Amanpour – "A Turbulent Start to 2026"

CNN Podcasts | January 10, 2026
Host: Christiane Amanpour

Episode Overview

This episode of Amanpour explores the aftermath of a dramatic U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, the global reaction to American assertiveness under President Trump, and the resulting chaos and tensions across the Western Hemisphere. Through interviews with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, as well as on-the-ground reporting and a conversation with actor Ethan Hawke, the program interrogates shifting norms of international order, new crises at America’s borders, and the echoes of past interventions. The episode closes by reflecting on lessons from post-invasion Iraq as a cautionary tale for Venezuela’s future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and Its Fallout

• U.S. Unilateral Action:
  The Trump administration orchestrated a raid resulting in the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, announcing plans for a long-term U.S. presence in Venezuela and asserting control over the country's oil resources.
  • "Trump is basically saying, look, I am powerful. I can do whatever I want. If I want Venezuela's oil, I'm going to get Venezuela's oil." (00:13, Unattributed quote highlighted in Amanpour’s intro)
• International Concerns:
  European allies are troubled by the legality of this intervention, feeling "ensnared" between Russia's aggression and U.S. unilateralism.
  • Amanpour frames it as a "new era of American imperialism with dashes of neo-colonialism." (01:24)
• Venezuelan Aftermath:
  Despite Maduro's capture, his regime's apparatus — including the military and security services — remains intact and, now, operates alongside U.S. authorities, continuing their crackdowns on citizens.
• Congress Sidestepped:
  The operation was conducted without congressional notification, sparking a debate over constitutional war powers.

2. Political and Constitutional Crisis in the U.S.

Interview: Senator Bernie Sanders (03:22–09:02)

• Reaction to Domestic Outrage:
  Sanders responds to a violent ICE raid in Minneapolis that killed a U.S. citizen, linking this to the administration’s broader disregard for due process and aggressive use of force.
  • "What happened in Minneapolis is outrageous. It's wrong. And as usual, the Trump administration is lying about what happened." (03:53)
• Checks and Balances Eroded:
  Sanders warns that Trump’s unilateralism erodes both U.S. constitutional order and international law:

  "This was not an emergency. This was a premeditated effort...The president acting unilaterally in violation of the Constitution and the rule of law." (05:07)

• Global Implications:
  He suggests U.S. behavior sets a dangerous precedent:

  "If you have a president who thinks that he can simply invade another country, you're giving a green light...for any nation, any terrorist organization...to do the same. And that's a big deal." (05:33)

• Historical Parallels & Resource Grabs:
  The senator calls out the move as classic imperialism:

  "You're talking about old fashioned imperialism...powerful nations went into poor, undeveloped areas and just exploited their resources." (06:54)

• Energy and Climate:
  Criticizes Trump for prioritizing fossil fuels at a time demanding a shift to renewable energy.
• Call to Republicans:
  Sanders expresses disappointment that most Republican lawmakers refuse to restrain the president.

3. Latin America's Perspective & Fears

Interview: Juan Manuel Santos, Former President of Colombia (11:32–18:02)

• Mixed Reactions to Maduro's Removal:
  Santos notes relief at Maduro’s ouster but strong reservations about the method and legitimacy of the U.S.’s actions.

  "You have on the one side the good news that Maduro is no longer in power, the bad news that he was taken out...through an illegal action." (11:54)

• Continued Illegitimacy:
  He highlights that Maduro’s vice president, also linked to the regime’s abuses, is left in power with U.S. support.
• Opposition Marginalization:
  Suggests Trump's team prefers working with remnants of the old regime over the real opposition due to easier control, especially regarding oil interests. (13:15)
• Risks of Regional Backlash:
  Santos warns of "backlash not only from Venezuela, but from the whole region"—drawing parallels to the aftermath of the Iraq War.

  "The Latin Americans have dignity and they have pride...if they're forced to take more, stronger position to defend their dignity and their pride, they will do it." (14:35)

• International Order Undermined:
  On U.S. strategist Stephen Miller’s comments about military assertion:

  "This trend of not respecting the rule of law, of weakening multilateralism...is a preamble for chaos and anarchy and possibly war." (16:32)

• Cuba in the Crosshairs:
  Admits Cubans “should be worried” by U.S. threats, but stresses the need for dialogue over confrontation. (17:40)

4. Regional Security and Reactions on the Ground

Report: Colombia Mobilizes Troops (19:02–22:43)

• Military Posture:
  Colombia deploys 30,000 troops to the Venezuelan border, presenting a "show of force" intended for both domestic and international (especially U.S.) audiences.
• Defending Sovereignty:
  Colombian officials emphasize they are defending national sovereignty, not escalating conflict.
• Local Sentiments:
  Venezuelan migrants in Colombia express hope for change but skepticism towards both the old regime and outside solutions.
• Cautious Optimism:
  Some believe the U.S. can help bring improvement, but not do everything themselves. (21:01)

5. Parallel to Past U.S. Interventions: Iraq Reflections

Amanpour’s Archive Segment (32:13–35:08)

• Echoes of Iraq:
  Amanpour reflects on the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq: early euphoria at Saddam Hussein's fall giving way to security chaos, faltering reconstruction, and widespread local frustration:

  "But as we know, decapitation was the easy part. Then running and rebuilding that country was the hard and deadly part." (32:53)

• Local Voices:
  • “There is no good future in Iraq nowadays because no security.” – Iraqi student (32:33)
  • “We didn't ask the American government to send us to the moon. No, no, it's very simple. Our problem is very simple, like electricity, the water.” (33:09)
• Lesson:
  The message: regime change creates long-term obligations and unpredictable blowback, making Venezuela and possible further interventions (e.g., Iran) cause for concern.

6. Notable Interview: Ethan Hawke on “Blue Moon”

Conversation with Ethan Hawke (24:45–30:49)

• Ethan Hawke discusses his portrayal of Lorenz Hart, a brilliant but tormented songwriter, in the film "Blue Moon."
• Creative Collaboration:
  Hawke reflects on his enduring partnership with director Richard Linklater, drawing parallels between their relationship and the creative-intimate yet vulnerable dynamic of Rodgers and Hart.

  "When you create together...it's a powerful connection and I think we wanted to make a film about that." (28:25)

• On Family and Artistic Legacy:
  Hawke shares his pride in watching his children (notably Maya Hawke, "Stranger Things") thrive.

  “Watching these people that were children have their own lives and being so proud of them is...not like any other feeling I've understood.” (29:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sanders on U.S. Precedent:

  "Unleashing anarchy around the world, saying to any country on earth, you can do whatever you want, undermining...the international rule of law." (05:55)

• Juan Manuel Santos on Rule of Law:

  "Chaos is a preamble to war." (16:32)

• Amanpour’s Historic Reference:

  "We didn't ask the American government to send us to the moon. No, no, it's very simple. Our problem is very simple, like electricity, the water." (33:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Thematic Set-up: 00:08–03:22
• Sen. Bernie Sanders Interview: 03:22–09:02
• Juan Manuel Santos Interview: 11:32–18:02
• Colombia Border Report: 19:02–22:43
• Ethan Hawke “Blue Moon” Interview: 24:45–30:49
• Archive: Iraq Post-Invasion Reflections: 32:13–35:08

Summary – Tone and Takeaway

The episode adopts a frank, urgent tone, warning of a perilous slide into lawlessness both domestically and globally. Amanpour and her guests lament the demise of checks and balances, the dangers of might-makes-right policy, and the ongoing risks to vulnerable populations caught in the churn of power politics. At the same time, glimpses of resilience, hope for peaceful solutions, and the human desire for dignity and agency weave throughout, whether in resistance to foreign intervention, or in art and family.

For listeners seeking to understand the 2026 geopolitical landscape, this episode provides a compelling, multi-perspective analysis of a world reordered by unilateralism and offers sobering lessons from the past about the true cost of regime change.