Summary of "Could We Get Away with Our Marriage Today?" – Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

In the compelling episode titled "Could We Get Away with Our Marriage Today?" of "Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files," host Christiane Amanpour and her ex-husband Jamie Rubin delve into their intertwined professional and personal lives, offering profound insights into global affairs and the complexities of maintaining a high-profile relationship amidst turbulent times.

Introduction: Revisiting the Past and Addressing the Present

The episode opens with Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin reflecting on their storied careers and their 20-year marriage, now seven years divorced. They set the stage for this bonus episode by announcing their intention to answer listener questions, providing a more personal glimpse into their experiences.

Christiane Amanpour [00:11]:

"I've been doing this for CNN and a bunch of others for about 35 years. Jamie is a former government official, a former diplomat."

They emphasize their lasting professional synergy despite their personal separation, hinting at the seamless collaboration that still defines their interactions on current affairs.

Anecdotes from the Field: Unforgettable Interviews and On-the-Ground Experiences

Handling High-Stakes Interviews

One of the standout moments discussed is Jamie Rubin’s interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in 2016. When Rubin made a risky comment tying Trump’s controversial statement to Russia’s Pussy Riot, Lavrov’s unexpected response left both journalists and listeners taken aback.

Jamie Rubin [01:51]:

"But as far as I can see, everybody's a pussy over there. You got so many pussies."

Christiane Amanpour [03:38]:

"Lavrov was the most intelligent foreign diplomat I ever met... he was put to use for Putin's disastrous policies in Ukraine."

This interaction showcases the unpredictable nature of diplomacy and the tensions between Western and Russian political arenas.

Covering the First Gulf War and Breaking Ground

Jamie recounts his early days as a war correspondent during the first Gulf War in 1990, highlighting the challenges of reporting from Saudi Arabia as part of an all-female team in a male-dominated environment.

Jamie Rubin [14:58]:

"We were in Saudi Arabia, which was going to be the convening zone... it was really fabulous."

These pioneering efforts not only set the tone for CNN's global news coverage but also paved the way for future generations of female journalists in conflict zones.

Geopolitical Insights: NATO, Russia, and the Shifting Global Order

NATO Enlargement and Russian Aggression

The discussion delves into the contentious topic of NATO’s expansion and its relation to Russia’s aggressive stance, particularly in Ukraine. Rubin challenges the notion that NATO enlargement directly provoked Russia’s invasion, attributing the aggression to Vladimir Putin’s desire to integrate Ukraine into Russia’s sphere of influence.

Jamie Rubin [10:56]:

"NATO enlargement is an excuse and it has nothing to do with the reasons for Putin's invasion of Ukraine."

Christiane Amanpour [23:31]:

"The partisan nature of current America is so divided and so brutal that CNN or the government could, one or the other would capitulate."

This analysis underscores the complexities of international alliances and the enduring impact of historical decisions on present-day conflicts.

Leadership Under Fire: From Vaclav Havel to Zelensky

Amanpour highlights Vaclav Havel’s prescient warnings about Russia's potential threats to European stability, drawing parallels to current leadership challenges faced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Christiane Amanpour [09:15]:

"Vaclav Havel knew that something could still be dangerous from Russia and could happen again. And of course, he was right."

This segment provides a nuanced perspective on how visionary leaders have shaped, and continue to influence, the geopolitical landscape.

Personal Reflections: Balancing Marriage and High-Stakes Careers

The Dynamics of a Visible Marriage

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring whether Christiane and Jamie could maintain their marriage in today’s hyper-connected, socially scrutinized environment. Reflecting on their past, they note the differences in societal acceptance and media influence.

Jamie Rubin [23:05]:

"I don't think we could get away with it today. The pressures are 100 times stronger."

Christiane Amanpour [23:31]:

"I worked for Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright directly... the partisan nature of current America is so divided and so brutal."

They discuss the increased challenges posed by social media and polarized public opinion, suggesting that their relationship might not withstand the intense scrutiny of today’s digital age.

Successful Collaboration Amidst Chaos

Despite their eventual divorce, they reminisce about moments where their professional lives harmoniously intersected, particularly during the Kosovo crisis, highlighting how their partnership contributed to significant humanitarian efforts.

Christiane Amanpour [25:13]:

"When Madeleine Albright became Secretary of State... we prevented a genocide."

This collaboration exemplifies how personal relationships can complement professional missions, even in the most tumultuous circumstances.

Concluding Thoughts: Lessons from the Frontlines and Personal Journeys

The episode concludes with reflections on missed opportunities and the heavy toll of global tragedies like the Rwandan genocide, underscoring the moral responsibilities of governments and journalists alike.

Jamie Rubin [20:43]:

"A million people were killed in three months by machetes and clubs. It was a terrible thing."

Christiane Amanpour [21:42]:

"Nobody was willing to deploy. No European countries, no Canadians, no nobody."

Their candid discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of inaction and the critical role of persistent advocacy in the face of human rights violations.

Looking Ahead

As they wrap up the episode, Christiane and Jamie invite listeners to engage with future bonus episodes, promising to share more behind-the-scenes stories and answer pressing global questions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jamie Rubin [01:51]:

  "But as far as I can see, everybody's a pussy over there. You got so many pussies."

• Christiane Amanpour [23:47]:

  "The partisan nature of current America is so divided and so brutal..."

• Jamie Rubin [10:56]:

  "NATO enlargement is an excuse and it has nothing to do with the reasons for Putin's invasion of Ukraine."

• Christiane Amanpour [09:15]:

  "Vaclav Havel knew that something could still be dangerous from Russia and could happen again. And of course, he was right."

• Jamie Rubin [25:13]:

  "When Madeleine Albright became Secretary of State... we prevented a genocide."

"Could We Get Away with Our Marriage Today?" offers listeners a unique blend of personal narratives and incisive geopolitical analysis. Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin’s candid conversation provides valuable lessons on the interplay between personal lives and global responsibilities, all while highlighting the enduring challenges and triumphs faced by those on the frontlines of international journalism and diplomacy.