About this episode

Christiane and Jamie discuss the implications of Trump's actions in Venezuela and Iran, exploring themes of power and diplomacy.

Did the capture of President Maduro give Trump the confidence to start a war with Iran? Christiane and Jamie trace how January's Venezuela gamble led directly to a disastrous conflict - and ask whether 'might makes right' has become the defining doctrine of this Presidency. They examine whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio is effectively running Venezuela as America's 'Viceroy', whether the US has colonised a sovereign nation and what that means for how it is viewed around the world. Plus, Christiane explains how Obama succeeded in making a deal with Iran where every other president failed, and Jamie gives his take on what The Odyssey can teach us about modern diplomacy. Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. Follow us on social media @amanpourpod For more content, please follow us: Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpod X: https://x.com/AmanpourPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-Presents BlueSky…

People in this episode

Host: Christiane Amanpour

Guest: Jamie

Topics covered

• US foreign policy
• Venezuela
• Iran
• Trump administration
• diplomacy
• conflict
• colonialism

Keywords

• Trump
• Venezuela
• Iran
• Marco Rubio
• Obama
• The Odyssey
• diplomacy
• conflict
• American Empire

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Odyssey

Places: Venezuela, Iran

More episodes of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

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• Fear & silence: inside the Taliban's Afghanistan - with Lyse Doucet · August 25, 2026 · 46 min
• Q&A: Europe’s border crisis & AOC for President? · August 20, 2026 · 35 min
• Disorder & dysfunction: inside Trump's White House - with Maggie Haberman · August 18, 2026 · 45 min

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