Alice Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture, passionately addresses the alarming persistence of torture four decades after the UN Convention Against Torture. She discusses the link between global conflicts and rising torture incidents, revealing harrowing personal accounts from victims. Edwards emphasizes the necessity for a unified international code of human rights to eradicate torture, exposing the challenges of governmental hypocrisy and accountability in war zones. Her insights offer a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for human dignity and justice.

Stephen Sackur speaks to the British novelist Alan Hollinghurst, author of Our Evenings and the Booker Prize-winning The Line of Beauty. Over four decades, how has his writing and his view of Britain changed?

HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur looks back on some of the most powerful moments from 2024 in his end of year review.

Stephen Sackur speaks to former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba. Russian forces are gaining ground along the frontline in eastern Ukraine, and US president-elect Donald Trump wants the war to end. What are Ukraine’s options now?

In this engaging conversation, former Washington Post editor Marty Baron shares insights from his Pulitzer-winning career. He discusses how Trump's rise exposed the media's disconnect from middle America and highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity today. Baron reflects on the Post's recent choice to forgo political endorsements amidst declining trust in media, particularly among younger audiences. He emphasizes the necessity for traditional outlets to adapt for the future, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in a fragile democracy.

Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki bombing and co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, shares her powerful story as she advocates for nuclear disarmament. She recounts the traumatic experience of surviving the atomic blast at just 13 years old. The conversation highlights the emotional scars left by such tragedies and critiques the misguided belief in nuclear weapons as security. Tanaka emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness about the ongoing threats of nuclear armament, particularly with the alarming global arsenal still present today.

Stephen Sackur interviews Mark Alford, a Republican congressman and fervent Trump supporter, who discusses the potential for Trump 2.0 and its implications for America. They delve into economic strategies, such as proposed tariffs and the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The conversation touches on the impact of deportation policies on agriculture, the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting vulnerable communities, and critiques of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Gaza.

Arab Barghouthi shares his experiences as the son of Marwan Barghouthi, a revered Palestinian leader imprisoned in Israel for over twenty years. He discusses the emotional toll of his father's incarceration on their family and broader Palestinian identity. The conversation dives into the complex realities of justice and resistance, examining perceptions of his father's trial and the political dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Arab emphasizes resilience, hope, and the dreams for a united Palestinian future despite ongoing struggles.

Peter Boehringer, a senior MP for the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, delves into the rise of nationalism and populism in Germany. He discusses the ambitious electoral goals of his party ahead of the upcoming elections and the challenges posed by their anti-immigration stance. Boehringer addresses controversial comparisons with Nazi rhetoric in politics and raises concerns about political bias affecting intelligence services in Germany. He also explores the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Russia and the European Union.

Barbara Taylor Bradford, the best-selling novelist known for her iconic family sagas, reflects on her remarkable journey from Yorkshire to literary stardom. She shares insights into her debut, 'A Woman of Substance,' and discusses the inspiration behind her strong female protagonist, Emma Hart. The conversation dives into the interplay of class and gender in British society and Bradford's early struggles in journalism. Engaging with themes of feminism and identity, she explores the balance between creative freedom and critical reception in her work.