While many are suffering from the economic and health devastation caused by COVID-19, some governments are taking the opportunity to grab more power, undermining fragile democracies. To assess the rise of autocracy under COVID-19, Christiane speaks with David Rohde, whose new book examines the possible existence of a shadow government in the U.S.--alongside historian and journalist Anne Applebaum.

A new documentary on Netflix called "Crip Camp" looks at an historic summer camp for the disabled community that launched a generation of activists. It’s the latest film from the Obamas’ production company, and the co-directors join the show to discuss.

The black community has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 – so much so that the U.S. Surgeon General is urging African Americans to adopt healthier habits. But former state legislator Bakari Sellers says it’s not that simple. He tells Michel what he thinks the Surgeon General got wrong and discusses his new memoir about growing up in South Carolina during the civil rights movement.

In times of crisis, we often turn to culture for comfort – getting lost in a museum or visiting a place of beauty. It’s harder these days: Spain’s Alhambra, India’s Taj Mahal, the UK’s Blenheim Palace, Yellowstone National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are closed during the pandemic. How can our cultural life continue to flourish? Christiane is joined by the head of UNESCO to discuss.

Former Israeli political rivals rivals Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz have agreed to form a national emergency government whereby Prime Minister Netanyahu – who has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust – remains in charge for 18 months. Ofer Shelah was part of Gantz’s Blue and White Party and now heads up the Israeli Knesset’s committee to tackle coronavirus.

Jonathan Van Ness is part of the Fab Five on the hit Netflix show "Queer Eye." More recently, he has also spoken out about living with HIV and being a recovering addict and survivor of sexual abuse. He joins the show from Austin, Texas to discuss grooming tips and coping strategies under lockdown.

Madeleine Albright once called America the “indispensable nation” when it comes to leading global action. As the first female U.S. Secretary of State, Albright spent her career using American diplomacy to solve international crises. Walter Isaacson speaks with the former diplomat about the urgent need for a return to that model and her new book "Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st Century Memoir."

Earth Day usually brings people together. But today, on its 50th anniversary, worldwide lockdowns mean the holiday is being celebrated at a distance. Naturalist Sir David Attenborough joins Christiane from his home to reflect on the wonder and fragility of our planet.

Last year, when Jay Inslee competed for the Democratic nomination for president, he placed climate change at the heart of his campaign. As governor of Washington State he also saw the first cases of coronavirus in America. He joins the program to discuss the twin threats of COVID-19 and the climate crisis.

This month, the New Orleans jazz legend and patriarch Ellis Marsalis died at age 85 after contracting coronavirus. In a heartfelt conversation about grief and the healing power of music, Walter Isaacson speaks with Ellis’ son Wynton – a jazz legend in his own right – about losing his father, what he thinks Ellis’ legacy will be and how jazz can help us all right now.

Few know more about infectious diseases than Dr. Dennis Carroll. He directed the Pandemic Influenza and Emerging Threats Unit at USAID for 15 years. During that time, he helped identify more than 2,000 animal viruses that can make humans sick. He also featured in the hit Netflix series "Pandemic," which predicted an outbreak well before COVID-19 spread around the world.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is renewing his call for a coordinated global effort against the pandemic and its aftershocks.

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson recovers from COVID-19, his absence from Downing Street coincides with a harsh attack on his initial response to the virus. A bombshell investigation by the London Sunday Times reveals that Mr. Johnson missed the first five emergency cabinet meetings when the disease was first beginning to spread. The country's former Health Minister joins the program to discuss.

As we learn more about the coronavirus, we’re also discovering who’s being hit hardest. Early stats show that men are at least 50% more likely to die from the disease than women. Continuing a conversation interrupted last week by technical difficulties, Christiane speaks with physician and author Dr. Sharon Moalem.

Over 1.5 billion children and youth remain out of school worldwide. Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King says that this will represent a lasting impact of the pandemic. He joins Hari Sreenivasan to talk about the challenges faced by some 50 million American students--and to share how a place of learning became a shelter when tragedy hit his home.

Anti-lockdown demonstrators took to the streets across America this weekend. Protesters in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Washington, and other states demanded governors reopen their frozen economies. It’s a sign of the times, as coronavirus becomes part of the fabric of President Trump’s re-election campaign. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) joins Christiane to discuss the situation.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has been personally affected by coronavirus: in March, the virus caused the death of her brother. She tells Michel Martin how Native Americans -– like Hispanic and African American communities -– are being disproportionately hit by this crisis.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that this year the global economy will experience its worst recession since the Great Depression. The IMF’s Managing Director joins the program to assess the world’s economic outlook and discuss whether there is cause for hope.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world famous musicals, including “Phantom of the Opera," were playing on stages the world over before the pandemic brought down the curtain. Now they’re streaming online each Friday as free lockdown entertainment. Lloyd Webber joins the program to discuss his efforts to keep art alive in these challenging times.

Economic fears, health anxieties and relationships –- all generate pressure, piling onto people who are trapped indoors. For advice on how to deal with it all, Christiane turns to one of the most widely recognized relationship gurus, Esther Perel. The psychotherapist has been talking to couples under lockdown for her podcast, “Where Should We Begin?,” and offers advice for this trying time.