World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam

About World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam

Who holds power, who gets silenced, and whose version of events do we believe? International human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam brings more than four decades of experience to conversations with people at the centre of global conflicts and controversial cases. From geopolitics and international law to corruption, authoritarianism and high-profile criminal trials, World on Trial explores how power is exercised, how justice is contested and what happens to the people caught between them. Expect first-hand accounts, uncomfortable questions and a host who speaks his mind. Bob challenges his guests, the narratives that dominate the headlines and the convictions you bring to them. You won’t always agree. That’s the point. Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts for new episodes.

Publisher

Bob Amsterdam

Category

history · news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episode

7 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Nov 2026

   Investigating Sánchez: Ketty Garat on Corruption, Press Freedom and Power in Spain

   Pedro Sánchez, political corruption, and press freedom in Spain: what happens when a journalist investigates the people in power? Investigative journalist Ketty Garat joins international human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam on World on Trial to discuss her book “Todos los hombres de Sánchez”, the allegations surrounding Spain’s Socialist Party, and what she believes they reveal about state capture and the rule of law. Ketty traces an investigation that began with former minister José Luis Ábalos and grew into what she describes as a network of political influence, suspected kickbacks, and efforts to silence scrutiny. She explains how following sources and financial connections led her beyond Spain to alleged dealings involving Venezuela, China, and Huawei, and why she came to question the motives of people offering her information. The personal cost runs through her account. Ketty describes criminal proceedings brought against her, public attacks on her reputation, and being followed while out with her daughter. She reflects on the pressure to stop investigating, the support that kept her going, and the difficult relationship between journalists and the politicians they cover. Bob and Ketty also examine allegations of interference in police investigations, the power of Spain’s tax agency, and the role of elections in political accountability. Their conversation asks what happens when institutions meant to protect the public are used to shield those in power, and why individuals willing to say no can make a difference. When exposing alleged corruption makes the reporter a target, who holds power to account? Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for conversations about human rights, the rule of law, and the people at the center of controversial cases. Key topics discussed • Sánchez and the election • Investigating Ábalos and the Koldo case • Spain’s political “sewers” • Following the money abroad • The cost of investigative journalism • State capture and the tax agency • Resistance and public trust Episode chapters 00:00 Introducing Ketty Garat and Todos los hombres de Sánchez 01:17 Elections, investigations, and Spanish democracy 07:58 Investigating Ábalos and facing pressure to stop 16:15 Sources, political agendas, and the decision to publish 25:42 Following the money: Spain, Venezuela, and China 34:47 State capture, the tax agency, and institutional resistance 47:35 The personal cost of reporting and the fight for accountability 01:03:12 Public trust, taxes, and the case for reform

2. 

   28 Oct 2026

   The US Midterms: Defending Trump on War, Borders and Faith, but Can His Coalition Hold Together?

   Donald Trump, the Iran war, and America First: what happens when campaign promises collide with the exercise of power? Stefano L. Forte, president of the New York Young Republican Club, joins international human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam on World on Trial to debate American foreign policy, immigration, religious freedom, and the rule of law. A committed Trump supporter, Stefano explains why he still backs the president while acknowledging that some in his orbit feel betrayed over Iran. Bob challenges him on Netanyahu's influence, while Stefano argues that the administration has failed to convince young Republicans of the case for war. Their conversation explores the competing priorities within the Trump coalition and Stefano's confidence ahead of the midterm elections. On Ukraine, the two find common ground. Stefano discusses how his Orthodox Christian faith informs his advocacy for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which Bob's firm represents. They argue that American allies should face scrutiny over religious freedom and reject accusations that defending the church amounts to supporting the Russian government. The disagreements sharpen over mass deportations and Venezuela. Bob raises concerns about human rights, sovereignty, and international law, while Stefano defends the administration's approach to immigration enforcement and American power abroad. When national interests and stated principles collide, where should America draw the line? Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for conversations about human rights, the rule of law, and the people at the center of controversial cases. Key topics discussed - Trump and the Iran war - The Trump coalition and the midterms - Ukraine and religious freedom - Church, state, and political pressure - Mass deportations and assimilation - Venezuela and American power Episode chapters 00:00 Inside the New York Young Republican Club 04:37 Trump, Iran, and the promise of no new wars 09:25 The Trump coalition and the midterm elections 13:43 Ukraine, the Orthodox Church, and religious freedom 21:22 Accusations of being a Russian agent 23:28 Mass deportations, human rights, and assimilation 28:53 Venezuela, sovereignty, and American power

3. 

   21 Oct 2026

   From SAS to Mercenary: What the Iraq War Taught Barrie “Baz” Rice

   Inside Blackwater, who carries the cost of war? Former New Zealand SAS soldier and Blackwater contractor Barrie "Baz" Rice joins international human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam on World on Trial to discuss the Iraq War, private military contractors, and what happens when accountability breaks down in a global conflict. Drawing on his book We Were Blackwater, Barrie shares a firsthand account of violence, survival, and the distance between a mission’s promises and its reality. Barrie traces his journey from New Zealand’s East Coast to special forces and the streets of Baghdad. He describes helping establish Blackwater’s commercial operation, working without adequate equipment, and witnessing conduct he believes turned Iraqi civilians against the contractors who claimed to be there to help. The conversation turns to the killing of four Blackwater colleagues in Fallujah and the harder, more aggressive mindset Barrie says followed. He reflects on the suffering of Iraqi civilians, his growing reliance on alcohol, and the moment survival began to feel like a matter of time. Leaving Iraq did not mean leaving the war behind. Longtime friends who don’t always agree, Bob and Barrie also debate military intervention in Libya and Iran, American foreign policy, and the role of private forces in modern warfare. Their conversation raises uncomfortable questions about international law, the rule of law, and who answers for the human consequences of war. Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for conversations about human rights, the rule of law, and the people at the center of controversial cases. Content advisory: Contains strong language and descriptions of graphic violence, civilian suffering, alcohol misuse, and suicide. Key topics discussed From New Zealand SAS to private security: Barrie’s Māori background, special forces training, and transition into close protection. Building Blackwater’s commercial operation: his account of arriving in Baghdad, inadequate equipment, and the pressures of working for private security companies. The Iraq occupation and insurgency: Barrie’s view of how coalition decisions and contractor behavior undermined trust among Iraqi civilians. Rules of engagement and accountability: his description of permissive practices, reckless conduct, and the consequences for civilians and other contractors. The Fallujah killings: losing four colleagues and the shift in mindset he says changed how contractors operated. The personal cost of war: civilian suffering, escalating drinking, emotional strain, and the difficulty of returning to family life. Foreign policy and international law: Bob and Barrie’s disagreement over Iran, reflections on Libya, and questions about accountability for private forces. Episode chapters 00:00 Highlights and introductions 02:13 From New Zealand to the SAS 07:55 Arriving in Iraq and building Blackwater’s commercial operation 12:40 The occupation and the growing insurgency 17:37 Rules of engagement and disillusionment 23:23 Fallujah, lost colleagues, and the civilian cost 34:58 Drinking, survival, and bringing the war home 42:32 Libya, Iran, and the rules of war

4. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Is Religious Freedom Under Threat in Ukraine? Artem Dmytruk Speaks Out

   The Ukraine war, religious freedom, and the rule of law: what happens when a member of parliament challenges his own government? Ukrainian MP and Orthodox deacon Artem Dmytruk joins international human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam on World on Trial to discuss the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, his opposition to President Volodymyr Zelensky, and his and his allegations of kidnapping and torture by Ukraine’s Security Service. Artem recounts the opening days of Russia's full-scale invasion, from emergency meetings in Kyiv to organizing volunteers in Odesa. He describes bringing people together to protect his city and explains why he rejects claims that defending the Ukrainian Orthodox Church means supporting Russia. Bob discusses his firm's representation of the church and why he believes the Ukrainian government's actions violate religious freedom and international law. Artem describes his opposition to legislation targeting the church and the threats and pressure he says followed his public defense of it. The conversation turns to Artem's personal experience of torture, the London extradition proceedings, and Bob's account of a court's refusal to return him to Ukraine. It closes with Artem's views on political prisoners, the prospects for peace, and the future of political opposition in Ukraine. At the center is a principle with consequences beyond this conflict: basic human rights cannot be abandoned even at times of war - and doing so is counterproductive. Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for conversations about human rights, the rule of law, and the people at the center of controversial cases. Key topics discussed - The opening days of the invasion: Artem's account of events in Kyiv and his return to Odesa to organize volunteers and help protect the city. - The Ukrainian Orthodox Church: its role in Ukrainian society and Artem's rejection of allegations that defending it amounts to supporting Russia. - Religious freedom and international law: Bob's explanation of his firm's work for the church and its challenge to the Ukrainian government's actions. - Dissent and political power: Artem's criticism of Zelensky and his account of opposing legislation targeting the church. - Allegations of kidnapping and torture: Artem's claims about his treatment by Ukraine's Security Service and the risks he says critics face. - Extradition and the rule of law: Bob's account of the London proceedings and the court's refusal to return Artem to Ukraine. - Political prisoners and prospects for peace: Artem's views on wartime repression, political opposition, and Ukraine's future. Episode chapters 00:00 Highlights, introductions, and Bob's work for the church 08:44 Russia's invasion: Artem's account of the first days 17:17 The church, the war, and Zelensky's leadership 21:01 The dispute over the Ukrainian Orthodox Church 24:44 Artem's allegations of kidnapping and torture 26:58 Speaking out in parliament and the extradition case 34:23 Political prisoners and prospects for peace https://linktr.ee/worldontrialpodcast

5. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Diddy, Mangione and Weinstein: The Defense Lawyers Speak Out

   Luigi Mangione, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and the right to a fair trial: when high-profile criminal cases dominate the headlines, can justice stay independent? Criminal defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Karen Friedman Agnifilo join international human rights lawyer Bob Amsterdam on World on Trial to examine political prosecutions, media influence, and the pressures facing America’s criminal justice system. Karen discusses her defense of Mangione, the public response to his case, and why she believes competing state and federal prosecutions threaten a fair hearing. Marc shares his perspective on defending Combs and Harvey Weinstein, questioning how prosecutors choose their targets and how juries separate courtroom evidence from public opinion. Both former prosecutors, the guests don’t agree on everything. Their conversation moves from the death penalty and alternatives to incarceration to the Epstein files, social media, and whether the internet makes us better informed or more polarized. Karen makes the case for independent legal commentary, while Marc argues that something essential is lost when information replaces deeper understanding. The episode closes with a question that reaches beyond the United States: how freely can lawyers defend their clients when their own advocacy risks punishment? Follow World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for conversations about human rights, the rule of law, and the people at the center of controversial cases. Key topics discussed Luigi Mangione’s defense: parallel state and federal prosecutions, the fight over the death penalty, and Karen’s concerns about pretrial publicity. Sean “Diddy” Combs and federal prosecution: Marc’s argument that high-profile defendants can become targets of prosecutorial “big game hunting.” Prosecutorial power: political ambition, competition between offices, and the distinction between local and federal law enforcement. Progressive prosecution: Karen’s case for targeted enforcement, diversion programs, and alternatives to incarceration. The Epstein files and Harvey Weinstein: disclosure, guilt by association, and the challenge of keeping juries focused on evidence. Social media and democracy: independent legal analysis, misinformation, AI, and the value of an informed public. The freedom to defend: contempt of court, jury nullification, and the potential chilling effect of sanctions against defense lawyers. Episode chapters 00:00 Highlights and introductions 01:55 Luigi Mangione and the right to a fair trial 10:43 Political prosecutions and the Sean Combs case 17:15 Why prosecutors compete for high-profile cases 22:33 Progressive prosecution and public safety 32:08 The Epstein files, Weinstein, and trial by media 37:49 Does the internet help or harm democracy? 52:24 Defense lawyers, contempt, and jury independence

6. 

   21 Sept 2026

   World on Trial with Bob Amsterdam - TRAILER

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