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

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.

What Went Wrong in the Sonya Massey Shooting? Policing Expert Explains

17m 53s

The US once again has been shaken by the shooting of an unarmed Black woman by police. Last month Sonya Massey called 911 for help, only to be shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy inside her own home. Dr. Tracie Keesee, co-founder and president of the Center for Policing Equity, discussed what went wrong and what local law enforcement can do to better protect the communities they serve.

“I Will Not Be Silent:” Democratic Strategist on Harris’ Israel-Gaza Stance

18m 14s

Vice President Kamala Harris met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, at a time when it is not yet clear how she would manage the Israel-Gaza war if elected president. Hari Sreenivasan speaks with Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid about Harris' recent actions and how she might win over undecided voters.

Why Do Female Politicians Face Outsized Abuse Online? Researcher Explains

18m 7s

As the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are heating up, so too are the disinformation campaigns and online abuse. It’s nothing new for Harris. A 2020 report on presidential candidates found that the vast majority of attacks were directed at women. Nina Jankowicz explains that now, four years later, women -- and Harris in particular -- are still the primary targets.

J.D. Vance Has “No Business Speaking for Kentucky,” Says KY State Senator

17m 46s

In a recent piece for The Atlantic -- "Hillbilly Women Will Get No Help from J.D. Vance" -- Cassie Chambers Armstrong makes the point that, despite the Republican vice-presidential candidate's claim on his family's Appalachian values, his stated positions show a failure to recognize women's reality. Senator Armstrong joins the show to discuss ways in which rural women could be better supported.

Biden Biographer: “I Don’t Think He’s at Peace With This Decision”

17m 16s

Evan Osnos describes Joe Biden’s decision to leave the Oval Office as "an act of selflessness." The New Yorker writer joins the show to discuss the President’s address to the nation, his legacy, and the dynamics of the race with just over 100 days to go until election day.

“The Other Olympians:” Transgender Athletes in the Nazi Era

17m 20s

Gender and sex in sports remains a sensitive topic. At this year’s Games, trans athletes are subject to stricter regulations than in the past. Although this seems like a recent issue, the topic goes back to the 1930s. In his new book, “The Other Olympians,” historian Michael Waters details the stories of trans athletes who competed then. He joins the show to speak about the challenges they faced.

Biden Out, Harris In: “This Is Exactly What the Trump Team Feared”

18m 7s

Tim Alberta spent months behind the scenes of Trump's campaign, and just two weeks ago reported that they were planning for a landslide victory -- on the condition Joe Biden didn't drop out. Now that their worst fears have come true, Alberta discusses with us how the Trump campaign is shifting its approach to confront a new Democratic nominee.

Kristin Du Mez: Project 2025 Will Redefine Constitution in Name of Christianity

18m 5s

The political blueprint for the next Republican president, Project 2025, has drawn criticism not only from Democrats but also from Donald Trump himself. Yet the authors of the playbook include some of his closest advisors, as well as groups with Christian nationalist leanings. Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez speaks about the rise of evangelicalism in politics and its potential impact on democracy.

Biden’s Personal Attorney on the President’s Historic Decision

17m 20s

For many, Joe Biden’s historic decision was a foregone conclusion after his disastrous debate appearance last month. Central to the preparation for that debate was a member of Biden’s inner circle, his personal lawyer Bob Bauer, who took on the role of Trump in practice sessions. Bauer spoke to Walter Isaacson about his new political memoir “The Unraveling” and Biden's legacy.

The Wolves of K Street: How Corporate Lobbyists Infiltrated Washington

17m 32s

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Brody Mullins joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss his new book, “The Wolves of K Street,” which chronicles how lobbyists have inaugurated a new era in public policy for the benefit of corporate America.

Trump’s Classified Documents Case Has Been Dismissed. Now What?

18m 1s

Earlier this week, Trump-appointed federal judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against the former president, citing her doubts about the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. To piece together how this action could impact Trump's presidential campaign and the integrity of America’s legal system, Hari Sreenivasan spoke with Leah Litman, law school professor at UMich.

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