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
Mar 7, 2025 • 23min
Roger Carstens: Do hostage deals risk making problems worse?
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)
Mar 5, 2025 • 23min
Volker Türk: Are we sleepwalking into a dystopian future?
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)
Mar 3, 2025 • 23min
Badiucao: Art, power and China
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?
Feb 28, 2025 • 23min
Lord Sumption: Is liberal democracy in big trouble?
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.
Feb 26, 2025 • 23min
Victoria Spartz: Has Donald Trump switched sides on Ukraine?
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.
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?
