Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked about Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to the Israeli president for a pardon from the long-running corruption trial he faces, for which he’s pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and fraud. Is a pardon really in the Israeli public interest, as he claims? 

They’re also quizzed on the increasingly discussed possibility of another global financial crash. How likely is such a crash and what would its impact on global geopolitics be? 

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to: amanpourpod@global.com  

With Congress now formally looking into accusations that the War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has asked US forces to carry out illegal orders in the Caribbean, Christiane and Jamie explain the background to the story and examine those allegations in detail. Why does the Trump administration seem so obsessed with launching a full-blown military campaign against Venezuela? And what are the consequences if Hegseth has been ordering his troops to commit war crimes?

Christiane also gives her reaction to President Macron's controversial announcement that he is reintroducing military service in France. Decades after most Western nations ended conscription...

In this week’s Q&A, in the wake of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia’s meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, Christiane and Jamie are asked how the US should best deal with regimes that, despite condemnable human rights records, remain important strategic allies.

They’re also asked why President Trump gets away with his consistently rude treatment of journalists, Christiane noting a recent but already infamous incident in which the President angrily hushed a female journalist: “Quiet, piggy”.

Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it to: amanpourpo...

Why does Trump think he can force Ukraine to accept a “peace plan” that hands Putin almost everything he wants? In this episode, Christiane explains why the latest US-backed proposals and Trump's pressure campaign are so problematic - and gives her very personal reaction to the fast-moving negotiations.

And as high-stakes talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US take place in Abu Dhabi, Christiane and Jamie look at how Europe and Zelensky are fighting back against the Trump-Russia plan - and whether the US can be convinced to continue supporting Ukraine if the war drags on into next...

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked to explain the potential rationale behind Donald Trump’s U-turn on the Epstein files. The bill ordering the release of the files has passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate, with Trump’s blessing… despite him recently labelling congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene a “traitor” for supporting the motion.

They’re also asked about the “dark money” used by donors to control politicians and influence policy. What can be done to increase the transparency of policy decision-making and reduce any potential conflicts of interest?

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Christiane reflects on the 30th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian War, revealing why current world leaders could learn valuable lessons from how that conflict ended when it comes to Ukraine and the Middle East. She and Jamie also explain what made the US military intervention in Bosnia so successful, and why it didn't turn into a repeat of the Vietnam War, as some had claimed it would.

Plus, as Trump continues his crackdown on immigration, has the president just run into his toughest opponent yet? With hundreds more arrests made by ICE officials in Charlotte...

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked about the events that led to Donald Trump threatening to sue the BBC for $1bn. How serious an act is it to edit a video of the President in a way that could be considered misleading?

Also posed are questions about the recent success of the Democrats in the US, at the forefront of which is Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Will he succeed as the Mayor of New York and how can the Democrats balance ambition with pragmatism?

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This week, the famed couples' therapist Esther Perel joins Christiane for a special episode. Ahead of the Holiday season, they discuss why families and world leaders seem to be more polarised than ever by politics and an inability to resolve their differences - and Esther explains what people can do to heal divisions in their own lives at this difficult time.

Esther also reveals to Christiane what she thinks of her starting a podcast with her ex-husband, Jamie Rubin - plus she has a book, a film, and a play to recommend!

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In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked how NATO states would react, militarily, if Donald Trump’s America were to invade Canada. Assuming Article 5 would be invoked, would NATO then allow US allies to come to Canada’s defence and go to war with America?

Christiane is also joined by Ernest Moniz, physicist, former United States Secretary of Energy, and Co-Chair and CEO of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. They discuss the NTI’s progress towards global nuclear disarmament via policy solutions, partnerships and innovation.

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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...

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 o...

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...

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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.<...

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.

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...

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 so...

"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...

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.co...

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 w...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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 amanpourpod@global.com!

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...

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...

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...

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...