Amanpour and Company

News and Public Affairs Series / 2 Seasons

Featuring conversations with global leaders and decision makers on the issues affecting the world today, Amanpour and Company adds to the long tradition of public affairs programming that has been a hallmark of public media for decades.

Watch: S2023 E6121

26m 46s

Russia, Nazi Germany, MAGA: The Dangers of Weaponizing History and Education

18m 9s

With democracy under threat around the world, author Jason Stanley warns that the fundamental danger lies closer to home: in the schools. In his latest book, the American philosopher argues that attacks on education empower authoritarian regimes by reshaping our understanding of the past. Stanley joins the show to discuss.

“What Are Children For?” Why Millennials and Gen-Zers Aren’t Having Kids

17m 39s

While VP Kamala Harris has earned voter support on the issue of abortion, former President Donald Trump has been shifting his stance on the matter - while failing to offer specifics on how he would make childcare more affordable. In a new book, Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman are exploring how public perceptions of parenthood are shaped by political rhetoric about reproductive rights.

Why Is the U.S. Military Struggling to Find Recruits? Reporter Explains

17m 35s

The U.S. Army's 2024 recruiting target is some 10,000 fewer recruits than last year. And yet the Army is struggling to fill the ranks. Missy Ryan, National Security and Defense Reporter at the Washington Post, finds a range of reasons for this shortfall -- from changing norms within American society to mistrust of its institutions. Ryan joins the show to discuss.

Does the U.S. Need a “Clean Energy Marshall Plan”? Harris Advisor Says Yes

18m 1s

In the U.S. presidential race, the economy continues to top the polls as a voter issue. Brian Deese is advising Kamala Harris in her campaign. He makes the case to Walter Isaacson that the fight against climate change can pave the way for a new era of American leadership.

Has the Supreme Court Undermined Voting Rights? David Daley Explains

17m 58s

David Daley believes democracy in the U.S. is under threat. In his new book "Antidemocratic," Daley suggests that far-right actors -- including those within the Supreme Court -- are controlling American elections. The author joins the show to discuss the implications of all this as Americans prepare to head to the polls in November.

Harris-Walz 2024: DNC Chair Jaime Harrison Reflects on Historic Nomination

18m 28s

This week the DNC was packed with excitement, with speeches by the Obamas, a performance of the National Anthem by The Chicks, and a closing performance by Pink. But each speech reminded the party of the bumpy road to the White House, and the importance of voting in this election. Harrison speaks with us to reflect on the DNC and the challenges the Democratic Party faces between now and November.

Is Kamala Harris a “Failed Border Czar?” Immigration Expert Weighs In

17m 41s

While the economy remains the top issue for voters, immigration is not far behind. Jonathan Blitzer, staff writer for The New Yorker, joins the show to discuss Kamala Harris and why border policy remains such a vexing problem for the U.S.

GOP Mayor Endorses Harris: “Silence Is Not an Option”

18m 6s

John Giles, Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, is pledging his support to Kamala Harris. He even spoke at the Democratic convention. Giles joins Hari Sreenivasan to explain why he felt compelled to switch sides. They discuss immigration as a ballot issue this election, and the necessity for Kamala Harris to reset the messaging on this subject.

Silicon Valley Trump Supporters "Deluding Themselves," Says Michael Moritz

15m 53s

Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance are eyeing Silicon Valley, where some of the wealthiest and most powerful tech titans are lining up behind Trump. Once a stronghold of liberal ideas, this center of American innovation is drifting to the right. Michael Moritz, a senior adviser at Sequoia Heritage, joins the show to explain why he is urging his peers to rethink their support.

“A Trump Foil:” Inside Kamala Harris’ Political Evolution

17m 49s

With Democrats on track to formally nominate Kamala Harris as the party's presidential candidate, we look back at her political evolution during her tenure in the U.S. Senate. Washington Post congressional reporter Liz Goodwin joins Michel Martin to discuss Harris's leadership style and how it sets her up for a challenging presidential campaign.

CEO of Google DeepMind: We Must Approach AI with “Cautious Optimism”

17m 34s

Artificial intelligence has the potential to influence issues from climate change to the global economy. Demis Hassabis is co-founder and CEO of one of the world's leading AI research groups, Google DeepMind. Hassabis tells Walter Isaacson why he takes a cautiously optimistic view of the much-discussed technology.

Harris vs. Trump: Nate Silver’s 2024 Election Forecast

17m 24s

As the presidential election edges closer, all eyes are firmly focused on candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Nate Silver, the prophetic pollster and poker player who founded the website FiveThirtyEight, speaks with Walter Isaacson about his new book which details how -- as in poker -- risk-taking could be key to success in November.

“A Trump Second Term Poses an Authoritarian Threat:” Former Repub. Staffer

18m 25s

Less than 90 days before the presidential election, Georgia Republicans have passed new procedural rules that allow for challenges in certifying election results. Amanda Carpenter, of the nonprofit group Protect Democracy, joins the show to discuss the problems posed by this ruling — and the critical importance of safeguarding the integrity of the 2024 election.

U.S. v. Google: Inside the Biggest Tech Antitrust Trial in Decades

17m 39s

In a landmark case, a federal judge has found Google guilty of U.S. anti-trust violations. It's a staggering defeat for the tech company, that could upend decades of dominance and potentially reshape how millions of Americans get their information online. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter joins Walter Isaacson to discuss the verdict.

Masha Gessen on Being Convicted in Absentia by Russian Court

18m 19s

One critic of Russia and its military is exiled journalist Masha Gessen, who was recently convicted in absentia and sentenced by a Moscow court for reporting on the conflict. Gessen joins Michel Martin to share what it is like to be targeted by the Kremlin, and to discuss their recent New York Times behind-the-scenes account of the recent prisoner swap with Russia.

AI and Drone Warfare: How New Technology is Transforming the Future of War

18m 11s

What will warfare look like in the future? Raj Shah and Christopher Kirchhoff launched an elite Pentagon unit aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology into the U.S. military. Walter Isaacson asks them about their book “Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War.”

What Gives Kids a Chance at a More Successful Future? New Study Explains

17m 48s

It is the fond hope of parents to give their children a better start in life than they had. In America, race has historically been a huge factor. But Raj Chetty, director of Harvard's Opportunity Insights initiative, is finding that the racial gap is closing. He tells Hari Sreenivasan how this was achieved, what the implications might be, and what factors determine our children's futures today.

EXCLUSIVE: Jake Sullivan on Ceasefire Talks and Historic Prisoner Exchange

18m 22s

Just days ago, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan helped secure the release of three Americans held in Russia. Sullivan joins the show to reflect on the long road that led to the historic prisoner swap, his concerns for the future of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and what the administration hopes to accomplish during its final months in office.

“At the Edge of Empire:” Communist Idealism, Disillusionment & Leaving China

18m 21s

China's current status was built atop decades of communist authoritarian rule, and few people have experienced this transformation as closely and personally as author Edward Wong. In his book "At the Edge of Empire," he chronicles the journey of his family and his nation through the political evolution that brought China to global ascendance.

Anne Applebaum: Autocracy Is “Infecting U.S. Politics”

18m 18s

In her new book, "Autocracy Inc.," journalist Anne Applebaum argues that many of today's dictators collaborate to help keep one another in power. She joins the show to discuss this phenomenon.

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