Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

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. Jamie is also asked who he thinks will win the upcoming New York Mayoral Election and whether the 34 year old favourite and Democrat, Zohran Mamdani, has provided a political template for the whole party to follow.Send us a question at: amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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 amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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 amanpourpod@global.com 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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 amanpourpod@global.comOr 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: amanpourpod@global.comFor 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 amanpourpod@global.com or on social media @amanpourpod