The Interview

Latest Episodes:

Chief Justice of South Africa - Mogoeng Mogoeng Jun 27, 2013

Show notes

Since the end of apartheid almost 20 years ago South Africa's constitution has become one of the most admired in the world - progressive, transformative, guaranteeing equality and human rights. But despite the great strides the country has made the reality is failing to live up to the promise. The legal system which guarantees the constitution has itself come under fire -- from within the government, from the opposition, and from some human rights groups. The buck stops with South Africa's Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.

(Image: South African President Jacob Zuma (left) poses with new Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Sergei Guriev – Russian Economist Jun 26, 2013

Show notes

Sergei Guriev is one of modern Russia's best and brightest economists. Well connected to the new Russian political elite, Guriev was a strong voice for economic liberalisation and is a Russian patriot. So why, earlier this year, did he choose - as so many talented Russians have in the past - to go into exile? And what does Guriev's extraordinary story tell us about the true face of Vladimir Putin's Russia?

(Image: Sergei Guriev (left) attends a meeting with premier Dmitry Medvedev (right) in Moscow. Credit: Associated Press)

Michael Sandel – Political Philosopher Jun 25, 2013

Show notes

Tim Franks speaks to Michael Sandel, a philosopher with the global profile of a rock star. His argument that markets are increasingly entering all parts of life and are becoming more and more destructive, has won him a worldwide following. But are commercial interests and financial incentives really that much more intrusive these days? If so, how do you draw up the rules for the moral limits of markets?

Mehmet Simsek - Finance Minister, Turkey Jun 24, 2013

Show notes

Following the response to the anti-government demonstrations, critics at home and abroad are pointing to an increasingly authoritarian style of political leadership in Turkey. Why have protests erupted across the country like never before under the ruling AK party? And did the initial crackdown by the security forces actually strengthen the protesters? Zeinab Badawi is in Ankara to speak to Turkey’s finance minister, Mehmet Simsek.

(Image: Mehmet Simsek, Credit: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images)

Ayad Allawi – Former Prime Minister of Iraq Jun 19, 2013

Show notes

More than a thousand people were killed in violence in Iraq last month according to the United Nations. The country appears to be dividing along religious lines, not helped by its neighbour Syria's descent into civil war. Sarah Montague talks to Ayad Allawi, the country's first Prime Minister after Saddam Hussein. He has accused the current Prime Minister, Nouri Al Maliki, of turning into a dictator. So what hope is there now for keeping the peace in Iraq?

(Image: Ayad Allawi, former prime minister of Iraq. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Martin Amis – Author Jun 16, 2013

Show notes

Stephen Sackur speaks to Martin Amis, an author who was pigeon-holed early in his career as the ‘enfant terrible’ of the British literary world. Four decades on, he remains one of the most successful and closely scrutinised novelists of his generation. His books are filled with greed, lust, addiction and ignorance, and yet, he suggests he writes in a celebratory spirit. So, what exactly is he celebrating?

Ivo Daalder, US Permanent Representative to NATO Jun 14, 2013

Show notes

He’s European by birth; an American citizen by choice. But are those two outlooks becoming increasingly hard to reconcile? There’s tension over US surveillance that could affect Europeans; and a division in NATO between what one US defence secretary calls those who pay – principally the Americans – and those who enjoy the benefits – the Europeans. As Ivo Daalder ends his term, does he think it’s time for this 64-year-old veteran security organisation to be pensioned off? Presented by Shaun Ley.

(Image: Ivo Daalder, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Mo Ibrahim – Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Jun 12, 2013

Show notes

Shaun Ley speaks to Mo Ibrahim, creator of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. His Index of African Governance suggests generally things are getting better. But some worry that China's willingness to lend money "no strings attached" is encouraging politicians to revert to their bad old ways. Is Mo Ibrahim's ambition of better governance being undermined from outside?

Jean-François Copé – President, UMP Party, France Jun 09, 2013

Show notes

France is one of the political heavyweights of the European Union, a key world economy and a major global player. Hardtalk speaks to Jean-François Copé, the leader of the UMP, the main opposition party on the centre-right, who has lurched farther to the right on issues like gay marriage. He has also made comments about the French Muslim community, which have led to accusations that he is threatening cultural harmony. Is he in danger of consigning his party to the political dustbin at home and on the world stage?

(Image: Jean-François Copé, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Pierre Krähenbühl - Director of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jun 07, 2013

Show notes

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is pulling some of its international staff out of Afghanistan, following a murderous attack on its Jalalabad compound. It's an unprecedented move in three decades of ICRC operations in Afghanistan. Stephen Sackur speaks to Pierre Krähenbühl, the ICRC’s operations director. Is his organisation being overwhelmed by the danger and complexity of modern conflict?

(Image: Pierre Krähenbühl, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected