S2014 E1 • Mike Mack - CEO, Syngenta

Stephen Sackur talks to Mike Mack, the CEO of Syngenta, one of the world's biggest agribusinesses. With the population set to rise beyond nine billion over the next half century, farmers worldwide face an enormous productivity challenge. He sees farming's future driven by bioscience and genetic manipulation, but faces public mistrust and suspicion.

Première diffusion : 6 janvier 2014

S2014 E2 • Giles Duley - Photographer

Stephen Sackur speaks to photographer Giles Duley, who abandoned the world of celebrity, music and fashion photography to focus on stories of human suffering. In 2011 in Afghanistan, he lost both of his legs and an arm when he stepped on an improvised explosive device which detonated. Since then, he has defied the odds, not just surviving but returning to work and even revisiting Afghanistan. He is still a photographer, but does he now see the world through a different lens?

Première diffusion : 7 janvier 2014

S2014 E3 • Keir Starmer QC

Is English justice all it is cracked up to be? HARDtalk speaks to Keir Starmer, the top barrister who has just stepped down after five years as the director of public prosecutions, in effect the chief prosecutor in England and Wales. Are the pillars of the English judicial system, the laws and the courts, really fit for purpose?

Première diffusion : 8 janvier 2014

S2014 E4 • Ben Emmerson QC - UN Rapporteur, Counter-terrorism and Human Rights

When a US drone kills a jihadi militant in Pakistan, has a law been broken? What if the missile kills women and children too? Who can be held to account? HARDtalk speaks to Ben Emmerson, the British lawyer addressing these questions for the United Nations. He says drone strikes and other exceptional counter-terror measures simply breed more terror. But does this liberal lawyer really know what is best in the struggle to make the world a safer place?

Première diffusion : 10 janvier 2014

S2014 E5 • Eve Ensler - Playwright and activist

Eve Ensler, best known for her play The Vagina Monologues, is leading a campaign to end violence against women. According to the UN, one third of all women experience rape or some kind of physical assault in their lifetime. Stephen Sackur asks this passionate New York feminist what she can do to change the experiences of women around the world.

Première diffusion : 13 janvier 2014

S2014 E6 • Dean Spielmann - President of the European Court of Human Rights

Eight hundred million Europeans' fundamental rights and liberties are supposed to be safeguarded by the European Court of Human Rights. It is an institution steeped in European idealism and ambition, but does it work? HARDtalk speaks to the President of the Strasbourg based court, Dean Spielmann. Critics condemn it as an undemocratic, unaccountable infringement on national sovereignty; do they have a case?

Première diffusion : 14 janvier 2014

S2014 E7 • Robert Gates - US Defence Secretary, 2006 - 2011

In a special edition of HARDtalk recorded in New York City, Stephen Sackur speaks to the former US defence secretary Robert Gates. In his newly published memoirs he gives the inside story on arguments and tensions inside the Obama White House - particularly over Afghanistan. He has called his book Duty but are some of his revelations an act of disloyalty?

Première diffusion : 16 janvier 2014

S2014 E8 • Ed Davey - British Energy and Climate Change Secretary

The British government is 'going all out for shale'. Those are the words of the prime minister about his plan to allow companies to try to extract shale gas from deep underground. It's a contrast to most European countries - many have banned it until they're convinced it can be done safely without damaging the water supply. Sarah Montague speaks to Britain's energy and climate change secretary, Liberal Democrat Ed Davey. If we want clean, green and affordable energy, what role should fracking have?

Première diffusion : 21 janvier 2014

S2014 E9 • Yehia Hamed - Former Minister, Freedom and Justice Party, Egypt

The previously banned Muslim Brotherhood produced Egypt's first ever democratically elected president. Six months later he was deposed, with the Brotherhood subsequently designated as 'terrorist', with its leaders thrown in jail or in exile. One of those is Yehia Hamid. He was investment minister in a government critics say put its own interests ahead of the economic crisis which precipitated its downfall. With the Brotherhood telling its supporters to 'topple the leaders of the treacherous military coup', isn't the Brotherhood encouraging the violence it professes to abhor?

Première diffusion : 22 janvier 2014

S2014 E10 • Harris Georgiades - Minister of Finance, Republic of Cyprus

When Harris Georgiades became finance minister of Cyprus in 2013 some said he had been handed a poisoned chalice. He has had to preside over tough austerity measures that are driving up poverty levels in the country. The economy is shrinking, unemployment will perhaps reach 20% this year and wages are being slashed. These were the tough conditions of a 10 billion euro bailout granted last year with the troika of the European Central Bank, the EU and the IMF to avoid a collapse of the banking system in Cyprus. So why then does the finance minister believe that the economy is proving more resilient than expected? Is he being too optimistic?

Première diffusion : 24 janvier 2014

S2014 E11 • Justin Welby - Archbishop of Canterbury

HARDtalk speaks to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. He has just embarked on a tour of four African countries, all touched by vicious and bloody conflict: South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. It is part of his mission to visit as many communities in the 80-million strong Anglican Church worldwide. Can he help heal the divisions in these conflict-ridden countries? And what is his answer to critics who say that religion itself is partly to blame for ethnic hatred and killings. Also, the Church is polarised on issues such as same-sex marriage and gay priests. Can the Archbishop keep the Church together?

Première diffusion : 27 janvier 2014

S2014 E12 • Palaniappan Chidambaram - Finance Minister, India

In a special edition of HARDtalk recorded in Delhi, Stephen Sackur speaks to India's finance minister, Palaniappan Chidambaram - one of the most influential and long serving members of the Congress Party dominated government. India has enjoyed a decade of unprecedented economic growth, with signs of a new era of wealth and consumerism visible in every major city. But has this vast country squandered an opportunity to fundamentally reform itself for the 21st century?

Première diffusion : 28 janvier 2014

S2014 E13 • Omar Abdullah - Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

In front of an audience in the Indian capital Delhi, Stephen Sackur talks to one of India's most intriguing young politicians, Omar Abdullah. He is chief minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir - a long disputed territory once described by former president Bill Clinton as the most dangerous place on earth. Is there any hope of Kashmir becoming a place of peace, not conflict?

Première diffusion : 29 janvier 2014

S2014 E14 • Hussain Al-Shahristani - Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Iraq

Stephen Sackur speaks to Hussain Al-Shahristani, Iraq's deputy prime minister responsible for energy, asking if his country is perilously close to sinking back into civil war.

Première diffusion : 31 janvier 2014

S2014 E15 • Kavita Krishnan - Secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association

In a special edition of HARDtalk, recorded in the Indian capital, Stephen Sackur talks to the prominent women's rights campaigner, Kavita Krishnan. Delhi is a proud capital of the nation - a noisy and vibrant place - but a city stained by its record on sexual violence. More rapes are recorded here than any other Indian city. Just over a year ago a 23-year-old medical student died after a brutal gang rape on a bus which shocked the nation and prompted millions of people to demand government action to end gender violence. Is India becoming a safer more equal society for women?

Première diffusion : 3 février 2014

S2014 E16 • David Bailey - Photographer

HARDtalk speaks to legendary photographer, David Bailey. In the sixties he captured the vitality, the sexiness and the rebel spirit of the age in black and white. Over five successive decades he's conjured up iconic images of models, rock stars and even gangsters, but what do his pictures say about him?

Première diffusion : 4 février 2014

S2014 E17 • Marion Bartoli

HARDtalk is in Paris at Roland Garros, the headquarters of tennis in France, to speak to the French tennis player and Wimbledon Champion, Marion Bartoli. Last year just six weeks after achieving the highest accolade in her sport, the Wimbledon title, she announced she was retiring from tennis at the age of only 28. Can she really never imagine competing again? And if so, what does that say about the health of tennis?

Première diffusion : 5 février 2014

S2014 E18 • William Hague - British Foreign Secretary

Stephen Sackur visits the British Foreign Office to speak to foreign secretary William Hague. From Syria and Afghanistan to relations with the US and Europe, how influential is British foreign policy today?

Première diffusion : 6 février 2014

S2014 E19 • Cardinal Peter Turkson

Interviews with newsmakers and personalities from across the globe. It is nearly a year since the new Pope was installed, but still the same problems dog the Catholic Church. A UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has just criticised the Vatican over its failure to deal decisively with child sexual abuse by priests, gay rights activists still attack the Church on its stand on homosexuality, and the Vatican's finances have been under scrutiny and criminal investigation. HARDtalk speaks to Cardinal Peter Turkson who, last year, was tipped to become the first black Pope. He is calling for financial reforms and action against poverty and inequality. But does the Catholic Church have the moral authority to take a lead on such issues?

Première diffusion : 10 février 2014

S2014 E20 • Barnaba Marial Benjamin - Foreign Minister, South Sudan

Two years after its birth as a nation, South Sudan is in danger of tearing itself apart. Weeks of bloody clashes between government forces loyal to the President and rebels backing the former Vice-President have left 10,000 dead and 750,000 people homeless. HARDtalk speaks to South Sudan's foreign minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin. Can peace talks salvage unity from the wreckage of a brutal power struggle?

Première diffusion : 11 février 2014

S2014 E21 • Alden McLaughlin - Premier of the Cayman Islands

How's this for a vision of earthly paradise? Sun, sand, sea and a tax rate of zero. It's that last bit that turned the tiny Cayman Islands into one of the most attractive offshore financial havens in the world. But now the US and EU are leading international efforts to rein in the world's tax dodgers. HARDtalk speaks to Alden McLaughlin, Premier of the Cayman Islands. Is his Caribbean haven about to lose its allure?

Première diffusion : 12 février 2014

S2014 E22 • Allen Ault - Former Commissioner of Corrections, Georgia, USA

A host of countries around the world still impose the ultimate punishment on the most serious criminals - death. What is it like to be in command of the machinery of state-sanctioned execution? HARDtalk gets a rare insight from Allen Ault, who spent years running the corrections system in the southern US state of Georgia. He organised the killing of criminals until he could stand it no more. Now he is an opponent of the death penalty. Why?

Première diffusion : 14 février 2014

S2014 E23 • Dieter Zetsche - Chairman Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars

HARDtalk is in Stuttgart, Germany - a city with a long history of engineering and manufacturing. The auto industry is a major player here, which is good news for Stuttgart as long as the German car industry continues to thrive. Stephen Sackur speaks to Dieter Zetsche, the boss of Daimler, a company with a global reputation and the makers of Mercedes Benz cars. However, over the past decade they have made some costly mistakes and they still face major challenges, not least the push for greener more efficient vehicles. Daimler has a proud reputation, but does it have a bright future?

Première diffusion : 17 février 2014

S2014 E24 • Saeb Erekat - Palestinian Authority Chief Negotiator

As US Secretary of State John Kerry prepares to publish an outline for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, Stephen Sackur talks to veteran Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Première diffusion : 18 février 2014

S2014 E25 • Binyavanga Wainaina - Kenyan Author

In a host of African countries, homosexuality is a crime. From Nigeria to Uganda, politicians seem to believe persecuting homosexuals is a vote-winning strategy. HARDtalk speaks to Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina who knew it would be big news when he publicly revealed his homosexuality earlier this year. Sure enough, he's now at the centre of a debate about freedom, identity and culture that's raging across the African continent. Is his stand changing minds?

Première diffusion : 19 février 2014

S2014 E26 • Livia Jaroka MEP - Fidesz Party, Hungary

Europe's Roma have been discriminated against for centuries. They live in poor communities on the margins of society. Richer nations fear an influx of poorer migrants from eastern Europe in search of jobs and benefits and the Roma have borne the brunt of such suspicion. Switzerland's vote to curb immigration from the EU has touched a nerve, with some predicting a hardening of attitudes right across Europe towards migrants. HARDtalk speaks to Hungarian MEP, Livia Jaroka - the only Roma in the European parliament. Is she worried that the mood against the Roma is getting worse?

Première diffusion : 21 février 2014

S2014 E27 • Naftali Bennett - Minister for Economy, Israel

Just how stable and sustainable is Israel's coalition government? Prime Minister Netanyahu currently relies on the support of Jewish Home, a right-wing religious Zionist party strongly supportive of the settler movement. What happens to that coalition as the Americans try to push Israel towards a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians? HARDtalk speaks to Naftali Bennett, leader of Jewish Home and Israel's economy minister. Is the Israeli right about to splinter?

Première diffusion : 24 février 2014

S2014 E28 • Lazaro Nyalandu - Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania

Within the lifetimes of our children, the African elephant may be extinct, hunted to death - such is the continued lure of ivory, despite international efforts to ban the ivory trade. In Tanzania, poachers have been killing an average of 30 elephants a day. The government there says it will end the slaughter. HARDtalk speaks to Lazaro Nyalandu, Tanzania's minister for natural resources and tourism. Is human greed destined to kill off Africa's elephants?

Première diffusion : 25 février 2014

S2014 E29 • Eugenia Tymoshenko - Daughter of Yulia Tymoshenko

After the revolutionary tumult in Ukraine, what comes next? The country is financially crippled, internally divided and a cockpit of tension between Moscow and the West. Who can hold Ukraine together? HARDtalk speaks to Eugenia Tymoshenko - her mother Yulia is the former prime minister, newly released from prison and widely seen as a powerful contender for Ukraine's presidency. Her name has pulling power, but is Yulia Tymoshenko what Ukraine needs?

Première diffusion : 26 février 2014

S2014 E30 • David Keene - President, US National Rifle Association, 2011-13

For many American firearms are a symbol of freedom. The right to bear arms is treated with the same reverence as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But guns kill extraordinary numbers of US citizens, 30,000 and more every year. Maybe it is time to better regulate the firearms business. HARDtalk speaks to the recently retired president of the National Rifle Association, David Keene. Does the gun lobby really stand up for American values?

Première diffusion : 3 mars 2014

S2014 E31 • Jerry Springer - Host, 'Jerry Springer'

Stephen Sackur speaks to the king of tabloid trash-talking television in the United States - Jerry Springer. His show specialises in dysfunctional relationships and sex. His guests curse, they throw chairs and sometimes they fight. Critics call it cynical and manipulative TV, but it's made him famous and rich. So does he care?

Première diffusion : 4 mars 2014

S2014 E32 • Andriy Shevchenko MP - Fatherland Party, Ukraine and Alexander Nekrassov - Former Kremlin Advisor

Stephen Sackur speaks to two guests about the developing situation in Ukraine. Andriy Shevchenko is a Ukrainian MP closely allied to Ukraine's new prime minister and Alexander Nekrassov is a former Kremlin adviser. The question of how far Russia will go is preoccupying not just Ukrainians but governments across the western world. Vladimir Putin has Crimea firmly in his grip. Pushing his forces on into Russian-speaking areas of eastern Ukraine would surely tip this crisis into a shooting war. Is there a way back from the brink?

Première diffusion : 5 mars 2014

S2014 E33 • Ivo Daalder - US Ambassador to Nato 2009 - 2013, Ihor Dolhov - Ukraine's Ambassador to Nato

Can a frantic round of international diplomacy deliver a de-escalation of the Ukraine crisis? The immediate aim is to avoid a shooting war; the long-term challenge is to persuade Russia to accept a new political landscape in Kiev. Can it be done? Stephen Sackur speaks to Ukraine's ambassador to Nato Ihor Dolhov and recently retired US ambassador to Nato Ivo Daalder. In this battle of wills between Putin and the West, who wins?

Première diffusion : 6 mars 2014

S2014 E34 • Ricardo Alarcon - President, Cuban National Assembly, 1993 - 2013

HARDtalk speaks to Ricardo Alarcon who, until 2013, was president of Cuba's parliament, the National Assembly. At the zenith of his career, he was described as the third most powerful figure in Cuba after the Castro brothers. A veteran on the political and diplomatic scene, he's a former foreign minister and long-time ambassador for Cuba to the United Nations. He still wields a great deal of influence and now spends most of his time campaigning for the release of three Cubans jailed in the US for spying. Isn't it time the US and Cuba buried the hatchet and normalised relations?

Première diffusion : 10 mars 2014

S2014 E35 • Radoslaw Sikorski - Foreign Minister of Poland

It is the biggest crisis confronting Western Europe in twenty years; Ukraine could be just days away from losing a key part of its territory. Russia stands on one side of this conflict, the United States and the European Union on the other. HARDtalk speaks to Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski. He helped negotiate a deal to halt the bloodshed in Kiev and now warns Vladimir Putin if Russia doesn't de-escalate, the EU will impose sanctions. However, last time such a crisis erupted it was the West that blinked first. Why does he believe things will be different this time?

Première diffusion : 11 mars 2014

S2014 E36 • Cody Wilson - Founder, Defense Distributed

Stephen Sackur speaks to Cody Wilson, who is at the leading edge of an anarchist movement which wants to use the so called 'dark web'- anonymous, borderless, and lawless - to empower individuals and undermine big government. His symbolic first move was to make a gun using open source software and a 3D printer. Is this really where we want the internet to take us?

Première diffusion : 12 mars 2014

S2014 E37 • Ai Weiwei - Artist

HARDtalk is in Beijing for a special interview with China's most famous artist and dissident, Ai Weiwei. Under constant surveillance, and prevented from leaving the country, how does this artist push back against the forces of repression?

Première diffusion : 17 mars 2014

S2014 E38 • Jin Liqun - Chairman, China International Capital Corporation

Since the financial meltdown of 2008, China has been the key driver of growth in the global economy. In Beijing, it is easy to see how the country's brand of command capitalism has transformed infrastructure and generated unprecedented wealth. But suddenly confidence has given way to insecurity. At the heart of it is a debt bubble that would threaten the whole world economy if it turned toxic. HARDtalk is in Beijing to speak to Jin Liqun, supremely well connected investment bank chief and former chairman of China's sovereign wealth fund. How worried should we be about the Chinese economy?

Première diffusion : 18 mars 2014

S2014 E39 • Ukraine Special

In a special edition of Hardtalk, Stephen Sackur speaks to Dmitry Peskov, spokesman to Russia's President Putin following the decision of EU and US leaders to impose sanctions. With international pressure mounting against the Kremlin, does Russia stand to lose more than win from this crisis?

Première diffusion : 18 mars 2014

S2014 E40 • Rosen Plevneliev - Bulgarian President

There has been widespread condemnation of Russian president Vladimir Putin's decision to absorb Crimea after its referendum to break away from Ukraine. But Moscow says that any further sanctions imposed against it by the EU over Crimea, will affect Europe as much as itself. HARDtalk speaks to Bulgarian president Rosen Plevneliev. Bulgaria is the EU's poorest country and depends on Russia for 85 per cent of its gas needs. Can Bulgaria, and the EU as a whole, afford to get tough with Moscow?

Première diffusion : 20 mars 2014

S2014 E41 • Charles Zhang - CEO, Sohu.com

When you think of the Chinese economy you probably conjure up images of assembly plants and production lines, but those old stereotypes need updating. 650 million Chinese citizens use the internet and as that number increases so does the business potential of the world wide web. But of course the internet brings with it social, cultural and political change too and that is where China's rulers begin to get nervous. HARDtalk speaks to one of the new breed of Chinese tech entrepreneurs, Charles Zhang, CEO of Sohu.com. Can the Chinese government impose its will on the web?

Première diffusion : 24 mars 2014

S2014 E42 • Tamara Rojo - Artistic Director/Lead Principal, English National Ballet

HARDtalk is at London's Barbican Theatre to speak to the artistic director and lead principal of the English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo. Her new production, a ballet about one of the bloodiest conflicts in the 20th century, is part of an attempt to modernise what is often a rather conservative repertoire in ballet. She'd like to do the same with training and technique too, but with some of the stars arguing that ballet should be tough and a new generation of dancers who have gone through a demanding training in Japan and China beginning to flourish, can Tamara Rojo triumph over tradition?

Première diffusion : 25 mars 2014

S2014 E43 • Hala Shukrallah - President - Constitution Party, Egypt

More than 500 supporters of Egypt's former president Mohammed Morsi have been sentenced to death. It's the latest crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood - now banned under the country's new constitution. HARDtalk speaks to the newly elected leader of a party founded to 'save' the revolution of three years ago. Hala Shukrallah is the first female leader of a political party in Egypt and the first Christian. But in a country polarised between the military and Islamists, the liberal secular opposition have struggled to gain support. Does Egypt deserve a better opposition?

Première diffusion : 26 mars 2014

S2014 E44 • Kenneth Kaunda - President of Zambia (1964-1991)

HARDtalk is in the Zambian capital Lusaka to speak to Kenneth Kaunda. Leader of the struggle for independence, he was sentenced to hard labour in prison by the British before he went on to become Zambia's first president of the post-colonial era. It is a landmark year for Zambia, the 50th anniversary of its independence, and Kenneth Kaunda himself turns 90 in April 2014. What has 50 years of freedom brought the people of Zambia?

Première diffusion : 31 mars 2014

S2014 E45 • Zwelinzima Vavi - Suspended Head of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

South Africa holds elections in May and complaints from workers are getting louder. Unofficial figures show that nearly half of the working population doesn't have a proper job. So what happened to the post-apartheid dream of work and education for all? Hardtalk is in Johannesburg to speak to Zwelinzima Vavi, the now suspended head of COSATU, the powerful trade unions alliance - is it holding back South Africa's progress?

Première diffusion : 2 avril 2014

S2014 E46 • Daphne Mashile-Nkosi - CEO, Kalagadi Manganese, South Africa

HARDtalk is in Johannesburg to talk to the only black woman in South Africa to head a mining company. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi has made a fortune out of her business ventures, but with much of the mining industry beset by strikes over pay and conditions, how far has the country's mineral wealth benefitted its poorest people?

Première diffusion : 3 avril 2014

S2014 E47 • Arseniy Yatsenyuk - Interim Prime Minister, Ukraine

HARDtalk is in Kiev for an exclusive interview with Ukraine's interim prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Russian troops are still massed on Ukraine's border, and the economy is in freefall. Can he save Ukraine from disaster?

Première diffusion : 4 avril 2014

S2014 E48 • Emmanuel Jal - Musician and former child soldier

In a special edition of HARDtalk broadcast from London, as part of the BBC's Freedom Season, Zeinab Badawi speaks to the acclaimed South Sudanese singer and political activist, Emmanuel Jal. He was captured and forced to fight as a child soldier during the Sudanese civil war. His country South Sudan - the world's newest nation - may now be independent but it has descended into vicious ethnic fighting. What lies behind this new wave of conflict and how can it be stopped?

Première diffusion : 7 avril 2014

S2014 E49 • Romario and Luis Fernandes

In a special edition of Hardtalk from Brazil, Stephen Sackur talks to Brazilian goal scoring legend Romario and deputy sports minister Luis Fernandes. Will the stadia be ready? Will protests mar the big kick off? Could the world cup be an own goal for Brazil?

Première diffusion : 8 avril 2014

S2014 E50 • Izabella Teixeira - Minister of the Environment, Brazil

In this second special programme from Brazil, HARDtalk speaks to the environment minister Izabella Teixeira. Her government says it is now protecting Brazil's unique biodiversity. But agribusiness and urbanisation are still taking their toll. Is the rainforest safe in her hands?

Première diffusion : 9 avril 2014