Amanpour

After weeks of violent uprisings in Iran, the question is - what comes next? Iranian lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi reflects on her nation’s history to consider what’s best for the future. Air date: January 17, 2026 Guests: Shirin EbadiElliott Abrams Kaouther Ben Hania Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iranian peoples' call for freedom was heard all over the world, but has a bloody crackdown crushed the uprising? Shirin Ebadi was Iran's first female judge, but was demoted following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But she kept advocating for women and human rights, and in 2003, became Iran's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. Shirin Ebadi joins the show from London.  Also on today's show: author Theodor Meron; author Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After days of urging the people of Iran to continue to protest, President Trump suddenly appeared to back down last night — noting to reporters that Iranian sources told him that the killing of protesters was over and planned executions will not go ahead. But even as the crackdown on protesters has proven deadly, with thousands reported killed, some are still staunch defenders of the regime. Christiane speaks to one of those voices — Mohammad Marandi is a Professor at the University of Tehran and joins the show from Tehran, Iran.  Also on today's show: Nazenin Ansari, Journalist /Managing Editor of Kayhan London; Phil Gunson, Andes Project Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group; NYT columnist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump promises help is coming for Iranian protestors, with reports that executions will begin soon and the regime promising to swiftly punish demonstrators. This is a critical moment for the regime, caught between threats from the United States and from its own people. Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh has this exclusive report piecing together what's happening inside Iran, with testimony from a doctor treating those wounded protestors.  Also on today's show: Elliott Abrams, Former US Special Representative for Iran; Kaouther Ben Hania, Director and writer, The Voice of Hind Rajab; Mike Fox, Legal Fellow, Cato Institute Project on Criminal Justice    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A picture is beginning to emerge of the true brutality of the Iranian regime as it cracks down hard on continued protests in Iran. At least 18,000 protestors have been killed in more than two weeks of anti-government demonstrations, according to a US-based human rights group. Nazanin Boniadi is an actress and activist who has long campaigned for human rights in Iran, having been born there in the early days of the Islamic Republic. She joins the show to discuss these protests.  Also on today's show: historian Nina Khrushcheva; author Jacob Soboroff ("Firestorm"); journalist/author Kenneth Rosen ("Polar War")    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What began in Iran as demonstrations against the dire state of the economy and the cost of living have escalated into a nationwide challenge to the Islamic Republic itself. Now, security forces are aggressively moving on the protesters, killing hundreds (according to a US-based rights group). Meanwhile, President Trump is mulling over military intervention. Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford and author of "The Shah," was held political prisoner by the former Shah's regime and eventually left Iran in 1986. He joins the show.  Also on today's show: Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Chief Economist, WH Council of Economic Advisers Under Pres. George W. Bush; author Ben Markovits ("The Rest of Our Lives"); Shawn Hubler, Los Angeles Bureau Chief, The New York Times    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a deep dive into how Trump’s America has shaken up the world order, just days into the new year. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders responds to the tragic shooting of a U.S. citizen by an I.C.E operative. They also discuss President Trump’s claim that the U.S. will control Venezuela and its oil reserves for years. Then, Christiane speaks to former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos about the threat facing his country as the U.S. leans into Latin America. Correspondent David Culver then takes us to the Colombian border, to show how the nation is beefing up its border security. Plus, a cultural reprieve with actor Ethan Hawke, as he tells Christiane about portraying Broadway legend Lorenz Hart in his new film “Blue Moon”. From the archives, a report on the historical  failure of U.S. nation building in Iraq, and the students who told Christiane about the high price their country paid for international intervention. And finally, we take a look back at Christiane’s conversation with Nicolas Maduro back in 2014 and the confident composure that ultimately contributed to his downfall.   Air date: January 10, 2026 Guests: Bernie Sanders Juan Manuel Santos Ethan Hawke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the world has watched as the US captured a foreign head of state, boarded oil tankers, and threatened military action against more countries. International human rights lawyer Jared Genser has extensive experience working against dictatorships and has been called "the extractor" for his work freeing political prisoners. He joins Christiane from DC to make sense of all of this.   Also on today's show: actor Ethan Hawke; reporters/authors Carol Leonnig and Aaron C. Davis    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America is roiled. At home and abroad, from Minnesota to Venezuela, the actions of the Trump administration have put the country on edge. Senator Bernie Sanders joins the program from the Capitol Building to discuss it all.  Also on today's show: CNN Correspondent Paul Newton; MSF Secretary-General Christopher Lockyear; Atlantic staff writer David Frum  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reacting to President Trump's threats against Colombia, President Gustavo Petro hit back by vowing to "take up arms" to defend his country. Trump and Petro have clashed from the very start when Petro initially refused to take Venezuelan migrants Trump was deporting, then over the war in Gaza, and US military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels. The US even suspended Petro's visa and sanctioned him last year. But could this really spiral into an American assault on Colombia? Juan Manuel Santos was the country's president for eight years until 2018, and he joins Christiane from there.   Also on today's show: Karim Sadjadpour, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Ian Bremmer, Founder and President, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh instability is unfolding in Venezuela, after reports of overnight gunfire near the presidential palace in Caracas. With Nicolás Maduro now in US custody, his allies are moving swiftly to consolidate power at home, even as Washington insists it is shaping the transition. Independent US Senator Angus King joins Bianna Golodryga to discuss what he believes the Trump administration’s intentions are, and how far those efforts have gone so far.  Also on today's show: Former NSC Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez; Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Oleksandr Merezhko; Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto Jason Stanley    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty to narcoterrorism charges in New York after being captured by the United States in an audacious military operation over the weekend. We get the details from the courtroom. And Christiane asks former Acting US Ambassador to Venezuela Todd Robinson whether the US should run the country as President Trump said.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a special show for the festive season on art with a message. First, the king of the blockbuster, James Cameron on his new film and the horror of nuclear war. Then, a conversation about "Kyoto," a hit play on both sides of the pond, finding humor and hope in climate negotiations. Also, a punk take on feminism with artist, Linda and the Spanish master, Pedro Almodovar on delivering beauty and vibrancy in even our toughest moments. Plus how we use art to understand each other as Hong Kong staged an opera about Trump, and from the archive: a New York Opera about Nixon in China, and finally unveiling a mural with special meaning at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: U Thant led the UN during a golden era of diplomacy. What can we learn from him today? Christiane speaks with Thant's grandson, historian Thant Myint-U, about his new book, "Peacemaker."  Plus: In this age of disinformation, the legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog tells Christiane why we must never stop fighting for the truth.  And: Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy reveals new insights into her tumultuous childhood in her new memoir, "Mother Mary Comes to Me."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

50 years ago, Iceland's women went on strike. It's not the most gender-equal country on earth. A new documentary, "The Day Iceland Stood Still," tells that historic society. Christiane speaks to their president and the film's director.  Also on today's show: Former CNN Cairo bureau chief Gayle Young; tech activist Cory Doctorow  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Hanukkah celebrations draw to a close under the shadow of the horrific anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Bianna Golodryga speaks to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann about navigating grief with faith, empathy and togetherness. And, the South Korean film racking up Golden Globe nominations, director Park Chan-wook talks about his new film "No Other Choice", tackling unemployment with horror and humor. Then, the singer-come-politician looking to unseat Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after 40 years in power. CNN’s Larry Madawo speaks to Bobi Wine about the violent opposition crackdown ahead of the country's general election. Plus, veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby speaks to Christiane about his new BBC docu-series "What's the Monarchy for?",  lifting the lid on the secretive inner workings of Britain's royal family. From Christiane's archives, how a family of refugees found sanctuary in 1970s America after fleeing Communist Poland's crackdown on democratic dissent. And finally, celebrating 250 years of the legendary British writer Jane Austen and her long-lasting cultural impact.   Air date: December 20, 2025   Guests:  Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann Park Chan-wook David Dimbleby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First, Brianna speaks with activist Chase  Strangio about pushing back against what many see as President Trump's war against trans people. Then, visual artists Gilbert & George give us an up-close look at their weird and wonderful world. And reporter Tom Gjelten joins the show to discuss the dangerous intersection of antisemitism, Christian nationalism, and the Republican party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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