Dame Diana Rigg: Connecting with characters

What exactly is progressive politics? In the rich world it is identified with the centre left, with a faith in the state's ability to ameliorate the perceived excesses of market capitalism. Hardtalk speaks to Roberto Unger, an influential Brazilian political philosopher who has a much more ambitious take on what it means to be progressive. He calls himself a revolutionary, but is the world - rich or poor - ready for his progressive revolution?Picture: Roberto Unger, Credit: Manpreet Romana/AFP/Getty Images

20 Nov 201323min

In India, producing surrogate babies is a booming business. Reproductive technology allows childless, wealthy couples to hire impoverished Indian women as surrogate mothers - pregnancy and childbirth have become commercial transactions. Hardtalk speaks to Dr Nayna Patel, a pioneer in the field. Her clinic has been recruiting surrogates and delivering babies to order for a decade. Is this 21st Century way of making babies irresponsible and exploitative, or a positive public service?

18 Nov 201323min

Is energy Europe's economic Achilles heel? While the US benefits from a massive investment in shale gas production, Europeans focus on decarbonising their economy while bickering about the relative merits of fracking, nuclear and renewable energy. Hardtalk speaks to Paolo Scaroni, boss of one of Europe's energy giants, the Italian oil company Eni. How can Europe best safeguard its energy future?(Photo: Paolo Scaroni, chief executive officer of Italian energy company ENI. Credit: Reuters)

13 Nov 201323min

In-depth, hard-hitting interviews with newsworthy personalities.

11 Nov 201323min

The high price of oil is powering Nigeria's economy to new heights. This year, it's predicted to have grown by over six per cent. So why do some experts say it's more vulnerable now than it was during the global economic meltdown of five years ago? The Governor of Nigeria's Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has accused politicians of flooding the country with dollars to lubricate election campaigning for a presidential poll that's still 18 months away. By then, Governor Sanusi's term of office at the bank will be over. Could he have his eye on a new one - in the presidential palace?Picture: Lamido Sanusi, Credit: Eric Piermont/AFP/Getty Images

4 Nov 201323min

There is an unmistakable sense of diplomatic apprehension in Israel right now – at the heart if it a recognition that on a number of key issues, from Iran to peace talks with the Palestinians, the Israeli government is out of step with its key strategic ally the United States. In strategic terms, can Israel afford to go it alone?Picture: Benjamin Netanyahu (left) sits with Yuval Steinitz (right) Credit: Sebastian Scheiner-Pool/Getty Images)

1 Nov 201323min

Hardtalk speaks to the most successful Olympic sailor of all time - British four-time gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie. In September he was part of team USA which enjoyed a spectacular victory against team New Zealand at the America's Cup in San Francisco. But sailing is becoming more and more expensive - with critics saying it is now a niche sport funded by billionaires and enjoyed by the few. How can its appeal be broadened?(Photo: Sir Ben Ainslie)

30 Okt 201323min

Emma Bonino has been an outspoken and bold activist for political and social freedoms for decades. She was instrumental in getting Italy to legalise abortion, has campaigned against nuclear energy, racism and sexism. But when she looks at what's happening in Italy today, does she feel that she has lost the fight? Recorded in front of a live audience for the 100 Women season.

28 Okt 201323min