Best Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Podcasts (2025)

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Colombia's Political Instability with Crisis Group's Elizabeth Dickinson 27:28

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1h ago27:28

27:28

This week, Kelly talks with International Crisis Group Analyst Elizabeth Dickinson about the surge in cartel-driven violence in Colombia and how USAID cuts have impacted the country. Elizabeth discusses how criminal groups have filled the vacuum left by FARC's demobilization in 2016, leading to the highest coca cultivation levels in Colombia's hist…

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Kelly and Tristen on The UN Turning 80, NATO's Trump Strategy, and US Strikes on Iran 29:30

11d ago29:30

29:30

This week, Kelly and Tristan look back on the United Nations as it marks its 80th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from the failed League of Nations and assessing its future challenges, including Security Council reform. They also analyze the recent NATO summit, exploring how European allies have managed the alliance's relationship with Pre…

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Sir Niall Ferguson: Time-Knight | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 57:33

12d ago57:33

57:33

Sir Niall Ferguson on time travel, Trump bombing Iran, historical counterfactuals, Doctor Who, The Time Lord, using the past to help the present and future, the University of Austin’s revolutionary experiment, ChatGPT, and God possibly helping to split the atom.By Hoover Institution

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FDR and the Invention of National Security with Andrew Preston 33:54

18d ago33:54

33:54

Kelly talks with Andrew Preston about his new book, Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security. Preston explores how FDR revolutionized national security policy by connecting domestic New Deal programs to global defense strategies. Andrew Preston is a Professor of American History based at Clare College, Cambridge, where he …

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Dignity in development 44:41

19d ago44:41

44:41

The development sector proclaims that it values dignity. Yet it often breaks this promise, with people leaving encounters with charities feeling bruised and unseen. In this podcast, drawn from a recent lecture at IDS, research fellow Marina Apgar is in conversation with Tom Wein from the IDinsight Dignity Initiative who examines dignity as a core v…

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The Pope's Spies: Yvonnick Denoël on the Vatican's Clandestine Operations 37:33

25d ago37:33

37:33

Kelly talks with Yvonnick Denoël about his new book, Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis, exploring the Vatican's little-known intelligence operations. Yvonnick is a French historian, publisher and intelligence specialist who has written on the CIA, Mossad, and espionage in the twentieth century. His new book uncovers a little-…

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Tim Bouverie and the Diplomacy of World War II | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 42:31

26d ago42:31

42:31

British historian Tim Bouverie discusses the knotty diplomatic dilemmas faced by Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin.By Hoover Institution

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Will Popular Elections Undermine Mexico's Court System? Plus updates on South Korea, Poland, and the Sahel 48:36

1M ago48:36

48:36

Interview with David Mora on Mexico's Judicial Elections: 27:20 This week, Kelly and Tristen unpack key elections in Poland and South Korea, and examine the growing reach of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa. Kelly then sits down with David Mora to explore Mexico’s recent judicial elections and their implications for Mexican democracy and U.S.-M…

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Amitav Acharya: Why The International Order Will Survive Western Decline 49:29

1M ago49:29

49:29

Kelly talks with Amitav Acharya about his new book The Once and Future World Order and the deep roots of global civilization beyond the West. They explore why the recent decline of American dominance doesn’t mean collapse, but a chance to build a more just, inclusive global system. Amitav Acharya is the UNESCO Chair in Transnational Challenges and …

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“Well, He Got Beheaded”: Caroline, Countess of Derby, on her Husband’s Family’s Illustrious History | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

Caroline Stanley, Countess of Derby, is an English aristocrat, art historian, and philanthropist. Affectionately known as “Cazzy,” she is married to Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby, and serves as the chatelaine of Knowsley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Stanley family in Merseyside. In this conversation, which also delves into topics ranging fr…

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Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit: 25:55 This week, Kelly and Tristen discuss President Trump’s meeting with the President of South Africa, give an update on the war in Ukraine, and unpack the UK’s new trade agreement with the European Union. Kelly then talks with Mona Yacoubian for a breakdown on Trump's recent trip to the…

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Moisés Naím on Authoritarianism 25:28

2M ago25:28

25:28

Next up this Summer, Kelly talks with bestselling author Moisés Naím about the rise of authoritarianism around the world. Moisés Naím is an internationally syndicated columnist and best-selling author of several books, including most recently "The Revenge of Power: How Autocrats Are Reinventing Politics for the 21st Century," published in 2023. In …

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Statecraft In An Age Of Strongmen | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 1:06:04

2M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

In this unique return visit to Secrets of Statecraft, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens discusses why defending Ukraine is in America’s interest, and reflects on the perils of Western flirtation with authoritarian figures. Recorded on May 16, 2025.By Hoover Institution

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Sameer Lalwani on India-Pakistan tensions 37:28

2M ago37:28

37:28

Interview with Sameer Lalwani on India-Pakistan: 21:30 This week, Kelly and Tristen digest the recent elections in Australia and President Putin's WWII victory day parade, and remember the life and legacy of legendary IR scholar Joseph Nye. Kelly then talks with to Sameer Lalwani for an update on recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Sameer L…

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Patricia Owens: A History of International Thought without Men 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

In the first episode of our summer series, Kelly talks with Oxford University Professor Patricia Owens about her new book "Erased: A History of International Thought Without Men." Kelly and Patricia discuss how women and minority voices were erased from the early cannon of interntional relations, what that means for the practice of IR, and how the …

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Remus Ștefureac on Romania’s Election Rerun 41:23

2M ago41:23

41:23

Interview with Remus Ștefureac on the upcoming Romanian election - 20:05 Read more about Tristen Naylor, Kelly's new co-host, on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen delve into Pope Francis's legacy, analyze the results of the Canadian election, and examine how India is navigating trade tensions between …

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The empathy fix: Why poverty persists and how to change it 46:57

3M ago46:57

46:57

A poverty line of $6.85 a day, as used by the World Bank, indicates a substantial level of deprivation, impacting the lives of billions globally. Indeed, nearly half of the World’s population falls into this category. So, if poverty is something we all want to see less of, why does it prove so difficult to tackle and can empathy help fix it? In thi…

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Daniel Samet on the Realpolitik Behind US-Israeli Relations | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

A new book, U.S. Defense Policy toward Israel: A Cold War History, takes on the revisionists over what happened in the Cold War. Recorded on April 16, 205.By Hoover Institution

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Mélanie Gouby on the Conflict in the DRC 34:52

3M ago34:52

34:52

Interview with Mélanie Gouby on conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 19:40 Read more about Tristen Naylor, Kelly's new co-host, on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen break down the Trump administration’s new tariffs, the revival of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, and Ecuador’s recent presidentia…

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Jeremi Suri on History & the Policymaker 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

For our sixth episode of "History and our Current World," Jeremi Suri joins Kelly to discuss how policymakers can effectively use historical analogies without falling into the trap of oversimplification. They discuss how examining multiple historical cases rather than relying on a single analogy like Munich or Vietnam can result in better policy ou…

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Alper Coşkun on Türkiye’s Crisis of Democracy 36:12

3M ago36:12

36:12

Interview with Alper Coşkun on Türkiye's political crisis - 21:10 This week is our third episode with Kelly's new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen give updates on renewed fighting in Gaza and how domestic Israeli politi…

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Motorcycles and Meritocracies with Governor Mitch Daniels | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 47:02

3M ago47:02

47:02

Mitch Daniels is the former Director of the Office of Management and Budget under Ronald Reagan, the former Governor of Indiana, and the former President of Purdue University. He discusses his life, his influences, and his passion for hogs (of the Harley-Davidson variety). Recorded on March 21, 2025.…

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Humanitarian diplomacy in a world gone mad 30:18

4M ago30:18

30:18

Humanitarian diplomacy is a broad landscape and possibly one with internal contradictions. For example, traditionally humanitarian agencies have sought to distance themselves from mediation and human rights activism. The concept of humanitarian diplomacy requires at least an end to these silos. But how is the distance to be managed? In this special…

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Daniel Immerwahr on America's Hidden Empire 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

For our fifth episode of "History and our Current World," Daniel Immerwahr joins Kelly to uncover how U.S. foreign policy has been shaped by a hidden history of territorial expansion. They dive into the myths surrounding the U.S. "logo map" and overlooked overseas territories, and discuss how a selective understanding of this history impacts our fo…

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General Lord Dannatt on the Korean War | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 47:51

4M ago47:51

47:51

The former head of the British Army, Richard Dannatt, discusses an important war that is often forgotten. Recorded on February 6, 2025.By Hoover Institution

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Canada, Ukraine, and South Sudan, plus Nick Thompson on Undersea Cable Attacks 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

Interview with Nick Thompson on Undersea Cables - 22:20 This week is our second episode with Kelly's new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze the recent conflict in South Sudan and Canadian politics, as well as the …

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Jason Steinhauer on How Historians Must Adapt to Social Media 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

For our fourth episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes author Jason Steinhauer to explore how social media has impacted historical narratives. They dive into the idea of "e-History" and how social media has made it harder for professional historians to cut through the noise in an age where misinformation is constantly competing f…

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Syria, Germany, the G20, and Edward Fishman on Ukraine 1:10:05

4M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Interview with Edward Fishman on Ukarine & Russia - 40:50 This week, Kelly introduces our new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze recent developments in German and Syrian politics and the recent G20 summit in South…

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Strategies for building solidarities for gender justice 44:05

4M ago44:05

44:05

Significant progress on gender equality has been made in past decades, but in recent years gender and sexual rights have become increasingly under threat from a global wave of backlash. In this special podcast to celebrate International Women’s Day, IDS Fellow Deepta Chopra is in conversation with gender experts Myriam Sfeir, Director of the Arab I…

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Katie Stallard on Mythmaking & History in Russia, China, and North Korea 46:41

5M ago46:41

46:41

For our third episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes journalist Katie Stallard to explore how historical mythmaking shapes foreign policy. We examine how Russia, China & North Korea have manipulated national narratives to legitimize their global ambitions and create powerful collective identities. Katie is a senior editor for Ch…

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Omar Mahmood on Somaliland's Political Future 31:30

5M ago31:30

31:30

Interview with Omar Mahmood on Somaliland - 16:40 This week, Kelly sits down with International Crisis Group Senior Analyst Omar Mahmood for an in-depth look at Somaliland's history and quest for international recognition. Before that, he and Freddie discuss Trump's USAID cuts, political turmoil in the Philippines, and Ecuador's presidential electi…

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Margaret Macmillan: Why Does History Matter? 41:18

5M ago41:18

41:18

For our first full episode of Season 8, Kelly is joined by Margaret MacMillan to discuss the importance of history in shaping the behavior of individuals, politicians, and entire societies. Margaret MacMillan is an emeritus professor of History at the University of Toronto and an emeritus professor of International History at Oxford University. She…

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Liana Fix on Germany’s Political Crisis 30:17

5M ago30:17

30:17

Interview with Liana Fix on Germany - 16:00 NOTE: This episode was recorded before the ceasefire in the DRC began to break down. This week, Kelly sits down with Council on Foreign Relations fellow Liana Fix for an update on Germany's political crisis just weeks ahead of the federal elections. Before that, Kelly and Freddie break down the release of…

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Jon Meacham on What Makes a Great President | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 1:05:06

5M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

America’s foremost presidential historian examines the motivations and careers of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George H. W. Bush. Recorded on January 24, 2025.By Hoover Institution

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Season 8 Preview: History and our Current World 4:29

6M ago4:29

4:29

This week, Kelly teases the upcoming season of Diplomatic Immunity, titled "History and our Current World." The new series explores how history shapes foreign affairs—from the lessons of the Treaty of Versailles to the myths fueling conflicts in Ukraine and the South China Sea. Don’t miss our next episode on February 13th, when Kelly interviews ren…

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Evidence for hope: The emerging sustainability revolution 47:34

6M ago47:34

47:34

Understanding and advancing how evidence can be used to inform decisions to improve people’s lives is a crucial priority for IDS. This is especially important for evidence-led solutions that need to balance between social, economic, and environmental domains to achieve sustainability. In this podcast James Georgalakis, Director of Evidence and Impa…

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Mona Yacoubian on Syria: HTS's Rise and Reconstruction Ahead 23:09

6M ago23:09

23:09

Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Syria — 10:57 This week, Kelly interviews Mona Yacoubian from the U.S. Institute of Peace to provide insights into Syria's future, focusing on the rise of HTS, reconstruction challenges, and the role of international actors. Before that, Kelly and Freddie cover the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire a…

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Ayaan Hirsi Ali on the Threat to the West | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 50:53

6M ago50:53

50:53

The bravest of all the free speech campaigners, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, speaks out eloquently on tribalism, Islam, immigration, Trump, her conversion to Christianity, and what it’s like being married to a quite well-known historian.By Hoover Institution

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Richard Fontaine: The Russo-Chinese Alliance & U.S. Foreign Policy 31:38

6M ago31:38

31:38

To kick off 2025, Kelly talks with Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for New American Security, about his new report with the Council on Foreign Relations: No Limits? The China-Russia Relationship and U.S. Foreign Policy. Richard is the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security. Prior to CNAS, Richard was a foreign policy …

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Churchill’s Vicar on Earth | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 49:24

6M ago49:24

49:24

Richard Langworth is the senior fellow at the Hillsdale Churchill Project at Hillsdale College, Michigan, and knows more about Winston Churchill than any person living (including me, annoyingly).By Hoover Institution

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2024: Year in Review with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson 31:33

7M ago31:33

31:33

This week, Kelly looks back on the major events of 2024 with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson. Amy Mackinnon is an award-winning national security and intelligence reporter at Foreign Policy. She has reported from across Eastern Europe and was previously based in Moscow and in Tbilisi, Georgia, as senior editor for the crisis reporting site Coda Sto…

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Navigating uncertainty: Radical rethinking for a turbulent World 58:08

7M ago58:08

58:08

In this podcast IDS Research Fellow Shilpi Srivastava is in conversation with Professor Ian Scoones who talks about the issues in his new book Navigating uncertainty: Radical rethinking for a turbulent World. In the podcast Ian argues that we need to adjust our modernist, controlling view and to develop new approaches, including some reclaimed and …

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Lessons in Diplomacy with Former UK Ambassador Leigh Turner 53:21

7M ago53:21

53:21

This week, Kelly talks with former British Ambassador Leigh Turner about a wide range of topics, from crisis and safety issues facing embassies around the world to how technology is transforming the role of the diplomat, and how he sees European, Russian, and British foreign policy developing in the next few years. Leigh Turner is a writer based in…

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The World View of General James Mattis | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution 53:58

7M ago53:58

53:58

A global tour d'horizon with the former Marine Corps commander and Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis.By Hoover Institution

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