Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Episode Title: Q&A: Global financial crash, Trump's Mamdani meeting & pardon for Netanyahu?
Date: December 4, 2025
Hosts: Christiane Amanpour & Jamie Rubin

Episode Overview

In this dynamic Q&A installment, world-renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour and former US State Department official Jamie Rubin respond to listener questions on major global crises. The pair—ex-spouses with decades of experience covering geopolitics—spar candidly on topics including the prospect of a pardon for Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, the specter of a global financial crash, Tony Blair's legacy in post-war Europe, Trump’s headline-making meeting with NYC Mayor Mamdani, US relations with Africa, and whether the American electorate can constrain a controversial presidency. The conversation is marked by honesty, sharp disagreement, humor, and robust insider analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should Netanyahu Be Pardoned?

[00:05–02:11]

• Background: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces criminal investigations but claims he cannot resign, citing public interest and instability.
• Amanpour: There is merit in a pardon but only if Netanyahu resigns and agrees never to return to politics. She criticizes his coalition as “the worst elements of Israeli society” and sees a pardon as a path for Israel to move beyond the "Netanyahu era."
  • Quote: “Let's have Israel move on from the Netanyahu era. It's going to happen. I firmly believe that all the politicians in Israel are sick and tired of Bibi Netanyahu, whether they agree with him or not.” (Amanpour, 01:16)
• Rubin: Agrees on the need for Netanyahu’s exit to enable progress on a US/EU/Arab-backed two-state solution and overall peace. Cites former PM Olmert’s similar stance.

2. Global Financial Crash: Potential Geopolitical Fallout

[02:48–05:44]

• Question: Risks and potential impacts of a global financial crash?
• Rubin: Expresses personal concern, noting eerie similarities to pre-2008 warnings and fears an “AI bubble” crash. Admits economics is not his specialty.
• Amanpour: Highlights capitalism’s inherent fragility, the crucial stabilizing role played by central banks, and the need for regulation.
  • Quote: “Bubbles happen in capitalist societies. It's one of the downsides of capitalism. I'm a strong believer in capitalism, but you have guard rails... and if that confidence is lost, we've seen what happens.” (Amanpour, 03:37)
  • Stresses the importance of leaders who inspire confidence—recalling FDR’s “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

3. Tony Blair's Role in Bosnia & Kosovo

[05:45–08:43]

• Clarification: Blair was not in power during Bosnia (1995) but became pivotal in Kosovo (1999) alongside Clinton.
• Rubin: Credits Blair with helping in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement.
• Amanpour: Emphasizes Blair’s key willingness (“publicly” and “insisted on”) to consider ground forces, shifting the dynamic in Kosovo and hastening Serbian withdrawal.
  • Quote: “Tony Blair's partnership with Bill Clinton was absolutely crucial in keeping NATO together... The threat of a ground war was something Tony Blair was definitely part of and insisted on.” (Amanpour, 07:21)
• Both note the intervention as a high point in modern European unity.

4. The Trump-Mamdani NYC Meeting: Symbolism & Realpolitik

[09:32–12:09]

• Context: Trump’s surprisingly cordial meeting with new NYC Mayor Mamdani garnered attention.
• Amanpour: Frames it as “love of New York” for both men, celebrating their ability to “put politics aside.”
  • Quote: “Trump surprised everyone by being supportive of Mamdani... This was a sign that when men in power... cooperate and have a joint motivation they can put politics aside.” (Amanpour, 10:33)
• Rubin: Dismisses the “schmaltzy” narrative, arguing Mamdani’s real motivation was to avoid federal retaliation on his first day and Trump’s intent was political theater—“a masterclass on confounding expectations.”

5. US Boycott of G20 in South Africa: Risks and Repercussions

[13:14–17:58]

• Question: Does Trump’s boycott of the G20 in South Africa risk tilting Africa toward China and Russia?
• Rubin: Calls it “dumb” to snub Africa—emphasizes missed opportunities and rising Chinese/Emirati influence, criticizes focus on resources over democracy.
  • Quote: “In the absence of America being a partner in Africa, you have China and increasingly the United Arab Emirates jumping in... based mostly on resources and economics and not so much on democracy.” (Rubin, 14:28)
• Amanpour: Regrets loss of US soft power, especially after years of medical aid and positive engagement. Contrasts US aims with mercenary-based, extractive Russian/Chinese models.
  • Quote: “It’s one of the great tragedies that all of the soft power that we built up over generations in Africa is being squandered by Donald.” (Amanpour, 16:44)

6. Can the US Electorate Remove a President Mid-Term?

[18:43–20:06]

• Question: Is there a democratic way—like a vote of no confidence—to stop Trump finishing his term?
• Amanpour: Bluntly says no: impeachment is off the table without bipartisan Senate support; the US lacks recall or no-confidence votes for the presidency.
  • Quote: “My fellow Americans, for better or worse, and in this case worse, voted for Donald Trump as president and he’s going to serve out his term.” (Amanpour, 19:32)
• Rubin: Notes that recent electoral defeats may render Trump a “lame duck” and that “the voters decide.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Financial Panic:
  “Sometimes fear in these situations is precisely what makes it worse and multiplies the danger. So we need politicians who inspire confidence, not fear.” – Amanpour (04:37)
• On US Withdrawal from Africa:
  “Russia sends in mercenaries, they take money from dictators and they slaughter innocents... The Chinese are just interested in the money and the resources, not in democratic development.” – Amanpour (17:13)
• On Trump’s Durability:
  “Keep calm and carry on.” – Rubin (20:06)
• On New York Love vs. Political Realism:
  “Love and love and love is a little bit too schmaltzy for me... I think that it was a really interesting moment of political theater.” – Rubin (11:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Netanyahu Pardon Question: [00:05–02:11]
• Global Financial Crash Risks: [02:48–05:44]
• Tony Blair’s Balkans Role: [05:45–08:43]
• Trump-Mamdani Meeting: [09:32–12:09]
• US–Africa Relations & G20: [13:14–17:58]
• Presidential No-Confidence/Recall: [18:43–20:06]

Bottom Line

This episode embodies the co-hosts’ blend of world-weary candor and insider perspective—Amanpour frank and occasionally fiery, Rubin pragmatic and caustic—with both offering clear answers to tough questions. The result is a dense but lively guide to pressing global issues—with wisdom, wit, and a dash of ex-couple chemistry.

For questions or to share thoughts, contact @amanpod on social or email: amanpod@global.com