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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Syria Enters 'Transitional Justice' Phase
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
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
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
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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