Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

News & Politics

About

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

Episodes

  • Q&A: Trump's plunging ratings, Vance vs Rubio & Israel without Bibi?

    Christiane and Jamie address listener questions regarding the Middle East conflict's global consequences, including displacement in sub-Saharan Africa and international pressure on Trump. They also discuss the Republican presidential nomin…

  • US-Iran War: what is going on? With Tina Brown

    Christiane Amanpour and Tina Brown analyze the US-Iran relationship, examining claims of a peace deal and the challenges of accountability in the social media age. They also touch upon the impact of King Charles's visit and other current e…

  • Q&A: US-Iran stalemate, can Trump be forced out & journalists under fire

    Christiane Amanpour addresses potential US chaos from Trump, the US-Iran stalemate, and dangers facing journalists in Gaza and Lebanon. The discussion also touches on authoritarian leaders like Putin possibly anticipating a post-Trump worl…

  • Trump assassination attempt, Putin's threat to NATO & Iran Latest

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files discusses the assassination attempt on President Trump, exploring the anger in America and effective ways to channel it. It also covers the Iran War, potential peace negotiations,…

  • Q&A: Is Iran's pain threshold higher than Trump's? Plus Hormuz blockade & Virginia redistricting

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss whether Iran's pain threshold is higher than Trump's, comparing his tactics to trade battles. They also debate energy blockades, NATO's relationship with the US, and the implications of Virginia's redi…

  • Are world leaders no longer afraid of Trump?

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files explores the possibility of renewed conflict between the US and Iran amid ongoing negotiations. It also examines President Trump's actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the po…

  • Q&A: Could Trump be charged with war crimes?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss the potential for Donald Trump to face war crimes charges related to conflict with Iran, and explore the impact of global support for Israel on US-Israel relations. The conversation also touches on Ira…

  • Is Trump losing his marbles?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rains question Donald Trump's mental fitness for leadership, examining his statements on the Iran War and the economic repercussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz. They also react to Viktor Orban's election…

  • Q&A: Iran’s leverage, Hormuz tolls & will Trump leave NATO?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie analyze Iran's growing power due to Trump's policies, the possibility of tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, and the implications of American withdrawal for NATO and international relations.

  • Can Trump and Iran reach a lasting deal?

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files examines Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, exploring the potential for war crimes and the ramifications for US military personnel. The discussion ex…

  • Q&A: Trump’s Iran strategy, Putin’s gain and why allies are turning away

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie analyze the impact of the Iran war on the Republican primary, Trump’s foreign policy strategy, and the current state of US alliances. They discuss the implications for Marco Rubio and JD Vance, and examine why…

  • Is Trump about to invade Iran?

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files explores the current state of US-Iran negotiations and the likelihood of a US ground invasion. Christiane and Jamie discuss the dynamics of diplomatic talks and the potential conse…

  • Q&A: Trump’s Iran "miscalculation", the bombardment of Lebanon & where’s the “Board of Peace”?

    This Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files discusses Donald Trump's Iran policy and its potential benefits, the escalating conflict in Lebanon, and contradictions in Trump's approach to NATO.

  • Escalate or negotiate: what will Trump do next?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss President Trump's claims of productive talks with Iran, debating whether he seeks to end the conflict or escalate by attacking power plants. They also cover the potential global economic impact and NAT…

  • Q&A: Trump vs NATO, Christiane in exile & where is the new Ayatollah?

    In this Q&A episode of The Ex Files, Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss Iran-U.S. tensions, President Trump's call for NATO involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, and the mystery surrounding the new Ayatollah's public absence. Amanpour al…

  • How Trump broke the first rule of war - with Tina Brown

    Tina Brown discusses the Iran War mistakes made by Trump and Netanyahu with Christiane Amanpour. They also cover Trump's relationship with the press and the enduring impact of the Epstein Files.

  • Q&A: Was Iran really an existential threat to the US?

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files addresses whether Iran has historically posed an existential threat to US national security. It also examines how the erosion of international norms affects Ukraine, particularly i…

  • Trump's Iran War: still no endgame

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie examine the unintended consequences of Trump's Iran War, discussing its impact on the global economy, world order, and countries like Russia and China. They also address the nature of the Iranian regime and th…

  • Q&A: Iran War special - who will replace the Ayatollah?

    This Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files addresses the Iran war, exploring potential successors to Ayatollah Khamenei, the significance of Hamas's October 7th attacks, and US policy towards Iran.

  • Trump's Iran War: what's the actual plan?

    Christiane Amanpour discusses the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and the US/Israel war on Iran, analyzing the potential duration, goals of regime change, and risk of wider conflict. She also considers implications for other global leaders a…

  • Q&A: The killing of “El Mencho”, Trump’s Chagos U-turn and rigged US midterms?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie analyze the impact of the killing of 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on US-Mexico security cooperation. They also examine Donald Trump's policy reversal on the Chagos Islands and comp…

  • Should more people go to jail over the Epstein Files?

    Christiane Amanpour discusses the lack of legal consequences in the Epstein case, exploring the possibility of future jail time for those implicated. The episode also touches on Prince Andrew's arrest, the Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's…

  • Q&A: Epstein Files ‘cover-up’ & Trump’s treatment of immigrants

    This episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files addresses questions about a potential Epstein files cover-up by the Trump administration and the controversial treatment of immigrants in the US.

  • Will Trump strike Iran, again?

    Christiane Amanpour discusses the possibility of US strikes on Iran following insights from the Munich Security Conference. She also explores the potential for a transition to monarchy with Prince Reza Pahlavi and analyzes Marco Rubio’s sp…

  • Q&A: The Epstein Files, Iran tensions & ICE at the Olympics

    In this Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files, Christiane and Jamie address US military action in Iran, the deployment of ICE agents at the Olympics, and the differing scrutiny of Donald Trump concerning the Epstein fil…

  • Iranian regime change, press freedom & Jimmy Lai

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss the potential for Iranian regime change amidst ongoing crackdowns, US-Iran relations, and the threats to press freedom, citing the Jimmy Lai case and challenges in the US and West.

  • Iran talks, Trump's election interference & ICE 'thuggery'

    Christiane Amanpour examines the prospect of US-Iran talks for Middle East stability and reflects on Trump's comments regarding election interference. She also interviews Geraldine Brooks about ICE's function and parallels with Australian…

  • Billie Jean King: tennis, activism, and the fight for equality

    Christiane Amanpour speaks with Billie Jean King about her tennis career, activism, and the ongoing fight for equality. They discuss King's "Battle of the Sexes" match and the progress made in achieving equality over the last 50 years.

  • Q&A: Trump drops tariff threat & announces “future” Greenland deal

    This Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files discusses President Trump's trade policies, the evolving world order affecting NATO and middle powers like Canada, and the UK's decision regarding China's embassy.

  • Will Trump tear the West apart over Greenland?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie examine the implications of Donald Trump's interest in Greenland for Western alliances, referencing historical precedents. The episode also touches upon the protests in Iran and related international reactions.

  • Q&A: Iran's future, media blackouts & what happens if NATO falls apart?

    Christiane Amanpour addresses questions on whether current anti-government demonstrations in Iran could lead to the government's toppling and discusses the potential future of the state. She also examines the strategic, geopolitical, and e…

  • Is the Iranian regime afraid of Trump's threats?

    Christiane Amanpour shares a personal reaction to protests in Iran amidst threats from Trump, and discusses the difficulties of reporting during media blackouts with former colleagues Maria Fleet and Cynde Strand, recalling their experienc…

  • Q&A: Greenland, Venezuela & a new era of American Imperialism?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie discuss US involvement in Venezuela and Greenland, questioning the role of oil and the potential impact on peace in Ukraine. They also address concerns about the public release of Epstein files and its effect…

  • Trump 'kidnaps' Maduro and says he’ll run Venezuela: who's next?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie analyze the purported capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by Trump, discussing potential global repercussions, US foreign policy towards Russia and China, and the situation in Iran. They also speculate…

  • Breaking the MAGA spell & a NATO doctrine for journalists? Tina Brown on a turbulent 2025

    Tina Brown joins Christiane Amanpour to discuss the year's events, including Donald Trump's personality, the Epstein Files, and the dangers of billionaires owning media. Brown also shares a personal encounter with Epstein and offers predic…

  • Q&A: The future of MAGA, life after Trump, and the FIFA Peace Prize

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie analyze the potential fracturing of the MAGA movement and the Democratic Party's ability to capitalize on it. They also examine the FIFA Peace Prize awarded to the President in the context of his threats to ba…

  • 2025: The year Trump ripped up the world order?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie review the impact of Trump's actions on the world order in 2025, covering foreign policy in Ukraine, the Middle East, Venezuela, and US-India relations. They examine the influence of deal-making on US policy a…

  • Q&A: Caribbean chaos, Hegseth’s future and time to close US bases in Europe?

    In this Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files, Christiane and Jamie discuss the potential disbandment of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and whether it's time to close US bases in Europe.

  • Does Trump's security strategy paint Europe as the enemy?

    This episode of The Ex Files analyzes the Trump administration's national security strategy, questioning its stance on Russia and European allies. It also features an interview with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussing his past and…

  • Q&A: Global financial crash, Trump's Mamdani meeting & pardon for Netanyahu?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie address listener questions regarding Benjamin Netanyahu's potential pardon for corruption charges, the possibility of a global financial crash and its geopolitical implications, and a meeting involving Trump a…

  • Is Pete Hegseth ordering war crimes in the Caribbean?

    This episode discusses accusations against War Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding illegal orders in the Caribbean, France's reintroduction of military service, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, including insights on peace talks and the f…

  • Q&A: Trump’s “bullying” of reporters, the Saudi Crown Prince & arrests over the Epstein Files?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie address US relations with strategic allies despite human rights concerns, President Trump's interactions with the press including an incident where he told a female journalist to be quiet, and the Saudi Crown…

  • Why is Trump trying to make Ukraine sign a "surrender document"?

    Christiane Amanpour examines Trump's proposed "peace plan" for Ukraine, which appears to favor Putin's demands, and discusses the problematic nature of US-backed proposals and Trump's pressure campaign. The episode also covers Europe and Z…

  • Q&A: Trump’s Epstein Files U-turn & the “dark money” controlling politics

    Christiane Amanpour’s The Ex Files Q&A addresses Donald Trump's shifting position on the release of the Epstein files and examines the impact of "dark money" on political decision-making.

  • Bosnia 30 Years On: How Did The Genocide End?

    On the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian War's end, Christiane Amanpour discusses lessons learned for current conflicts, the success of US intervention, and the impact of immigration crackdowns.

  • Q&A: Trump vs the BBC, plus Mayor Mamdani & the future of Israel's left

    This Q&A episode addresses Donald Trump's $1bn lawsuit threat against the BBC regarding edited footage and explores the political prospects of US Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

  • Esther Perel: why the world is more divided than ever

    Esther Perel joins Christiane Amanpour to discuss the increasing polarization in families and world politics, particularly ahead of the holiday season. Perel offers insights into resolving differences and healing divisions in personal live…

  • Q&A: Could Trump invade Canada & has the US lost its soft power?

    This Q&A episode of Christiane Amanpour Presents explores a hypothetical scenario of a US invasion of Canada and NATO's potential military reaction. It also features Ernest Moniz discussing global nuclear disarmament efforts.

  • Is the world a step closer to a nuclear confrontation?

    Christiane Amanpour and Jamie assess the rising global nuclear threat, discussing Russia's new weapon tests, China's arsenal expansion, and potential US actions. They also examine the state of nuclear disarmament, the accuracy of "A House…

  • Q&A: New York Mayoral election & could Kamala Harris succeed Trump?

    This Q&A episode covers Kamala Harris's potential presidential run and the upcoming New York Mayoral election, featuring insights on candidate Zohran Mamdani. Christiane Amanpour also touches upon her personal experience with ovarian cance…