Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Putin says Russia has just successfully tested a new type of nuclear-powered weapon. China has doubled the size of its nuclear arsenal in the last five years - and shows no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, Trump is promising to restart US nuclear weapons tests. After a week of sabre-rattling from world leaders, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether we're entering a new Cold War, and analyse how seriously the West should take the nuclear threat posed by Russia and China.Christiane also explains how the world has gone backwards on nuclear disarmament since her trip to North Korea in 2008 - while she and Jamie debate how accurate the new film "A House of Dynamite" is, and what would really happen if a nuclear missile was fired at the US.Later, Christiane reveals what insiders have told her about Trump's recent threat of a military intervention in Nigeria, while Jamie breaks down why we should be worried by the growing influence of China, Russia, and the UAE in Africa.Plus: which country is number 1 in the world for gender equality? Find out in this week's Recommendations!Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked what they think about the announcement from Kamala Harris that she’s considering running for president again - and how they think she’d do. Christiane and Jamie are also asked who they think will win the upcoming New York Mayoral Election and whether the 34 year old favourite, Democrat Zohran Mamdani, has provided a political template for the whole party to follow.Christiane also answers a question about her experience of dealing with ovarian cancer for a third time - something she opened up about on a recent podcast called Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story, which you can listen to or watch here. Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to: [email protected] For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The US Defence Secretary is asking journalists to "make a pact with the devil" says Christiane this week, as she and Jamie discuss why Pete Hegseth seems so intent on censoring the Pentagon Press. Does the former Army Major have something to hide? Or is this just another sign of authoritarianism creeping into the Trump administration? Christiane explains what the consequences of this move could be - and why it might backfire on the man who likes to style himself as the Secretary of War.Plus, as Trump prepares to meet with President Xi at a summit in South Korea, Christiane and Jamie predict whether the era of tariffs and trade wars might finally be coming to an end. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie tackle your questions about the growing “No Kings” protests and the viral video of President Trump wearing a crown. Why isn’t there more outrage over a president who seems to see himself as a monarch?They also explore what’s next for Syria following Assad’s overthrow last year and revisit why President Obama ultimately failed to enforce his famous “red line” on chemical weapons.Send us a question at: [email protected] For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As the Trump administration's strikes on 'narco-terrorist' boats in the Caribbean continue, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether this is the start of a full-blown conflict with Venezuela - and ask whether Trump is going for regime change in the Latin American country.Christiane highlights previous US attempts at regime change - in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan - and explains why those went wrong, while Jamie questions the legality of the recent strikes in the Caribbean, pointing to the shock resignation of the Admiral in charge of the US military in South America.Later, Christiane speaks to Emily Maitlis - the presenter of The News Agents podcast who conducted the infamous Prince Andrew interview in 2019 - about the Prince being stripped of his remaining titles, and this week's release of Virginia Giuffre's memoirs. Christiane asks Emily whether she thinks there is still more fallout to come from Andrew's friendship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Plus - don't miss this week's Recommendations!Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked why, despite widespread opposition to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, no one was able to stop the conflict until now. Also, is Tony Blair really a sound choice for the Gazan "Board of Peace"?They also address whether the U.S. Supreme Court could reverse its ruling that granted President Donald Trump immunity from criminal prosecution.Send us a question at: [email protected] For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The guns have fallen silent in Gaza, and the surviving hostages have returned to Israel — but will this ceasefire lead to real, lasting peace?Christiane and Jamie unpack the complex diplomatic road ahead, examining the two biggest obstacles standing in the way of lasting peace.Christiane shares exclusive insights from key figures across the Middle East about their concerns for phase two, while Jamie breaks down how Trump managed to broker this deal where Biden couldn’t.Plus, they discuss whether Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A episode, Christiane and Jamie are asked why the US federal government is currently in a shutdown, what impact it’ll have on the country and why the Trump administration blames the Democrats.They’re also asked how the media can help to raise awareness of femicide - given that UN statistics show rates of violence against women are growing annually across the world. Christiane and Jamie also explain the positive sides of AI, and why Israel was allowed to arrest hundreds of people aboard an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Send us a question at: [email protected] For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Trump claims to have a plan which could lead to lasting peace in the Middle East - but is this any more than a framework for a fragile ceasefire? This week, Christiane and Jamie clash over how strong this plan is - and how good a chance it has of leading to meaningful peace.Jamie also explains why this deal could have been struck so much earlier if Trump had been willing to put more pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu - and Christiane reveals the concerns which Arab leaders have been expressing to her about it in private.Later, Christiane and Jamie debate whether the Democrats are right to hold firm on the issue of healthcare as the US Government shutdown shows no sign of coming to an end. Plus Christiane expresses her fears that Trump's rhetoric on immigration is spreading further into mainstream British political conversation.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A episode, Christiane and Jamie address whether science can prevail against the rising numbers of climate change deniers and anti-vaxxers - including some within the US Government. They're also asked whether they think American journalism is likely to suffer from more censorship - in light of the recent free speech row and the cancelling of Jimmy Kimmel. Plus they give their view on whether the US should lose the honour of being the home of the UN in light of President Trump's controversial speech to the General Assembly last week. Send us a question at: [email protected] For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, as Portland pushes back against Trump's attempt to send in National Guard troops, and with Jimmy Kimmel back on air, Christiane and Jamie debate whether the President is losing some of his fear factor - and warn against the possibility of the White House ordering the military to carry out illegal orders at this week's summit of top brass in Virginia.Christiane also reveals what top politicians and diplomats were telling her behind the scenes at last week's UN General Assembly in New York - particularly on the prospect of a peace deal in the Middle East - and Jamie explains why Trump might finally have worked out that Vladimir Putin is the problem which needs solving when it comes to ending the war in Ukraine. Later, Christiane tells us what really happened with 'escalator-gate' - and we're off to the movies for this week's Recommendations. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

For this week's Q&A episode, Christiane and Jamie are in New York, where world leaders have gathered for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. They take a special question from the UN's Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, about how they stay hopeful in such a divided world. Plus they answer your questions on what can be done to avoid the United States descending into autocracy, the Hyundai ICE raid, and whether recent events such as Charlie Kirk’s assassination prove that social media is amplifying the most extreme voices on the fringes of society. Have a question for a future bonus episode? Email it to [email protected] or follow us on social media: @amanpourpod

"A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn't like is anti-American", says Jimmy Kimmel as his show returns to air.Christiane and Jamie are recording from New York, and Christiane gives her reaction to Kimmel being taken off air temporarily after comments he made about Charlie Kirk's murder - and Jamie reacts to the creeping levels of censorship he's seeing in Trump's America.For the first time, G7 nations have recognised the state of Palestine. So what does this historic decision actually achieve? Christiane and Jamie discuss whether this is the right time for countries such as the UK, France, and Canada to make this move - and whether it could prompt Israel to annex more of the West Bank in response. In the week of the UN's 80th anniversary, Christiane and Jamie also share their most memorable stories from their time at the United Nations - from how they met, to their work reporting on and trying to stop genocides. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Will the Supreme Court take away Trump’s powers? In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie answer whether the courts might move to limit Trump’s authority, from his use of tariffs to the growing militarisation of America’s streets.They also tackle big questions about the future of American politics: Could the US ever embrace socialism? And do many Americans blur the line between socialism and communism? Plus: does moving to the centre win elections, or just alienate voters?Send us a question at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The White House has said it will “disrupt, dismantle and destroy” a “vast domestic terror movement” and threatens “the radical left” after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. This comes after Elon Musk addressed a London rally organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, urging the crowd to “fight back or die.” What does this moment tell us about the rise of political extremism and violence - and can democracy withstand it?Meanwhile, Jamie reports from The Hague where he is testifying at the International Criminal Court. He and Christiane ask is the ICC still relevant in a world of powerful leaders who appear untouchable? How do indictments work, and will figures like Putin, Netanyahu, or Assad ever face trial?And as Donald Trump touches down in the UK, what should the British government demand in exchange for the King granting him another state visit?Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

On this week's Q&A episode, Christiane and Jamie answer your questions on a range of subjects - including why Trump takes such a soft approach to dealing with Vladimir Putin while he is so tough on weaker nations.They also discuss whether there is any hope of Ukraine joining NATO in the long-term, while Christiane also explains how Israel is allowed to block international journalists reporting from inside Gaza.Later, Jamie addresses the idea that political parties of the left are moving to the centre, and Christiane reveals whether she would recommend a career in journalism to anyone starting out. Have a question for a future bonus episode? Email it to [email protected] or follow us on social media: @amanpourpod

From a series of embarrassing court defeats at home, to China asserting itself more strongly than ever as a global superpower, Donald Trump has had a bad week. But has it been the worst week so far of Oval Office 2.0? Christiane and Jamie discuss just how damaging Trump's legal setbacks on tariffs, deportations and his use of the National Guard could be - and whether the US is now playing second fiddle to China on the world stage.Christiane also gives her reaction to Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attending the final of the US Open over the weekend, and Jamie explains why America could yet be forced to pay back tens, or even hundreds, of billions of dollars in tariffs. Later, Christiane introduces a brand-new weekly feature to the podcast: stay tuned for her and Jamie's top recommendations for what to read, watch, and listen to in the week ahead. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Artificial Intelligence: crisis or opportunity? This week, Christiane and Jamie explore how AI is reshaping democracy, asking whether it could undermine free and fair elections - or be harnessed to strengthen societies instead.They reveal Russia's large-scale interference in last year's Romanian elections - and why U.S. Vice President JD Vance chose to openly criticise Europe over the decision to rerun that vote.Plus Christiane explains the role AI played in the recent war between Israel and Iran, and the growing challenge of finding trustworthy journalism in an era dominated by generative AI.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Has America turned away from its global leadership role for good under Donald Trump? Can public opinion can still have a significant impact on foreign policy? And how big a threat does censorship pose to democracy? These are just some of your questions that Christiane and Jamie tackle on this week's extended Q&A episode. Christiane also reveals whether, as a journalist, the desire to be the first to report something has ever trumped the need to be right.Plus she and Jamie give their view on what the world's most under-reported story is - and they finish by explaining what still gives them cause to be hopeful in a world where hope often seems hard to find. Got a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to [email protected] follow us on social media and you can leave a question there: @amanpourpod Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod

Few challenges in international diplomacy are as fraught - or as urgent - as negotiating the freedom of hostages and political prisoners. In this episode, Christiane and Jamie take us inside two high-profile deals they were personally involved in: the release of Siamak Namazi from the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, and of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich from Moscow. They reveal the roles they played in bringing these men home, and the keys to negotiating with dictators and authoritarian regimes. Jamie also explains how the US came agonisingly close to securing the release of Alexei Navalny before his death in a Siberian prison camp.Plus Christiane looks back on her own harrowing experiences as a foreign correspondent - recounting the times she herself was held hostage, including by the Taliban in Afghanistan and by war criminals in the Balkans - and what those ordeals taught her about survival and resilience.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie are asked what the elusive two-state solution could actually look like in Israel-Palestine, in terms of government, voting, policing and representation. They’re also asked what ordinary people can do to help end the war, leading Christiane to reflect on the fluctuating power of public protest in Trump's America. They’re also probed on whether they’d like to have done each other’s high profile jobs, and if so, what they’d have done better! Jamie ends up on a slightly uncomfortable trip down memory lane when he recalls his spell working as an anchor for a major broadcasting company.Have a question for a future bonus episode? Send it via email to [email protected] or on social media @amanpourpod

As Donald Trump heads to a high-stakes summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance. Could a deal be struck without President Zelensky in the room - and might Trump trade away Ukrainian territory to boast that he’s ended one of the world’s most dangerous conflicts? That's what Christiane and Jamie unpack this week, as they discuss whether diplomacy or capitulation will be the theme of this week's summit. The conversation also turns to Israel’s escalating plans for a full reoccupation of Gaza — and what that would mean for the region and the world. Plus, four years after the West’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Christiane and Jamie revisit why the evacuation went so disastrously wrong, and how it continues to undermine America’s credibility on the global stage.Later, Christiane reveals what it was like to report from Afghanistan before, during, and after the American invasion, how she was proven right about where Osama Bin Laden was hiding out, and whether there's hope for the women and girls who are currently suffering so badly under the Taliban regime.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether President Donald Trump's MAGA movement and Nigel Farage's Reform UK - two populist political powerhouses - benefit from a disproportionate level of coverage in the media.They also address why more Republicans don't stand up to Trump - and Christiane explains the challenge journalists face when reporting on controversial topics in the news, from Trump, to Jeffrey Epstein, to the Middle East. Christiane and Jamie also answer questions about whether the Ukraine War, now in its 11th year, is still receiving the same level of attention it did in the past, or whether “war-fatigue” has set in.Have a question for a future bonus episode? Send it via email to [email protected] or on social media @amanpourpod

From Northern Ireland to Bosnia, and from Camp David to Wye River, Christiane and Jamie have covered countless conflicts and helped to negotiate many peace deals. But how were these wars really ended? And what can today's world leaders learn from the successes of the past? In this episode, Christiane and Jamie look at whether Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff really understand what it takes to bring peace to the world's conflicts. After all, Trump promised he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours on his re-election campaign - and he also pledged to restore peace to the Middle East. More than six months into his second term in the Oval Office, the President has failed to deliver on those promises. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Christiane and Jamie explain how seemingly small details - like face-to-face meetings, shared meals, and even the shape of a negotiating table - can make or break high-stakes talks.Christiane and Jamie also discuss tariffs: is there any economic logic to them, or does Trump simply use them to settle personal scores with world leaders he's clashed with?

In this week's Q&A bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie return to the crisis President Trump is facing over the Epstein Files. In response to your questions, they address the idea that the President might pardon Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-girlfriend and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell - something he has left the door open to in the past.They also debate how damaging this crisis could be for Trump in the long-term, while Christiane gives her thoughts on why so many modern journalists fail to subscribe to her mantra of being “truthful, not neutral”. Plus Jamie reveals why he never worked in the Obama administration, even though he worked for fellow Democratic Presidents Clinton and Biden. And the pair also take your questions on who might make for the strongest Democrat candidate at the next Presidential election, and on whether Europe should be doing more to support Ukraine. Have a question for a future bonus episode? Email it to [email protected] or follow us on socials: @amanpourpod

What can end the famine in Gaza? Can President Trump get through to Benjamin Netanyahu? And an unprecedented Israeli report accuses Netanyahu's government of committing genocide in the Palestinian territory. They're just a few of the topics Christiane and Jamie discuss on this week's episode, as Trump's visit to the UK comes to an end and the starvation continues in Gaza.They also look at the state of the 'special relationship' between Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and debate whether the UK still holds any sway over America when it comes to Middle East policy.Plus Christiane reports on the chances of a new nuclear deal with Iran after the Iranians returned to the negotiating table last week, and explains why Nato allies - including President Trump - appear to be finally running out of patience with Putin over the war in Ukraine.

In this week's Q&A bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie discuss why American voters elected Donald Trump to the White House instead of Kamala Harris - and what they’d ask if they were to interview the president themselves.They also answer your questions on why third party Middle Eastern nations seem to do so little to help resolve the war in Gaza, what those countries could do to constructively support peace, and why the Palestinian cause cannot be ignored.Have a question for a future bonus episode? Send it to [email protected]!

The row over The Epstein Files is one that President Trump is still struggling to shake off. But just how damaging is it for his credibility, and where does his disappointed MAGA base turn next? Christiane and Jamie analyse whether Trump is going to suffer long-term damage from this scandal, and wonder whether the Files will ever be released in full.Christiane also points out the irony of Trump - one of the most prominent purveyors of conspiracy theories in the last decade - now being criticised by the same supporters who have gladly peddled his conspiracies for the last few years. Plus Christiane and Jamie trace the history of these theories in the US, right back to the 1960s and conspiracies around JFK's assassination and the CIA.They also react to Trump's recent decision to sell more US weapons to Ukraine, and Christiane issues her strongest call yet for an end to the Gaza War, and the slaughter of innocent civilians, plus the return of the hostages. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether America is going back to the era of Senator Joe McCarthy's witch-hunts under President Trump - and whether the current President will be the author of his own downfall in the way the controversial Republican Senator was in the 1950s. They also answer your questions on the chances of a peace deal in the Middle East, whether the ICC - International Criminal Court - has any authority in 2025, and on whether Israel and America's strikes on Iran can be justified, now we have a better understanding of how much damage was done to Iran's nuclear facilities. Have a question for a future bonus episode? Send it to [email protected]!

In this special episode, Christiane and Jamie welcome their first guest to the podcast: former US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. In an extended conversation, Joe Biden's top diplomat speaks candidly about Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, giving his views on how each of those issues were handled by his administration, and what mistakes have been made since President Trump returned to the White House six months ago.Christiane presses Secretary Blinken on whether Israel is guilty of committing war crimes in Gaza, and on how likely it is that a ceasefire could be close. Plus Tony Blinken exclusively reveals how close Iran was to signing a new nuclear deal before Israel and America's attacks last month.Plus, Jamie and his former boss talk about what an ageing President Biden was like to work for, and discuss whether the current administration will give Ukraine the weapons it needs to defend itself properly against Vladimir Putin and Russia's invasion. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie explain why Israel has been allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons - even though it won't admit to it - but other Middle Eastern countries aren't. They also discuss whether cultural differences between Iran and the West are contributing to the current tensions in the region. Plus, Christiane and Jamie both offer personal insights into the former Palestinian leader, the late Yasser Arafat, and Christiane explains why Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is a threat to liberal democracy in the Balkans. And finally - have you ever wondered why Jamie calls Christiane 'madam'? Listen to the end if you want to find out!

Did Trump's cuts to the National Weather Service contribute to the death toll in the tragic floods in Texas? And how many lives will needlessly be lost because of the President and his former adviser Elon Musk taking a chainsaw to foreign aid? This week, Christiane and Jamie look at the real-life impact of the swingeing cuts Trump has made since returning to the White House, and examine the fatal consequences of these decisions.They also tell personal stories to explain the impact USAID has had in the past, from fighting AIDS in Africa, to ending famine in Somalia and successfully combating Russian disinformation across the globe - and question what the real motivation is behind the President's bid to cut foreign aid spending. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie are answering on whether the UN is 'toothless', and what Iranian and Israeli civilians misunderstand most about each other. They also discuss what the international community is really doing to support Afghan women - is there any way to pressure the Taliban to uphold basic human rights?Christiane and Jamie also reflect on the early mentors who shaped their careers and the surprising ways those influences still guide them today. Plus, Christiane recounts one of the most outrageous (and risky) requests she ever made to Colin Powell during her coverage of the Bosnian war. And for Gilmore Girls fans: she talks about being Rory’s idol and the story behind her memorable cameo.

As Iran continues to dominate the headlines, we’re turning back the clock to explore what the country was like before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Christiane shares personal memories of growing up in pre-revolutionary Tehran and during the uprising. What was life really like before and how did life start to change?We also dive into the complex world of nuclear weapons. We explain why some countries are allowed to have them while others are denied. In the wake of recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, we explain why Israel has the bomb, but Iran doesn’t. And with only nine countries possessing nuclear weapons today, how did North Korea manage to become one of them?

In this week’s bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie dive into some of the toughest questions shaping global politics today. They explore what might happen if Israel and the U.S. bring the war with Iran to a close, and whether Pakistan could emerge as an unexpected diplomatic player.They also discuss Ukraine, with a frank discussion on whether the American public truly grasps the broader risks of Russia’s invasion. Plus they debate Europe’s defence strategy: Should nations keep relying on U.S. weapons, or prioritise building their own military capabilities? Plus they consider what they’d ask Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if given the chance.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Just after we finished recording yesterday’s episode, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar. This morning, President Trump and Qatari leaders brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran - though tensions remain high, with Israel accusing Iran of violations.Despite these developments, today’s conversation remains just as vital. We explore whether Tehran will now accelerate its pursuit of a nuclear weapon after US strikes on its nuclear facilities.With President Trump hinting at regime change, can Iran’s leadership survive this crisis - and should it? And given America’s track record in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, is this the right policy?And after Iran was deliberately misled by both the U.S. and Israel, is diplomacy still a realistic path to ending the war?

Christiane and Jamie tackle more of your questions in this week's bonus episode, including Trump's stance on immigration and whether there needs to be more investigations into allegations of corruption within the Trump administration.Christiane explains why the US risks losing credibility with the rest of the world as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues in the Middle East, and Jamie also give his views on the Democrats' chances of success in next year's midterm elections, Plus they try to finish on a more positive note and discuss whether looking back on the past gives them hope for the future. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, Christiane and Jamie tackle the big questions: is Israel pushing for regime change in Tehran? Was Israel justified in starting this war in the first place? Will Iran decide to go for nuclear weapons as a result of this conflict? And just how far is President Trump prepared to go in backing Israel? With exclusive insights from Christiane’s personal contacts inside Iran and Jamie’s firsthand knowledge of U.S. intelligence, they pull back the curtain on the reality of this war, and what's likely to happen next.Plus - for the first time - they tell the story of when Jamie was approached by senior figures in the Iranian regime to broker diplomatic talks with Hillary Clinton during her first Presidential campaign. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Christiane and Jamie tackle more of your questions in this week's bonus episode, including Georgina's about whether it will be safe for foreigners to travel to the US for the 2026 Football World Cup given the hostile atmosphere Trump is creating with his crackdown on immigration. Christiane also gives her view on the latest events in the Middle East, and Jamie doesn't hold back when asked whether the Israeli military is now committing war crimes in Gaza. They're also asked about Russia's growing influence across Eastern Europe in light of Jamie's recent trip to Bulgaria.Plus the pair reveal what they enjoy reading and watching in their free time, and what career they'd have pursued if they hadn't been reporters, diplomats, or podcasters! Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Is President Trump trying to start a political civil war over immigration? That's what Christiane and Jamie discuss on this week's episode in light of Trump deploying the National Guard and Marines to California to deal with protesters.They also look at the President's fallout with former First Buddy Elon Musk and ask: who stands to lose the most from this breakdown in their relationship? Plus Christiane and Jamie explain why it won't be long before China becomes the world's biggest superpower if Trump continues with his America First approach to trade, tariffs, and diplomacy. The pair also reveal what they learned from their visits to China - Christiane in the 1970s just after Mao's death, and Jamie with a government delegation led by First Lady Hilary Clinton in the 1990s, when they quickly realised they were being spied on in their hotel rooms. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie tackle your questions: could the U.S. really slide into dictatorship? And why didn’t Biden and Harris tell the US about his Gaza peace deal during the election campaign? Plus Christiane and Jamie reveal whether he ever wanted to run for president (and what Christiane might have made of that…).Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

There's mounting opposition within Israel to the ongoing offensive in Gaza. Are Israel's international allies approaching a tipping point?Plus, in recent weeks, Harvard has become the focal point of Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on elite institutions. What’s it actually like on campus amid the political firestorm? Christiane shares the precautions she took for her visit to Harvard last week - including taking a burner phone - and she and Jamie unpack whether the President’s criticisms have any merit - or are just political theatre.Jamie also reveals the contents of a confidential email from Secretary of State Rubio that’s been circulating through U.S. embassies. What does it signal about a broader crackdown on academic institutions, and what could the long-term fallout be?Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie tackle your questions - from whether Trump poses a real threat to American democracy, to the media’s impact on elections, and whether they’ve ever had to back a message they personally disagreed with.They also share the story of how they first met and began dating - plus, the surprising twist that led to Christiane being forcibly removed by Serbian bodyguards.Do you have a question you’d like Christiane and Jamie to answer on the next bonus episode? Send it in on social media @amanpourpod or email [email protected] us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Another week, another tense Oval Office meeting between President Trump and a fellow world leader. Christiane and Jamie react to the jaw-dropping scenes from Trump's meeting with South Africa's President, where Cyril Ramaphosa was told he was allowing a genocide of white farmers to carry on unchecked.Christiane compares the encounter to when President Zelensky was ambushed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance back in February, and Jamie reveals what senior Republicans have said to him in private about Trump's foreign policy. Christiane also shares the story of when she very nearly interviewed Nelson Mandela, and she and Jamie reflect on who stands to gain most if the US abandons its allies. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s bonus episode, Christiane and Jamie answer listener questions for the first time! They respond to your questions about the latest in the Middle East, as Israel’s allies continue to criticise the country over its latest offensive in Gaza. Plus Christiane and Jamie reveal more about the challenges of balancing their high pressure jobs and their relationship while they were married, and Jamie identifies President Trump’s most likely route to a Nobel Peace Prize. Do you have a question you’d like Christiane and Jamie to answer on the next bonus episode? Send it in on social media @amanpourpod or email [email protected] us at: [email protected] For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

After Vladimir Putin's theatrical no-show at last week's peace summit in Istanbul, Christiane and Jamie try to answer the question which is giving world leaders and diplomats sleepless nights: what will it take for the Russian leader to end his invasion of Ukraine? They debate whether a meeting between Putin and President Trump could really open the door to peace, or whether it would simply play into the Kremlin's hands. And they ask whether the war would be any closer to ending if Joe Biden were still in the Oval Office. Christiane shares behind-the-scenes stories from her documentary Tsar Putin, produced long before the world grasped the full scope of his ambitions - and explains why its warnings now feel chillingly prophetic. And Jamie reveals what it was like to sit across the table from Putin when he was part of the first US delegation to meet him. Christiane and Jamie also react to the news of Biden's cancer diagnosis, and question whether there was really a 'cover-up' of his failing mental faculties by White House officials. They share stories of their personal relationships with the former President, and disagree strongly over whether he could and should have done more to support Ukraine while he was still in office. Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this first bonus Q&A episode, Christiane and Jamie ask each other questions they’ve always wanted to know the answers to! Hear about why their marriage was so controversial when they first got together, and whether they think they could ‘get away with it’ now. Christiane talks about her first experiences of reporting from a warzone, and opens up about the rare occasions when she’s lost her composure during a high-profile interview. Meanwhile, Jamie reveals some of his regrets over US foreign policy decisions he was involved in, and which politician he most admired during his long career. Next week, they’ll be answering your questions! Email them in to [email protected] or to ask them on social media @amanpourpod on all major platforms.For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amanpourpodBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

There was once hope in the Middle East, but does it now feel further away than ever? In this first episode, unparalleled insight into groundbreaking peace deals left dangling, a recent covert negotiation effort in the West Bank, revealed for the first time… and what it's like having Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hang up on you live on air.As President Donald Trump lands in the Middle East – for the first major trip of his second term – Christiane and Jamie ask: could he be the person to broker peace between Israel and Hamas?We take a look back at Oslo’s shredded promise, America’s failures that led to Hamas’ election victory, and Jamie’s secret wrangling at the heart of the Middle East peace process. Christiane asks, could Trump’s unpredictability bring peace, or deepen the divide? What’s at stake for civilians, and is lasting peace still possible?Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Christiane Amanpour launches her first ever podcast! The world-renowned journalist presents 'The Ex Files' alongside her ex-husband Jamie Rubin, a former US State Department official under Presidents Clinton and Biden.From Trump and Putin to the war in Ukraine, from the rise of China as a global superpower to chaos in the Middle East, geopolitics has never been more dangerous or unpredictable. This isn't a new world order - right now, there is no world order. Each week, Christiane and Jamie unpack one of today’s defining global crises, drawing on decades of insider experience in global affairs, reporting from conflict zones, and grilling world leaders, to explain how we ended up where we are.With searing honesty, jaw-dropping stories, and candid humour, this is the foreign policy podcast for our fractured age. They’re no longer married, but when it comes to foreign policy, Christiane and Jamie still finish each other’s sentences.The first episode launches May 13th, with new episodes every Tuesday and bonus Q&A episodes on Thursdays. Available on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.