Podcast
Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
Hosted by Global · EN
World-renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour and ex-husband Jamie Rubin, a former US State Department official, unpack today’s defining global crises. Drawing on decades of insider experience in global affairs, reporting from conflict zones, and grilling world leaders, they explain how we ended up where we are – and where we might be going.
Forget about a new world order – right now, there’s no world order. From Trump and Putin to the war in Ukraine, China’s global rise, and chaos in the Middle East, geopolitics has never been more dangerous or unpredictable. The Ex Files provides unparalleled insight into the issues keeping world leaders, and the rest of us, awake at night.
With searing honesty, jaw-dropping stories, and candid humour, this is the foreign policy podcast for our fractured age. They’re no longer married, but when it comes to current affairs, Christiane and Jamie still finish each other’s sentences.
Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com
103episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Q&A: The Pope’s AI warning, Iran at the World Cup & is Russia still meddling in US politics?
5d ago00:30:15Summary readyThis week, Christiane and Jamie discuss Pope Leo’s warning that AI could end up starting more wars, and ask whether the technology now poses a genuine threat to the future of humanity. They also look at the politics around this summer's FIFA World Cup - which will see Iran play matches in the US - as the war in the Middle East shows no sign of ending.Christiane & Jamie also revisit Russia’s interference in the 2016 US Presidential election and discuss whether Moscow is still meddling in American politics today, even while at war with Ukraine. They also unpack the long-running ambiguity of US policy on Taiwan, before turning to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s current political troubles and whether a change in leadership could strengthen the UK on the world stage.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️
SummaryTrump strikes Iran again: a sign of desperation?
6d ago00:35:31Summary readyThe Iran ceasefire hangs by a thread after the latest round of US strikes on Iranian military sites and IRGC boats. Is this a sign that Trump is about to restart the war? Or is it that the President is becoming increasingly desperate to end the conflict he probably regrets starting three months ago? Christiane & Jamie unpick how Trump has backed himself into such a tight corner, and whether it's now inevitable that the US emerges from this war in a weaker position than when it started.Later, Christiane delivers a powerful reaction to a recent report that the US & Israel originally planned to install the former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the new leader of Iran - and she explains why this proves that there was no proper strategy for this conflict. Christiane & Jamie also discuss why Bibi Netanyahu is putting so much pressure on Trump to keep fighting, and whether Trump still has the authority to tell Israel what to do.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️
SummaryQ&A: Trump's mental health, Epstein files accountability & Israel's death penalty
2w ago00:24:54Summary readyWith growing numbers of doctors and experts publicly questioning the president's mental fitness, Christiane and Jamie tackle the most uncomfortable question in American politics: is Donald Trump losing it? Then, Christiane and Jamie are asked about the Epstein files and why justice for the women and children who were abused is yet to be served. They also examine Israel's controversial new death penalty law for Palestinians and debate whether the October 7th attacks can justify such a measure. And to mark their first podcast anniversary, Christiane and Jamie revisit a row from their marriage over Iraq sanctions.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
SummaryIran, Cuba, Greenland: does Trump have a plan, or just a list of places to conquer?
3w ago00:37:01Summary readyAfter a bruising few months of war, and with his ratings at an all-time low, could Trump be about to target Cuba? Christiane & Jamie dissect the President's recent visit to China and explain why he was unable to make any progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, plus they reveal why he might be planning to indict the former Cuban President Raul Castro.They also look at Trump's ongoing struggle to end the Iran War, and unpick whether other world leaders are still paying any attention to his threats. Later, Christiane reacts to reports that the US is demanding a major role in running Greenland and explains why this has the potential to reignite long-running tensions with America's European allies.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.socialEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/theexfiles Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 🌍EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/theexfiles Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee
SummaryQ&A: MAGA’s trust in Trump, US-EU divorce & Iran's Lego fightback
3w ago00:23:37Summary readyChristiane and Jamie tackle the question of why so many MAGA supporters still trust President Trump despite rising costs, broken promises and foreign wars. They also address whether Americans truly understand how much damage has been done to the country's standing in Europe. Plus, Christiane and Jamie break down Iran's surprisingly effective Lego-style propaganda videos, explaining why humour has become the Islamic Republic's most potent weapon against the Trump administration. They also tackle a question close to Christiane's heart - why devastating humanitarian crises, such as those in Sudan and Ethiopia, continue to be ignored by the world's media - and reflect on the most important stories they've covered as The Ex Files turns one! Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.
SummaryIs Putin losing his nerve...and the war?
3w ago00:41:16Summary readyWhat's been happening in Ukraine while the world has been watching the Iran War? Something has shifted - and not in Putin's favour. This week, Christiane and Jamie examine why Putin suddenly pushed for a ceasefire ahead of Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Was it a diplomatic gesture, or a sign of fear? They explore growing reports that Putin has become paranoid about his own security, and make the case that Ukraine may be doing far better on the battlefield than the world realises.Christiane and Jamie also discuss the latest developments in the Iran War, and look ahead to Trump's imminent visit to China. Can President Xi help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? What would he want in return?And finally, they pay tribute to the late Ted Turner, the man who founded CNN and who changed the way the world consumed news. Christiane and Jamie explain the influence he had on them both and the legacy he leaves.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social
SummaryQ&A: Trump's plunging ratings, Vance vs Rubio & Israel without Bibi?
4w ago00:28:25Summary readyChristiane and Jamie answer your questions on the global fallout from the conflict in the Middle East - is anyone paying attention to the millions in sub-Saharan Africa facing displacement as a direct consequence of the Iran War? And will China or major European nations ever apply enough pressure on Trump to end it once and for all?Plus, with millions of Americans having voted for Trump, will the attitudes that put him in power will simply produce more candidates like him? Christiane and Jamie also assess the emerging competition between JD Vance and Marco Rubio for the next Republican Presidential nomination.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media: @amanpourpod
SummaryIran War heats up again: are the stakes higher than ever?
4w ago00:38:42Summary readyIs the Middle East ceasefire over? Are the US & Iran sliding back towards all out war? With blockades in the Strait of Hormuz continuing, and Iran firing on American ships and Gulf nations again, Christiane and special guest Tina Brown unpick whether Trump is about to go back to war, and whether this time, he actually has an exit plan.Christiane & Tina also discuss the challenges and the risks of holding power - and particularly President Trump - to account in the modern age of social media and disinformation. Later, they explain the impact of King Charles's recent state visit on the Special Relationship, plus they talk Putin, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Tina reveals what's coming up at her annual Truth Tellers' Summit.You can read Tina's Substack 'Fresh Hell' here.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social
SummaryQ&A: Is Iran's pain threshold higher than Trump's? Plus Hormuz blockade & Virginia redistricting
Apr 2400:24:24Summary readyIn this week’s Q&A, Christiane & Jamie are asked whether Donald Trump’s confrontational “Art of the Deal” approach with Iran follows the same pattern seen in his tariff battles - and why world leaders continue to engage with these tactics. They also debate whether America's long-term energy blockades against Cuba should be judged by the same standards as attacks on Iran’s civilian power plants, and if all blockades should be considered a declaration of war.Plus, they discuss NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s friendly stance towards Washington, and whether keeping the US President onside comes at the expense of the alliance’s wider interests. And finally, they turn to Virginia, with Christiane & Jamie giving their verdict on the controversial vote in favour of redistricting in the State: is this just the Democrats playing by the same rules as the Republicans, or a genuine threat to democratic norms?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social
SummaryAre world leaders no longer afraid of Trump?
Apr 2100:33:52Summary readyWith so much uncertainty over negotiations and the future of the conflict between the US & Iran, Christiane reveals that people she's speaking to believe there could be a return to war at some point very soon. Meanwhile, Jamie explains why he thinks Trump missed a key opportunity to de-escalate when he continued the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, even after Iran agreed to reopen the waterway.Christiane also highlights the significance of the Pope's recent interventions on the war, and Jamie looks at whether other world leaders will start taking a tougher stance towards the US President if his erratic behaviour continues.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social
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