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
123episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Q&A: Could Trump be charged with war crimes?
Apr 1600:28:42Summary readyIn this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether Donald Trump was drawn into conflict with Iran by Benjamin Netanyahu, what impact decreasing global support for Israel could have on US–Israel relations, and whether President Trump could face war crimes charges.They also discuss Iran’s wartime economy, the future of US–EU ties and Democratic hopes of winning back the White House.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
SummaryIs Trump losing his marbles?
Apr 1400:39:35Summary readyIs Donald Trump fit to be President and leader of the free world? With people increasingly questioning the Commander in Chief's mental acuity, Christiane and Jamie look at some of the wild swings in Trump’s recent statements about the Iran War and ask whether he is still of sound mind.Christiane also highlights how Trump’s war tactics have backfired and turned the Strait of Hormuz into an economic weapon that Iran is using as a chokehold on the global economy - and they discuss whether there is any prospect of the Trump administration striking a deal with Iran’s leaders, or if it's more likely that the current blockade in the Strait continues.Later, they both react to Viktor Orban being ousted as Hungary’s Prime Minister in the country’s recent elections. Christiane & Jamie unpick whether this result means the end of populism in Europe, and what impact it could have on the future of MAGA in the US.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
SummaryQ&A: Iran’s leverage, Hormuz tolls & will Trump leave NATO?
Apr 900:25:27Summary readyIn this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether Trump’s handling of Iran has created a dangerous new source of power for Tehran - one that could end with Iran implementing tolls to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.They also examine whether any diplomatic solution exists without direct US leadership, and whether Europe, the Gulf states and China are now being forced to shape a new balance of power in the region.Finally, they look at the broader political consequences of American retreat: what happens to NATO, Europe and democracy itself when the United States is no longer treated as a dependable leader?This episode was recorded on Monday 6 April.
SummaryCan Trump and Iran reach a lasting deal?
Apr 700:39:08Summary readyWhat happens when Trump threatens to wipe out your civilisation?In this week’s episode, Christiane and Jamie discuss Trump’s ultimatum: re-open the Strait or he’ll target key infrastructure. If the Iranians don’t reach a deal, will Trump commit a war crime? And what does it mean for US military generals: will they follow unlawful orders or resign?They discuss the consequences of this and what could happen if this escalates to an energy war in the region, with the risk of the whole regional infrastructure being destroyed.Plus they discuss Pakistan’s bold peace proposal. The plan suggests strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but in return for what?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
SummaryQ&A: Trump’s Iran strategy, Putin’s gain and why allies are turning away
Apr 200:25:48Summary readyIn this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie examine what the Iran war could mean for the Republican primary - and for two of its most prominent voices on foreign policy, Marco Rubio and JD Vance.They discuss the contradictions in Trump’s strategy, including the easing of sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil, and ask why Vladimir Putin appears to be benefiting while the US is drawn deeper into war.Plus they explore whether Trump has badly damaged America’s closest alliances, why countries like the UK and Australia are refusing to follow Washington’s lead, and what that says about US power, diplomacy and miscalculation.
SummaryIs Trump about to invade Iran?
Mar 3100:41:53Summary readyAre the US and Iran engaged in real negotiations, or is this all just posturing?In this episode, Christiane and Jamie break down the current state of negotiations, and why Trump’s threats won’t work.They also look closely at the prospect of a US ground invasion: what it could involve, how realistic it is and what the consequences could be if the Iranian regime continues to resist.Jamie takes us inside the reality of diplomatic talks, revealing how negotiations unfold behind closed doors and what it would take to end the conflict.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
SummaryQ&A: Trump’s Iran "miscalculation", the bombardment of Lebanon & where’s the “Board of Peace”?
Mar 2500:22:03Summary readyIn this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked to examine whether Donald Trump’s apparent miscalculation on the potential for Iranian regime change could, in a more cynical reading, amount to a “win-win” - benefiting domestic oil interests, aligning with Putin’s goals, and even creating a pretext to distance the US from NATO.They also explore the escalating Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, raising the question of whether the conflict could spiral into a full-blown invasion.Finally, they unpack the seeming contradiction in Trump’s approach to NATO: why turn to the alliance for support while simultaneously antagonising key allies, rather than relying on his so-called “Board of Peace”?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
SummaryEscalate or negotiate: what will Trump do next?
Mar 2400:41:23Summary readyShould we believe Trump when he claims the US has had 'productive' talks with Iran about ending the war? Christiane and Jamie unpick the President's recent statements and discuss whether he is now looking for a way to end the conflict, or if he could still escalate by attacking Iran's power plants later this week.Christiane explains how those strikes on civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes if they do go ahead, and reveals what it's like to be in a warzone without power. She & Jamie also look at the impact another escalation would have on oil prices and the global economy more generally.Later, they explain why NATO countries have been so reluctant to support the US and Israel in this war, with Jamie highlighting how Trump's threats over Greenland earlier this year shattered the trust between America and its allies.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
SummaryQ&A: Trump vs NATO, Christiane in exile & where is the new Ayatollah?
Mar 1900:32:34Summary readyIn this week's Q&A, Christiane and Jamie tackle pressing questions about the Iran-U.S. tensions. They explore why President Trump is urging other nations to patrol the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. having the largest navy, and why NATO is involved instead of Gulf states.They're also asked about the mystery surrounding the new Ayatollah's absence from public view, addressing claims of possible injury or disfigurement. Additionally, Christiane discusses her personal connection to Iran, responding to whether she is officially banned from visiting the country after referring to herself as an 'exile.'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
Summary
How Trump broke the first rule of war - with Tina Brown
Mar 1700:41:14Summary readyThis week, Christiane is again joined by the legendary Tina Brown, author of the 'Fresh Hell' Substack, to dissect the countless mistakes and miscalculations made by Trump & Netanyahu in their Iran War so far.They discuss why the Trump administration appears to have been surprised by the conflict's impact on the global economy and whether the Iranian regime is any closer to falling than it was three weeks ago.Later, Christiane & Tina discuss Trump's other war: his continued assault on the free press, from giving daily micro-interviews to his notorious distraction techniques. And Tina explains why the Epstein Files are the one story that the President hasn't been able to make go away.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
Summary