Amanpour

A major Russian assault lit up the skies of Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing at least 21 people and injuring many more. This comes as Russia too is seeing increasing losses of both territory and of troops. Michael Kofman is a military analyst and Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and joins the show from Virginia to discuss.    Also on today's show: CNN Global Affairs Analyst Karim Sadjadpour; Iranian-American conservationist Morad Tahbaz, who was detained in Iran for five years; CNN Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As America prepares to turn 250, organisers had been hoping that the celebrations would bring the country together. The reality though is somewhat different, with many upset that President Trump appears to be making the nation's anniversary about himself. It comes as the Trump administration is continuing to attack America's diverse cultural heritage, and attempting to dictate how the country should view itself. Lonnie G. Bunch III is the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a role which has often put him at loggerheads with President Trump. Bunch speaks to Christiane about reflecting on America's full and complex history ahead of its anniversary.   Also on today's show: Dave Eggers, Author, "Contrapposto"; Jon Meacham, Executive Producer, "World War II with Tom Hanks"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Search and rescue operations are underway in Kyiv, after the Ukrainian capital was blitzed by Moscow overnight. Today, inspecting some of the devastation in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US and Ukraine have resumed talks to end the war, but he called on President Trump's envoys to finally come and see for themselves. Joining Christiane to discuss this is former NATO Deputy Secretary-General.  Also on today's show: Ami Ayalon, Former Director, Shin Bet / Former Commander-in-Chief, Israel Navy; Israeli political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin; Jason Stanley, Chair of American Studies, University of Toronto    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Unprecedented" is a word often used to described this second Trump presidency. A new book, "Regime Change," gives the inside scoop of the first 14 months of Trump's second term, and has sold more than 300,000 copies since its release last week. Co-authors Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan are both journalists at The New York Times, and they join Christiane to discuss.   Also on today's show: Rina Amiri, Former U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights; Anne Neuberger, General Partner and Head of Global Affairs, a16z / Former US Deputy National Security Adviser    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two big wins and one big loss for President Trump as the US Supreme Court handed down some major rulings on the last day of its term. In a stinging rebuke, the president's attempt to gut birthright citizenship for millions in America was struck down in a 6-3 vote, invalidating an executive order Trump signed on his first day in office. The court upheld transgender sports bans, allowing states to bar transgender women and girls from playing on female sports teams, and the justices also lifted a Watergate-era cap on campaign spending. David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, and Natasha Sarin, a professor at Yale Law School, join Bianna Golodryga to discuss.  Also on today's show: Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal // Author, "Our Enemies Will Vanish"; Carlos Barragán, Author, “The Yahoo Boys”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The race is tightening in Venezuela to rescue the survivors of the twin earthquakes that struck the country last Wednesday. More than 1,400 people have been confirmed dead, and thousands are in dire need of humanitarian aid. CNN contributor Stefano Pozzebon has a report from a rescue site in the hard-hit city of La Guaira and then joins the show from Caracas with the latest.  Also on today's show: Edward Fishman, Former Russia and Europe Sanctions Lead, US State Department; Martin Smith, Correspondent and Producer, Frontline's "The Crown Prince & the President"; Elizabeth Stordeur, author, "Something We Said"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the US and Iran locked in tense negotiations, are we going back to the future? Former Secretary of State John Kerry discusses the similarities between the Obama and Trump Iran deals. Then, Israel's new Arab-Jewish political party offering a different vision of the country's future. Christiane speak to the brains behind the new effort- Rula Daood & Alon-Lee Green. And, ten years since Britain chose to leave the EU, does the country regret its decision? A report from a Brexit heartland. Also, the acclaimed author Ann Patchett talks about her latest novel, and why she thinks America hasn't turned the page on book banning. Plus, as the World Cup rallies football fans, all over America, Christiane’s report from the 2000 USA-Iran friendly at the Los Angeles Rose Bowl. And ahead of her big comeback at Wimbledon, a special window into Serena Williams’ mindset. Air date: June 27, 2026 Guests: John Kerry Rula Daood & Alon-Lee Green Ann Patchett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer is officially underway, but in Russian-occupied Crimea, residents are facing fuel shortages, rolling blackouts and cancelled summer camps. It's all part of a new phase in Russia's war, as Ukraine expands its campaign into the invader's heartland. Now the Wall Street Journal reports the Kremlin is pressuring Belarus to open another front as Russia struggles on the battlefield. Joining the show to discuss this is WSJ chief European political correspondent Bojan Pancevski, whose  new book, "The Nord Stream Conspiracy," reveals the inside story about one of the most consequential acts of sabotage in recent history, and the secret team most likely behind it.  Also on today's show: Wafa Mustafa & Waad Al-Kateab, co-directors, "Maybe Tomorrow"; Cal Newport, Professor of Computer Science, Georgetown University / Host, "Deep Questions" podcast    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a race against time in Venezuela, where rescue teams are frantically searching for survivors after two back-to-back earthquakes, some of the strongest ever recorded in the country. At least 164 people have been killed, according to acting President Delcy Rodriguez, but that number is expected to rise as crews reach hard-hit areas and the full scale of the devastation becomes clear. The heaviest damage appears to be centred in and around the capital Caracas, where people have been heard calling for help, as Mary Triny Mena reports.   Also on today's show: former US Secretary of State John Kerry; Beeban Kidron, author, "Users"; Michael Scherer, staff writer, The Atlantic    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a lightning tour of Persian Gulf allies, trying to shore up support for the US-Iran agreement. But as the negotiations plough on, there are differences about the MOU being expressed publicly by both the Iranian lead negotiators and President Trump. Where will this all settle, and how do the Persian Gulf states view this? Georgetown professor Mehran Kamrava joins Christiane from Doha in Qatar, and Daniel Silverberg, former US National Security Advisor to the House Majority Leader, joins from Washington DC.   Also on today's show: Alon-Lee Green & Rula Daood, Co-Chairs, A Place for Us All; Michael Auslin, author, “National Treasure”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mass firings are said to be underway at the ODNI, the US intelligence agency created to prevent another 9/11. Donald Trump's temporary pick to head it, Bill Pulte, has no intelligence or security experience. Slimming down the DNI office has been a bipartisan issue, but top Democrats are concerned this week's job slashing could pose a national security risk. White House reporter Kevin Liptak joins the show with details.  Also on today's show: Daniel Pacheco, Deputy Editor in Chief, La Silla Vacía; Jonathan Freedland, Columnist, The Guardian & Gillian Tett, Columnist, The Financial Times; Yoni Appelbaum, Deputy Executive Editor, The Atlantic    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that he is resigning as the least-popular UK leader on record. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, fresh off a resounding win in a crucial parliamentary election, seems poised to succeed Starmer. But as the UK faces stagnant wages, high energy bills, and serious questions over the state of its armed forces, can Burnham hope to turn it all around? New Stateman Editor in Chief Tom McTague joins the show from London to discuss.   Also on today's show: Josh Fox, Director, "The Welcome Table"; Reshma Saujani, Subject and Executive Producer, "No Country for Mothers"; French artist JR    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Washington and Tehran move toward a deal to end their war, have months of conflict simply restored the status quo? Former German Foreign Minister and current President of the U.N. General Assembly Annalena Baerbock discusses the diplomatic difficulties facing the United Nations. Then, as President Trump abandons his calls for regime change in Iran, journalists Bozorgmehr Sharafedin and Yeganeh Torbati discuss their new book 'Stolen Revolution' - a deep dive into why successive uprisings in Iran have failed. Amid World Cup fever, Christina MacFarlane reports on a football club in England helping bereaved fathers find connection and support. On World Refugee Day, Christiane speaks with 'The Pitt' star and International Rescue Committee ambassador Sepideh Moafi, who was born in a refugee camp after her family fled Iran, alongside the IRC's Sherine Ibrahim. From the archives, we look back at Christiane's report from the height of the European migration crisis, when she joined a rescue operation in the Mediterranean in 2015. And finally, as Americans mark Juneteenth, a reminder of the words of lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson who reflects on the importance of remembering both the victory of emancipation and the enduring legacy of slavery. Air date: June 20, 2026 Guests: Annalena Baerbock Bozorgmehr Sharafedin & Yeganeh Torbati Sepideh Moafi & Sherine Ibrahim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the focus this week has been on the MOU between the US and Iran, the G7 was also discussing Russia's war with Ukraine, committing to support the Zelensky government while strengthening sanctions on the Kremlin. But where has the United Nations been, historically the global conflict resolution mechanism? UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock joins Christiane to discuss the state of war, peace, and the future of the UN.   Also on today's show: actor Sepideh Moafi ("The Pitt"), a former refugee from Iran who serves as an ambassador for the IRC, joins IRC official Sherine Ibrahim to discuss World Refugee Day; former New York Times correspondent Susan Saulny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a late-night, table-top signing at Versailles, President Trump put his pen to a memorandum of understanding to end his war on Iran and begin a 60-day period of negotiations. The MOU has gone down badly in Israel, with allies of Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing outrage. Danny Danon is Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, and he joins Christiane from New York.   Also on today’s show: former US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer; author Ann Patchett on her new novel "Whistler"; Senator Raphael Warnock    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's public position is that his agreement with Iran is great, and better than Obama's nuclear deal. But a leaked draft of the MOU raises some real questions about which side benefits the most, and whether the United States is any better off than before the war. New York Times reporter David Sanger, whom Trump called over the weekend when the agreement was made, joins the show.  Also on today's show: journalists Yeganeh Torbati and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin on their book "Stolen Revolution"; journalist and soccer commentator Simon Kuper, author of "Soccernomics"; Elizabeth Economy, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World leaders meeting at the G7 summit have a lot to talk about, including the short-on-details US peace agreement with Iran, and Russia's seemingly endless war against Urkaine. As Canada's former deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland is intimately familiar with what happens behind the scenes at meetings like the G7. She now serves as economic advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky and joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: Stephanie Flanders, head of economics and politics, Bloomberg News; environmental activist Erin Brockovich    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leaders from some of the world's most powerful nations are gathering today in France for the G7. This year's summit comes just after the US and Iran say they have struck a tentative deal to end hostilities and open the Strait of Hormuz. The text of the deal has not yet been made public and both sides have offered conflicting accounts of what will follow a signing ceremony on Friday. To add to the uncertainty, the agreement does not resolve perhaps the most important long term issue: Iran's nuclear program and its existing highly enriched uranium. Those negotiations are meant to be dealt with in the next two months. For more on this, Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour joins the show from Washington DC.   Also on today's show: financial author and journalist William D. Cohan, founding partner of Puck News; Hungarian journalist Viktória Serdült; Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A head-spinning week as Iran and the United States trade blows and mull peace deals, on the sidelines Europe is feeling the pain and calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has been an outspoken critic of America's involvement in the Middle East and he joins Christiane from Paris to discuss the state of play. And, as the cycle of strikes and fragile truces continues, former Deputy National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama, Ben Rhodes offers his insight. He shares his predictions for post-war Iran and discusses his new book "All We Say" which traces fifteen significant American speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Then, a new opera in Kyiv tells the story of three Ukrainian women and their fight to bring their abducted children home. Christiane's report on "Mothers of Kherson" and the families torn apart by Russia. Plus, from rivals to friends. 18-time Grand Slam Tennis Champions Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert reflect on their shared battle against cancer, explored in their new documentary "The Final Set." From the Amanpour archives, we mark 35 years since Boris Yeltsin became Russia's first democractically elected president. A look back at Christiane's report from Paris during Yeltsin's trip to France as leader during a brief era of hope in Russia's relationship with Europe. Air date: June 13th, 2026 Guests: Dominique de Villepin Ben Rhodes Martina Navratilova & Chris Evert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day after day, Russia pounds Ukraine as President Putin tries to claim he's winning this war - now in its fifth year. But increasingly audacious long-range Ukrainian strikes are challenging that narrative. This week, they struck an arms factory and an oil refinery deep inside Russia. Ukraine also hit the Russian-occupied port of Mariupol - a strategically important site that was taken by Russian forces early in the war after it was the setting for one of the first major sites of Russian horrors. Many people scrambling to survive the atrocity took refuge in a theatre, which was bombed on March 16th, 2022. This critical episode of the war is the subject of a new book, "The Theatre," by journalist James Verini and he joins the show from New York.   Also on today's show: actors Mark Strong and Lesley Manville discuss "Oedipus"; Rebecca Winthrop, Director, Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the US will hit Iran "very hard tonight" and is again threatening to take control of Kharg Island, the hub that handles most of Iran's oil exports. The threat comes just days before G7 leaders will meet in France. In advance of that summit, Christiane spoke with Dominique de Villepin, France's former Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and a potential contender in next year's presidential election.  Also on today's show: tennis legends Martina Navratilova & Chris Evert; Byron Allen, host of "Comics Unleashed"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early this morning, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on American bases in the region, after the US military struck strategic locations near the Strait of Hormuz, which were themselves a response to Iran's downing of a US Army helicopter earlier this week. This came shortly after Iran and Israel exchanged fire over the weekend. Suzanne Maloney is a leading expert on Iran and the Persian Gulf policy at the Brookings Institution. She joins the show to discuss the latest.  Also on today's show: former Irish Senator-turned-journalist Maira Cahill; Heidi Blake, Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Shell US President Colette Hirstius    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once again, President Trump is falsely claiming election fraud after Democrats advanced in the non-partisan primary for the Los Angeles mayoral race. Trump has blamed mail-in ballots for the result, reviving false claims that have become a familiar feature of his presidency. So what does this tell us about the president's mindset, and the state of America's democracy heading into the midterms? Susan Glasser of The New Yorker joins Bianna from Washington.  Also on today’s show: Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum; author Jules Boykoff, “Red Card”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a while it looked like the war in the Middle East might tip into full-scale fighting again, after the first major exchange of fire between Israel and Iran since the April ceasefire. President Trump responded, posting “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’” Tehran announced it has suspended military operations against Israel but warns that strikes will resume if attacks on Lebanon continue. Then, less than an hour after that announcement, Israel struck villages in Southern Lebanon. Nimrod Novik is a veteran Israeli negotiator, and former senior diplomatic advisor to the late prime minister, Shimon Peres. He joins the program from Tel Aviv.  Also on today's show: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun; former Executive Assistant FBI Director Jacqueline Maguire    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Worldwide exclusive! Dive into Christiane Amanpour's sit-down with Lebanon's President Aoun on global tensions and hope for diplomacy. Plus, riveting stories from E. Jean Carroll to the artistic transformation of Paris' Pont Neuf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Lebanon, a US-mediated ceasefire shows little sign of holding. Four people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Friday; Hezbollah says it continues to target Israeli troops. Amid the turmoil, Christiane met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut for an exclusive interview. Aoun rarely speaks with foreign media, but is taking this step to send a message to the world about the fate of his nation.  Also on today's show: CNN Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes; Eddie Glaude Jr., author, "America, U.S.A."; Craig Fehrman, author, "This Vast Enterprise"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just hours after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire, the leaders of Hezbollah say they reject the deal. For more than four decades, Hezbollah has faced repeated attempts to weaken its power, yet it remains a potent force in the region. Correspondent Isobel Yeung reports from Lebanon.   Also on today's show: Jasmine Garsd, NPR Immigration Correspondent & Aaron Reichlin-Melnic, Senior Fellow, American Immigration Council; Dr. Mark Goldsmith, CEO, Revolution Medicines    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mixed picture is emerging from primary elections across America, with major implications for the political fight ahead. President Trump is facing record low approval ratings, while claiming he doesn't care about the midterms. But are the Democrats doing all they can to bolster their chances of recapturing the House and the Senate? Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist at Politico, joins Bianna Golodryga from Minnesota.  Also on today's show: historian Dominic Erdozain on his new book, “To Love a Country: The Problems of Patriotism in America”; foreign policy scholar Robert Kagan    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Washington, talks between Israel and Lebanon are back on track, as representatives of both countries are meeting at the US State Department. It's a volatile situation, both diplomatically and militarily. Nabih Bulos, Middle East Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times, joins Bianna Golodryga to discuss.  Also on today's show: Former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda; Sara Naomi Bleich, Professor of Public Health Policy, Harvard University  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diplomacy is breaking down between Tehran and Washington as a fragile ceasefire hangs on by a thread. Iran state media reports Tehran has suspended talks with the US in protest over Israel's intensifying military activity in Lebanon. To break down what this means for the ceasefire and any prospect of a long-lasting peace in the Middle East, CNN Jerusalem Bureau Chief Oren Liebermann joined Bianna Golodryga from Jerusalem.  Also on today's show: Jan Egeland, Secretary General, Norwegian Refugee Council; filmmaker Ivy Meeropol, "Ask E. Jean"; author Jesmyn Ward, "On Witness and Respair"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into global issues on the Amanpour Hour: From AI ethics with Pope Leo XIV to the complexities of the US-Iran conflict and Ukraine's evolving drone warfare. Join me as we navigate the week's crucial topics that shape our world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is ramping up its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion. Civil rights activist and law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term "intersectionality," and helped spearhead critical race theory. Her new memoir "Backtalker" traces her own journey growing up in Ohio during the Jim Crow era. She tells Christiane how she was inspired to speak truth to power, and the importance of continuing to do so.   Also on today's show: author Sally Hayden, "This is Also a Love Story"; Northwestern University professor Jeffrey Winters, author of "The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E. Jean Carroll, the woman who won two civil suits against Donald Trump to the tune of $88+ million, is now the target of a Justice Department investigation for perjury. The DOJ probe is viewed by many as yet another example of the president seeking retribution from his perceived enemies and critics. But in his new book “Crisis of the Common Good,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy argues that Trump is not the root cause of America's troubles, but the product of a much deeper crisis. He joins Christiane from Chicago.  Also on today's show: former Costa Rica VP Rebeca Grynspan, now Secretary-General of UNCTAD; historian Jill Lepore on her new book "We the People"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iranian state media says a possible agreement is under discussion with the US that could end the war. Regardless if and when a deal is reached, the monumental mistrust between America and the Mideast that's been growing for decades won't abate anytime soon. Our first guest knows all about that. Ben Rhodes is a former Deputy National Security Adviser who cowrote President Obama's landmark 2009 Cairo speech. He's just written a new book, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity."   Also on today's show: Oliver McTernan, Director, Forward Thinking; Ethar El-Katatney, Editor-in-Chief, "Documented"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is facing a new test. Iran's revolutionary guard is warning it has a "legitimate" right to respond, after US forces carried out what they called self-defense strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz. And the regional situation is growing even more volatile. Israel has launched fresh strikes in Lebanon, signaling a more aggressive posture against Hezbollah, as the Trump administration indicates continued support. Beth Sanner, a former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence, joins Bianna Golodryga to discuss.  Also on today's show: Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases; Heather Kerr, DRC Country Director, International Rescue Committee; Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As old alliances are tested and new powers emerge, diplomacy is being reshaped across a divided world. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares discusses recent tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Then, we turn to the sports world, as former professional tennis player Rafael Nadal reflects on his new documentary and opens up about his struggles with anxiety and injury. CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh walks down a deadly road near Ukraine’s frontlines, where modern warfare is rapidly changing. Then, Christiane speaks to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about his country’s role as a mediator in the conflict with Iran. After The New York Times revealed that the U.S. and Israel may have considered former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as part of a regime change strategy, we revisit Christiane’s 2005 interview with the hardliner. And finally, as Americans honor the troops who gave their lives this Memorial Day, we return to Christiane’s conversation with WWII veteran Jake Larson, who explained why he joined the fight against fascism more than 80 years ago. Air date: May 23, 2026 Guests: José Manuel Albares Rafael Nadal Badr Abdelatty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the war in the Middle East grinds on, grave repercussions are hitting the world's most vulnerable. What makes it all so much worse is the total evisceration of foreign-aid funding, led by the United States dismantling USAID. Somalia has been plagued by violence and famine for decades, and now this vulnerable country is headed towards the same disaster again. New York Times reporter Peter Goodman has just returned, and he joins the show from New York.   Also on today's show: journalist Kelli María Korducki    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NATO Foreign Ministers are gathering in Sweden today, as the alliance faces mounting strains. President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, threatened action over Greenland and now the Pentagon says thousands of US troops will be pulled from Europe. One country that has been especially outspoken is Spain, openly challenging Washington over its war on Iran and sharply criticizing Israel's Palestine policy. Ahead of that key NATO meeting, the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares joined Christiane.  Also on today's show: tennis star Rafael Nadal; NYT reporter Mike Isaac    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's hold on the Republican Party appears as strong as ever. In primaries held this week, Trump-backed candidates advanced in Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. David A. Graham, author of a new book which examines how Project 2025 is reshaping America, joins the show to discuss what this moment tells us about the future of the GOP and the upcoming midterms.  Also on today's show: exiled Russian journalist Mikhail Fishman; Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East remains trapped in limbo, as President Trump threatens to unleash overwhelming force on Iran, only to pull out last minute again. Egypt has been grappling with the economic blows of the conflict, and has been involved in trying to stop the fighting. Last week, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Iranian counterpart in India. He joined Christiane in London for an exclusive conversation about what comes next for the Middle East.  Also on today's s episode: former US prosector Andrew Weissmann, author of "Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump's Deceit and Save America"; Josh Tyrangiel, author of "AI for Good"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lethal records are being set almost daily in Ukraine's war with Russia. But even as the air war expands, the tide on the ground may be turning. Last month, Ukraine managed to liberate more land than Russia seized - the first time Moscow suffered a net loss of territory since 2024. In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia to expect more attacks. Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh brings us a first hand, harrowing look at the new drone warfare, reporting from eastern Ukraine.  Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Minister of Economy Tymofiy Mylovanov; Former AUS ssistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez; director Rita Coburn ("W. E. B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After pageantry and flattery in Beijing this week, Presidents Trump and Xi are hailing a new era of the America-China relationship. But stumbling blocks remain - from tech and trade deals to the war in Iran. China expert Rush Doshi served in President Biden's National Security Council and he joins the show to discuss all the details from this historic summit. Then, what went wrong in Israel? That's the question author and leading genocide scholar Omer Bartov seeks to answer in his new book. He joins Christiane to trace the origin story of Israel, to the war in Gaza, to its present-day popularity crisis. Plus, as tech giants join Trump in China, back home in America they are seeking the key to immortality. Tech journalist Kara Swisher explores this in her new CNN series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever." And from the archives, a look back at the long fight for freedom in Iran. Christiane's report from Tehran, where young Iranians risked brutal punishments to go to parties. And finally, when politics meets pop. We explain how this year's Eurovision Song Contest is causing controversy as Israel gears up to compete in Saturday's 70th Grand final. Air date: May 16, 2026 Guests: Rush Doshi Omer Bartov Kara Swisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two superpower leaders, two days of talks, and an agenda with global consequences ... all of it unfolding under the shadow of the war in Iran, which has thrown China's global influence into sharper focus. Over the last thirteen years, President Xi has transformed China, tightening control at home while embracing a bolder strategy abroad. Xiang Lanxin is Professor Emeritus of International History and Politics at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and he joins the show from Shanghai.  Also on today's show: Indian journalist Rahul Bhatia; clinical psychologist (and Holocaust survivor) Edith Eger and daughter Marianne Engle    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On his first trip to China in nearly a decade, there's a lot at stake for President Trump: tariff tensions, the AI race and the war with Iran are all on the table, along with a stark warning from Xi on Taiwan. China says he warned that if the issue is "mishandled" it could lead to "a highly dangerous situation." Rush Doshi served as a top official on China and Taiwan on President Biden's National Security Council. He's now a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and joins the program from Washington.  Also on today's show: Lewis Goodall, co-host, the "News Agents" podcast; Brendan Ballou, former special council, US Justice Dept.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Warsh, set to take over as fed chair this week, vowed in his confirmation hearing that he would be independent of the White House. For more than a year, outgoing chair Jerome Powell, himself a Trump pick, has faced relentless criticism and legal targeting by this administration. And this unprecedent pressure campaign is the subject of a new "Frontline" documentary, "The President vs. The Fed." The doc's director, James Jacoby, joins the show from New York.  Also on today's show: Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Tyler Pager, White House Correspondent, The New York Times    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iran conflict may be America's and Israel's war of choice, but the fallout hits allies in Europe particularly hard. As their countries invest billions to rebuild their militaries in the face of a growing Russian threat, European leaders are standing up to US pressure. Wolfgang Ischinger was Germany's Ambassador to the United States. Now he's Chair of the Munich Security Conference, and he joins the show.  Also on today's show: Cochav Elkayem-Levy, Lead author, report on Sexual and Gender-based violence on October 7th; Ben McKenzie, Writer-Producer-Director of the new documentary "Everyone is Lying to You for Money"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four months after the US invaded Caracas and captured leader Nicolas Maduro, what has become of the promise of democratic elections? It’s a question on the mind of our first guest. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is now in exile after a risky departure to accept her Nobel Peace Prize late last year — a prize she promptly gave to Trump. She joins Christiane from Washington.  Also on today's show: Omer Bartov, Author, “Israel: What Went Wrong”; journalist/author Bob Davis    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we remember when giants strode this earth - the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner. First our conversation from his Montana ranch in 2015, where he told me about the uphill battle to make 24-hour news, his fight to conserve the planet and banish nuclear weapons, and his difficult relationship with his father. Then memories from veteran journalist and author Walter Isaacson, about his years as Chairman and CEO of CNN under our founder. We also discuss his new book on America’s founding principles and the greatest sentence ever written. Plus, we turn to Christiane’s archive, as Britain’s broadcasting legend David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday. We hear about his greatest moments bringing the wonders of the natural world into our living rooms.         Air date: May 9, 2026 Guests: Ted Turner (archive) Walter Isaacson David Attenborough (archive) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the country is confronting deep political division and growing questions about its identity. In his new book, “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written,” former CNN Chairman Walter Isaacson joins the show to re-examine the second line of the Declaration and how its ideals continue to shape what it means to be American today. He also reflects on CNN’s founder Ted Turner, who passed away earlier this week.  Also on today's show: naturalist Sir David Attenborough; author Sherrie Rollins Westie    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At today's meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo, the two discussed their "shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity." Human dignity is often one of the first casualties of war: Iran reports more than three thousand people were killed during the US and Israeli attacks.  Very few reporters or Western officials have been permitted into Iran to see the devastation, making the experience of today’s first guest all the more important. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, recently visited Tehran to meet with government officials.  Also on today's show: Alexander Gabuev, Director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center; US House Democrat Shomari Figures; actor/musician Rita Wilson    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices