Best Georgetown Security Studies Review Podcasts (2025)

1
Dr. Sophal Ear on the Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire 41:13

Play Pause

7h ago41:13

41:13

Interview with Dr. Sophal Ear: 25:30 This week, Kelly and Tristan examine the backsliding of democracy in El Salvador and analyze the regional implications for President Bukele's political crackdown. They then explore Trump's escalating tariff war with India, which threatens to undermine the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. …

1
Episode 76: Twenty Minutes on Tech with Dr. Daniel Byman 22:30

20d ago22:30

22:30

This episode dives into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and explores how recent trends and developments in the technology continue to transform. This episode also examines the growing challenges of content moderation, as many social media companies continue to scale back their moderation efforts. Peyton Taylor (SSP‘25…

1
CFR's Ebenezer Obadare: Nigeria's Turning Point? 34:27

19d ago34:27

34:27

This week, Kelly talks with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Ebenezer Obadare about Nigeria's growing security and economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu. Ebenezer discusses how the country is facing escalating violence from Boko Haram, growing political instability, and widespread economic hardship. Obadare also highlights Niger…

1
Colombia's Political Instability with Crisis Group's Elizabeth Dickinson 27:28

30d 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…

1
Kelly and Tristen on The UN Turning 80, NATO's Trump Strategy, and US Strikes on Iran 29:30

1M 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…

1
Episode 75: Unconventional Maritime Warfare 34:08

2M ago34:08

34:08

Sea control is more important than ever. With 80-90 percent of the global trade over sea, it is impossible to maintain the current economic order without stability and security of the world's major trading routes. However, more forces than ever are able to destabilize the global maritime network. Whether it is a resurgence in piracy, increased terr…

1
FDR and the Invention of National Security with Andrew Preston 33:54

2M 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 …

1
The Pope's Spies: Yvonnick Denoël on the Vatican's Clandestine Operations 37:33

2M 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-…

1
Will Popular Elections Undermine Mexico's Court System? Plus updates on South Korea, Poland, and the Sahel 48:36

2M 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…

1
Amitav Acharya: Why The International Order Will Survive Western Decline 49:29

2M 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 …

1
Mona Yacoubian on Trump's Middle East Visit 40:11

3M 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…

1
Moisés Naím on Authoritarianism 25:28

3M 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 …

1
Sameer Lalwani on India-Pakistan tensions 37:28

3M 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…

1
Patricia Owens: A History of International Thought without Men 39:18

3M 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 …

1
Remus Ștefureac on Romania’s Election Rerun 41:23

4M 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 …

1
Mélanie Gouby on the Conflict in the DRC 34:52

4M 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…

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

4M 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
Jeremi Suri on History & the Policymaker 30:32

4M 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…

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

4M 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
Alper Coşkun on Türkiye’s Crisis of Democracy 36:12

4M 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…

1
Daniel Immerwahr on America's Hidden Empire 32:53

5M 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…

1
Canada, Ukraine, and South Sudan, plus Nick Thompson on Undersea Cable Attacks 42:30

5M 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 …

1
Jason Steinhauer on How Historians Must Adapt to Social Media 36:00

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

1
Katie Stallard on Mythmaking & History in Russia, China, and North Korea 46:41

6M 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…

1
Omar Mahmood on Somaliland's Political Future 31:30

6M 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…

1
Margaret Macmillan: Why Does History Matter? 41:18

6M 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…

1
Liana Fix on Germany’s Political Crisis 30:17

6M 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…

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

6M 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
Season 8 Preview: History and our Current World 4:29

7M 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…

1
Mona Yacoubian on Syria: HTS's Rise and Reconstruction Ahead 23:09

7M 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…

1
Richard Fontaine: The Russo-Chinese Alliance & U.S. Foreign Policy 31:38

7M 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 …

1
2024: Year in Review with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson 31:33

8M 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…

1
Lessons in Diplomacy with Former UK Ambassador Leigh Turner 53:21

8M 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…

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

8M 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
Ambassador Samuel Ducroquet: Sports Diplomacy After Paris 2024 36:00

8M ago36:00

36:00

This week, Kelly talks with the French Ambassador for Sports, Samuel Ducroquet, about the growing role of sports in diplomatic efforts. Samuel Ducroquet was appointed French ambassador for sport in February 2023. He joined the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2007 as an International Civilian Volunteer at the French Permanent Mission to t…

1
Dan Byman on Israel; updates on Georgian Elections, COP29, and Venezuela 32:25

9M ago32:25

32:25

Interview with Dan Byman on Israel — 14:36 This week, Kelly speaks with Georgetown Professor Dan Byman for an update on Israel and Lebanon, days before a ceasefire was announced in the year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Before that, Kelly and Freddie talk through the recent elections in Georgia and Venezuela, and the negotiations at t…

1
ISD Live: NYT's Edward Wong Receives the 2024 Weintal Prize 1:04:07

9M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

On November 13, ISD Director Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine awarded New York Times correspondent Edward Wong with the Edward Weintal Prize for diplomatic reporting. Ed's lecture, "Empires in Extremis," covers his family's story as it intertwines with the rise of the CCP and Xi Jinping, leading into his own career as a diplomatic correspondent and…

1
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky: U.S. History & the Biden-Trump Transition 22:18

9M ago22:18

22:18

This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky about the history of Presidential transitions, and how the Biden-Trump transition is shaping up. Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky is a presidential historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. Her research focuses on the development of political institutions and political c…

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

10M 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
Tristen Naylor: How is the World Viewing the 2024 Election? 26:27

10M ago26:27

26:27

This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Tristen Naylor, Founder and Managing Director of the geopolitical risk consultancy Diplomatic Solutions, about the outlooks for relationships with leaders in Europe, China, Iran, and other nations, as well as how America’s relationship with multilateral institutions like the United Nations might be impacted by either…

1
Sara Moller on NATO's new Secretary General; updates on Kenya, Tunisia and the Chagos Islands 29:44

10M ago29:44

29:44

Interview with Sara Moller - 13:00 This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through the UK's deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands, the Tunisian presidential election, and Kenya's police mission in Haiti. Kelly then talks with Professor Sara Moller about NATO's new Secretary General Mark Rutte. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly …

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

10M 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
Emma Ashford: Trump vs Harris on Foreign Policy 28:02

10M ago28:02

28:02

For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we’ll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We’ll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect US foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching wit…

1
Stephanie Fillion on UNGA Week; Updates on Israel and the South China Sea 26:14

11M ago26:14

26:14

11:40 - Interview with Stéphanie Fillion This week, Kelly and Freddie discuss recent updates in Israel and the South China Sea. Kelly then talks with Stephanie Fillion, a UN correspondent, about high-level week at the UN General Assembly. Stephanie Fillion is an international reporter who covers the UN from its headquarters in New York City. Her wo…

1
Elizabeth Saunders - Does Foreign Policy Matter in US Elections? 26:45

11M ago26:45

26:45

For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we’ll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We’ll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect U.S. foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching w…

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

1y 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
Myanmar Deep Dive with Richard Horsey 34:15

1y ago34:15

34:15

Kelly speaks with Richard Horsey, Myanmar expert and advisor to the International Crisis Group, for a deep dive into the history of Myanmar's ongoing civil war. Richard is a political analyst and has been a close observer of Myanmar for over 25 years. He specializes in the politics and political economy of the country, as well as armed conflict and…

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

1y 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

1y 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…