The Interview
BBC World Service
Conversations with people shaping our world, from all around the globe. Listen to The Interview for the best conversations from the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provider.
We hear from titans of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. Global leaders, decision-makers and cultural icons. Politicians, activists and CEOs.
Each interview is around 20-minutes, packed full of insight and analysis, covering some of the biggest issues of our time.
How does it work? Well, at the BBC, our journalists interview amazing people every single day. And on The Interview, we bring them to you.
It’s your one-stop-shop to the best conversations coming out of the BBC, with the people shaping our world, from all over the world.
Get in touch with us on emailTheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.
We hear from titans of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. Global leaders, decision-makers and cultural icons. Politicians, activists and CEOs.
Each interview is around 20-minutes, packed full of insight and analysis, covering some of the biggest issues of our time.
How does it work? Well, at the BBC, our journalists interview amazing people every single day. And on The Interview, we bring them to you.
It’s your one-stop-shop to the best conversations coming out of the BBC, with the people shaping our world, from all over the world.
Get in touch with us on emailTheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 24, 2025 • 23min
N. Ram: Freedom of expression in India
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.
Feb 19, 2025 • 23min
Laila Soueif and Sanaa Seif: Hunger for freedom
Laila Soueif, a dedicated activist and mother of imprisoned political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah, joins her daughter Sanaa Seif, a pro-democracy advocate herself, in a poignant discussion on their fight for freedom. They share their harrowing experiences of hunger strikes and the emotional toll on their family. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of activism against the backdrop of Egyptian governance, the challenges of international diplomacy, and the legacy of their activism rooted in the Tahrir Revolution.
Feb 14, 2025 • 23min
Jake Sullivan: The legacy of the Biden White House
Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor to President Biden, shares his insights on handling international crises, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza. He reflects on the complex foreign policy landscape and how the administration's decisions shaped U.S. global standing. Sullivan discusses the delicate balance between supporting humanitarian efforts and addressing security concerns. He also considers the ramifications of a potential Trump return on America's foreign policy, particularly regarding China and the Middle East's impact on the American middle class.
Feb 13, 2025 • 23min
Tom Fletcher: What is the impact of US foreign aid cuts?
Tom Fletcher, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, discusses the alarming impact of U.S. foreign aid cuts on global humanitarian efforts. He highlights the dire situation in Gaza and Ukraine, where aid is critical. The conversation dives into the need for innovative funding strategies and the role of public sentiment in aligning aid. Fletcher emphasizes the humanitarian crisis and advocates for unity among Arab nations to find solutions while addressing the severe consequences of diminishing aid for millions in need.
Feb 12, 2025 • 23min
Omar Abdullah: Can he bring peace to Jammu and Kashmir?
Omar Abdullah, a veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, shares insights from his complex political journey. He discusses the region's tumultuous relationship with Delhi and the challenges of restoring statehood. Abdullah addresses youth discontent over economic opportunities amid heightened security concerns and government influence. The conversation also covers the political landscape for Muslims in India, focusing on majoritarianism and its effects on minority rights. Can Abdullah navigate these political waters to foster peace?
Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
Dhananjaya Chandrachud: Justice and the rule of law
Dhananjaya Chandrachud, recently retired Chief Justice of India, is known for his progressive approach to the law. He discusses the challenges of maintaining judicial independence amidst the political dominance of the BJP under Modi. Key topics include the ramifications of the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, scrutinizing its implications for constitutional equality. Additionally, he highlights the importance of impartial rulings in the Ayodhya dispute while navigating India's complex socio-political landscape.
Feb 7, 2025 • 23min
Hardeep Singh Puri: India's big ambitions
Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and a former diplomat with the BJP, discusses India's ambitious vision to become a global economic superpower. He delves into India's reliance on Russian oil and the implications for energy security and climate commitments. Puri explores the roadmap to transforming India by 2047 and balancing economic growth with decarbonization. He critiques Western perspectives on sovereignty and emphasizes India's independent energy policy amidst geopolitical tensions.
Jan 29, 2025 • 23min
Basem Naim: Can Gaza find long-term peace?
Sarah Montague speaks to Basem Naim, a senior political figure in Hamas. Its violence and hostage-taking on 7 October led to an overwhelming Israeli onslaught in Gaza. A fragile ceasefire is now in place, but how can long-term peace be achieved?
Jan 24, 2025 • 23min
Mouaz Moustafa: Will Syrians get justice?
Stephen Sackur speaks to Mouaz Moustafa, founder of the US-based Syrian Emergency Task Force. He campaigned to bring the Assad regime to justice for its crimes. Now power is in new hands, will Syrians get justice for the dark past and freedom for a better future?
Jan 22, 2025 • 23min
Ehud Olmert: This war must end now
Stephen Sackur speaks to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He is a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and says only territorial compromise can save Israel from a grim future. But is his simply a voice in the political wilderness?
