In this episode, Empire looks at how al-Qaeda is perceived in the Muslim world. Does the US' so-called 'war on terror' serve only to alienate Muslims, driving them into the arms of extremist groups? Can the US reverse the tide of military intervention in the region and instead try to reach political solutions that involve all political parties, including repressed Islamic parties? We will also discuss whether the Arab world has an answer to the al-Qaeda challenge.

From New York to Dubai and Bangladesh, Empire looks at the impact of US-style capitalism and asks: What does the future hold for crony capitalism? And what are the alternatives to neo-liberal globalisation?

Brazil, Russia, India and China are booming whilst many other countries are struggling economically, or even crashing. When their leaders recently convened in Brasilia for their second BRIC summit, they all underlined their commitment to a more democratic global governance. Will the emerging powers change the way the world works, or merely grab a bigger share of it? And what future for Brazil on the world's summit?

It once ruled a quarter of the world, but what is so great about Great Britain? And what gives this faded island off the coast of Europe the right to act like a global power player?

What happens when the world runs out of oil? Who and what will be the dominant power in the 21st century?

"Should we be worried that the superclass seems to have an ever-expanding reach that bypasses governments and remains unchecked?

A new breed has emerged. They set the global agenda, ride on Gulfstreams and manage the credit crunch in their spare time. They are anything but elected; they are entrepreneurs and entertainers, media moguls and former politicians - the self-made super rich who are using their money to lay down a new set of global rules. So where did this new global aristocracy come from and who is keeping them in check?

Interviewees:

Paul Theroux: Writer and novelist

Paul Farhi: Journalist, The Washington Post

Matthew Bishop: Author of ""Philanthrocapitalism""

Christopher Hitchens: Author of ""The Trial of Henry Kissinger""

Ken Silverstein: Author of ""How lobbyists plunder the nation""

Guests:

David Rothkopf: Author of ""Superclass""

Jeff Faux: Author of ""The Global Class War""

Moisés Naím: Author of ""Illicit""

Janine Wedel: Author of ""Shadow Elite"""

The US stands at a historic crossroads, redeploying its combat troops out of Iraq and surging them in Afghanistan. But are they really leaving Iraq - or just rebranding the occupation? Why is Iraqi Lieutenant General Zibari requesting a decade-long US military presence?

Empire looks at the Israeli-Palestinian talks and asks what it will take to reach the promised land.

On the 9th anniversary of 9/11, the fault lines between the US and the Muslim world seem to have expanded. As America's internal cultural wars begin to affect its foreign policy, what are the options for President Obama? Which is the real US: The one that fights for Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan, or the one that considers US Muslims as the enemy within? And have Osama bin Laden's hopes of driving a wedge between the US and the Muslim world become a reality?

Empire asks if the United Nations is outdated and whether it can stand up to the challenges of the 21st century.

The world has entered a new arms race, but what justifies this global military addiction?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is the largest military force ever assembled, with a potential armed force of more than seven million. But as its original enemies, communism and the Soviet Union, were defeated two decades ago, what is the alliance's new identity or new role?