The Interview

The warnings about Ebola have been apocalyptic - Liberia's defence minister says it threatens his country's existence, while the US president says it threatens 'global security'. Three thousand people have already died from the disease and the World Health Organisation warns the number of cases is likely to exceed 20,000 within weeks - and it is spreading. America has diagnosed the first case outside Africa. Hardtalk speaks to professor Peter Piot, the man who first identified the disease back in the 70s. Forty years on we still do not have a cure. So, what should be done to stop it?

6 Okt 201423min

How serious a threat to western security is the extremist group that calls itself Islamic State? According to those governments now backing military action against the jihadis, the danger is very real - not least from foreign fighters, battle hardened in Syria and Iraq, who return to homes in the West. Hardtalk speaks to the EU counter-terror coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove - does the EU have a coherent response to the Islamic State challenge?Picture: Gilles de Kerchove, Credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images

3 Okt 201423min

World leaders gathered at a UN climate summit in New York recently and pledged again to tackle global warming. Yet again this year global greenhouse emissions have risen, partly because many politicians and citizens don't want more expensive renewable energy if it costs economic growth and prosperity. Hardtalk speaks to the British climate economist, Lord Nicholas Stern, who has just co-chaired a new report on the climate and economy. He says, it is not an either or situation. But what evidence is there that we can have it both ways and are governments listening?(Photo: Lord Nicholas Stern. Credit: Hannelore Foerster/Getty Images)

1 Okt 201423min

Hardtalk speaks to Jessye Norman, who is acknowledged as one of the greatest singers of her generation. Her voice has enthralled audiences in the world’s greatest concert halls and opera houses for decades. She was born in America’s segregated south with a talent that transcended barriers. Has her success helped to tear those barriers down?(Photo: Jessye Norman. Credit: Getty Images)

29 Sep 201423min

The Scottish people voted 'No' to independence, but they may just have changed British politics forever. More powers are to be handed to the Scottish parliament and now English MPs want their own form of self-determination. Right across this supposedly united kingdom, alienation from the Westminster status quo is fuelling calls for reform. Hardtalk speaks to former Conservative cabinet minister, Lord Heseltine. Is the UK in the throes of a dangerous identity crisis?Picture: Michael Hestletine, Credit: Chris Jackson/AFP/Getty Images

26 Sep 201423min

The size and capacity of the human brain distinguishes us from all other forms of life on earth, but how well do we really understand the functioning of our brains? Hardtalk speaks to Susan Greenfield, who carved out a reputation as a leader in the study of degenerative brain diseases. Lately though she has focused her attention on the impact of 21st Century digital technologies on brain development. She believes our screen habits could be doing us damage, but is her warning based on sound science?(Photo: Professor Susan Greenfield. BBC copyright)

22 Sep 201423min

Twelve years ago the International Criminal Court was set up to be the scourge of war criminals and mass killers everywhere - there would be no more impunity for the worst of crimes. How does the court's record stack up against that grand ambition? Thus far all of its cases have come from Africa, and just two convictions have been handed down from the Hague. Hardtalk speaks to Luis Moreno-Ocampo, who was the ICC's chief prosecutor for a decade. Why has the court failed to deliver on its promise?Picture: Luis Moreno Ocampo, Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

19 Sep 201423min

Is the Eurozone economy turning Japanese? Flat-lining growth, depressed prices and a general air of economic despondency are surely warning signs of a Japanese-style prolonged stagnation. Can Europe's economic policymakers turn things around? Hardtalk speaks to Peter Bofinger, who sits on Germany’s Council of Economic Experts - is the dominance of Germany's economic model now Europe's biggest problem?(Photo: Peter Bofinger, German economist. Credit: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images)

17 Sep 201423min