Carnegie Council Podcasts

Author and journalist Peter Godwin was born and raised in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). In this gripping talk he untangles his country's complex and tragic history, and shows us the arc of President Mugabe's brutal career.

For generations, American universities have been educating students in the Middle East. President of Lebanese American University Joseph Jabbra makes an impassioned case for the American values that students absorb in these institutions, such as tolerance, philanthropy, and service.

In every sector of American society, civility has declined, according to recent polls--from vicious political rhetoric to attacks in the blogosphere and lack of personal decency. How can the media play a positive role in restoring civility?

Pakistan expert Anatol Lieven unravels Pakistan's troubled and complex relationships with the U.S., Afghanistan, the Taliban, and its own army--and adds a special note on what bin Laden's death means for U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Japan's recent tsunami and nuclear disaster have devastated its fishing industry. Fish are at the heart of Japanese culture, yet worldwide stocks of wild fish are in drastic descent. Should there be a push to revive this occupation or should Japan be trying to grow new industries?

Author Alexis Madrigal examines the history of green technologies in America and shows how they have been entangled with culture, ethics, and government policies.

Economic models were the basis for crucial practical decisions that led to the 2008-09 financial crisis. Yet government bailouts remain controversial because free market advocates see intervention as wrong. Do you agree with the need to manage markets? Or should the economy be guided only be the "invisible hand"?

Prepare to be challenged and entertained! The inimitable Simon Schama discusses American politics, past and present, and gives an impassioned defense of the importance of "the general welfare"--rather than rugged individualism--at the heart of the American Constitution.

Scott Belsky's mission is to organize and empower creative professionals. "There's so much talk about how to be more creative, but there isn't enough discussion about the execution side of the equation--how can individuals and teams better execute and follow through on their ideas."

In the aftermath of popular uprisings in the Middle East, Western aid-donors are confronted by a difficult dilemma. Should they work with anti-democratic or politically extreme domestic groups? Is excluding some parties in the name of democracy justified?