This week, a special show for the festive season on art with a message. First, the king of the blockbuster, James Cameron on his new film and the horror of nuclear war.
Then, a conversation about "Kyoto," a hit play on both sides of the pond, finding humor and hope in climate negotiations. Also, a punk take on feminism with artist, Linda and the Spanish master, Pedro Almodovar on delivering beauty and vibrancy in even our toughest moments.
Plus how we use art to understand each other as Hong Kong staged an opera about Trump, and from the archive: a New York Opera about Nixon in China, and finally unveiling a mural with special meaning at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.
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Peacemaker: U Thant and the Turbulent 60s (00:57:23)
First: U Thant led the UN during a golden era of diplomacy. What can we learn from him today? Christiane speaks with Thant's grandson, historian Thant Myint-U, about his new book, "Peacemaker."
Plus: In this age of disinformation, the legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog tells Christiane why we must never stop fighting for the truth.
And: Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy reveals new insights into her tumultuous childhood in her new memoir, "Mother Mary Comes to Me."
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'The Day Iceland Stood Still' (00:56:06)
50 years ago, Iceland's women went on strike. It's not the most gender-equal country on earth. A new documentary, "The Day Iceland Stood Still," tells that historic society. Christiane speaks to their president and the film's director.
Also on today's show: Former CNN Cairo bureau chief Gayle Young; tech activist Cory Doctorow
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Finding Light Amongst Darkness This Festive Season (00:42:36)
As Hanukkah celebrations draw to a close under the shadow of the horrific anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Bianna Golodryga speaks to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann about navigating grief with faith, empathy and togetherness. And, the South Korean film racking up Golden Globe nominations, director Park Chan-wook talks about his new film "No Other Choice", tackling unemployment with horror and humor. Then, the singer-come-politician looking to unseat Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after 40 years in power. CNN’s Larry Madawo speaks to Bobi Wine about the violent opposition crackdown ahead of the country's general election. Plus, veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby speaks to Christiane about his new BBC docu-series "What's the Monarchy for?", lifting the lid on the secretive inner workings of Britain's royal family. From Christiane's archives, how a family of refugees found sanctuary in 1970s America after fleeing Communist Poland's crackdown on democratic dissent. And finally, celebrating 250 years of the legendary British writer Jane Austen and her long-lasting cultural impact.
Air date: December 20, 2025
Guests:
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann
Park Chan-wook
David Dimbleby
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Trump Targets Trans People (00:55:43)
First, Brianna speaks with activist Chase Strangio about pushing back against what many see as President Trump's war against trans people. Then, visual artists Gilbert & George give us an up-close look at their weird and wonderful world. And reporter Tom Gjelten joins the show to discuss the dangerous intersection of antisemitism, Christian nationalism, and the Republican party.
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Using Frozen Russian Assets to Support Ukraine (00:56:16)
World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels.
Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; playwright Bess Wohl and actor Kristolyn Lloyd, "Liberation"; Zoe Weissman, a survivor of both the Brown University and Parkland school shootings
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What to Make of Susie Wiles Interview? (00:57:36)
"An alcoholic's personality," "a right-wing absolute zealot," and "a conspiracy theorist" are some of the descriptions of President Trump and top members of his team by his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a new Vanity Fair interview. She claims her words were taken out of context and key administration figures are standing by her. But are fractures starting to appear in the Trump coalition? David A. Graham, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America," joins the show to discuss.
Also on today's show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Steve Huffman, CEO and Co-founder, Reddit
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Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker (00:56:19)
Are we one step closer to peace in Ukraine? After two days of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Europe, there certainly seems to be optimism in the air. Now the new proposal goes back to the Kremlin, but is President Putin ready to accept the terms? We ask Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, who served as special envoy to Ukraine during President Trump's first term.
Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov; actor and playwright Yousef Sweid & playwright and director Isabella Sedlak discuss Sweid's one-man play, "Between the River and the Sea"; author Saikrishna Prakash, “The Presidential Pardon”
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Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann on Australia Shooting Tragedy (00:55:45)
Australia's tight-knit Jewish community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish leaders have been warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government about rising antisemitism for several years now. As the Hanukkah holiday continues, with its celebration of light and resistance, Bianna speaks with Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann from Melbourne.
Also on today's show: British Conservative MP Alicia Kearns; Director Park Chan-Wook; US Senate Democrat Andy Kim
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Rough Seas for the Transatlantic Alliance (00:42:34)
It’s been a tough week for Europe after President Trump described the continent as "weak" and "decaying". Can US-Europe relations recover? Christiane gets the view from both sides of the pond, with former US Defense Department official Celeste Wallander and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan. A year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the country’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa talks to Christiane about Syria’s future following a decade of civil war. Plus, who are the “Pink Ladies”? A special report on Britain's new protest movement which is echoing far right rhetoric. Then, into the past with author Jonathan Freedland, who reveals the hidden history of the millions of Germans who resisted Nazi rule. From the archives, how one man from Harlem trekked to the North Pole to inspire New York's schoolchildren. And finally, Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado makes a daring journey to Oslo, telling the world what the award means to her.
Air date: December 13, 2025
Guests:
Celeste Wallander & Peter Frankopan
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Jonathan Freedland
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Syrians are celebrating one year of freedom from the Assad regime, but there are many wounds still to be healed, and the work of transitional justice must now take place. It's a process that links Syria to the US, South Africa and many other countries in between. Ruti Teitel, professor of law at New York Law School and author of "Presidential Visions of Transitional Justice" and Aria Florant, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Ventures, an organization advocating for slavery reparations in the US, join the show.
Also on today's show: Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland; law school professor Kate Shaw
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Nobel Winner Machado Appears in Oslo (00:56:05)
After nearly a year in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado snuck out of her country and appeared in public after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The 58-year-old dedicated her prize in part to President Trump, who is taking an aggressive strategy against the Maduro regime. Contributor Stefano Pozzebon has been following this story closely, and joins the show from Caracas.
Also on today's show: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Leopoldo López; Marshall Prject staff writer Shannon Heffernan & Futuro Media reporter Julieta Martinelli; New Yorer staff writer Susan Glasser
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Tough Year for the BBC, British Monarchy (00:56:09)
It has been a year like no other for two of Britain's best-known institutions. The BBC, the country's independent public broadcaster, has found its editorial integrity in question, and has been forced to defend its practices on multiple occasions. The British monarchy too, is under greater scrutiny than perhaps ever before. David Dimbleby is a veteran journalist who knows both institutions well. "What's the Monarchy For?" is his latest project airing on the BBC now. He joins the show from London.
Also on today's show: author Kiran Desai ("The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny"); Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed
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Hostile to Europe, Warm to Russia (00:56:04)
The just-published Trump 2.0 national security strategy is causing a mix of fury, resignation, and even accusations of ignorance. Moscow has welcomed the plan, saying it aligns with Putin's vision, while former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt posted that it's "to the right of the extreme right of Europe." Celeste Wallander served as an assistant secretary of defense under President Biden, and Peter Frankopan is a professor of global history at Oxford University. They join Christiane to discuss.
Also on today's show: Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani; European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas; Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares; Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan; New Yorker Editor David Remnick
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (00:56:06)
One year ago today, Syria's fallen President Bashar al-Assad fled the country. The man who replaced him, opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, is certainly an international darling, welcomed all the way to the White House. According to a new poll by Arab Barometer, he has the approval of 81% of the Syrian people. But these numbers aren't universal: among minorities, including Alawites and Druze, support for him falls below 50%. Moreover, a United Nations commission warns that Syria's transition remains fragile amid continuing insecurity and sporadic violence. Christiane put crucial questions to him at this weekend's Doha forum.
Also on today's show: correspondent Clare Sebastian; former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis
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US ramps up pressure on Venezuela, Snubs Europe (00:42:33)
Is time running out for Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro? Christiane asks Colombia's former president Ivan Duque why he supports Trump's aggressive stance against the country next door. And while the U.S. president has his eye on Latin America, the White House is snubbing Europe again, opting not to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a NATO foreign minister meeting. Julianne Smith, former US Ambassador to NATO, speaks to Christiane about transatlantic tension, and those marathon peace talks between Trump's team and Putin that appeared to produce nothing. Plus, Oedipus on Broadway! Christiane speaks to stars Lesley Manville and Mark Strong about modernizing the 2,5000-year-old Greek tragedy, and playing a mother and son in love. From the archives, we revisit a 1988 mutiny in a New Jersey monastery, and remember legendary playwright Tom Stoppard.
Air date: December 6, 2025
Guests:
Ivan Duque
Julianne Smith
Lesley Manville & Mark Strong
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Former NATO Commander Rupert Smith (00:55:52)
A week of intensive US diplomacy is wrapping up, with no Ukraine deal in sight, and escalating threats from Moscow. 30 years ago, the Dayton Agreement brought an end to the savage war in Bosnia, where, like Putin's dream of a greater Russia today, Serbia wanted more land and control, not an independent Bosnia. Rupert Smith was commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces at the end of that conflict. Through his four decades in the military, he also led troops in the first Gulf war and Northern Ireland. He joins the program from London.
Also on today's show: photographer Annie Leibovitz; Bulwark reporter Will Sommer
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Former Colombian President Ivan Duque (00:56:10)
In recent months, the Trump administration has hit 21 boats suspected of smuggling on behalf of drug cartels, as part of their self-declared war on narcoterrorism. It's all part of a wider campaign aimed at Venezuela and its leader Nicolas Maduro. Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque joins the show to discuss.
Also on today's show NYT journalist Farnaz Fassihi; New Yorker contributing writer Joshua Yaffa
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Lengthy Talks, No Progress (00:56:10)
Despite five hours of talks between Russia and the US, they failed to reach an agreement for ending the war in Ukraine. Both President Zelensky and NATO officials say that Putin shows no sign of making "meaningful concessions. Julianne Smith was Ambassador to NATO under President Biden, including during Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. She joins the show from Washington DC.
Also on today's show: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert; Republican Senator Bill Cassidy
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Is US Prioritizing Business Over Peace? (00:56:06)
For the sixth time this year, President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with President Putin in Moscow, presenting a revamped proposal agreed upon by both the White House and Ukraine. Meanwhile, an investigation by the Wall Street Journal alleges the White House may be prioritizing business interests with Russia over a just peace for Ukraine. The newspaper's chief foreign affairs correspondent, Yaroslav Trofimov, joins the show from DC.
Also on today's show: Andrey Kurkov, author, "Three Years on Fire: The Destruction of Ukraine"; CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman; Iranian women's rights activist Mahnaz Afkhami
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US Double Boat Strike Prompts Bipartisan Criticism (00:56:15)
Outrage is mounting in Washington over the Trump administration's latest moves in its pressure campaign against Venezuela and the Maduro regime. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for an investigation into a so-called "double tap" strike by the US military, targeting survivors from an alleged drug trafficking vessel. President Trump is denying knowledge of the strike, and backing his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who insists the strikes are legal. Reporter Stephen Collinson joins the show to discuss.
Also on today’s show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-chief, "Americas Quarterly"; former US Secretary of State John Kerry; Pastor Tim Johnson, founder, Fatherless No More Initiative; Andrew Rice, features Writer, New York Magazine
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Outrage Over Leaked Witkoff Call Coaching Russia On How To Sway Trump (00:42:26)
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joins Christiane to discuss the leaked phone call which appears to show Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Putin aide. They also discuss the administration's 28-point peace plan that would see Ukraine surrender territory to Russia, and Kerry weighs in on Trump's case against military veteran and Democratic Senator, Mark Kelly. Then, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba gives Kyiv's perspective on the Witkoff call controversy. CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on the mass grave site unearthed in the north of Sri Lanka, reopening painful wounds of a decades long civil war. Plus, renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz on her new book "Women", liberating Michelle Obama, the final photo of John Lennon and her Vogue cover of Timothée Chalamet. And as many celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we look at Christiane's archive piece from 1988, where she joined the charity "God's Love, We Deliver" on their meal train for those in need.
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Is Trump Selling Out Ukraine? (00:55:47)
The leaked US plan has spurred frantic efforts to prevent it from being advanced. Joining us to discuss is former US Secretary of State and veteran negotiator John Kerry.
Also on today's show: Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz; award-winning director Wes Anderson
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Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (00:57:37)
As peace talks for Ukraine continue, a leaked transcript released by Bloomberg has shocked many observers: It documents a phone call between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin's main peace negotiator, where Witkoff appears to offer advice on how the Russian leader can get the most out of President Trump. Nonetheless, the president says Witkoff will travel to Moscow for more negotiations next week. Meanwhile, civilian casualties in Ukraine have spiked, as Russia intensifies its attacks on energy infrastructure. Dmytro Kuleba served as Ukraine's foreign minister until last year, and he joins the show from Kyiv.
Also on today's show: actors Mark Strong and Lesley Manville ("Oedipus"); country superstar Kenny Chesney
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Trouble in Trump Land? (00:56:10)
A judge has dismissed cases against both former FBI chief James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on the grounds that Donald Trump illegally appointed prosecutor Lindsey Halligan. This is yet another setback for the resident, who, in the face of the Epstein files and criticism from longtime political ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, is currently polling at an all-time low. CNN's Stephen Collinson joins the program to discuss how all this might impact the administration.
Also on today's show: Dr. Atul Gawande, former Head of Global Health, USAID & Tom Jennings, Co-director, "Rovina's Choice"; author Susan Choi ("Flashlight"); David Herzberg, Professor of History, University at Buffalo
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