Conflict Zone: Confronting the Powerful
88 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsConflict Zone is DW’s top political interview program. Join us each week as our hosts put tough questions to top guests from around the world. Get beyond the soundbite – enter the Conflict Zone.
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Episodes
Gaza: 'Most people want to leave,' says veteran diplomat
April 10, 2024 16:42 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoNorwegian Refugee Council head Jan Egeland tells Tim Sebastian that the devastation in Gaza is already unprecedented and an Israeli military operation against Rafah would be a "bloodbath."
'The behavior of Netanyahu is inexcusable,' says Pelosi
March 27, 2024 15:37 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoSenior Democrat and former US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi talks about the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and tensions over Taiwan. Speaking to DW's Tim Sebastian, during this year's MSC, she also discussed upcoming US elections.
Ukraine: Zelenskyy’s one-man show strategy isn’t working anymore
February 14, 2024 07:56 - 26 minutes - 215 MB VideoA Ukrainian opposition politician tells DW that Kyiv cannot afford "autocratic tendencies" from the president. MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said the country could not win against Russia unless it remained a democracy.
Conflict Zone: Is Ukraine losing its war against Russia?
January 10, 2024 07:06 - 26 minutes - 215 MB VideoA top Russian analyst told DW that 2023 has been a "surprisingly good year" for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war on Ukraine. The level of Western support for Ukraine will determine the course of 2024, Alexander Gabuev told Conflict Zone's Tim Sebastian.
Conflict Zone — Is Joe Biden willing to say 'enough in Gaza' to Israel?
January 03, 2024 09:05 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoCan Israel accomplish its goal of eliminating Hamas without further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza? One US analyst tells DW it requires "magical thinking."
When is the cost in human suffering too high for Israel?
November 08, 2023 16:53 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoEx-Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon asks the international community to "tell us our mistakes" and how to avoid human suffering in Gaza while removing Hamas.
'Humanitarian pause' would allow aid to get into Gaza
October 25, 2023 15:26 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoSwedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told DW only a two-state solution will bring peace to Israelis and Palestinians. Billstrom said the immediate priority was the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and bringing aid to people of Gaza.
Did Putin crony Prigozhin bite the hand that feeds him?
July 12, 2023 16:38 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoAfter leaving Ukraine and marching towards Moscow, Russian Wagner Group mercenaries were branded traitors – but just days later, its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, met with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Are there more surprises coming from this so-called rebellion?
How to win the war against fake news
April 05, 2023 10:30 - 26 minutes - 218 MB VideoIn a Conflict Zone special program, host Sarah Kelly discussed with a high-ranking panel what needs to be done to succeed in the battle against disinformation.
Does Putin want to 'crush' NATO?
June 29, 2022 13:51 - 26 minutes - 216 MB VideoIn an interview with DW's Conflict Zone, Russian former Duma MP Ilya Ponomarev said Vladimir Putin's war aims go way beyond Ukraine. He argues that it is NATO in the Russian president's sights.
Russian ex-foreign minister: Genuine diplomacy is not working in Ukraine
April 10, 2022 15:33 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoThe world has changed and previous ideas about mutual deterrence no longer apply, Andrei Fedorov, former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, told DW’s Conflict Zone.
'I don't have anything to hide' over January 6 Capitol attack, says former Trump aide
January 05, 2022 07:34 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoDozens of former Trump officials have been subpoenaed by a Congressional committee over the attack on the U.S. Capitol in January. Will former Trump advisor Jason Miller cooperate? Tim Sebastian asks him on DW’s Conflict Zone.
Conflict Zone with Bryan Hughes, Texas State Senator
December 08, 2021 15:31 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoIn a sign of growing impatience, Joe Biden's administration has stepped up its objections to a new abortion law in Texas and asked the Supreme Court to block it. Our guest this week is Bryan Hughes, a Texas State Senator who spearheaded the legislation. What makes him think he's doing the right thing?
Zoran Zaev on Conflict Zone
November 03, 2021 06:53 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoThere is "no alternative" to EU membership for North Macedonia, the prime minister says. But, after 16 years of waiting, can the country overcome serious hurdles to join the bloc? Zoran Zaev is on Conflict Zone.
Bryan Hughes on Conflict Zone
October 20, 2021 19:30 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoIn a sign of growing impatience, Joe Biden's administration has stepped up its objections to a new abortion law in Texas and asked the Supreme Court to block it. Our guest this week is Bryan Hughes, a Texas state senator who spearheaded the legislation. What makes him think he's doing the right thing?
Jawed Ludin on Conflict Zone
October 14, 2021 11:52 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoGoverning Afghanistan today will not be easy. The 1990s was a completely different time. ''Resistance will continue" claims Jawed Ludin, a former advisor to President Hamid Karzai in an interview with Tim Sebastian on Conflict Zone this week. He also admits: ''One thing that has changed is that today's Taliban have a very deep-seated vengeance."
Douglas Lute on Conflict Zone
September 22, 2021 19:30 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoHow will the chaotic end to the US war in Afghanistan affect Washington’s relations with European allies, partners in the region, and those left behind? Former US Deputy National Security Advisor Douglas Lute says it’s not a proud moment for America, but argues that the status quo was unsustainable.
German election: Conflict Zone special
September 15, 2021 15:05 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoThe Christian Democrats and the Greens are set to play a key role in Germany's upcoming election. But are they capable of leading Germany into a new era? DW's Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian talks to representatives of both parties: David McAllister for the CDU and Franziska Brantner for the Greens.
Gowher Rizvi on Conflict Zone
September 01, 2021 07:34 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoFor years, the government of Bangladesh has been criticized for its human rights record. Its reputation received another jolt this month with allegations of high-level bribery and corruption. DW’s Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian confronts Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to the country’s prime minister.
Yusuf Tuggar on Conflict Zone
August 24, 2021 22:48 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoHas President Buhari lost control in Nigeria? Government crackdowns on protesters and a Twitter ban suggest weakness at the top, while citizens face rising terrorism. Conflict Zone meets Abuja’s ambassador to Germany.
EU foreign policy: Time to drop unanimous voting?
August 18, 2021 15:49 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoWhy does the EU so often punch below its weight? The Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee tells DW that EU may need to drop the unanimous decision-making on foreign policy to go forward.
Dmytro Kuleba on Conflict Zone
June 30, 2021 22:08 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoThe Ukrainian foreign minister joins Conflict Zone remotely from Kyiv and tells DW's Tim Sebastian that after the recent build-up of Russian troops at the border, "[w]hat is happening cannot be called a withdrawal."
Dunja Mijatovic on Conflict Zone
June 09, 2021 14:42 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoThe Council of Europe's verdict on human rights in Europe makes unpleasant reading, saying the continent's democratic environment and institutions are in "mutually reinforcing decline." What has gone so wrong?
Hamas spokesman: We are working to avoid escalation
May 31, 2021 19:09 - 24 minutes - 113 MB VideoA cease-fire between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas has been holding after the recent surge in fighting, but it remains fragile. Is Hamas willing to take responsibility for its share of the blame, and is there any chance for peace talks to resume? Basem Naim, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, speaks to Conflict Zone.
Israeli official: Hamas uses their civilians to defend their weapons.
May 19, 2021 19:06 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoIsraeli Foreign Ministry Advisor Michael Freeman tells DW that every innocent civilian killed is a tragedy but says Hamas are the ones who are stealing the future of Palestinian children.
Israeli official: Hamas uses their civilians to defend their weapons
May 19, 2021 19:06 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoIsraeli Foreign Ministry advisor Michael Freeman tells DW that every innocent civilian killed is a tragedy but says Hamas are the ones who are stealing the future of Palestinian children.
Tamim Baiou on Conflict Zone
April 21, 2021 17:09 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoLibya has a new government of national unity, which promises free elections by the end of this year. But the roadblocks it faces are immense. DW’s Conflict Zone confronts the country’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Tamim Baiou.
Jack Kingston on Conflict Zone
March 17, 2021 19:30 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoDonald Trump lost the election but won't go quietly. Is his party unwilling or just too afraid to call time on their defeated leader? Jack Kingston, a former Republican lawmaker and Trump adviser, talks to Conflict Zone
Andreas Nick on Conflict Zone
March 10, 2021 17:29 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoTalking to DW Conflict Zone host Tim Sebastian, a prominent member of Germany’s ruling CDU party strongly criticized the two conservative politicians at the heart of a damaging mask procurement scandal. Andreas Nick said these cases are “totally unacceptable” and called for a "very clear process" to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Hans Kluge on Conflict Zone
March 03, 2021 16:36 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoAmid a slow vaccination rollout and growing fears of new mutations, the World Health Organization's top official for Europe is confident his organization is functioning well in the fight against coronavirus. In a heated interview with DW's Conflict Zone, Hans Kluge defended the organization's dealings with China and called for restoring the public's faith in science.
Fawad Chaudhry on Conflict Zone
February 24, 2021 23:35 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoIs Imran Khan calling the shots in Pakistan? On Conflict Zone, his science minister hits back at opposition claims that the military really are in charge. Fawad Chaudhry joins DW’s Sarah Kelly down the line from Islamabad.
Michael Tien on Conflict Zone
January 27, 2021 21:51 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoAre mass arrests in Hong Kong a further erosion of its freedoms? A pro-Beijing lawmaker says there has been a "tightening" on freedom of expression, but the world is "overreacting" and investigations have to run their course.
Andrew Bowie on Conflict Zone
January 21, 2021 01:54 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoA leading member of Britain’s Conservative Party has acknowledged that there will be initial difficulties as a result of the recent free trade deal between the UK and the EU, but defended the agreement as one that is beneficial for both parties.
Zadig Abraha on Conflict Zone
December 16, 2020 18:14 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoEthiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared victory in the conflict in Tigray, but a humanitarian crisis is growing. Zadig Abraha, the minister for democratization, is on DW's Conflict Zone.
Conflict Zone - Guest: Zadig Abraha
December 16, 2020 18:14 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoEthiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared victory in the conflict in Tigray, but a humanitarian crisis is growing. Zadig Abraha, the minister for democratization, is on DW's Conflict Zone.
Debbie Dingell on Conflict Zone
December 09, 2020 13:11 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoBarring unforeseen events, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th US President next month. But with his party deeply divided, are the Democrats really celebrating? DW's Conflict Zone meets Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Is Biden a man with a vision or will he struggle simply to control his party and the urgent crises Donald Trump will leave behind?
Russian State Duma Member Vyacheslav Nikonov on Conflict Zone
December 02, 2020 19:48 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoGerman authorities say Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent. The Kremlin has denied any involvement. State Duma member Vyacheslav Nikonov tells DW that Navalny is too irrelevant. So why do so many outspoken Russians face mortal danger?"What do you mean by Novichok?" Vyacheslav Nikonov told Conflict Zone’s Tim Sebastian when asked about the poisoning of Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny. The figurehead of the Russian opposition became...
Zimbabwe FM Sibusiso Moyo on Conflict Zone
November 04, 2020 16:32 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoZimbabwe’s government vowed essential reforms but has failed to reassure the international community, whose support it desperately needs. Are its promises just shallow phrases? DW’s Sarah Kelly asks Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo.
Trump advisor Mica Mosbacher on Conflict Zone
October 31, 2020 10:36 - 26 minutes - 123 MB Video“Americans are looking for hope,” says a Trump campaign adviser, but will voters turn to a president who many say botched the country’s response to a global health emergency? Tim Sebastian meets Mica Mosbacher on Conflict Zone.
Mica Mosbacher on Conflict Zone
October 31, 2020 10:36 - 26 minutes - 123 MB Video“Americans are looking for hope,” says a Trump campaign adviser, but will voters turn to a president who many say botched the country’s response to a global health emergency? Tim Sebastian meets Micah Mosbacher on Conflict Zone.
Israeli MP Nir Barkat defends Netanyahu amid corruption probe
October 27, 2020 22:36 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoBenjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister while on trial for corruption, but unrest is growing in Israel, including over the response to the pandemic. Nir Barkat, a Likud MP and ally of the PM, is on DW's Conflict Zone.
Israeli MP Nir Barkat on Conflict Zone
October 27, 2020 22:36 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoBenjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister while on trial for corruption, but unrest is growing in Israel, including over the response to the pandemic. Nir Barkat, a Likud MP and ally of the PM, is on DW's Conflict Zone.
Ken Cuccinelli on Conflict Zone
October 14, 2020 14:58 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoA deeply divided US is heading towards its election with polls showing many people are afraid of violence. DW's Conflict Zone talks to Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Deputy Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.
Sweden’s FM Linde: 'We managed to flatten the curve'
August 19, 2020 09:29 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoSweden’s coronavirus strategy has led to a death rate much higher than that of its neighbors. Did the country badly miscalculate? DW’s Conflict Zone meets the country’s foreign minister.
Hezbollah MP Ibrahim Mousawi on Conflict Zone
June 24, 2020 13:49 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoHezbollah is banned in many countries as a terrorist group but is a powerful political force in Lebanon and was a kingmaker of the new government. Is the group hindering or helping the reforms the country so desperately needs?
Sweden’s FM Linde: ‘We managed to flatten the curve’
June 17, 2020 15:27 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoSweden’s coronavirus strategy has led to a death rate much higher than that of its neighbors. Did the country badly miscalculate? DW’s Conflict Zone meets the country’s foreign minister.
Will China's new national security law for Hong Kong be the end of autonomy in the territory?
June 10, 2020 19:30 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoWill China’s new national security law be the end of Hong Kong’s autonomy? Regina Ip, a pro-Beijing party leader, says not to jump to conclusions. “The motherland has nothing but good intentions” for Hong Kong, she says.
Polish MEP: We are trying to keep Europe 'great and Christian'
May 27, 2020 15:54 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoBy pushing for a presidential election during the coronavirus pandemic, did Poland's government put politics ahead of people's lives? DW's Conflict Zone confronts MEP Dominik Tarczynski.
Is the Hungarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic a move to cement authoritarianism in Europe?
May 20, 2020 13:45 - 26 minutes - 122 MB VideoBudapest’s response to COVID-19 has been to suspend parliament and give Prime Minister Viktor Orban open-ended powers to rule by decree. Will this latest move by the ruling Fidesz cement authoritarianism in Europe?
Conflict Zone - Guest: Kang Kyung-wha
May 13, 2020 16:02 - 26 minutes - 123 MB VideoIn an exclusive interview with DW’s Conflict Zone, Kang Kyung-wha discussed her country’s much-lauded handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. But has its technology-led response come at the expense of privacy?