Amanpour

Are America’s closest allies getting cold feet about a friendship that’s lasted since World War II? Christiane speaks to Michael Ignatieff, former leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, about growing unease with Washington. Then, a true story of heroism and disaster on the edge of space. Forty years after the U.S. space shuttle Challenger exploded, shocking America and the world, best-selling author Adam Higginbotham speaks about his minute-by-minute account of the tragedy and the decisions that led to catastrophe. Plus, hopes of progress in Gaza, but in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settler violence continues to devastate Palestinian villages. Jeremy Diamond reports. Also ahead, Christiane’s conversation with a Holocaust survivor and legal titan. At 95 years old, Judge Theodor Meron reflects on a lifetime devoted to pursuing justice and accountability. And as the world marks Holocaust Remembrance Day this week, from Christiane’s archive: how the Nazis’ slaughter of six million Jews shocked the international community into outlawing genocide.

 

Air date: January 31, 2026

 

Guests:

Michael Ignatieff

Adam Higginbotham

Judge Theodor Meron

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As global power dynamics tilt eastward, Beijing is pressing its advantage, economically, diplomatically, and strategically, just as US foreign policy enters a period of upheaval. Elizabeth Economy, a former senior China adviser in the Biden administration and author of The World According to China, joins Bianna to unpack what she sees as Beijing’s strategy to dominate the next frontiers of power, and what it means for the future of the global order. 

Also on today's show: Adam Higginbotham, Author, “Challenger”; Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, Author, "The Mattering Instinct" 

 
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President Trump has sent a clear message to Iran: Agree to a deal that results in "no nuclear weapons," or America will take military action. In response, Iran says its armed forces ready "with their fingers on the trigger." Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan is a veteran military planner who served as a Director of Operations for US Central Command, which includes the Middle East. He joins the show to breakdown the options on Trump's table. 

Also on today's show: Karim Sadjadpour, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; David Borenstein, Co-director, Mr Nobody Against Putin; Stephen Vladeck, Professor of Law, Georgetown University 

 
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The whole world is watching what is happening in Minnesota, the state at the center of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says local police won't enforce federal immigration policy. Some Republicans are now speaking out after the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, with Senator Thom Tillis railing against both Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem and top White House adviser Stephen Miller. Trump responded by calling Tillis a "loser" and a frequent target of Trump, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was attacked last night in Minneapolis. A man ran at Omar spraying an unknown substance, before he was tackled and taken away. To discuss this all, reporter Kevin Liptak joins the show. 

Also on today's show: Brian A. Nichols, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Milo Rau, Director and playwright, Hate Radio; Joseph Cox, Reporter and Co-Founder, 404 Media 

 
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A spate of new trade agreements shows how America’s global partners are hedging their bets against Trump's volatile tariff policy. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney saw all this coming. Speaking in Davos, he called for 'middle powers' to prepare for the end of the rules-based international order, warning, "if we're not at the table, we're on the menu." Historian Michael Ignatieff, who preceded Carney as head of Canada's Liberal Party, joins the show to discuss.  

Also on today's show: Director Tamara Kotevska; NYT columnist Thomas Friedman 
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