Turkish Author - Elif Shafak
Stephen Sackur speaks to Elif Shafak, the Turkish novelist and writer who lives much of her life in London. A dozen years ago Europeans looked at Turkey and thought they saw a country becoming more like them - embracing western values and on a long term track to EU membership. But today Europe sees authoritarianism, conservatism and repression embodied in the all-powerful figure of President Erdogan. Does the West get anywhere close to understanding Turkey's complex culture and politics?(Photo: Author Elif Shafak taking part in a debate for the BBC's 100 Women season. Credit: Henry Iddon)
23 Mai 201722min
Nigeria's Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu
Stephen Sackur speaks to Nigeria’s minister of state for petroleum resources, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. When President Muhamadu Buhari won the Nigerian presidency two years ago it seemed like Africa's most populous nation had turned a corner. A first ever peaceful, democratic transition brought a promise of cleaner, better governance, and major economic reform. How is it going? Can oil dependent Nigeria transform itself into a modern trading economy?(Photo: Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu arrives for an informal meeting between members of OPEC, 2016. Credit: Ryad Kramdi/AFP /Getty Images)
22 Mai 201723min
Speaker of the Venezuelan Parliament Julio Borges
Every day Venezuela seems to get one step closer to economic and political chaos. Mass anti-government protests have swept the country for the past month. Close to forty people have been killed in street clashes, the shops are short of food and hospitals low on medicine. Stephen Sackur asks Julio Borges, Speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, if the Chavista Socialist revolution is dying on its feet?(Photo: Julio Borges speaks at a joint press conference with Peruvian president, 2017. Credit: Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images)
19 Mai 201722min
Director of Europol - Rob Wainwright
Are the cyber-crooks several steps ahead of the cyber-cops? Hardtalk's Stephen Sackur speaks to Rob Wainwright, head of the European police agency Europol. In every aspect of our public and private lives we have become increasingly dependent on the power of the internet and computing. That makes us vulnerable to those who would do us harm. One such example is the worldwide spread of the ransomware known as WannaCry which has shut down vital computer systems in businesses, and public institutions around the world.(Photo: Rob Wainwright at a hearing for the March 22 Brussels terror attacks, 2016. Credit: Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images)
17 Mai 201723min
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade - Charles Flanagan
Ireland has bounced back from the financial crisis of 2008, but now it is being swept by a new wave of apprehension. This time it is all about Brexit. When Britain leaves the European Union, Ireland will suffer significant collateral damage – in terms of jobs, trade, and the status of its borders. Stephen Sackur speaks to Ireland’s foreign and trade minister Charles Flanagan - will Brexit have catastrophic consequences across the Irish Sea?(Photo: Charles Flanagan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland at the UN General Assemby, 2015. Credit: Timothy A.Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
12 Mai 201722min
Emmaunel Macron advisor Sylvie Goulard MEP
This Sunday, Emmanuel Macron takes office as President of France. His nascent political organisation promises to get France's sluggish economy on the move again; but only if it can win legislative elections next month. Shaun Ley speaks to French MEP Sylvie Goulard who has thrown her support behind Mr Macron. Can the new President deliver and move France forward ?
12 Mai 201723min
Former US North Korea negotiator Christopher Hill
Stephen Sackur speaks to the American diplomat Christopher Hill who has served under three US Presidents and was a former lead negotiator on North Korea. Recently, President Trump has described North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un as a “pretty smart cookie” who he would be “honoured” to meet. But with military tensions on the peninsula rising, could Trump's unpredictable approach to foreign policy actually work?
10 Mai 201723min
Police Minister of South Africa - Fikile Mbalula
As the scandals pile up, are we witnessing the slow death of the ANC? Stephen Sackur speaks to South Africa’s police minister. South Africa's ANC was once seen as an inspirational model for Africa. Now it is becoming a byword for infighting, cronyism, corruption and the dangers of one party rule. President Jacob Zuma stands accused of abusing his power - not just by his enemies but by many erstwhile ANC colleagues. Fikile Mbalula was made police minister in a recent hugely controversial cabinet shake-up.(Photo: Fikile Mbalula. Credit: Johan Rynners/Getty Images)
5 Mai 201723min
