Amanpour

Ely Ratner, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, discusses the rising tensions in US-China relations and the need for a Pacific defense pact. Ibram X. Kendi shares insights from his biography on Malcolm X, highlighting the enduring legacy of resilience and its relevance to today’s social justice movements. Ray Dalio emphasizes the importance of understanding economic debt cycles and bipartisan approaches to fiscal responsibility, stressing the potential impact on national stability.

It's become a rite of passage for world leaders: the Oval Office meeting with President Trump. Now, it's the turn of the relatively new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz. Germany is the focal point for much of Trump's ire towards Europe, and a key priority will be to stave off looming tariffs. But also, high on the agenda is Ukraine. Member of German Parliament for Merz's CDU party, Norbert Röttgen, joins the show from Berlin.  Also on today's show: CNN senior White House reporter Kevin Liptak; author Evan Osnos ("The Have and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich"); Flexport founder/CEO Ryan Petersen  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Choi, the international editor of a leading South Korean newspaper, discusses the implications of Lee Jae-myung's victory and his pledge to unite a divided nation. He highlights the pressing economic challenges and the need for a strong U.S.-Korea relationship. Fashion designer Prabal Gurung shares his inspiring journey from Nepal and India to success in the industry, detailing his experiences with discrimination and the importance of representation in fashion. Their conversations reflect on resilience and the fight for inclusivity in diverse fields.

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on empathetic leadership during crises. Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children US, discusses the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the need for accessible aid amid conflict. David Kessler addresses America's obesity crisis and the role of pharmaceuticals in weight management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the effects of socioeconomic struggles on leadership, and the pressing need for effective health interventions.

David Yazbek, a talented composer and lyricist known for his Broadway works, shares insights about his new musical, *Dead Outlaw*, revealing the compelling true story behind it. Meanwhile, Michael Luo, executive editor of *The New Yorker*, discusses his book, *Strangers in the Land*, which chronicles the complex history of Chinese immigrants in America. They also confront the alarming rise of antisemitism in the U.S., urging collective action against hate and violence in our society.

Wilfred Frost, son of the legendary TV host David Frost and producer of a new documentary series about his father's iconic interviews, reflects on the challenges faced by universities under the Trump administration. He shares insights into his father's extraordinary interviewing techniques with historical figures like Richard Nixon. The conversation navigates the impact of political shifts on academic freedom and the importance of preserving journalistic integrity during turbulent times, all while honoring a legacy that reshaped media.

Fiona Hill, a former top Russia advisor to President Trump, shares her unique insights on the volatile Ukraine crisis and the credibility of Putin's recent peace claims. She reflects on her experiences with Putin, evaluating the potential impacts of Trump's diplomatic approach. Meanwhile, Charlie Baker, NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor, discusses the evolving landscape of college sports, focusing on athlete compensation and the challenges students face amid social media and mental health pressures. Together, they tackle critical global and local issues.

Join Steven Levitsky, a Harvard political scholar and co-author of 'How Democracies Die,' as he sheds light on the Trump administration's unprecedented attacks on higher education. Wes Anderson shares insights on the intersection of cinema and pressing societal issues. Blake Moore discusses Trump's contentious Big Beautiful Bill and its implications. The conversation navigates the struggles of Harvard amidst legal battles, funding cuts in research, and the need for civil society to defend democratic values against authoritarian tactics.

Omer Shem Tov recounts his harrowing experience as a hostage for over 500 days in Gaza, sharing his emotional journey through captivity and the complex feelings of guilt and hope. Jameel Jaffer discusses the urgent need for prioritizing hostages' safety during conflicts, while Leah Litman critiques recent judicial outcomes influenced by bias and partisanship. They also touch on humanitarian crises and the implications of U.S. policy shifts impacting international students and free speech.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert voices his strong criticism against the current government's actions in Gaza, calling for accountability amidst allegations of war crimes. The podcast also delves into the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with challenges in aid distribution and rising desperation. In a lighter turn, Humphrey Ker shares insights on the revitalization of Wrexham A.F.C. amidst the backdrop of COVID-19, highlighting the club's significant role in its community and the passionate journey to bring it back to life.