Best Georgetown Security Studies Review Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 74: US-Mexico Relations in the Shadow of Fentanyl with Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown Part 2 34:48

16d ago34:48

34:48

Amid President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican products, if Mexico does not curb the flow of fentanyl, this episode dives deep into the complexities of U.S.-Mexico relations and the fight against organized crime. Join host Nelly Hernandez Valdez and policy expert Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown as they explore: Fentanyl …

1
Episode 73: National Security, Fiction, And Wicked Problems 42:39

20d ago42:39

42:39

A wicked problem is a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. In the national security space many of the problems we face are wicked problems. Such problems require creative and unconventional thinkers. Dr. Tammy Schultz believes that fic…

1
Episode 72: Behind the Curtain: U.S. Counterterrorism Policy, October 7th, and the Future Threat Landscape 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

The terrorism threat landscape is an extremely complex phenomenon that evolves on a daily basis. In turn, appropriate solutions and countermeasures are also subject to change. Peyton Taylor (SSP’25) hosts Professor Christopher P. Costa, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) to discuss the broad terrorism landscape that the world faces currently. Costa shares cr…

1
Episode 71: US-Mexico Relations in the Shadow of Fentanyl with Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown Part 1 42:12

5M ago42:12

42:12

Amid President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican products, if Mexico does not curb the flow of fentanyl, this episode dives deep into the complexities of U.S.-Mexico relations and the fight against organized crime. Join host Nelly Hernandez Valdez and policy expert Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown as they explore: Fentanyl …

1
Episode 70: Legislating Artificial Intelligence with Sunny Gandhi and Thomas Woodside 1:06:36

6M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Thomas Woodside and Sunny Gandhi worked on SB1047, a California bill focused on national security and public safety risks from advanced AI systems. We discussed their experiences advocating for the bill, speaking to legislators and industry experts, amending the bill in response to feedback, and reflecting on lessons learned for future AI policy ef…

1
Episode 69: An Introduction to Intelligence Oversight with Dr. Loch K. Johnson 1:01:36

7M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast, University of Georgia and Georgetown University alumna Stephanie Cannon interviews Dr. Loch K. Johnson, Regents Professor Emeritus of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia, to discuss the relationship between Congress and the intelligence community. Loch K. Johnson is Regents …

1
Episode 68: Panel on Civil Military Relations 39:06

9M ago39:06

39:06

On this episode of the Precision Guided Podcast, Max Caplan sits down with three experts on civil-military relations: Dr. Alice Friend, Dr. Michal Robinson, and Dr. Heidi Urben. We discuss what civil-military relations is and the origins of American civilian control of the military. We touch on key topics including how our polarized political clima…

1
Episode 67: Book Talk – The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century 41:53

10M ago41:53

41:53

Podcast host Zach Markenson speaks with the former Combatant Commander for United States Central Command, General McKenzie (R), about his recently published book “The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century.” General McKenzie provides detailed accounts of some of the most consequential recent military operations that he oversaw, inc…

1
Episode 66: Book Talk – Life and Death at Abbey Gate 29:59

10M ago29:59

29:59

The United States withdrew from its two decade-long mission in Afghanistan in the summer of 2021. During the withdrawal, a group of veterans, government employees, and everyday citizens banded together for an extraordinary rescue mission. Armed with nothing but their smartphones, the strength of their networks, and the conviction that no one should…

1
Episode 65: The Year of Democracy and Democratic Backsliding, with Ambassador James B. Story 41:50

11M ago41:50

41:50

Amidst the global wave of democratic elections in 2024, voters in six Latin American countries have already or will head to the polls to decide the future of their countries. Yet, for as much as this year marks an impressive milestone for democracy, emboldened authoritarian leaders and worrying trends in democratic backsliding threaten to derail de…

1
Episode 64: Fact vs. Fiction - WWII Mythologizing and Its Legacy in Ukraine 33:02

1y ago33:02

33:02

The invasion of Ukraine has shone a light on how global leaders leverage historical narratives to suit the political moment. For leaders like Vladimir Putin, the popular memory of World War II is a useful propaganda tool to legitimize its invasion. In this episode, host Ryan Wisowaty sits down with Dr. Aviel Roshwald discusses the legacies of WWII …

1
Episode 63: Shoot for the Moon - Cislunar Security with Kaitlyn Johnson 39:28

1y ago39:28

39:28

As great power competition extends into space, what will be the impact on nations’ behaviors and interests both on and around the Moon? Host Kellsie Herrmann sits down with space policy expert Kaitlyn Johnson, who walks through the political and scientific realities of the cislunar security environment.…

1
Episode 62: NATO at 75 with Professor Stephen Flanagan 47:27

1y ago47:27

47:27

In recognition of NATO’s upcoming 75th Anniversary, please join us for a special episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast featuring Professor Stephen Flanagan, a distinguished figure in the field of transatlantic security and defense. Professor Flanagan sits down with hosts Gareth Smythe and Miriam Pasternak to share his insights on the resilience a…

1
Episode 61: "Elon Musk Does Not Own Outer Space" with Jessica West 33:21

1y ago33:21

33:21

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force, NATO's designation of space as an operational warfighting domain, and rising private sector participation signal a critical juncture. As more nations acquire space capabilities, the outer space domain appears poised to become the next frontier of international insecurity. Nicole Butler (SSP’25) hosts Jessi…

1
Episode 60: Toeing the Line with Spyware 24:17

1y ago24:17

24:17

Spyware threatens encryption and presents unique regulatory and security challenges for governments and citizens worldwide. Host Kellsie Herrmann sits down with Mike Sexton, an expert on technology and security policy at the think tank Third Way and SSP alumnus, to discuss spyware’s risks and opportunities as a surveillance tool with an eye towards…

1
Behind the Article: “La Bérézina: a Frenchman’s Review of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon” by Joseph Lee 37:46

1y ago37:46

37:46

Host Gareth Smythe sits down with Joseph Lee to discuss his recent Georgetown Security Studies Review article La Bérézina: a Frenchman’s Review of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. Gareth and Joseph discuss the legacy of Napoleon in France, Corsica, and abroad, the historical inaccuracies of Ridley Scott’s portrayal, and why it is important to understand th…

1
Episode 58: Highlighting the Overlooked Elements of African Security - Why It Matters in the Era of Strategic Competition 17:51

1y ago17:51

17:51

What is the current state of the African security landscape in the context of great power competition? What is the significance of Africa to China, Russia, and the United States? Host Iku Tsujihiro invites guest Ashliyn Burgos to discuss African security and how the United States can grow its relationship with African nations.…

1
Episode 57: Peloponnesian War and Maritime Security with John Maurer 34:56

1y ago34:56

34:56

To look at the present, it pays to study the past. No past conflict is more foundational to the field of international relations and security studies than the Peloponnesian War. The Peloponnesian War (431 BCE - 404 BCE) was fought between Greek city-states Athens and Sparta. Why is this conflict so studied 2500 years after it took place? We sit dow…

1
Episode 56: Reimagining a More Secure Arctic with Dr. Jeremy Mathis 38:55

1+ y ago38:55

38:55

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly turbulent arena for global geopolitics. Consequences of climate change are rapidly changing the region, sparking more opportunities for global powers to assert territorial claims, promote tourism, and push forward with research - often to the detriment of indigenous populations and the environment. Without any…

1
Episode 55: Imposter Syndrome with Alani Bankhead 40:41

1+ y ago40:41

40:41

Have you experienced feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy, especially after a major life transition like starting graduate school or starting a new job? If so, you could have been experiencing imposter syndrome. Our guest, Alani Bankhead, a career supervisory special agent and professional coach, explains how to recognize imposter syndrome and prov…

1
Episode 54: Book Talk - Power Up with Steven Leonard and Jonathan Klug 40:47

1+ y ago40:47

40:47

Superhero tales captivate us through their exploration of human nature and their reminder of our duty to improve the communities around us. These themes underpin the timely anthology Power Up: Leadership, Character, and Conflict Beyond the Superhero Multiverse, where the iconic Avengers battle scene and ethos of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl offer l…

1
Episode 53: How Domestic Terrorism Hurts America and the World with Bruce Hoffman 36:57

1+ y ago36:57

36:57

During the Global War on Terror after 9/11, the United States frequently criticized other states for exporting extremism. In recent years, however, it is the US that has seen an expansion of far-right extremism spread within its country. As some American allies have designated groups within the United States as terrorist organizations, US-based far…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 8 - Dutch Elections and Implications for Ukraine 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Gareth Smythe sits down with GSSR's Associate Editor for Europe and Central Asia Arjan van Tongerlo to discuss the latest on the war in Ukraine and how Dutch elections, shifting European politics, and the world's focus on the Middle East may impact the progress of Ukraine's fight. We hope you enjoy!…

1
Book Talk: Next War with Colonel (ret.) John Antal 1:07:13

1+ y ago1:07:13

1:07:13

It is evident that the nature of warfare has evolved, as demonstrated by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Exponential technological acceleration is driving much of this change: multi-domain sensors are making the battlespace transparent, long-range precision munitions can accurately hit any observed target, and autonomous weapons can at…

1
Episode 51: Rethinking National Security - The Hunter/Gatherer Theory 57:26

1+ y ago57:26

57:26

In a world increasingly polarized and facing complex challenges like climate change, distrust in institutions, and great power competition, it is vital to move beyond apathy and fear and rethink how we approach security. Kellsie Herrmann (SSP ‘24) hosts Professor Gina Bennett, a renowned former member of the intelligence community with a distinguis…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 7 - Understanding Tripolar Nuclear Deterrence Strategy 35:40

1+ y ago35:40

35:40

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Miriam Pasternak explores the U.S.'s posture on strategic nuclear deterrence and the concept of 'tripolar deterrence’, in light of a recently published Congressional report. Miriam sits down with two guests: Shane Ward, an SSP Master’s student at Georgetown University who focuses on nuclear deterrence in …

1
Behind the Article: "Mobilized, Forgotten, Ignored: Russia’s Control Mechanisms of its Minority Populations Amid the Russo-Ukrainian War" by Nick Lekkas 16:31

1+ y ago16:31

16:31

In a debut format, host Shawn Rostker presents a narrated version of a peer-reviewed journal article from Nick Lekkas, a senior columnist at the Georgetown Security Studies Review and fellow SSP colleague. Nick’s article, titled “Mobilized, Forgotten, Ignored: Russia’s Control Mechanisms of its Minority Populations Amid the Russo-Ukrainian War,” ex…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 6 - Saudi Grand Strategy and Update on Ukraine 42:57

1+ y ago42:57

42:57

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Gareth Smythe sits down with guest Katherine Wells to discuss Saudi Arabia's grand strategy and how they view the current conflict in the Middle East. Next, Miriam Pasternak sits down with Veronika Melkozerova, a Ukrainian reporter for Politico, who has been providing coverage of the war in Ukraine to the…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 5 - AI and AUKUS 39:57

1+ y ago39:57

39:57

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Miriam Pasternak sits down with guest Harrison Durland, a fellow SSP student, focusing on tech and emergent technology, to talk about the recent U.S. export controls on China. After this, host Gareth Smythe sits down with Anna Bassoli, the Associate Editor for the Indo-Pacific at the Georgetown Security S…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 4 - The significance of Donald Tusk’s return 26:33

1+ y ago26:33

26:33

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week’s theme is the Polish elections and the surprising victory of Donald Tusk, a political giant both in Poland and the European Union. Host Miriam Pasternak sits down with Jan Gerber, a fellow SSP student born and raised in Poland. The two discuss how Donald Tusk managed to defeat the current right-winged governme…

1
Episode 50: Going Green or Red? The West’s Reliance on Chinese Renewable Energy with Jeremy Mathis 25:22

1+ y ago25:22

25:22

The global effort for “going green” is creating dependency on Chinese renewable energy because China is dominating the renewable energy market. While moving forward with environmentally friendly energy alternatives is a crucial movement, should the West choose that option even if it means dependency on China? Can the West protect the environment an…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 3 - Understanding the Hamas Attack 27:09

1+ y ago27:09

27:09

This week, hosts Miriam Pasternak and Gareth Smythe sit down with guest Zach Markenson to put the events in Israel and Palestine this past week into historical context. In the episode, Zach sheds light on the prolonged relationship between Israel and Hamas, provides an overview of long-term Israeli policies toward Palestine, and helps unpack the dy…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 2 - Drama in the House and Trouble in the Balkans 37:35

1+ y ago37:35

37:35

Welcome back to SSP Weekly: a new format from Georgetown University’s Precision-Guided Podcast! This week, hosts Miriam Pasternak and Gareth Smythe follow up on the updates since last episode's government shutdown story, and talk about the ousting of House speaker, Kevin McCarthy. Next, we discuss the recent brewing tensions between Kosovo and Serb…

1
SSP Weekly: Episode 1 - US Government Shutdown and Poland v. Ukraine 38:50

1+ y ago38:50

38:50

Welcome to the SSP Weekly: A new format from Georgetown University’s Precision-Guided Podcast, in which our two hosts, Miriam Pasternak and Gareth Smythe, dissect security and foreign policy stories from the week. This week, we are talking about the possibility of a US Government shutdown and its impact on national security, and the Polish-Ukrainia…

1
Episode 49: A New Era For Nuclear Deterrence in Northeast Asia with Dr. Keir Lieber 32:16

1+ y ago32:16

32:16

The DPRK’s nuclear missile program is growing every day. The DPRK has conducted a number of missile tests against the ROK and Japan recently. Does the growing threat of the DPRK’s missile program destabilize the security balance in Northeast Asia? Does China’s nuclear program threaten nuclear non-proliferation in Northeast Asia? Should Japan and th…

1
Episode 48: Connecting Climate, Energy, and Security with Kate Gordon 54:53

1+ y ago54:53

54:53

The destabilizing effects of global climate change represent key security challenges for the United States. These challenges are manifested at both the strategic level, in how climate impacts are fueling global trends like instability and mass migration, and at the tactical level, as climate change threatens critical national security infrastructur…

1
Episode 47: Bringing National Security Insight into the Private Sector with Mark Freedman 53:34

2y ago53:34

53:34

There have never been as many security issues facing American business as there are today. Threats from international insecurity, great power competition, and new tools like cyber and AI that allow malign actors to destabilize from a distance face nations and companies alike. This trend is especially concerning given the outsized private ownership …

1
Episode 46: Book Talk – Major General (ret.) Mick Ryan on White Sun War 55:18

2y ago55:18

55:18

Is a war for Taiwan “winnable” and is it possible for that war to be short? What is the future of pairing humans with AIsystems on the battlefield, and what remains of the enduring nature of war given the state of emerging technology? How effective is the US strategy of “strategic ambiguity” in the face of modern threats to Taiwan? Check out our la…

1
Episode 45: Not Since Nuremberg: Russia’s Theft and Transfer of Ukrainian Children 38:57

2y ago38:57

38:57

Today, host Shawn Rostker speaks with Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, about his lab’s groundbreaking report documenting Russia’s systematic effort to steal and harbor at least 6,000 Ukrainian children throughout the war. They discuss Russia’s network of over 40 facilities, …

1
Episode 44: Exploring the Indo-Pacific Quad Security Dialogue with Mark Seip 47:40

2y ago47:40

47:40

What is the “Quad,” and how does it serve to foster a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region? What are the main strategic challenges and opportunities that the four Quad member nations hope to use the Quad to address? Which country should be included in the Quad to help further the foreign policy goals of the member nations? Check out our latest episode…

1
Episode 43: SSP Alumni Series - Cybersecurity with Mike Sexton 22:34

2y ago22:34

22:34

Join our host, Chris Bull, as he sits down with Mike Sexton to discuss career and life advice for SSPers in the first of a new series with SSP and Georgetown alumni.

1
Episode 42: Part 2 – Dave Diaz’s Ten Keys of Public Service 41:16

2y ago41:16

41:16

Check out Part II of host Gareth Smythe’s discussion with Dave Diaz, currently the Director of a State Department Interagency Task Force and formerly the Director of African Affairs at the National Security Council. Dave and Gareth discuss the role of education in the national security profession and how to successfully create a long-term plan for …

1
Episode 41: Part I – Pulling Back the Curtain on the National Security Interagency Process 45:18

2y ago45:18

45:18

How does the US Government effectively leverage a whole-of-government response to the multi-varied threats posed by US adversaries? What is the US’ greatest strength in working with allies and partners on key security challenges? How does the National Security Council actually work? Check out Part I of our latest episode as host Gareth Smythe sits …

1
Episode 40: Foreign Affairs Journalism in the Age of Podcasting 35:38

2y ago35:38

35:38

Host Shawn Rostker talks with foreign affairs journalist, and SSP alumni, Mark Leon Goldberg about his career in journalism and the field of foreign policy. Mark talks at length about his experience as creator and host of the longest-running independent international affairs podcast, Global Dispatches, and offers insights and advice for anyone inte…

1
Episode 39: The Role of Gender in Conflict 53:58

2y ago53:58

53:58

What role does gender play in conflict? In this episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast, University of Georgia alumni Stephanie Cannon and Kara Joyce interview Dr. Maryann Gallagher, a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs and the director of the Security Leadership Program in the Center for Inter…

1
Episode 38: The Evolution of Journalism in Russia 55:09

2y ago55:09

55:09

In this episode, airing one year after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, our host Miriam Pasternak Jorgensen interviews Jill Dougherty about being a journalist in Russia. What did journalism look like in the Soviet Union? How has Russian media coverage of the war changed throughout the past year? Jill shares her insights as a Russian expert and j…

1
Episode 37: “Somewhere Between a Library and a Tabloid”: The Internet, Disinformation Campaigns, and the Weaponization of Memes with Dr. Joan Donovan 47:14

2+ y ago47:14

47:14

In this episode, Shawn talks to Dr. Joan Donovan, Research Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University. Dr. Donovan specializes in disinformation and media politics. Shawn and Dr. Donovan discuss current social media and the effects of disinformation campaigns in recent history. They also dive into …

1
Episode 36: Talking Terrorism and Leadership with Dr. Elizabeth Grimm 37:36

2+ y ago37:36

37:36

In this episode, host Shawn Rostker talks to Dr. Elizabeth Grimm about her latest book, “Terror in Transition: Leadership and Succession in Terrorist Organizations” co-written with Dr. Tricia Bacon, and dives into the importance of leadership dynamics within terrorist organizations and its relevance to the U.S. national security community. He also …

1
Episode 35: Strategy Making for the Holidays 30:00

2+ y ago30:00

30:00

What is involved in developing a National Security Strategy (NSS)? How do you balance competing priorities and build consensus? Join host, Diva Joshi, and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, Dr. Nadia Schadlow, for a discussion of the 2017 NSS, the current NSS, and advice for future security professionals.…

1
Episode 34: The Impact of Populist Politics in India 37:16

2+ y ago37:16

37:16

How is populism influencing politics in India? Tune in to this episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast as our hosts, Iku and Senju, give an overview of populism in India. The discussion will encompass the early roots of the Hindu-Nationalist movement in India and its connection with the BJP party. The discussion will also look at the present-day po…

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