The Interview

In a gripping conversation, Allen Ault, a former commissioner of corrections in Georgia turned death penalty abolitionist, dives deep into his challenging journey. He reflects on the psychological toll of overseeing executions and the haunting memories that followed. Ault uncovers the emotional burden on those involved in capital punishment, questioning its morality and efficacy. He also discusses the political landscape surrounding the death penalty, revealing the complexities and biases that informed his transformation from executioner to advocate for justice reform.

Stephen Sackur is in Frankfurt for an exclusive interview with Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank. Donald Trump has triggered what could become a global trade war and has prompted European governments to make massive new defence spending commitments. Is the European economy capable of withstanding Trump 2.0?

Stephen Sackur is in Paris to talk to former Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin. With Donald Trump in the White House, the alliance between the US and Europe’s democracies looks fragile. Is Europe capable of becoming a superpower in its own right?

Stephen Sackur is in Germany to speak to Niklas Frank. His father was Hans Frank, the Governor General of Nazi Occupied Poland during the World War Two. He was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg trials and executed in 1946. Niklas Frank tells Stephen Sackur he 'despises' his father and does not want Germany to forget the crimes of his father and the legacy of the Nazi era.(Photo: Niklas Frank)

Stephen Sackur speaks to Roger Carstens, former US Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Did the deals he strike from Russia to Iran risk making the problem worse?(Photo: Roger Carstens, former US Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs appears via video on Hardtalk)

Stephen Sackur speaks to the UN Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. As conflicts destroy millions of lives around the world, are we sleepwalking into a dystopian future?(Photo: Volker Türk, UN Commissioner for Human Rights appears via video on Hardtalk)

Stephen Sackur speaks to the dissident artist Badiucao, whose cartoons and drawings challenge President Xi Jinping and the Chinese state. He lives in exile in Australia, but does that mean he’s beyond Beijing’s reach?

Stephen Sackur talks with Lord Sumption, a former senior judge and author, about the precarious state of liberal democracy. They explore the rise of authoritarianism and the backlash against political elites. There’s a deep dive into the UK's constitutional crisis during Brexit and the implications for parliamentary democracy. Sumption also addresses judicial independence in Hong Kong amidst Chinese influence. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the fragility of democracy and the significance of international law in safeguarding rights.

In a compelling discussion with Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-born US Congresswoman and Trump's loyalist, the conversation navigates the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy on Ukraine. She critiques Trump's labeling of President Zelensky while contemplating the strategic implications of such rhetoric. Spartz shares insights on Ukraine's governance challenges, the ongoing conflict with Russia, and the need for robust US responses. The dialogue also touches on concerns around centralized power, accountability in politics, and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Publishing Group and a leading figure in Indian journalism, discusses the precarious state of freedom of expression in India. He analyzes the historical and modern challenges faced by independent journalists under political pressure. The conversation delves into issues of surveillance, including the use of Pegasus spyware, and emphasizes the importance of press freedom amid increasing governmental control. Ram highlights the resilience of journalists fighting for truth and the ongoing fight against misinformation impacting democratic discourse.