Carnegie Council Podcasts

Creating a successful strategy is not just a question of being cleverer than your opponent. Sir Lawrence Freedman lays out some cardinal rules: think about how you are going to endure; have empathy with those whom you want to work with you, but also those who might oppose you; and be able to form coalitions.

Ian Buruma makes a compelling case that many of the modern triumphs, such as the European Union, the United Nations, and Japanese pacifism, as well as some of the world's unresolved conflicts in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, all took root in 1945, that fateful year of retribution, revenge, suffering, and healing.

As the U.S. moves toward a major overhaul of its immigration system, many of those most significantly affected are being left out of the debate--not just illegal immigrants already in the U.S., but also anyone who might ever want to come. The same is true everywhere immigration is being debated. Arash Abizadeh thinks all those outsiders deserve a say.

Are we on the brink of a new era in Iran-U.S. relations? Maybe. Iran expert Gary Sick discusses President Rouhani's UN speech, which took place just before this event, plus previous missed opportunities and the current possibilities of rapprochement. While condemning the regime, he sees an opening for constructive negotiations.

The great wave of illegal immigration to the United States is over, says Edward Schumacher-Matos. Our real challenge now is what to do with those 11–12 million people who are here illegally but who are part of our communities--and this is not only a legal issue but an ethical one.

The Internet is "a global free fire zone," yet it is illegal for companies to hack back against cyber attacks--although rumor has it that many are doing so. How much of the responsibility to protect their assets should rest with the private sector and how much with the government? This expert panel explores these difficult legal and ethical questions.

Created and armed by Iran, Hezbollah's reach stretches around the world, including inside the United States. Matthew Levitt traces its terrifying activities and discusses how Iran/Hezbollah might retaliate in response to a U.S. strike on Syria.

Stephen Emmott's short, bold manifesto asks the world to wake up and recognize that not only are the problems we face increasingly interconnected--including energy, climate, food, and water--but that the connection is us.

Roberts discusses his book on Sri Lankan statesman Lakshman Kadirgamar, who fought against the terrorism of the Tamil Tigers and was assassinated by them in 2005. Roberts also answers questions about the legacy of colonialism and about his work and thoughts on civil resistance and nonviolence.

As Ethiopia continues construction on the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, Egyptian officials are worried about their water supply. Does Ethiopia have the right to affect another state's water? Should Egypt use military options if its supply is diminished?