Best African Defence Review Podcasts (2025)

1
Martina Navratilova: 'Women are still judged by a different metric than men' 23:00

1d ago23:00

23:00

Amol Rajan speaks to Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest-ever tennis players, about her life and career. The story of her rise to the top of the game is as remarkable as the number of tournaments she managed to win. Born behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia in 1956, she was 11-years-old when she watched Soviet tanks roll in to the country…

1
Muhammad Yunus: We dream of creating a new Bangladesh 22:59

7d ago22:59

22:59

Rajini Vaidyanathan, BBC News presenter and correspondent, speaks to Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh. The 84-year-old is perhaps one of the world’s best-known Bangladeshis. Described as the banker to the world’s poor, he gained international recognition as a Nobel prize-winning economist, who founded the Grameen microfinance bank, whic…

1
Yoshua Bengio: AI’s risks must be acknowledged 22:59

9d ago22:59

22:59

James Copnall, presenter of the BBC’s Newsday, speaks to Yoshua Bengio, the world-renowned computer scientist often described as one of the godfathers of artificial intelligence, or AI. Bengio is a professor at the University of Montreal in Canada, founder of the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute - and recipient of an A.M. Turing Award, “the…

1
Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel: ‘Hamas isn't interested in ending the war’ 22:58

13d ago22:58

22:58

James Coomarasamy, presenter of the BBC’s Newshour and The World Tonight, speaks to Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel. Confirmed in the post two months ago, Mr Huckabee is the former Republican Governor of Arkansas and two-time Republican presidential nominee. He’s an Evangelical Christian, who has backed the presence of Jewish settlements in …

1
Bill Gates: The importance of aid and philanthropy 22:59

16d ago22:59

22:59

Waihiga Mwaura, presenter of the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, speaks to Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, Bill Gates. Mr. Gates, who is 69 years old, announced last month that he plans to give away 99% of his vast fortune over the next 20 years, predominately through his Gates Foundation. The foundation has already given over 100 …

1
Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence: Nato faces "very serious threat" from Russia 22:58

21d ago22:58

22:58

Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, speaks to Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence. General Carsten Breuer gives his assessment of the threat that Russia poses to the Western alliance Nato. He says that Russia is building up its forces to an "enormous extent" and says that members of the alliance need to prepare for a possible attack …

1
Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Chief: Is the world doing enough to get aid into Gaza? 22:58

23d ago22:58

22:58

Tom Fletcher, Chief of Humanitarian Affairs for the United Nations, tells Fergal Keane, the BBC’s special correspondent, that Israel is subjecting Gaza to enforced starvation. Gaza faced an aid blockade of nearly three months - now, limited supplies of food, medicine and fuel are being allowed into the territory. But Israel argues Hamas is stealing…

1
Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services - what is the future of big tech? 22:57

28d ago22:57

22:57

Simon Jack, the BBC’s business editor, speaks to Matt Garman, chief executive of Amazon Web Services - part of the retail giant Amazon, and the world’s largest cloud computing company. Mr Garman started his career at AWS as an intern, and has risen to oversee a global network of huge data centres, providing IT resources for businesses worldwide. In…

1
Surviving Syria’s sectarian violence 22:58

30d ago22:58

22:58

Tim Franks speaks to a British-Syrian Alawite who came under attack, along with her family, during the sectarian violence on Syria’s coast in March. The Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shia Islam and its followers make up around 10 per cent of Syria's population, which is majority Sunni. The recent violence came after fighters loyal to the country's…

1
Dovilė Šakalienė, Defence Minister of Lithuania: Uncertain times for Europe 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale speaks to Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania’s Defence Minister. The Baltic nation, along with its neighbours Latvia and Estonia, share a border with Russia, and have nervously watched the invasion of Ukraine, fearing they could be next. All three countries have had turbulent relationships with their much larger ne…

1
Doris Salcedo, Colombian artist - giving voice to victims of violence 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

In an interview from the BBC’s This Cultural Life, presenter John Wilson speaks to the Colombian artist Doris Salcedo. Her work is a response to the devastation of war, and tells the stories of its victims - tales of loss, trauma and survival. She is recognised as one of the most important living artists, and her powerful sculptures and installatio…

1
Radosław Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland: dealing with the growing threat from Russia 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

Kasia Madera speaks to Radosław Sikorski, the Foreign Minister of Poland. As a key, long-term ally to Ukraine, Poland has played a pivotal role in supporting its neighbour following the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022. Mr Sikorski talks about the growing threat Poland, as well as Europe, faces from Russia, and follows his country’s decision t…

1
Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister - are the lessons of WW2 being forgotten? 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

Nick Robinson speaks to Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It’s 80 years since VE day marked the end of WW2 in Europe - and Sir John reflects on the lessons that should be remembered from the conflict. He is the last British Prime Minister who was alive during the Second World War. Sir John warns democracy should not be ta…

1
Joe Biden: Can the world still rely on America? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and the Political Thinking podcast, speaks to former US President, Joe Biden. The pair met in Biden’s home state of Delaware, in a hotel where he had launched his political career more than half a century ago. In his first interview since leaving the White House, Biden talks about democracy …

1
Tidjane Thiam, Ivory Coast opposition leader - can he run for president? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Catherine Byaruhanga, presenter and correspondent for the BBC News Channel, speaks to Tidjane Thiam, the main opposition leader in the Ivory Coast. Mr Thiam is a former CEO of Credit Suisse, with a lengthy and successful career in the financial sector abroad. Now, he wishes to stand for the Ivory Coast presidency - but his candidacy has been blocke…

1
Prince Harry: Is his safety at risk? 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

Nada Tawfik, North America correspondent, speaks to Prince Harry about reconciliation with the royal family after his loss in court over his security arrangements in the UK The Prince stepped down from his duties as a working royal in 2020 and moved to the United States with his wife, Meghan. After his tax-payer funded protection was downgraded, he…

1
Emi Mahmoud, poet: Has the world abandoned Sudan? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

James Copnall, presenter of Newsday, speaks to Emi Mahmoud, Sudanese activist and poet, about the war that has claimed more than 150,000 lives since it began two years ago. In what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis, about 12 million people have also been forced to flee their homes. Emi speaks about the pain of lo…

1
Kurt Volker, former US diplomat: Decoding Trump, the second time around 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

David Brown, producer of the BBC TV’s Trump - The First 100 Days, speaks to Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, about the whirlwind start to President Trump’s second term in office. In this conversation, Ambassador Volker, who previously served as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, shares his assessment of the president’s programme of change …

1
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire businessman: Making Manchester United great, again 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

Dan Roan, the BBC’s sports editor, speaks to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, billionaire businessman and co-owner of Manchester United Football Club. In this conversation, Sir Jim discusses the changes he’s implementing both on and off the pitch, as well as his vision to transform the iconic club into one of the world’s most profitable businesses. Born into a m…

1
Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition politician: From the streets to state? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Victoria Uwonkunda, reporter and presenter for BBC News, speaks to Bobi Wine, the Ugandan opposition politician, as he reflects on the personal and political challenges he has faced as well as his determination to run again as President in the next election. Born in the slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine -birth name Robert Kyagulanyi - first entered the p…

1
Lady Gaga, music legend and film star: Inside the chaos 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Mark Savage, the BBC’s music correspondent, speaks to Lady Gaga, American singer-songwriter and actress, as she reflects on the making of her new album, the joy of attracting a younger audience and finding happiness in love. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986, Lady Gaga has spent 18 years in the music industry and sold over 170 million…

1
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank: Mission accomplished? 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

Audrey Brown, Host of Focus on Africa, speaks to Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, as he reflects on the achievements and challenges of the past 10 years in office. In his two terms he’s focused much of his time on advocacy, strategic positioning, and amplifying the continent’s voice on the global stage. We hear about…

1
David van Weel, Dutch Minister of Justice: Preparing for disaster 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

BBC foreign correspondent in the Netherlands, Anna Holligan, speaks to David Van Weel, the Dutch justice minister as he calls on citizens to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit - to enable people to be self-sufficient for three days in case of a disaster. The kits should include enough food and water to survive for 72 hours - in case of war and other c…

1
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia: What challenges does she face? 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

Mpho Lakaje, presenter of the BBC’s Africa Daily podcast, speaks to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, president of Namibia. The former freedom fighter is the country’s first female head of state - and only the second ever directly elected female leader in Africa. Namibia is celebrating thirty five years of independence this year - yet most of the country’s a…

1
Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador: Can Ecuador find peace? 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

BBC South America correspondent Ione Wells speaks to Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, ahead of the close-run presidential election. Since Mr Noboa came to power 16 months ago, he has taken an uncompromising stance on the violence gripping his country. With criminal gangs locked in a battle to control lucrative drug routes, President Noboa has mi…

1
Justin Welby, former Archbishop of Canterbury: I forgive serial abuser John Smyth 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

I forgive serial abuser John Smyth Laura Kuenssberg talks to Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. As the figurehead for the 85 million people in over 165 countries who call themselves Anglicans, he presided over some of the key events in the Commonwealth of the last ten years, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. But his tenur…

1
Introducing The Interview podcast 1:08

3M ago1:08

1:08

Laura Kuenssberg introduces The Interview podcast. First episode Monday 31 March. Conversations with people shaping our world, from all around the globe. The best interviews from the BBC. The HARDtalk podcast has become The Interview. Listen to The Interview for the best conversations from the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provid…

1
HARDtalk: Coda 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

A final look back at some of the encounters and moments that have encapsulated the programme’s commitment to rigorous, well-researched interviews with people in power.By BBC World Service

1
HARDtalk: The early years review 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

Ahead of HARDtalk’s closure, at the end of this month after 27 years, here’s a chance to look back at some of the most memorable interviews of the programme’s early years. It’s an extraordinary archive featuring interviews with Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, Nina Simone, Robin Williams and Martha Gellhorn.…

1
Reid Hoffman: Should we trust the tech elite? 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur speaks to Reid Hoffman, the tech billionaire who co-founded LinkedIn and is a prophet of positivity about Artificial Intelligence.By BBC World Service

1
Allen Ault: Opposing the death penalty 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

By BBC World Service

1
Christine Lagarde: Can Europe's economy withstand Trump 2.0? 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur is in Frankfurt for an exclusive interview with Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank. Donald Trump has triggered what could become a global trade war and has prompted European governments to make massive new defence spending commitments. Is the European economy capable of withstanding Trump 2.0?…

1
Dominique de Villepin: Can Europe become a superpower in its own right? 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur is in Paris to talk to former Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin. With Donald Trump in the White House, the alliance between the US and Europe’s democracies looks fragile. Is Europe capable of becoming a superpower in its own right?By BBC World Service

1
Son of Hans Frank, Governor General of Nazi Occupied Poland - Niklas Frank 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur is in Germany to speak to Niklas Frank. His father was Hans Frank, the Governor General of Nazi Occupied Poland during the World War Two. He was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg trials and executed in 1946. Niklas Frank tells Stephen Sackur he 'despises' his father and does not want Germany to forg…

1
Roger Carstens: Do hostage deals risk making problems worse? 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to Roger Carstens, former US Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Did the deals he strike from Russia to Iran risk making the problem worse? (Photo: Roger Carstens, former US Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs appears via video on Hardtalk)By BBC World Service

1
Volker Türk: Are we sleepwalking into a dystopian future? 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to the UN Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. As conflicts destroy millions of lives around the world, are we sleepwalking into a dystopian future? (Photo: Volker Türk, UN Commissioner for Human Rights appears via video on Hardtalk)By BBC World Service

1
Badiucao: Art, power and China 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to the dissident artist Badiucao, whose cartoons and drawings challenge President Xi Jinping and the Chinese state. He lives in exile in Australia, but does that mean he’s beyond Beijing’s reach?By BBC World Service

1
Lord Sumption: Is liberal democracy in big trouble? 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to the former senior judge, barrister and writer Lord Sumption whose latest book assesses the health of democracy and the rule of lawBy BBC World Service

1
Victoria Spartz: Has Donald Trump switched sides on Ukraine? 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur speaks to US Congresswoman Victoria Spartz. Born and raised in Ukraine and now a Donald Trump loyalist, what does she make of the US president’s strategy of pushing for peace in Ukraine by labelling Ukraine’s President Zelensky a dictator and appearing to hand Vladimir Putin a series of diplomatic gifts?…

1
N. Ram: Freedom of expression in India 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur speaks to one of India’s most influential media voices, N. Ram, director of the Hindu Publishing Group. With independent journalists complaining of intimidation and social media facing new curbs, is freedom of expression under threat in the world’s biggest democracy?By BBC World Service

1
Laila Soueif and Sanaa Seif: Hunger for freedom 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to Laila Soueif, mother of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a political prisoner in Egypt and Alaa’s sister Sanaa Seif. Laila is into the fifth month of a hunger strike in a desperate bid to win her son’s freedom. Alaa is a dual British-Egyptian citizen – should the UK be doing more to help? (Photo: Egyptian activist Laila Soueif gives a st…

1
Jake Sullivan: The legacy of the Biden White House 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur is in Washington D.C. for an exclusive interview with Jake Sullivan, who was National Security Adviser in the Biden White House. From Afghanistan to Ukraine to Gaza, he faced a series of rolling crises. Did the failings of the Biden administration prepare the ground for Trump 2.0?By BBC World Service

1
Tom Fletcher: What is the impact of US foreign aid cuts? 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Sarah Montague speaks to the UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher. As President Trump pulls almost all America’s foreign aid spending, what will the impact be on those around the world who most rely on it?By BBC World Service

1
Omar Abdullah: Can he bring peace to Jammu and Kashmir? 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This mountainous territory neighbouring Pakistan has long been a source of political tension and violence. Can the chief minister work with Delhi to find a pathway to peace and stability?By BBC World Service

1
Dhananjaya Chandrachud: Justice and the rule of law 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur is in New Delhi for an exclusive interview with the recently retired Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court judge, Dhananjaya Chandrachud. With Indian politics dominated by Narendra Modi and the Hindu nationalist BJP, have the courts successfully protected the country’s secular constitution?…

1
Hardeep Singh Puri: India's big ambitions 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur is in New Delhi to speak India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri. India has big ambitions to be a global economic superpower. What does that mean for the country’s geopolitical alliances and commitment to decarbonisation? (Photo: Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas)…

1
Basem Naim: Can Gaza find long-term peace? 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

Sarah Montague speaks to Basem Naim, a senior political figure in Hamas. Its violence and hostage-taking on 7 October led to an overwhelming Israeli onslaught in Gaza. A fragile ceasefire is now in place, but how can long-term peace be achieved?By BBC World Service

1
Mouaz Moustafa: Will Syrians get justice? 22:58

5M ago22:58

22:58

Stephen Sackur speaks to Mouaz Moustafa, founder of the US-based Syrian Emergency Task Force. He campaigned to bring the Assad regime to justice for its crimes. Now power is in new hands, will Syrians get justice for the dark past and freedom for a better future?By BBC World Service

1
Ehud Olmert: This war must end now 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He is a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and says only territorial compromise can save Israel from a grim future. But is his simply a voice in the political wilderness?By BBC World Service

1
Vladimir Kara-Murza: Is Putin vulnerable? 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

Stephen Sackur speaks to Vladimir Kara-Murza, the anti-Putin activist who was twice poisoned, then imprisoned in Russia. He was freed in a prisoner swap last summer, and is now lobbying the West to intensify the pressure on the Kremlin. But is there any reason to believe Putin is vulnerable?By BBC World Service

Podcasts Worth a Listen

African Defence Review Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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