a deadly railway station collapse in Serbia sparked mass protests, Christiane examines the government’s ongoing crackdown on press freedom. Former CNN Cairo Bureau Chief Gayle Young reflects on her journalism career in a new memoir “Update” and revisits her groundbreaking report on female genital mutilation that helped drive change in Egypt. From Christiane’s archive, a look back at Algeria’s brutal civil war, and the journalists who were targeted during it. And finally, as Mexico marks Dia de los Muertos, a visit to an extraordinary monument celebrating the country’s Aztec roots. Air date: November 1, 2025 Guests: Matthew Pottinger Mariann Budde Gayle Young Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professors and students afraid to speak freely on college campuses ... federal workers afraid of losing their jobs ... LGBTQ+ groups afraid of rights rollbacks ... immigrants afraid of raids and mass deportations. For many, the opening act of President Trump’s second term has been defined by fear. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington and author of “We Can Be Brave” joins the show to explain how she hopes children will find their own moments of courage. Also on today's show: Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins; Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman, Co-directors, "The Alabama Solution" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's long-awaited meeting with China's Xi Jinping has resulted in some success or both sides, with agreements on rare earth minerals and tariffs. But while these deals may be a welcome sign of diplomatic engagement, Trump's unexpected order to start nuclear weapons testing again, for the first time in 30 years, grabbed the bigger headlines. Matt Pottinger was Trump's Deputy National Security Adviser during his first term, and he joins the program from Utah. Also on today's show: Patrick Gaspard, confidant of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani; author Julia Ioffe ("Motherland") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gaza has seen its deadliest day since the ceasefire began just over two weeks ago. The Israeli strikes come after Israel accused Hamas of an attack that killed an IDF soldier and allegedly staging the discovery of a deceased hostage. But Hamas says it has "no connection" to the attack and remains committed to the deal. To discuss, former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas joins Christiane from Tel Aviv. Also on today's show: Mustafa Barghouti, President, Palestinian National Initiative; journalist/historian Garrett Graff; author Michael McFaul, former US Ambassador to Russia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The strongest storm of the year, Hurricane Melissa, has hit Jamaica. Called the "storm of the century" by the UN, it's a Category 5 with winds of 180 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center is warning of landslides, catastrophic flash flooding and gusts that may cause total structural failure. Marva-Allen Simms, who works for a partner of the humanitarian organization CARE, joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Meteorologist/atmospheric scientist John Morales; Sudan analyst Shayna Lewis & Arjan Hehenkamp, Darfur Crisis Lead for the IRC; Washington Post reporter David Ovalle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is in Asia and will soon meet with Japan's newly elected Prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. She must immediately contend with a challenging backdrop: The US has already won a $550 billion investment pledge from her debt-filled nation, in exchange for respite from crippling tariffs. Also at stake is Japan's security in the face of rising threats from China, who Trump is expected to meet with on Thursday in South Korea. David Sanger is the National Security Correspondent for The New York Times and he joins the show from Washington, DC. Also on today's show: former US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith; author Beth Macy ("Paper Girl") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look at gender equality, specifically the revolutionary walkout by Icelandic women 50 years ago, as documented in Pamela Hogan's film 'The Day Iceland Stood Still.' The show discusses the impact of women's strikes on society and includes an interview with Iceland's second female president, Hala Thomas Dottir. The episode also highlights the struggles of the Palestinian filmmakers behind the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' focusing on the challenges they face in distributing their film in the United States amid rising settler violence in the West Bank. Additionally, the program features a segment on the remarkable 92-year-old Italian sprinter Emma Zenga and her secrets to longevity. Finally, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shares insights from his tenure, including his interactions with global leaders and the complexities of maintaining the NATO alliance, particularly during Trump's presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the World Economic Forum, we're still 123 years away from full equality for women. So it's critical to remember the moments history was made. On this day, 50 years ago, 90 percent of the women in Iceland went on strike. Their "women's day off" changed the country forever. It's now the subject of a new documentary called "The Day Iceland Stood Still." To mark this day, Christiane spoke to the film's director Pamela Hogan, and the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir. Also on today's show: author Gayle Young ("Update: Reporting from an Ancient Land"); author Cory Doctorow ("Enshittification") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin today's show with a historic visit to the Vatican, where Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Pope Leo. It’s the first time in 500 years that a British monarch has prayed with the Pope, a powerful gesture of reconciliation after centuries of conflict between Protestants and Catholics, and a symbolic encounter between the heads of the Church of England and the Catholic Church. CNN's Chrisopher Lamb, author of “The Outsider: Pope Francis and the Battle to Reform the Church," joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: musician Annie Lennox; Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Democracy for the Arab World Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump continues to threaten Venezuela, sending B-52 bombers to its coast, deploying more warships to the Caribbean sea and surging troops in the region. As the administration continues to bomb boats it says are carrying drugs, a group of independent UN experts now calls them "extrajudicial executions." Colombia's president says it's "murder." Trump is retaliating by ending aid to the country and Bogota has recalled its Ambassador to the US in response. For more on this, we welcome Christopher Sabatini from Chatham House and Ivan Briscoe from the International Crisis Group. Also on today's show: Elliot Williams, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General For Legislative Affairs, DOJ; Sam Kass, former Senior Nutrition Policy Adviser to President Obama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

European leaders are meeting in England this week to push for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine. With President Trump’s unpredictable position on the Ukraine war, it’s up to Europe to hold the line against a deal that could undermine Kyiv and weaken Europe. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg led the alliance from 2014 to 2024, grappling with Russia’s aggression and Donald Trump’s threats to pull out of NATO altogether. He’s published a new memoir, called “On My Watch,” about his successes, and his mistakes. Also on today's show: Basel Adra & Yuval Abraham, Co-directors, “No Other Land”; former US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices