As President Biden's top diplomat, Antony Blinken is in the eye of the storm as the conflict rages in Israel and Gaza. The US Secretary of State has been preparing for this role his whole life. But has he got what it takes? After a gilded upbringing - living in New York and Paris, an Ivy League education and a passion for music - he reluctantly turned his back on rock and roll to pursue a career at the top of politics, becoming a confidante of three US presidents. Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out more about the man whose father was an ambassador and whose stepfather survived Auschwitz.

PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Sally Abrahams, Natasha Fernandes, Kirsteen Knight Production Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele, Janet Staples, Rosie Strawbridge, Gemma Ashman Sound Engineer: James Beard Editor: Bridget Harney

CREDITS Without Ya, Ablinken (Spotify)