The IWP Podcast

Terrorists Never Sleep, but Neither Do Soccer Moms

In this episode, Professor John Tsagronis interviews Kelley DeConciliis, a highly experienced professional in the fields of national security, intelligence, and international affairs. DeConciliis serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and is also an Adjunct Professor at the school. She shares her fascinating background, including her work in areas like evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, as well as her insights on balancing a demanding career with family life.

Guest: Kelley DeConciliis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and Adjunct Professor

Guest Host: John Tsagronis, Professor of Statecraft and National Security Affairs; Former Senior Director for Policy Implementation and Execution on the National Security Council Staff

Main Topics Discussed:

DeConciliis' background and how she got into the field of national security and intelligence (00:01:25)

Her experiences with evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, including specific examples (00:03:05)

The challenges of being a woman in national security and the importance of mentorship (00:04:01)

DeConciliis' new course at IWP on "The Fog of War" and the practical lessons she aims to impart to students (00:23:01)

DeConciliis' personal journey, including overcoming setbacks and failures, and how they have shaped her (00:31:27)

DeConciliis' involvement with the Institute of World Politics and the Spy Museum (00:49:08)

Where to Find Kelley DeConciliis:

Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/kelley-deconciliis/

Where to Find Professor John Tsagronis:

Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/s-john-tsagronis/

In this episode, Professor Glancy discusses his teaching at IWP, the importance of understanding political warfare and economic statecraft, and the strategic challenges facing the United States in competition with adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Key topics include:

Glancy's courses at IWP on propaganda, political warfare, economic statecraft, and forecasting/risk analysis (00:01:19 - 00:02:46)

The need to relearn political warfare capabilities after the Cold War (00:03:32 - 00:04:40)

Challenges of confronting adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia that have strategic approaches to political warfare (00:04:56 - 00:07:54)

Potential for a "grand bargain" with Russia and the unlikelihood of such an approach succeeding (00:14:28 - 00:18:15)

Concerns about foreign interference in US elections and the limited impact of past efforts (00:31:38 - 00:37:41)

Debate over whether the US remains the "indispensable country" amid relative economic and military decline (00:38:49 - 00:43:41)

Where to Find the Guest:

David Glancy's faculty profile: www.iwp.edu/faculty/david-glancy

Where to Find the Host:

Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at IWP

IWP podcast: www.iwp.edu/podcast

This podcast episode features a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Sara Vakhshouri, an expert on energy security and an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics (IWP). The discussion covers a wide range of topics:

-The Need for a Comprehensive U.S. National Energy Security Strategy

-The National Security Implications of Rapidly Growing Electricity Demand

-Navigating the Energy Trilemma: The Need for Diversification

-Renewable Energy: The Necessity of a Balanced Approach

-Energy Access and Equity: Ensuring Fair Distribution and Availability

The discussion also includes the close connection between energy and national security, the challenges of balancing energy security, sustainability, and affordability, the ineffectiveness of sanctions on Russia's energy exports, the interconnection between energy and food security, and the need for a balanced approach to energy that utilizes a variety of sources. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Vakhshouri, emphasizes the importance of a bipartisan, long-term national energy strategy that provides continuity and stability, rather than the radical shifts in policy that have occurred between administrations.

Where to Find Dr. Sara Vakhshouri:

- Institute of World Politics: [https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/sara-vakhshouri/]

Where to Find Host Jim Robbins:

- Institute of World Politics: [https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/]

Guest: Professor John Quattrocki, distinguished background in the FBI, DNI, the NSC, and the private sector, as well as being one of the most popular IWP professors for 13 years.

In this episode, Professor Quattrocki discusses the history and evolution of counterintelligence policy in the U.S. government, covering topics such as:

- The origins of the counterintelligence review process in the early 2000s, starting with PDD-75 under the Clinton administration (00:01:02)

- The impact of 9/11 on the counterintelligence review and the shift in focus to counterterrorism (00:16:16) 

- The lack of consensus among senior policymakers on the definition and role of counterintelligence (00:23:54)

- The challenges of resourcing counterintelligence efforts compared to the scale of the threat (00:31:05)

- The importance of offensive and strategic counterintelligence, beyond just counterespionage (00:37:18)

- The distinction between recruitment of foreign agents and the use of double agents (00:43:04)

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Where to Find Professor Quattrocki:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/john-j-quattrocki/

Where to Find Host Jim Robbins:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/

Guest: Ambassador David Miller, Former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania and Zimbabwe, President of the Diplomatic Studies Foundation

Guest Host: Prof. Glenn Corn, 34-year Veteran of the U.S. Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Communities

In this episode, Ambassador Miller discusses his storied career in the U.S. government and private sector, including his time serving in Vietnam, as a U.S. ambassador in Africa, and at the Department of Justice and National Security Council. He also talks about the mission and work of the Diplomatic Studies Foundation, which he co-founded to improve training and preparation for U.S. diplomats and foreign policy professionals.

Main Topics Discussed:

- Ambassador Miller's background and career path, including his time in Vietnam and as a U.S. ambassador (00:03:03 - 00:08:12)

- The importance of proper training and preparation for diplomats and foreign policy professionals (00:01:13 - 00:02:26)

- The Diplomatic Studies Foundation and its "Peace Games" program to better prepare country teams for overseas deployments (00:14:52 - 00:25:25)

- The need for stronger collaboration between the U.S. government and private sector on foreign policy and national security issues (00:25:02 - 00:26:00)

- Reflections on effective presidential leadership and the sacrifices made by foreign policy families (00:27:00 - 00:52:55)

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Where to Find Ambassador Miller:

- Diplomatic Studies Foundation: https://www.usdiplomaticstudies.foundation/

Where to Find Our Guest Host, Glenn Corn:

- https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/

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Key References and Resources Mentioned:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP)

- Hamlet Evaluation System (HES) in Vietnam

- Tet Offensive in Vietnam

- White House Fellows program

- Westinghouse Corporation

- National Security Council (NSC)

- U.S. Department of State

- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

- International Crisis Group (ICG)

- Ronald Reagan's leadership style

Podcast Show Notes

Guest: Dr. Anne Bradley, Professor at the Institute of World Politics and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Fund For American Studies

In this episode, Dr. Anne Bradley discusses her new monograph "The Political Economy of Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the War on Terror." She shares her personal experiences studying terrorism and working in counterterrorism at the CIA, as well as her economic perspective on the causes, costs, and strategies for mitigating terrorism.

Key Topics Discussed:

- [00:00:24] Dr. Bradley's background and inspiration for studying terrorism

- [00:05:02] How economic conditions contribute to the rise and perpetuation of terrorism

- [00:09:40] Effective counterterrorism strategies beyond just reducing government size

- [00:15:37] The massive financial costs of the "War on Terror" and the need for more efficient approaches

- [00:19:47] The impact of globalization on terrorism and the importance of economic development

- [00:28:44] The evolving role of technology and finance in terrorist activities and counterterrorism efforts

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Where to Find Dr. Anne Bradley:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/anne-rathbone-bradley/

- The Fund For American Studies: https://tfas.org/staff/anne-bradley/

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Key Terms & References:

- Al Qaeda

- 9/11 attacks

- Costs of War Project (Brown University)

- OPEC

- Cryptocurrency and terror finance

- Property rights and economic development

- Role of NGOs in development

In this episode of The IWP Podcast, Jim Robbins and his guest, Al Santoli, explore the value of the scholar-practitioner model at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), where faculty have both academic credentials and practical experience in national security and foreign policy. Professor Santoli, discusses his own background and involvement with IWP, highlighting the importance of instinct, intuition, and real-world experience that practitioners can bring to the classroom. He also shares his experiences working in the Philippines, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and community-based initiatives to build peace. Finally, Santoli explains how he translates his practical experiences into his teaching at IWP, emphasizing the importance of introspection, character development, and preparing students for productive careers in national security and related fields.

Podcast Show Notes

Guest: Al Santoli, professor at IWP, president of the Asia America Initiative, New York Times best selling author and Pulitzer nominated author

This episode explores the value of practical experience in national security education, drawing on Al Santoli's extensive background as a practitioner in fields like counterterrorism, refugee work, and conflict resolution.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Al Santoli's background and experience prior to joining IWP (00:00:31 - 00:04:18)

- The founding of IWP and its "scholar-practitioner" model (00:04:41 - 00:08:18)

- The importance of having practitioners in academia (00:09:41 - 00:16:30)

- Al Santoli's work with the Asia America Initiative in the Philippines (00:27:09 - 00:46:45)

- Translating practical experience into the classroom at IWP (00:46:59 - 00:54:33)

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Where to Find Al Santoli:

- Asia America Initiative: https://www.asiaamerica.org/

- IWP Profile: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/al-santoli/

Where to Find the Host:

- IWP Website: https://www.iwp.edu/

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Key References and Concepts:

- "Scholar-practitioner" model of education

- General Edward Lansdale and his work in the Philippines

- Studs Terkel and the "oral history" approach

- Counterterrorism work in the Philippines

- Conflict resolution and community-based development

- Maslow's hierarchy of needs

- Martial arts philosophy of "winning without fighting"

This episode of The IWP Podcast provides an overview of the situation in Ukraine, focusing on the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in the occupied territories. Elina Beketova shares her personal experiences and insights into the tactics used by Russia to control and influence the local population, particularly the youth, as well as the various forms of resistance and defiance against the occupation. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by Ukraine and the international community in addressing the crisis and the need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to deter Russia's aggression and support Ukraine's efforts to regain control of its territories.

Podcast Show Notes

Guest: Elina Beketova, Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

Elina Beketova is a distinguished fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) where she has made significant contributions through her insightful articles on critical issues affecting Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Born and raised in Crimea, Elina has worked as a journalist, editor, and TV anchor in Ukraine before moving to the United States to work with CEPA.

Main Topics Discussed:

- Elina's experiences growing up in free Crimea and the changes after Russia's illegal occupation in 2014 (00:01:39)

- The tactics Russia uses to brainwash and indoctrinate youth in occupied areas of Ukraine (00:06:59)

- Examples of resistance and defiance against the Russian occupation in Crimea and other regions (00:14:36)

- Potential strategies for reintegrating Crimea and other occupied territories back into Ukraine after liberation (00:24:37)

- Challenges in getting the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support to counter Russia's aggression (00:43:39)

Where to Find:

- Elina Beketova: [https://cepa.org/author/elina-beketova/]

- Host Jim Robbins: [https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/]

Key References:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP): Private independent graduate school of national security and international affairs in Washington, DC (00:00:00)

- Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA): Think tank focused on Central and Eastern Europe (00:00:43)

- Crimea: Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 (00:01:39)

- Unarmia and Movement of the First: Russian propaganda youth organizations operating in occupied Ukraine (00:13:20)

- Filtration centers: Checkpoints where Russia detains Ukrainians in occupied territories (00:17:40)

- Ateš: Alleged Ukrainian partisan movement operating in Crimea (00:19:52)

- National Resistance Center: Ukrainian military body coordinating partisan activities (00:22:36)

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This episode of the IWP Podcast features a discussion on the threat of globally networked terrorism and the potential risks to events like the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The host is Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), an accredited graduate school of National Security Intelligence and International Affairs.

• Recent arrests of suspected terrorists from Tajikistan who entered the U.S. through the southern border [00:00:39 - 00:01:34]
• Warnings from U.S. officials about the rising threat of international, domestic, and state-sponsored terrorism [00:02:16 - 00:04:43]
• Concerns about terrorist threats to major events like the Boston Marathon, Cricket World Cup, and 2024 Paris Olympics [00:05:33 - 00:08:03]
• The need for increased preparedness and vigilance to prevent a major terrorist attack in the U.S. [00:08:03 - 00:08:31]

Host:

• Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP)
• Website: iwp.edu

Summary: In this episode of the IWP podcast, hosted by Jim Robbins, the discussion centers around the concept of red lines in international affairs, specifically focusing on the recent events involving the White House, Israel, and Gaza. The episode delves into how setting red lines can impact credibility, referencing historical examples like President Obama's red line on chemical weapons in Syria and President Johnson's troop limits during the Vietnam War.

Topics discussed:

The obsession of the White House press corps with President Biden's red lines for Israel and Gaza.

The ambiguity and consequences of setting red lines in international relations.

Comparisons with past instances of red lines being drawn and the subsequent credibility challenges faced by administrations.

The impact of setting arbitrary limits, like troop ceilings during the Vietnam War, on public perception and credibility.

The self-inflicted wound of the Gaza red line dispute for the current administration and its implications for future events and narratives.

References:

Institute of World Politics (IWP): iwp.edu