Perspective

By FRANCE 24 English

What's Perspective about?

Every morning, FRANCE 24 speaks to a key business, social or cultural player, or a leading voice in the field of humanitarian action, sport or science. From Monday to Thursday at 9:35am Paris time.

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Perspective episodes:

06.25.2024
'Sinjar, the Birth of Phantoms': Director Alexe Liebert on trauma of Yazidis
Almost 10 years after the Islamic State group launched its conquest of the Mount Sinjar region in Iraq as part of its takeover of the country, a new film tells the stories of the Yazidi people, who suffered a genocide...
06.25.2024
Iran's elections 'completely controlled by supreme leader', leading regime critic says
Ahead of Friday's snap presidential elections in Iran, a leading critic of the regime has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the vote and how little the result is likely to change things in the country. Kasra Aarabi, from United Again...
06.24.2024
New research sheds fresh light on migrant deaths at Spain-Morocco border in 2022
New research shows that the death of at least 23 migrants, with many more missing and injured, could have not only been prevented, but may also have been partly instigated by the police in Morocco and Spain. The migrants died...
06.20.2024
Journalist Sally Hayden on the plight of refugees and migrants trapped in Libya
June 20 marks World Refugee Day and this year's theme is solidarity with refugees. Our Perspective guest is someone who understands the plight of refugees only too well. Sally Hayden is an award-winning journalist and the author of "My Fourth...
06.19.2024
'The Interloper' author Michel Anteby on overcoming pushback to questions
How do you get information out of someone if they are reluctant to open up? That's the subject of a new book that aims mainly to help researchers conducting fieldwork. Yet "The Interloper: Lessons from Resistance in the Field" also...
06.18.2024
An 'Impossible City': Author Simon Kuper on the reality of life in Paris
Paris is a city of huge positives but also negatives. That's the view of the author of a new book on what he calls an "Impossible City". Simon Kuper, a journalist for The Financial Times, describes in the book how...
06.17.2024
Earth's frozen regions risk 'irreversible' damage due to climate change, expert warns
The head of one of the world's major environmental groups has told FRANCE 24 that a third major crisis is affecting the world and we need to pay more attention to it. As well as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and...
06.13.2024
Israeli charity on delivering aid into Gaza: 'Most of the public is with us'
The co-director of an Israeli charity that sends food into Gaza to help Palestinians has told FRANCE 24 that he and his fellow workers cannot witness people starving and facing famine as if they themselves have nothing to do with...
06.12.2024
Photographer Mark Neville on capturing the horror of war and delivering aid in Ukraine
A British photographer who has lived in Ukraine since 2020 has spoken to FRANCE 24 about his mission to help the Ukrainian people since Russia's full-scale invasion. Mark Neville has set up a charity called Postcode Ukraine that makes deliveries...
06.11.2024
Life after prison: The story of British poet and author Lady Unchained
A woman who spent several years in a British prison and now spends time trying to help other prisoners has told FRANCE 24 that picking up the pen whilst she was behind bars saved her life. Lady Unchained now spends...
06.10.2024
'Russian roulette': Macron calls snap French elections amid gains for far right
Shock and gamble are the two words most frequently being used in newsrooms across France and Europe after French President Emmanuel Macron announced snap parliamentary elections. The first round will be held in less than three weeks' time, leaving political...
06.05.2024
'D-Day needs to remind us of the horror of war,' historian says
Commemorating D-Day is crucial to remind us of the horror of war. That's the view of an historian who has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the fears that we are in a pre-war period with the threat of a third...
06.04.2024
Indian election: Has the vote been free and fair?
Has the general election in India been free and fair? This crucial point is debated and discussed across the country and abroad as the results of the vote come in. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party will still be the...
05.29.2024
European elections: Far-right parties 'act as traitors' amid foreign interference
FRANCE 24 speaks to Sven Biscop, director of the Europe in the World Programme at the Egmont Institute, and the author of "This is Not a New World Order", about the upcoming European elections. We delve into how issues like...
05.28.2024
Ireland, Spain and Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood: ‘It changes everything’
Céline Bardet, a lawyer and international criminal investigator specialising in war crimes, speaks to FRANCE 24 about the legal implications after Ireland, Spain and Norway began formally recognising Palestine as a state Tuesday. “It changes everything for the position of...
05.27.2024
'Damascus Station': Former CIA analyst David McCloskey on his Syria spy novel
David McCloskey worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East throughout the Arab Spring and conducted a rotation in the Counterterrorism Center, briefing Congressional oversight committees, senior White House officials, ambassadors and military officials. He has since written several...
05.22.2024
The forgotten heroes of D-Day: New documentary highlights role of Black US soldiers
A new documentary is aiming to lift the lid on the unrecognised Black heroes of D-Day. It follows an all-African American battalion of men whose crucial role in the Normandy landings was never revealed. One member of the company was even nominated for...
05.20.2024
Taiwan's new president to face challenges in parliament with minority government
Taiwan’s newly sworn-in President – Lai Ching-te – will face a difficult start as he prepares to lead the country with a minority government, Taiwan Research Hub Director Chun-Yi Lee at the University of Nottingham told FRANCE 24. Lai, who is...
05.15.2024
Global Citizen Prize winner on helping rural Africans access healthcare
A 2024 Global Citizen Prize winner – Andrew Ddebme – spoke to FRANCE 24 about the joys of having his work recognised by the international organisation. Ddebme is the founder of MobiKlinic, a digital solution that has helped rural communities in Africa...
05.14.2024
France – China relations: Paris Asian art museum marks 60 Years of diplomatic ties
As France and China celebrate the strong ties between the two countries with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Paris last week, France’s main Asian art museum – Guimet Museum – is marking the 60th anniversary of France's recognition of the...
05.13.2024
World Press Awards winner Lee-Ann Olwage on her love for storytelling through photography
One of the winners of this year’s World Press Awards spoke to FRANCE 24 about how it feels to be recognised, and how important it is for photojournalists to continue carrying out their work. The awards are given out to...
05.09.2024
'Humanly Possible': Author Sarah Bakewell on what it means to be a humanist
What does it mean to be a human, or more specifically a humanist? Is it about culture, morals, principles, science, freethinking, feelings or optimism? Or is it all of the above? The author of the new book "Humanly Possible: Seven...
05.08.2024
'I'm very lucky,' says award-winning baker and Olympic torch bearer Tharshan Selvarajah
The Olympic flame arrives in France from Greece this Wednesday. Some 10,000 people will have the honour of carrying the torch for part of its relay around the country, from ordinary citizens to VIPs. One of these torch bearers is a...
05.07.2024
Haiti crisis: International intervention 'not the solution', expert says
It's estimated that more than 53,000 people have fled extreme violence in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, which equates to 80 percent of the city's population. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The...
05.06.2024
European leverage over China 'can work only if Europe is united', expert says
Chinese support for Russia over the war in Ukraine, renewed tensions over Taiwan and a row over Chinese subsidies giving China's companies an unfair advantage over European competitors: these are the main issues up for discussion as Chinese President Xi...
05.02.2024
One Rohingya refugee's tale of survival: The story of Noor Azizah
A Rohingya refugee who fled Myanmar as a child with her family has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how heartbreaking it is to see what has happened to her people since. She and her siblings have all made successful careers...
05.01.2024
'Water shortages should be reclassified as unwise water use,' expert says
Large swathes of Asia continue to swelter though a dramatic heatwave that has topped temperature records all the way from India to the Philippines. Bangladesh has faced the hottest April on record, with temperatures forcing millions of children to stay...
04.30.2024
Photographer Gwenn Dubourthoumieu on capturing fragility of Congo Basin rainforest
An internationally renowned photographer has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how he's been able to use his profession to help support causes he's become passionate about. Gwenn Dubourthoumieu began his professional life working for humanitarian NGOs in Africa. He soon...
04.29.2024
From mines to markets: How Africa and Europe can become green industry partners of choice
China dominates the market across Africa in the search for raw materials, but other regions such as countries in Europe can offer more mutually beneficial alternatives for the continent. That's the view of economics consultant and political risk analyst Theo...
04.25.2024
What remains of Portugal's Carnation Revolution, 50 years on?
Thousands of people in Portugal are marking the fiftieth anniversary of the country's Carnation Revolution – a military coup that put an end to Europe's longest dictatorship and to 13 years of colonial wars in Africa. The 1974 revolt, which was...
04.24.2024
Amnesty calls for 'unfettered access' to Gaza for human rights investigators
Amnesty International is accusing Israel of a flagrant disregard for international law during its offensive in Gaza. The organisation's annual report says the situation is being compounded by the failures of Israel's allies to stop the indescribable civilian bloodshed being seen...
04.23.2024
Sahel seeing 'Cold War' in parallel to counter-terrorism efforts, expert says
Africa's Sahel region now accounts for almost half of all deaths from terrorism worldwide. That was the stark warning heard at a high-level summit in Nigeria that aims to counter terrorism across Africa. It comes as the threat of Islamist extremist attacks...
04.18.2024
Indian elections: 'A battle for the future of India's democracy'
Indians begin voting on Friday in what will be the world's biggest-ever election, with nearly a billion registered voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP is seen as the favourite, but faces a challenge from a huge centre-left opposition coalition. We...
04.15.2024
Notre-Dame carpenter Valentin Pontarollo on his joy at completion of cathedral's roof
Exactly five years after the fire that destroyed the roof and badly damaged the rest of Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of those who worked on the project has spoken of the camaraderie of the team reconstructing the edifice and the...
04.09.2024
'Birdgirl' author Mya-Rose Craig on the importance of protecting the environment
A 21-year-old bird watcher or birder, who is quickly becoming one of the world's leading lights on environmental issues, has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her passion for birds and the environment. Mya-Rose Craig talked about her early introduction to...
04.04.2024
Economist James K. Boyce on the link between inequality and the environment
A world-renowned political and social economist, who is in Paris to receive a new international award for his work, has told FRANCE 24 how economists have forgotten a vitally important fact. James K. Boyce says that what matters is "not...
03.19.2024
'Israel has shifted to the right, even to the far right', former French envoy says
As the war in Gaza continues, France's former ambassador to Israel has told FRANCE 24 how Israel has "shifted to the right, even to the far right" since he was in post. Gérard Araud, who also served as envoy to...
03.07.2024
Women's rights activist on the plight of Yazidi women fleeing IS group
As part of our coverage of International Women’s Day, FRANCE 24 spoke to Düzen Tekkal who is the founder of the NGO HÁWAR, which aims to empower women, children and minorities who are subject to religious, ethnic or gender based persecution...
03.06.2024
EU already making 'contingency plans' in case Trump returns, expert says
President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump romped through more than a dozen states on Super Tuesday, all but cementing a November rematch. According to the head of the Paris office of the European Council of Foreign Relations, Célia...
03.05.2024
'A Fragile State': Nigerian poet Lola Shoneyin makes plea for democracy
A respected and passionate author has spoken to FRANCE 24 about her desire to ensure democracy, rights and freedoms and to speak up for women. Lola Shoneyin is a Nigerian author and poet. One of her latest projects is a...
03.04.2024
Journalist and author Pierre Haski on a century of conflict in the Middle East
A respected French journalist, who was Jerusalem correspondent for French daily Libération in the 1990s, has told FRANCE 24 how he hopes a temporary peace deal between Israel and Hamas can be achieved, but that longer term both sides need...
02.29.2024
Why India and the US are close friends but not 'full allies'
In this edition of Perspective, we take a closer look at India as a political force in the world. How does the planet's most populous country operate as a geopolitical player, especially amid the conflict in Ukraine? And how does...
02.28.2024
'Please don't forget about Ukraine,' writer Oleksandr Mykhed asks
A Ukrainian man who was one of the first to experience Russia's full-scale invasion of his country has told FRANCE 24 of his harrowing experience, and asked us never to forget about what is happening in Ukraine. Until two years...
02.27.2024
‘Land of My Dreams’: The strength of the women who led the 2019 Shaheen Bagh protests
An award-winning Indian filmmaker tells FRANCE 24’s Perspective show that the fear of something happening to her clouds her life. Nausheen Khan’s film “Land of My Dreams” documents the protests in India against the country’s Citizenship Amendment Act. The bill provides...
02.26.2024
War in Ukraine: Russia's Putin 'is in survival mode' and 'not rational'
Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to ensure his country remains in a permanent state of war. That's the premise of a new book, published by a French political scientist as the world has been marking the second anniversary of Russia's...
02.09.2024
‘A bold, independent, politically-minded character who always carries her Black community with her’
“Provocative and chilling”, it was lauded as one of the best books of 2021, receiving praise from the likes of former US president Barack Obama. “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev” tells the tale of a fiercely independent young...
02.08.2024
Sailing through stereotypes: France's Clarisse Crémer prepares for 2024 Vendée Globe
When sailor Clarisse Crémer was dropped by her sponsors a year ago after starting a family, the move sparked widespread outrage in France and the offshore sailing world. She's since managed to find a new team and is looking forward...
02.07.2024
Eyal Kalderon, cousin of Gaza hostage: 'We need to strive to get a deal'
Exactly four months after the Hamas attacks on southern Israel, more than 100 Israelis remain in captivity, with very little known about their fate. The families of those held captive are continuing to urge their government, and the international community,...
02.06.2024
European Parliament elections could usher in 'more climate sceptic majority', expert says
Ahead of European Parliament elections in June, should the bloc be preparing for a sharp turn to the right? And if so, what does that mean for European policy, and by extension, European unity? Simon Hix, Professor at the European...
02.05.2024
War in Ukraine: 'Who are we trying to protect and who are we ready to sacrifice?'
Almost two years on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of men have already been called up to fight and a new mobilisation bill is due to be debated by parliament this week. According to Anna Colin Lebedev,...

What's Perspective about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Perspective episodes:

'Sinjar, the Birth of Phantoms': Director Alexe Liebert on trauma of Yazidis

Iran's elections 'completely controlled by supreme leader', leading regime critic says

New research sheds fresh light on migrant deaths at Spain-Morocco border in 2022

Journalist Sally Hayden on the plight of refugees and migrants trapped in Libya

'The Interloper' author Michel Anteby on overcoming pushback to questions

An 'Impossible City': Author Simon Kuper on the reality of life in Paris

Earth's frozen regions risk 'irreversible' damage due to climate change, expert warns

Israeli charity on delivering aid into Gaza: 'Most of the public is with us'

Photographer Mark Neville on capturing the horror of war and delivering aid in Ukraine

Life after prison: The story of British poet and author Lady Unchained

'Russian roulette': Macron calls snap French elections amid gains for far right

'D-Day needs to remind us of the horror of war,' historian says

Indian election: Has the vote been free and fair?

European elections: Far-right parties 'act as traitors' amid foreign interference

Ireland, Spain and Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood: ‘It changes everything’

'Damascus Station': Former CIA analyst David McCloskey on his Syria spy novel

The forgotten heroes of D-Day: New documentary highlights role of Black US soldiers

Taiwan's new president to face challenges in parliament with minority government

Global Citizen Prize winner on helping rural Africans access healthcare

France – China relations: Paris Asian art museum marks 60 Years of diplomatic ties

World Press Awards winner Lee-Ann Olwage on her love for storytelling through photography

'Humanly Possible': Author Sarah Bakewell on what it means to be a humanist

'I'm very lucky,' says award-winning baker and Olympic torch bearer Tharshan Selvarajah

Haiti crisis: International intervention 'not the solution', expert says

European leverage over China 'can work only if Europe is united', expert says

One Rohingya refugee's tale of survival: The story of Noor Azizah

'Water shortages should be reclassified as unwise water use,' expert says

Photographer Gwenn Dubourthoumieu on capturing fragility of Congo Basin rainforest

From mines to markets: How Africa and Europe can become green industry partners of choice

What remains of Portugal's Carnation Revolution, 50 years on?

Amnesty calls for 'unfettered access' to Gaza for human rights investigators

Sahel seeing 'Cold War' in parallel to counter-terrorism efforts, expert says

Indian elections: 'A battle for the future of India's democracy'

Notre-Dame carpenter Valentin Pontarollo on his joy at completion of cathedral's roof

'Birdgirl' author Mya-Rose Craig on the importance of protecting the environment

Economist James K. Boyce on the link between inequality and the environment

'Israel has shifted to the right, even to the far right', former French envoy says

Women's rights activist on the plight of Yazidi women fleeing IS group

EU already making 'contingency plans' in case Trump returns, expert says

'A Fragile State': Nigerian poet Lola Shoneyin makes plea for democracy

Journalist and author Pierre Haski on a century of conflict in the Middle East

Why India and the US are close friends but not 'full allies'

'Please don't forget about Ukraine,' writer Oleksandr Mykhed asks

‘Land of My Dreams’: The strength of the women who led the 2019 Shaheen Bagh protests

War in Ukraine: Russia's Putin 'is in survival mode' and 'not rational'

‘A bold, independent, politically-minded character who always carries her Black community with her’

Sailing through stereotypes: France's Clarisse Crémer prepares for 2024 Vendée Globe

Eyal Kalderon, cousin of Gaza hostage: 'We need to strive to get a deal'

European Parliament elections could usher in 'more climate sceptic majority', expert says

War in Ukraine: 'Who are we trying to protect and who are we ready to sacrifice?'