The Strategerist

Alexandra Hudson is the author of new book The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss the difference between civility and politeness, why civility is a duty of citizenship, and how we can flourish across deep differences.

Hear more from Alexandra on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Related content:

The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves

Governor Spencer Cox currently serves as the 18th governor of Utah and as chair of the National Governor’s Association, where he launched the Disagree Better initiative.

Governor Cox joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh for a conversation about listening, tough discussions, and, yes, disagreeing – and why disagreeing is actually a good thing when done thoughtfully and respectfully.

Hear more from Governor Cox on his time as governor, the importance of civility, and hot sports opinions on the NBA on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Related content: 

The Art of Disagreeing Better with Governor Cox and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

Three George W. Bush Institute experts gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on the state of democracy – both here at home and abroad.

Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow and Executive Vice President for Strategy and Programs at Freedom House Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy Igor Khrestin, and Director of Global Policy Chris Walsh joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an after hours conversation on the rise of authoritarianism and how to instill trust in U.S. democracy.

Hear more from our experts on democracy, foreign affairs, and even a few Christmas movies on this episode of The Strategerist After Hours, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Ambassador Michael Froman served as United States trade representative under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. Today, he’s the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan organization and think tank that aims to help leaders and citizens better understand the world and the foreign policy decisions facing the U.S. and other countries.

Ambassador Froman joined host Andrew Kaufmann and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center Ken Hersh for an insightful discussion on his experiences as a member of President Obama’s cabinet, the benefits of trade, and the dangers of isolationism.

Hear more from Ambassador Froman on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the Bush Center.

General David Petraeus rose the ranks to four-star general in the U.S. Army and led the CIA during his four-decade career in public service.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Jason Galui to discuss his new book, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.” He talked about his time serving our country and protecting our nation’s secrets as well as the lessons he’s learned as a leader during some of our country’s most crucial moments.

Hear more from General Petraeus on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Tim Strong is the head of agriculture finance for Opportunity International, a global nonprofit organization that uses financial services, training, and support to address some of the most pressing challenges facing those living in poverty around the world.  

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss Opportunity International’s mission and the incredible impact they are making in sub-Saharan Africa.

Hear more from Tim on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Related content: 

Opportunity International

David Rubenstein is a philanthropist, lawyer, businessman, and avid historian. Items from his rare collection of U.S. artifacts — including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Federalist Papers, and original works from abolitionists — are on display in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum’s special exhibit, Freedom Matters.

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Bush Museum Director Teresa Lenling to discuss the importance of public access to these key artifacts in order for citizens to learn about our country’s past and create a better future for the next generation of Americans.

Hear more from Mr. Rubenstein on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Related content: 

Buy tickets to visit the Bush Museum's special exhibit, Freedom Matters

Society has long had a fascination with spies. Michael G. Vickers is as close to this world as anyone, having served as a Green Beret, an operator in the CIA, and a national security policy maker during some of the most pivotal moments in recent U.S. history. 

He joined host Andrew Kaufmann for a live recording in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum Store to discuss his book, By All Means Available, a vivid account of his life in intelligence, special operations, and strategy. 

Listen as Dr. Vickers discusses his remarkable career and the lessons he’s learned along the way on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

Related content:

By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy

Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of KIND Snacks, envisions a world with more kindness and empathy. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Daniel strives to channel business and citizenry toward building bridges rather than conflict.

Daniel joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss his civic movements OneVoice and Starts With Us, as well as his family’s journey, the current situation in Israel and Gaza, the importance of pluralism, and his love of magic on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

Related content: 

Presidential Leadership Scholars 

The George W. Bush Presidential Center recently welcomed a very special guest: the first first lady of the United States, Martha Washington.

Mrs. Washington shaped our country and the role of the first lady in the 18th century. The Nation Builders at Colonial Williamsburg, like Katharine Pittman – who was actually here portraying Mrs. Washington – work to ensure her impact and those of other key historical figures live on today through engaging, well-researched, and historically accurate experiences. 

Host Andrew Kaufmann spoke with Katharine who, as Mrs. Washington, talked about her experience as the first lady in a newly formed country, the hardships and joys that come with public service, and her important role in post-Revolutionary War politics. 

We also discuss Katharine’s passion for history and her journey to becoming a Nation Builder at Colonial Williamsburg on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.