Frost over the world - Is war inevitable?
Frost Over the World

Is war inevitable?

As Remembrance Day is marked, we ask who is to blame for the wars raging in the world today – the people or politicians.

This Sunday is often referred to as Remembrance Day, a chance to remember and to reflect on all those who died in the world’s many wars. One does not have to look too far to witness nations and people at war. There are at least 33 wars happening somewhere today. So, is war inevitable? And who should bear most of the blame – people, politicians or nations?

Joining Sir David Frost to give further insight into the facets of war are: Philip Zimbardo, a professor of psychology at Stanford University; from Germany Martin van Creveld, an acclaimed Israeli military historian; and Jonathan Steele, a British author and former chief foreign correspondent for The Guardian.

The Darfur conflict in Sudan is one war that seems to go on and on. In July 2011, the so-called Doha Peace Agreement was signed between the Sudanese government and one of the leading rebel groups, but the biggest group, the Justice for Equality Movement, also known as Jem, refused to sign and vowed to fight on. Has the situation improved in Darfur?

Ibrahim Gambari, the head of the UNAMID mission, explains what has changed in Darfur since the peace agreement was signed and the challenges facing the peace mission to implement peace and stability in Darfur. 

As the financial crisis deepens by the day – with Italy being the latest country threatening the collapse of the eurozone – what is it going to take to halt the spiralling domino effect that seems to be taking shape in Europe? Should we expect that there is still worse to come?

Erkki Tuomioja, the Finnish foreign minister, talks about the debt crisis and the route to reforms and sustainable recovery.

The fountain of youth

Heralded as one of the greatest stage actresses of her generation, Fiona Shaw is best-known internationally for her role as Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter series and as a witch in the HBO series True Blood. The award-winning classical actress talks about her new role directing Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro for the English National Opera.

Scientists in Minnesota claim they have come one step closer to combating the ageing process. By conducting experiments on mice, removing so-called zombie cells, they have been able to slow the process of ageing. Can these scientists apply their techniques to human beings, and how long will that take? The molecular biologist Dr Jan van Deurson discusses his new research into a potential ‘fountain of youth’ and what his discoveries mean for elderly people.

On the first anniversary of their release, Sir David talks to former hostages Paul and Rachel Chandler, who were kidnapped by Somali pirates in 2009.