Smart Women, Smart Power
CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies
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CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power is a speaker series on women in international business and global affairs. The weekly podcast features leading women from the corporate, government, and national security worlds discussing top international issues. This podcast series is made possible with support from Citigroup.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Sep 20, 2023
Domestic Terrorist Groups and Natural Disasters
SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Paden Tranter interviews Glitterpill Co-Founder and Chief Intelligence Officer Samantha Kutner for a discussion on the role and history of domestic extremist groups in natural disaster relief responses.
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Sep 13, 2023
Congress is Back: Where does Ukraine Support Stand?
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a discussion on their recent travels throughout Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. They also discussed where Ukrainian assistance stands, as Congress is back in session.
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Sep 6, 2023
Chasing Liberties: Balancing Individual Rights and Digital Privacy
SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. On this episode, Girl Security scholar Kennedy Solaru sits down with CSIS Strategic Technologies Program Fellow Caitlin Chin for a discussion on the various challenges facing the national security community, including the issue of technology privacy and its impact on individual rights.
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Aug 30, 2023
On the Road in Ukraine
While traveling on a delegation throughout Ukraine, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a compelling conversation on the current state of the region, as well as key questions the United States should be considering moving forward.
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Aug 9, 2023
A Conversation with GEN Laura Richardson on Security Challenges in Latin America
On August 4th, General Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army, 32nd Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sat down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, and Kari Bingen, Director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project for a discussion on her priorities within the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), which includes parts of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Additionally, General Richardson discussed how SOUTHCOM is approaching challenges facing this strategic region, including the People’s Republic of China’s growing presence and influence; counternarcotics operations; maritime domain awareness; space; and more.
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Jul 5, 2023
We’re on a Summer Break!
The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a summer break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back soon!
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Jun 28, 2023
The Pentagon Puzzle
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. The pair discussed the Pentagon’s organizational design in an era of rapidly developing and complex threats.
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Jun 21, 2023
Academia vs. the Policy World
Dr. Kathleen McInnis spoke with Dr. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. Together they discussed their decision to leave the academic world for the policy world. Plus, they discussed what's going on in the nuclear space!
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Jun 14, 2023
“Employee No.1” in Homeland Security
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley Davis, founding Partner of West Front Strategies LLC and former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security. The pair discussed Ashley’s experience in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, including her role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
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Jun 7, 2023
How to Strike a Deal
Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Judith Batty, former Senior Counsel at ExxonMobil and interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. She discussed her dynamic career as a deal lawyer, from navigating the corporate world to serving as the first Black woman leader of Girl Scouts of the USA.
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May 31, 2023
The Hollywood Episode
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with writer and producer Chris Levinson for a candid conversation on the relationship between Hollywood and Washington D.C.
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May 24, 2023
Why Male Allies Matter
We are doing something a little different on the podcast today – we are joined by our first-ever male guest! Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Donald Steinberg, the former U.S. Ambassador to Angola, among countless other roles. Ambassador Steinberg discussed his role in the 1994 Angola Peace Accords and how the decision to exclude women ultimately led to the failure of the peace process.
Additionally, Ambassador Steinberg discussed Mobilizing Men as Partners for Women, Peace, and Security (MAWS), which argues that men must be part of the solution when it comes to implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
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May 17, 2023
Crunching the Numbers: Mathematician to CEO
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mollie Breen, CEO and Co-Founder of Perygee, for a discussion on how her STEM background has influenced her leadership style. Additionally, the pair discussed her former roles in creating and leading teams to strengthen military strategy and critical infrastructure at the National Security Agency and Pentagon.
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May 10, 2023
Mental Resilience: Deploying Tech for Navy SEALS
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shannon Clark, Senior Vice President, Federal, R+D at Palantir Technologies, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Shannon discussed her role in deploying technology to help navigate mental resilience for U.S. Navy SEALS.
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May 3, 2023
The Establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Ambassador Dobrianksy discussed the establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council during the George W. Bush administration.
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Apr 26, 2023
On the Ground in Iraq
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Principal to Principal, for a conversation on her time working on the ground in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, they discuss her experience in problem-solving and crisis communications.
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Apr 19, 2023
A Practical Approach to Migration
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Amy E. Pope, U.S. Candidate for Director General at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for a powerful conversation on her approach to migration, and her decision to run for IOM Director General.
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Apr 12, 2023
The Only Woman on the Abraham Accords Team
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Morgan Ortagus, the former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Morgan walked us through her role in the historic Abraham Accords, and more!
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Apr 5, 2023
A Conversation with Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
On April 4, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the U.S. Coast Guard’s growing presence beyond America’s immediate maritime borders, including in the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. Additionally, the pair discussed Admiral Fagan’s approach to leadership, recruitment, and retention within the force.
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Mar 29, 2023
A Conversation with Gayle E. Smith on Global Health Security
On March 22, Gayle E. Smith, the CEO of the ONE Campaign, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed Gayle’s role in leading the U.S. effort to end the global Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, they discussed her priorities at the ONE Campaign, including her take on hard and soft power and how it interrelates with gender.
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Mar 22, 2023
Nerding Out on NATO
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, for an insightful conversation on her role in adopting NATO’s first Climate Change and Security Agenda. In addition, the pair discussed the incorporation of human security, the protection of civilians, and gender within NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept.
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Mar 15, 2023
Inflection Points: Denmark's Response to the War in Ukraine
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, Christina Markus Lassen, on her extensive career in the Danish Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the conversation includes a deep dive into Danish’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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Mar 8, 2023
Rethinking Humanitarian Aid with Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA
On March 6, Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed how CARE USA has worked to rally the global community to respond to recent humanitarian crises holistically, from the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Covid-19, and the recent deadly earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, to the growing hunger crisis around the world.
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Mar 2, 2023
A Conversation with HON Christine E. Wormuth, 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army
On March 1, the 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army, HON Christine E. Wormuth, sat down with CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the Defending Democratic Institutions Project, Suzanne Spaulding, for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the priorities of the United States Army as the institution prepares for this era of geopolitical uncertainty, as well as Secretary Wormuth’s approach to leading the largest branch of the United States military.
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Feb 22, 2023
A Mission in Mali: Tanks in the Sky
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Julie Callacott, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command Assistant Chief of Staff Support, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Colonel Callacott described her experience as a Task Force Commander for the Canadian Airfield opening team in Mali, which included her role in landing a C-17 on an untested, newly constructed and expanded runway.
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Feb 15, 2023
Come One, Come All: Gender Neutrality in Sweden’s Conscription
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Captain Jenny Ström, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Naval Warfare Flotilla in the Swedish Navy, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Captain Ström discussed her former role as Head of the Recruitment Branch in the Training Department of the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters, where she focused on recruitment and retaining females within the Swedish Armed forces with reintroduced gender-neutral conscription. #HFX2022
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Feb 8, 2023
The Super Bowl Episode: Women in the NFL
On January 27, the President of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sandra Douglass Morgan, sat down with CSIS Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the International Security Program Emily Harding for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the rise of women in the National Football League (NFL) and Sandra's former role as chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Feb 1, 2023
Uncovering the Uyghur Genocide
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Kelley Currie, former Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Ambassador Currie discussed her role in discovering the horrific genocide taking place in China against the Uyghur community. #HFX2022
Please note this episode contains subject matter relating to human atrocities, including but not limited to comments on genocide, torture, and forced sterilization. Listener discretion is advised.
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Jan 25, 2023
Crisis Coordination on Christmas
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Captain Erin Williams, Commanding Officer, USCG Activities Far East, United States Coast Guard, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Captain Williams described the aftermath of a tug hitting Bligh Reef two days before Christmas during an ice scouting mission for tank vessels transiting Prince William Sound. #HFX2022
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Jan 18, 2023
Afghan Women and the Fall of Kabul
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum with Kamila Sidiqi, an Afghan entrepreneur and former government official. The pair highlighted Kamila’s innovative work and discussed the resilience of Afghan women in the country today.
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Jan 11, 2023
The Special Forces of Trade and Development
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Enoh T. Ebong. Director Ebong discussed her role and priorities at USTDA, in addition to her role in approving grant funding for a feasibility study that supported the development of solar-powered microgrids in Zambia.
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Jan 4, 2023
How Service Can Save Us
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. The pair discussed the global fight against organized crimes and drug trafficking, including the trafficking of women. In addition, they discussed the outcomes of the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs, hosted on December 15, 2022.
Please be advised this episode includes a discussion on sexual violence, human trafficking, and rape.
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Dec 14, 2022
Looking Ahead: The NATO Alliance
On December 13, as part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, Dr. Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO. The pair discussed the future of the NATO alliance, and the current situation in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Finland and Sweden’s succession to NATO.
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Dec 7, 2022
Ukraine Is Fighting for All of Us
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum with Maryna Baydyuk, Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown University, and co-founder of United Help Ukraine. The pair discussed the work of the charitable non-profit organization United Help Ukraine, which provides medical and humanitarian support, as well as the critically important non-lethal resources the Ukrainian defense needs to drive back the invading forces and protect innocent lives.
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Nov 30, 2022
The Information Space is On Fire
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lisa Kaplan, the founder of Alethea, a company designed to help organizations navigate the new digital reality and protect themselves against disinformation. This conversation took place at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum, where the pair discussed the current landscape of the information space, including social media, among other things.
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Nov 23, 2022
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Arms Control
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed Ambassador Jenkins’ priorities in the State Department, including her work on arms control, and the power of diplomacy. #HFX2022
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Nov 16, 2022
The 2022 National Defense Strategy
Dr. Mara E. Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, joined host Kathleen McInnis for a conversation on the newly released 2022 National Defense Strategy, including the focus on the urgent need to sustain and strengthen deterrence with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the pacing challenge.
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Nov 9, 2022
Navigating Byzantine Bureaucracies: Capitol Hill and the Pentagon
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis talks with the Honorable Erin C. Conaton, former Under Secretary of the Air Force, and former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The pair discussed the Hon. Conaton’s time on the Hill and in the Pentagon, including her work to get the Air Force’s Next Generation Strategic Bomber, the B-21, approved as part of the Department of Defense’s Program of Record.
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Nov 3, 2022
The Future of U.S. Cyber and Infrastructure Security
On November 1, the CSIS Strategic Technologies Program hosted Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jen Easterly for a conversation on the future of U.S. cyber and infrastructure security, including CISA’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025. This conversation was moderated by Suzanne Spaulding, and Smart Women, Smart Power is delighted to share this timely and critical conversation with our audience.
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Oct 26, 2022
We’ll See You Next Week!
The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a fall break this week to refresh and recharge. We’ll see you next week!
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Oct 19, 2022
Mental Health and National Security
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with President of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) Amy Gilliland for a conversation on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. In addition, they discussed how creating a people-first environment influences innovation.
Please note this episode contains subject matter relating to mental health and the topic of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
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Oct 12, 2022
Russia’s Operations in Ukraine
On October 3rd, as part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, Emily Harding, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow of the International Security Program, sat down with the Honorable Celeste Wallander, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, for an update on Russia’s operations in Ukraine.
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Oct 5, 2022
Figuring Out What the World Will Look Like in 2030-2050
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Phyllis J. Wilson for a discussion on her participation on the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group. During her time in this group, Phyllis worked to understand what the future operating environment would be like in 2030-2050. Today, Phyllis is the President of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
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Sep 26, 2022
Business Leaders and International Affairs: A Conversation with Ambassador Silverberg
As a part of our Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Kristen Silverberg, President and COO of the Business Roundtable and former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. The pair explored the many roles – formal and informal – business leaders play in international affairs.
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Sep 7, 2022
Gender, National Security, and the Capitol
In this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth King, Majority Staff Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee. The pair discussed her role on the Hill over the years, including the extent to which women bring a new perspective to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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Aug 24, 2022
We’ll Be Back in September!
The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a break this week to refresh, recharge and get ready for an exciting lineup of guests this fall. They’ll be back to you in September with insights from the leading women in national security.
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Aug 10, 2022
A Conversation with Canadian Minister of National Defence Hon. Anita Anand
In April, Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Honorable Anita Anand, Canadian Minister of National Defence. The pair discussed a variety of issues important to Canadian defense policy including: Canada’s military posture amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, defense in the Arctic, and the importance of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). In addition, they discussed Minister Anand’s priority to ensure cultural change in the Canadian military.
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Jul 27, 2022
Covering the Fall of Kabul: The View from the Newsroom
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lara Seligman, a defense reporter at POLITICO, where she covers the Pentagon. The pair discussed her fruitful career in journalism, in addition to her experience reporting on the fall of Afghanistan in 2021.
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Jul 13, 2022
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: An Insider’s View
In this episode, Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shelly O’Neill Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for BAE Systems, Inc, for a conversation on her incredible career. The pair discussed Shelly’s time in government before joining BAE Systems, including her role in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” while the Special Assistant to the President from 2009 to 2011.
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Jun 29, 2022
Rescuing Heroes: The White Helmets in Syria
Host Kathleen McInnis was joined by Erin Clancy, Public Policy Manager for Strategic Response Policy at Meta and formerly a Political Advisor and Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State. Together they discussed Erin’s involvement in rescuing the White Helmets out of Syria in 2018, as well as what it’s like to be out in national security. #PrideMonth
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Jun 15, 2022
Should Women Be in the Selective Service?
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Honorable Shawn G. Skelly, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, for a conversation on her role as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). In addition, she discussed her decision to endorse the recommendation to require women to register for the Selective Service System while serving as a commissioner on the National Commission for Military, National, and Public Service.
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Jun 1, 2022
A Diplomat in South Sudan
Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Elizabeth Shackelford, Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, about her time as a Foreign Service Officer in South Sudan. Together, they looked at her role in extending the United Nation’s patrol and protection of women against South Sudanese security forces.
Please be advised this episode includes a conversation on violence against women and rape as a weapon of war.
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May 19, 2022
The Reality in Ukraine
In this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sits down for a candid conversation with MP Galyna Mykhailiuk, a Member of the Ukrainian parliament, and Sevgil Musaieva, Editor-in-Chief of Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s largest online newspaper. The discussion is an in-depth look at the reality on the ground in Ukraine, from horrific war crimes to humanitarian catastrophes.
Content Warning: There are conversations in this episode that are difficult to listen to as they discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, war crimes, and humanitarian catastrophes.
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May 4, 2022
Welcome, Dr. Kathleen McInnis!
In this episode, Suzanne Spaulding officially passes the Smart Women, Smart Power (SWSP) microphone over to the new director of SWSP, Dr. Kathleen McInnis. But first, Suzanne discusses Kathleen’s fruitful career, her vision for the future of SWSP, and the other work she is planning on tackling while at CSIS.
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Apr 20, 2022
Rebuilding Public Trust in the Courts
Suzanne Spaulding was joined by Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker for a conversation on Elizabeth’s incredible career path serving in the CIA, NSA, and the State Bar of California, among other leadership roles. In addition, they discussed public trust in the justice system, as well as what it means to be a mentor.
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Apr 15, 2022
A Conversation with Dr. Stacey Dixon, PDDNI
CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Dr. Stacey Dixon for a discussion on the greatest intelligence challenges facing the world today. In addition, the PDDNI discussed her remarkable career path, how the IC is being positioned for the future, as well as how they are promoting competitiveness and innovation.
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Mar 30, 2022
Digital Crimes, Democracy, and Diversity in Cyber
In the final episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding sat down with Girl Security scholar Amanda Kay and Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit Assistant General Counsel Kemba Eneas Walden. The group discussed diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field, digital crimes, and more.
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Mar 23, 2022
Cyber Defense on an International Stage
In the third episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding shared the microphone with Girl Security scholar Kelly Huang who interviewed cybersecurity professional and dual Harvard Georgetown MPP/JD Candidate Winnona DeSombre. The group discussed cyberattacks and defense, as well as different pathways to a career in cybersecurity.
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Mar 16, 2022
Gender-Climate-Security Nexus
In the second episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding is joined by Ilinca Drondoe, Girl Security Scholar, and Molly Kellogg, Gender, Climate and Security Advisor at the United Nations Environment Program. The group discusses the intersection of climate, gender, and security, as well as steps to take to get more involved in climate action.
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Mar 10, 2022
A Conversation with the Honorable Michèle Flournoy
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Suzanne Spaulding was joined by the Honorable Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, for a conversation on gender equality and sustainability challenges. In addition, they discussed her participation in an unofficial delegation to Taiwan amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the role China is taking on during this crisis.
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Mar 2, 2022
The Life of a Diplomat
In the first episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding is joined by Girl Security scholar Rachel Rochford and retired career diplomat Ambassador Laura Kennedy. The group discusses past and present international relations issues, the role of Foreign Service Officers, and Ambassador Kennedy’s incredible career path.
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Feb 23, 2022
The Gravity of Cybersecurity
This week we partnered with #SharetheMicInCyber, where Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Zinet Kemal, Associate Cloud Security Engineer at Best Buy and author of a new children’s book, “Oh, No…Hacked Again!” and Juliet "Jules" Okafor, CEO and Founder of RevolutionCyber. They discussed what led them to the cybersecurity field, their legal backgrounds, the work they do today, and more.
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Feb 10, 2022
China’s Recent Headlines
China continues to make headlines, from the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China-Russia relations, and the humanitarian crisis in the Xinjiang region to the future of Taiwan. Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Dr. Bonny Lin, senior fellow for Asian security and director of the China Power Project at CSIS, where they discussed these headlines in more depth.
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Jan 26, 2022
The Power of Bipartisanship
Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), whose work focuses on strengthening America’s civilian-led tools — development and diplomacy — alongside defense. The pair discussed the work of the coalition, the role of the U.S. in foreign policy issues, and the value of bipartisanship.
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Jan 13, 2022
The 2022 Defense and Security Outlook
Strategic challenges from Russia and China, the one-year anniversary of January 6, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic set the stage for the defense and security outlook of 2022. Christine Brazeau hosts the next-gen women associates of the CSIS International Security Program, Rose Butchart, Catrina Doxsee, Devi Nair, and Makena Young, for a conversation on national and international security challenges ahead in the new year.
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Dec 15, 2021
Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022: Same Challenges Ahead?
On the end of the year episode, host Suzanne Spaulding spoke with CSIS experts Dr. Katherine Bliss, Rachel Ellehuus, and Marti Flacks on security and foreign policy challenges the world faced in 2021, from the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines to the fall of Kabul, as well as what to expect in the upcoming year.
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Dec 8, 2021
Beverly’s Farewell
Beverly Kirk says farewell to the Smart Women, Smart Power podcast as she departs CSIS in December after five years as the podcast's host. We are excited to announce the new interim director of Smart Women, Smart Power, Suzanne Spaulding. Suzanne is currently a senior adviser for homeland security and director of the Defending Democratic Institutions project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). We hope you'll stay tuned as we continue to bring you powerful, in-depth conversations with women leaders from around the globe.
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Dec 1, 2021
Innovation, Leadership, and Diversity in the Military
In the ninth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with U.S. Air Force Colonel Jenise Carroll who is currently the Commander of the 75th Air Base Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The pair discussed her innovative work with community leadership near the base to provide affordable housing for military families, as well as her work on diversity and inclusion.
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Nov 17, 2021
The Rules-Based Order & Global Stability
In the eighth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with U.S. Army Reserves Major Asha Castleberry-Hernandez who is currently a senior advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department. The pair discussed defending democracy abroad, strategic competition in the Middle East, and how the United States should engage in the region.
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Nov 3, 2021
Reimagining America with LtCol (ret.) Amy McGrath
In the seventh episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with retired U.S. Marine Corps LtCol Amy McGrath, who has dedicated her life to public service, from the battlefield to running for public office. She discussed her new book “Honor Bound,” the lessons she has learned as a military officer turned politician, and her work on leadership development for women with a military or service background.
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Oct 20, 2021
Breaking Barriers, Repairing Retention
In the sixth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with two of CSIS’s Military Fellows – Army Colonel Danielle Ngo, who most recently served as Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Office of the Inspector General, and Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Macander, former Battalion Commander of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. They discussed breaking barriers, the need for reform to retain more women service members, and what they hope to achieve during their time at CSIS.
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Oct 6, 2021
A Conversation with Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks
CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks. She is the first Senate-confirmed woman in the position. The pair discussed current global security issues, including Afghanistan and China. In addition, they discuss her prioritization of innovation in defense, where she is focusing on small businesses, climate change, tech, and DEI issues.
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Sep 30, 2021
Work Smarter: The Power of Remote Work
In the fifth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with Lauren G. Weiner, Ph.D., and Donna S. Huneycutt, J.D., the founders of WWC Global. It’s a woman-owned management consulting firm that has prioritized remote work since 2004, allowing it to hire lots of military spouses and veterans. They discussed how a remote workforce can be successful and why it’s an important option for those who serve.
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Sep 22, 2021
Challenge Accepted: Leading During a Crisis
In the fourth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with Brigadier General Paula Lodi, Deputy Commanding General (Support) US Army Medical Command; Colonel Kirsten Aguilar, Commander, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), and the 673d Air Base Wing; Army Reservist Major Asha Castleberry, currently Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department; and Dr. Samantha Weeks, a retired Air Force Commander, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The group discussed how to lead during a crisis, most recently with the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as their hopes for the next generation of leaders.
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Sep 15, 2021
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Modernization
In the third episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Lt Gen Mary O’Brien, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, and retired Marine LtGen Lori Reynolds, the former Deputy Commandant for Information and former Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command. They discussed the push to modernize intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, better known as ISR.
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Sep 8, 2021
The Evolution and Future of War in Air and Space
In the second episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk is joined by retired Air Force General Lori Robinson, former Commander USNORTHCOM and NORAD, and Major General DeAnna Burt, Commander, Combined Force Space Component Command, U.S. Space Command and Vice Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force. The group discussed the evolution of air and space operations and the warfighting domain.
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Sep 1, 2021
A Mission to Mars: A Conversation with Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri
CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, the UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed her historic work leading the Hope spacecraft mission to orbit Mars, which took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as international space cooperation, and her role as a leader for women working in science. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Aug 30, 2021
Diplomatic Lessons of the Cold War
Host Beverly Kirk spoke with Dr. Diana Villiers Negroponte, the author of “Master Negotiator,” which covers the career and legacy of former Secretary of State James Baker. We discussed the role he played in maintaining international order at the end of the Cold War and the lessons in diplomacy from that era that apply to today's global issues.
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Aug 25, 2021
Belonging, Inclusion, Battles Still Not Won
In the first episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk is joined by retired Air Force Colonel Mo Barrett, Marine Reservist Major Lindsay Rodman, and retired Navy Commander Amanda Stahlschmidt. The group discussed their journey to belonging and thriving in the military as women and some of the challenges they faced.
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Aug 20, 2021
Afghanistan: Bullets, Backlash, Blame Games, Women & Girls
Host Beverly Kirk talks to former Naval Intelligence Officer Lyla Kohistany and CSIS Senior Fellow Emily Harding about the collapse of the Afghan military, the Taliban takeover, and the impact on Afghan women and girls.
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Aug 13, 2021
Future Strategy Forum: Technology in a Changing IR Landscape
Ms. Rachel Tecott spoke with the winners of the Kissinger Center’s Janne Nolan Prize competition, Dr. Jane Vaynman, Dr. John Emery, and Ms. Saher Naumaan at the 2021 Future Strategy Forum. The panel discussed their winning essays that covered topics ranging from emerging technology to political-military war gaming, and surveillance issues in the modern era.
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Aug 11, 2021
U.S. National Security Policy in the Indo-Pacific: A Conversation with Senator Duckworth
CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed her role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. national security in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the Senator’s recent visit to the region. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Jul 29, 2021
Future Strategy Forum: Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Weapons
Beverly Kirk was joined by Rose Gottemoeller for the closing keynote at the Future Strategy Forum 2021, where they discussed technologies and nuclear weapons. Rose Gottemoller served as the Deputy Secretary General of NATO from 2016 to 2019. Currently, Ms. Gottemoeller is a Payne Distinguished Lecturer at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute, as well as a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution.
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Jul 14, 2021
Hypersonic Renaissance
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Erin Kocourek, Senior Director of Requirements and Capabilities at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, for a conversation on the United States’ efforts to build up hypersonic offensive and defensive capabilities. Additionally, they discuss the shortage of hypersonic engineering talent in the U.S., and the efforts being made to strengthen the industry.
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Jun 30, 2021
Future Strategy Forum: Emerging Technologies and Statecraft
Panel Two at the Future Strategy Forum 2021 focused on emerging technologies and statecraft. Camille Stewart, Ginny Badanes, Christie Lawrence, and Sanne Verschuren discussed the ways in which emerging technologies are shaping interstate interactions across the spectrum short of kinetic action, from statecraft and diplomacy to information operations. This panel was moderated by CSIS Senior Adviser Suzanne Spaulding.
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Jun 16, 2021
Tackling Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine for a conversation on the Biden Administration’s vaccine roll-out plan. They discussed vaccine hesitancy, new Covid-19 variants, and vaccine distribution and access. Additionally, they discussed Dr. Levine’s historic appointment as the first Senate-confirmed, openly transgender federal official.
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Jun 2, 2021
Investing in Good with Jean Case, CEO of the Case Impact Network
Smart Women, Smart Power Director Beverly Kirk spoke with Case Impact Network CEO and National Geographic Chair Jean Case for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed Jean’s work on redefining capitalism and making it more inclusive as well as why she is so committed to ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to invest in good. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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May 26, 2021
Future Strategy Forum: Emerging Technologies and Warfighting
Panel One at the Future Strategy Forum 2021 focused on emerging technologies and warfighting. Evanna Hu, Dr. Nina Kollars, Dr. Ulrike Franke, and Julie George discussed the ways in which emerging technologies are shaping the battlespace and changing the nature of warfare. This panel was moderated by MIT PhD candidate Sara Plana.
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May 25, 2021
Future Strategy Forum: Opening Remarks with Anne Neuberger
Anne Neuberger, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, recorded opening remarks for the 2021 Future Strategy Forum, where she shared her expertise on national security and technology, as well as her outlook for the future.
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May 12, 2021
Europe’s Post-Brexit Financial System
Kristine Braden, Citi Europe Head and CEO Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG in Frankfurt, Germany discusses how financial companies are setting up operations around Europe following Brexit and the implications for U.S. businesses. She also talks about the European Central Bank’s potential plans for digital currencies.
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May 5, 2021
Gender Equality and Sustainability in Panama with Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes
CSIS Senior Associate, Nina Easton, CSIS Senior Vice President, Dan Runde, and Smart Women, Smart Power Director, Beverly Kirk joined together for a conversation with the Foreign Minister of Panama, Her Excellency Erika Mouynes. The group discussed gender equality, the Panama Canal, and sustainability in Panama. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Apr 21, 2021
Space as a Warfighting Domain
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Kaitlyn Johnson, Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Fellow in the International Security Program, for a conversation about her recent reports on space threats, space as a warfighting domain, and the counterspace capabilities of countries around the world. Read “Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space: Protecting Space Systems from Counterspace Weapons” here and “Space Threat Assessment 2021” here.
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Apr 7, 2021
Cyberattacks in the Time of Remote Work
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Miriam Wugmeister, Partner at Morrison & Foerster and Co-Chair of its Global Privacy and Data Security Group, for a conversation about some of the digital issues the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light, from cyberattacks and ransomware to privacy breaches.
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Mar 24, 2021
Worst-Case Scenarios: 9/11 to Covid-19
In the final episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Carolina Permuy and former CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence Carmen Medina. The group discusses issues of justice, mercy, and transparency in the intelligence community and why decision-makers should change the way they think about worst-case scenarios.
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Mar 17, 2021
SWSP x Girl Security: Covid-19, Biothreats, and Biodefense Policy
In the third episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Sruthi Katakam and Johns Hopkins University health security scholar Dr. Gigi Gronvall. The group discusses the holes in U.S. biological policy revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of dual-use biotechnologies in strategy and policy.
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Mar 12, 2021
The Women Who Took on ISIS with Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Host Beverly Kirk spoke with author and journalist Gayle Tzemach Lemmon for a special event in honor of International Women’s Day. They discussed her new book, The Daughters of Kobani, which tells the story of the young women who served as America’s partner in the fight against ISIS. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Mar 10, 2021
SWSP x Girl Security: Diversity in National Security
In the second episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Hannah Barrett and CSIS’s Director of the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program Nicole Aandahl. The group discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the national security space.
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Mar 3, 2021
SWSP x Girl Security: Patriotism vs. Nationalism
In the first episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Meaghan Burnes and AEI’s Dr. Kori Schake. The group discuss the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and how the events of January 6, 2021 will shape this question in America.
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Feb 24, 2021
Inside Army Matter's ArmyRealTalk
Beverly Kirk is joined by fellow podcast hosts Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs and LTC Brittany Lloyd, AUSA’s Army fellow, for a discussion of Army Matter’s ArmyRealTalk podcast which focuses on issues of interest to next-gen soldiers, leaders, and their families.
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Feb 18, 2021
The 2021 Defense and Security Outlook
The next-gen women scholars of the CSIS International Security Program take over the podcast to discuss the national and international security challenges ahead for the new Biden administration. This conversation is hosted by Christine Brazeau and features Emma Bates, Suzanne Claeys, Catrina Doxsee, Grace Hwang, Devi Nair, Simone Williams, and Makena Young.
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Feb 10, 2021
Defense in the 21st Century with Northrop Grumman Chairman, CEO, and President Kathy Warden
CSIS Senior Associate, Nina Easton spoke with Kathy Warden, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Northrop Grumman for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed defense in the 21st century, including the impact of Covid-19 on business and women in STEM and defense. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Jan 27, 2021
The Gender Multiplier Effect
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Andrea Conner, CEO of Stevenson Conner Global Strategies and the immediate past president of ATHENA International. They discuss how the gender multiplier effect improves the lives of women globally through economic empowerment leading to healthier families, stronger communities, and a thriving economy.
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Jan 13, 2021
The Future of American Democracy
Suzanne Spaulding, director of the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions project, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th and its impact on the future of America’s democratic institutions.
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Dec 16, 2020
Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021: Same Challenges Ahead?
Host Beverly Kirk spoke with CSIS experts Sarah Ladislaw and Stephanie Segal along with Laura Kupe, Counsel on the House Homeland Security Committee. They discussed all of the security and foreign policy challenges facing the world in 2020 and what to expect in the upcoming year.
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Dec 9, 2020
Tech Security, Innovation, and Amazon
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Teresa Carlson, vice president of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Worldwide Public Sector. They discuss current tech trends, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on innovation, and her efforts to support women in tech.
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Dec 2, 2020
Exports, Imports, Jobs, and Covid
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Kimberly Reed, president and chairman of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. They discuss what EXIM bank does, how it’s helping companies create jobs in America, and the impact of Covid-19 on the U.S. economy.
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Nov 18, 2020
The Future of 5G
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Bonnie Glick, the former Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The pair discuss USAID’s digital strategy, the future of 5G in emerging markets and the threat of Huawei, and the role USAID plays in contributing to global network security.
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Nov 13, 2020
Election 2020 Aftermath with Dana Perino
Beverly Kirk spoke with Dana Perino, anchor of The Daily Briefing, co-host of The Five on FOX News Channel, and former White House Press Secretary for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed the outcome and aftermath of the 2020 election, its potential impact on U.S. national security, foreign, and domestic policy, and her advice for starting a career in Washington. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Oct 21, 2020
Global Maritime Security
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, Pacific Area Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard, about Arctic security, the threat of illegal fishing to maritime security, and Coast Guard operations and readiness during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Oct 7, 2020
Investing in Women in the Workplace
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Charity Wallace, Managing Director of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), about how the 2X Women's Initiative's investments are empowering women economically and helping their businesses survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Sep 23, 2020
Vote Girl Vote
Host Beverly Kirk talks to "Vote Girl Vote" co-founder Kate Howard about her organization's effort to tell the stories of all the women who fought for the right to vote so that they are not lost to history.
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Sep 16, 2020
Combating the Opioid Crisis in West Virginia
Nina Easton, CSIS senior associate (non-resident) moderated a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic in West Virginia and the impacts of Covid-19. She spoke with West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice, Elaine Wynn, Board Chair, Communities in Schools, and Michele Blatt, West Virginia Deputy Superintendent of Education. This conversation is part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series sponsored by Citi.
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Sep 2, 2020
PONI Pathbreakers: The Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime
On the final episode of the PONI Pathbreakers series, host Beverly Kirk talks with Ambassador Susan Burk, former Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Dr. Rebecca Davis Gibbons, assistant professor of political science at the University of Southern Maine and associate at the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard’s Belfer Center. They discuss the future of the Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and their trailblazing careers in the nuclear community.
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Aug 26, 2020
PONI Pathbreakers: All Things Arms Control
On the fourth episode of the PONI Pathbreakers series, host Beverly Kirk talks with Rose Gottemoeller, the former deputy Secretary General of NATO and Heather Williams, a lecturer in the Defence Studies Department and Centre for Science and Security Studies at Kings College London, about the future of arms control treaties and the impact current events have had on the relationship between the United States and its allies.
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Aug 19, 2020
PONI Pathbreakers: Breaking the Nuclear Glass Ceiling
On the third episode of the PONI Pathbreakers series, former Sandia National Laboratories Director Jill Hruby and Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden, Senior Engineer in the National Security Analysis Department at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab talk about being pioneers in their careers, nuclear proliferation, and great power competition.
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Aug 12, 2020
PONI Pathbreakers: The Role of Congress in Nuclear Policy
On the second episode of the PONI Pathbreakers series, host Beverly Kirk talked about the role of Congress in nuclear policy with Madelyn Creedon and Augusta Binns-Berkey. They also discussed their careers and how nuclear policy fits into broader domestic issues. Madelyn is a part-time research professor of International Affairs and Chair of the Nuclear Security Working Group at George Washington University and a non-resident senior fellow at Brookings. Augusta is currently a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. The views expressed in this episode do not reflect those of their respective institutions.
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Aug 5, 2020
PONI Pathbreakers: The Cyber-Nuclear Connection
On the first episode of the PONI Pathbreakers series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with Erin Dumbacher, senior program officer for the Scientific and Technical Affairs program at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, and Suzanne Spaulding, senior adviser for homeland security and director of the Defending Democratic Institutions project at CSIS. They discussed cyber deterrence and nuclear security, and their career experiences in a rapidly changing field. You can learn more about Erin’s work at NTI here and Suzanne’s work at CSIS here.
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Jul 31, 2020
The 19th Amendment 100 Years Later: A Conversation with Valerie Jarrett
Valerie Jarrett, board chair of When We All Vote; co-chair of The United State of Women; and senior advisor to former president Barack Obama, spoke with Beverly Kirk about the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the importance of political participation, especially among young voters, and the changing tides of gender equity in America. This conversation is part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series sponsored by Citi.
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Jul 29, 2020
Women in Leadership in British Defense
Host Beverly Kirk chats with British Army veteran Angela Owen, founder of Women in Defence UK, about the importance of female representation and gender balance in Britain’s defense community, how her organization is engaging individuals and challenging businesses to achieve these goals, and how the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting the British armed forces and defense sector.
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Jul 22, 2020
Benghazi and Turkey: Lessons in Government Crisis Management
CSIS senior scholars Dr. Alice Hunt Friend and Shannon Culbertson discuss lessons learned as government officials dealing with the 2012 Benghazi attacks and the 2016 attempted coup in Turkey.
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Jul 8, 2020
Future Strategy Forum: Covid-19 and Democracy and Governance
CSIS senior adviser Suzanne Spaulding hosted the discussion on how the pandemic and global responses will impact democracy, privacy, and trust in government across the world. The panelists were Ms. Camille Stewart Esq. (New America), Dr. Lainie Rutkow (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) and Dr. Susanna Campbell (American University). Watch the full event here.
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Jul 1, 2020
Future Strategy Forum: Covid-19 and Grand Strategy
Host Beverly Kirk moderated the discussion on how and why this pandemic might change how the United States approaches its foreign policy, relations with allies and competitors. The panelists were Dr. Jennifer Bouey (RAND), Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper (Stephen A. Schwarzman Senior Fellow for Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations), and Dr. Kori Schake (American Enterprise Institute). Watch the full event here.
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Jun 25, 2020
The Global Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Women
Host Beverly Kirk moderated a virtual Smart Women, Smart Power event with Jen Klein and Rakeen Mabud of TIME’S UP and Rachel Vogelstein of the Council on Foreign Relations. The group discussed how women are disproportionately affected by Covid-19, and how response efforts and policies need to incorporate a whole of society approach. This event was sponsored by Citi.
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Jun 17, 2020
Future Strategy Forum: Covid-19 and the Military
CSIS senior fellow Alice Hunt Friend hosted the 2020 Future Strategy Forum discussion on Covid-19's impact on military readiness, ongoing operations, and civil-military relations, including the use of the military in domestic crises. The panelists were Dr. Risa Brooks (Marquette University), Ms. Pam Campos-Palma (former U.S. Air Force), Ms. Mackenzie Eaglen (American Enterprise Institute), and Dr. Mara Karlin (Johns Hopkins University SAIS and Brookings Institution). Watch the full event here.
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Jun 3, 2020
Future Strategy Forum: Covid-19 and National Security with the Hon. Michèle Flournoy
The Honorable Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, joined CSIS’s Hon. Kathleen Hicks, PhD for a virtual keynote discussion during the 2020 Future Strategy Forum. The pair discussed the security issues surrounding Covid-19 from China and North Korea to disinformation campaigns.
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May 27, 2020
Partners, not Proxies, in Hybrid Warfare Environments
CSIS's Melissa Dalton, Counterpart International's Mehreen Farooq, and Laura Rosenberger of the German Marshall Fund discuss the need for the U.S., Canada, and their allies to develop a more coherent strategy for security partners in conflict situations. The CSIS project on Capacity Building in Hybrid Environments is made possible by the generous support of Canada’s Ministry of Defence.
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May 6, 2020
Covid-19 and Girls: Lessons from Ebola
Christen Brandt, co-founder and Chief Programs Officer of She’s the First, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss how Covid-19 is impacting girls around the globe. They discuss the parallels with the Ebola crisis and what lessons learned can be applied today, and why this issue must be prioritized by the international community.
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Apr 24, 2020
Covid-19 and Cities: Challenges and Cooperation
Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Amb. (ret.) Nina Hachigian joined host Beverly Kirk to talk about the challenges cities face in the Covid-19 pandemic, and why cooperation is a key component of response efforts. They also discuss how the pandemic is impacting national security and the role of women in security issues.
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Apr 15, 2020
Disaster Lessons in Cybersecurity
Host Beverly Kirk chats with Neill Sciarrone, founder of Trinity Cyber, about the importance of emerging technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and why cybersecurity has to be a priority during national emergencies and natural disasters.
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Apr 1, 2020
U.S. Strategic Defense in Cyberspace
Cyberspace Solarium Commissioners Suzanne Spaulding and Dr. Samantha Ravich discuss the commission's recommendations aimed at helping the U.S. protect itself from cyberattacks.
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Mar 25, 2020
Coronavirus, Quarantines, and Global Health
CSIS Global Health Policy Center Senior Fellow Katherine Bliss talks with host Beverly Kirk about her coronavirus quarantine, her work on GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, and lessons learned during GAVI's development that may be useful as the world grapples with COVID-19.
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Mar 18, 2020
Avoiding Gender-Blind Decisions In Infrastructure
Host Beverly Kirk sat down with Grete Faremo, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS). They discussed how gender-blind infrastructure around the world can sometimes hinder gender equality and what UNOPS is doing to make sure infrastructure projects are designed with women in mind.
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Mar 4, 2020
Leadership in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Three CIA Deputies
In celebration of International Women's Day, Smart Women, Smart Power hosted a conversation with three CIA Deputies: Dawn Meyerriecks, Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology; Betsy Davis, Deputy Director of CIA for Support; and Sonya Holt, Deputy Associate Director of CIA for Talent for Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Beverly Kirk moderated the discussion which highlighted how leadership at the CIA has changed, the Agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how the Agency will lead in the 21st century.
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Feb 12, 2020
Marines on the Information Battlefield
Host Beverly Kirk talks with USMC LtGen Lori Reynolds, Deputy Commandant for Information and Commander of the Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command, about how the Marines are improving their readiness for information warfare and adjusting their strategies for operation in the information environment.
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Jan 29, 2020
Let’s Get More Girls in Security
Girl Security founder Lauren Buitta joined host Beverly Kirk to talk about how her organization has empowered hundreds of young women to join the national security field. Erin Connolly and Meaghan Burnes, two young women who have gone through the Girl Security mentorship program, joined the conversation to share what they’ve learned through the program.
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Jan 16, 2020
The Future of Commercial Space
Col. Pam Melroy (USAF, ret.) joined us for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation on innovation and the role of government in commercial space. Moderated by Nina Eason, Col. Melroy also discussed the importance of international partnerships and collaboration in space.
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Jan 13, 2020
Brexit – A Complicated Transition
Brexit is on track to happen on January 31, 2020. Dr. Amanda Sloat from Brookings discusses the United Kingdom’s complicated transition out of the European Union with host Beverly Kirk.
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Jan 8, 2020
Why We Still Need NATO
Rose Gottemoeller, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss the importance of international alliances, NATO’s dedication to gender equity, and her experience as a lead negotiator for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
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Dec 18, 2019
Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020: Same Challenges Ahead?
Host Beverly Kirk sat down with CSIS experts Kathleen Hicks, Sarah Ladislaw, and Stephanie Segal to discuss the year’s security and foreign policy hot topics and what we might expect in the coming year. We talk everything from China, climate, and trade to populism, technology, and U.S. leadership on the global stage.
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Dec 4, 2019
Crisis Response and the Prioritization of Women and Girls
Janet Fleischman, CSIS Senior Associate (Non-resident) in the Global Health Policy Center joined host Beverly Kirk for a conversation about her latest report, which examines why women and girls’ health and protection should be a top priority in emergency and international crisis situations. It also looks at U.S. policy on global health security.
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Nov 20, 2019
Brave and Bold Heroes: The Kung Fu Nuns Story
Konchok and Migyur are Kung Fu Nuns from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism in Nepal. They and Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Carrie Lee joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss Kung Fu’s role in promoting gender equality in the Western Himalayas. They also discussed their work on the environment and as first responders following the 2015 earthquake.
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Nov 13, 2019
Venture Capital, Social Impact and STEM Ed
Dr. Barbara Burger, president of Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), joined guest host Melissa Dalton to discuss how CTV operates and how its work is impacting communities. They also discussed the importance of STEM education and finding allies.
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Nov 7, 2019
Bipartisan Roadmap for Syria-Turkey Conflict
Syria Study Group co-Chair Dana Stroul and Commission member Melissa Dalton discuss the group’s findings, the state of the Syria-Turkey conflict following the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and international influence in the region.
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Oct 23, 2019
Foreign Aid and International Affairs Spending
House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) joined us for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation on foreign aid and international affairs spending. Moderated by Nina Easton, the pair also discussed why it’s important to invest in women and girls worldwide.
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Oct 9, 2019
NatSecGirlSquad Talks Competent Diversity
NatSecGirlSquad Founder Maggie Feldman-Piltch explains how the group’s commitment to women in security and defense extends beyond career advice and networking and why “competent diversity” is key to inclusion in the defense and security sector.
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Sep 25, 2019
Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality
This panel discussion looked at progress being made toward achieving gender equality in developing countries and the challenges women and girls still face. The conversation features moderator Beverly Kirk and guests Zoe Dean-Smith, Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana, Johanna Nesseth Tuttle, and Astri Kimball Van Dyke.
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Sep 11, 2019
Women, Combat, and Selective Service
CSIS non-resident Senior Associate Monica Medina joined Beverly Kirk to discuss progress being made regarding women in military combat roles. She also talked about a court ruling from earlier this year that said excluding women from Selective Service registration is unconstitutional. That court decision is being appealed.
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Aug 28, 2019
Women Helping Women in National Security
Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss how she navigated her career in the State Department and how her organization, Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security, is helping to increase the number of young women in the field.
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Aug 21, 2019
Failing Faster to Succeed
Liz Smith, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands and deputy chair of the Atlanta Fed, joined Beverly Kirk to talk about the importance of embracing your failures in the workplace, learning the lessons, and moving on quickly. They also discussed her mission of creating gender parity on corporate boards.
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Aug 7, 2019
Bankruptcy Courts and National Security
Cyber & Tech Attorney Camille Stewart talks with host Beverly Kirk about how U.S. adversaries access sensitive national security technologies and intellectual property through bankruptcy proceedings. They also discuss what’s being done to better protect information when companies fail.
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Jul 25, 2019
Security and Foreign Policy in Campaign 2020
The Smart Women, Smart Power Speaker Series hosted three Washington-based journalists for a conversation on how security and foreign policy issues will influence the upcoming campaign cycle. Moderated by Beverly Kirk, the panelists were Susan Glasser of The New Yorker, Jennifer Griffin of FOX News, and Lara Seligman of Foreign Policy.
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Jul 17, 2019
The Importance of International Institutions
A panel discussion of benefits and challenges in using international institutions as a tool of statecraft. The conversation features Dr. Esther Brimmer, Heather Conley, Naima Green, Dr. Kristina Spohr, and Dr. Mischa Thompson and was held at the Future Strategy Forum in April 2019.
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Jul 3, 2019
Nepal Earthquake Recovery Four Years Later
After an earthquake devastated Barpak, Nepal in 2015, Maya Pandey, a Virginia high school student born in Nepal, raised money to build a learning center to give Barpak students a place to study while their schools were rebuilt. Maya talks with Beverly Kirk about the process of building and sustaining the learning center and about how she’s also giving back to her community in Virginia. This episode is part of our Smart Girls, Smart Power series.
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Jun 19, 2019
Educating Girls: Building Kenya’s Future
Beverly Kirk talks with Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya about starting a school to educate young girls in her Kenyan hometown and keeping them out of forced early marriages. Two of her students also join the conversation to talk about their aspirations and goals.
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Jun 5, 2019
Why Women are a Smarter Investment
Katie Kaufman, Managing Director for Global Women’s Issues at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), spoke with SWSP host Beverly Kirk about the 2X Women’s Initiative and why investing in women entrepreneurs is profitable.
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May 22, 2019
China-U.S. Trade: The British View
Dame Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to China discusses the current Washington-Beijing trade spat and its implications for the U.K. and the rest of the world. She also talks about 21st century diplomatic challenges and how most are related to China.
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May 8, 2019
Great Power Cooperation in the 21st Century
The first panel from this year’s Future Strategy Forum started with a conversation on great power cooperation and its impacts in the 21st century. The panelists were Meg Guliford, Lindsey Ford, Dr. Angela Stent, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Dr. Irene Wu.
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Apr 24, 2019
Bombshells and Smart Women Talk Security
RAND’s Radha Iyengar Plumb, CNAS’s Loren DeJonge Schulman (two of the Bombshell podcast hosts), and CSIS’s Alice Hunt Friend discuss mentoring young women (and men) and what it’s like to be leading women in international affairs and national security.
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Apr 10, 2019
ISIS and Mission Accomplished Déjà vu
New York Times Foreign Correspondent Rukmini Callimachi discusses her career covering terrorists and war zones and explains why ISIS remains a threat despite its loss of territory.
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Apr 4, 2019
The Future of Statecraft with Ambassador Susan Rice
Ambassador Susan Rice joined the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power program and the Kissinger Center for Global Affairs for a keynote discussion at the Future Strategy Forum conference on April 2, 2019. She sat down with Dr. Kath Hicks for a conversation on her career path and her insights on the current and future use of statecraft in the world.
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Mar 13, 2019
How the Peace Corps is Helping Women
Dr. Jody Olsen, Peace Corps Director, joined us here at CSIS for a conversation in celebration of International Women’s Day. She spoke with series moderator Nina Easton about the importance of the Peace Corps as a development agency and its work on women’s economic empowerment.
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Feb 27, 2019
Taking Risks and Being Fearless
Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation, discusses her new book “Be Fearless” and shares stories of ordinary people around the globe doing extraordinary things to change the world.
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Feb 13, 2019
And Slow It Goes: Puerto Rico’s Recovery
Dr. Maria Melendez, Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico, discusses post-Hurricane Maria rebuilding efforts on the island and how federal funding has been slow to arrive.
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Jan 31, 2019
Rape as a Weapon of War
Former Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga joined us at CSIS for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation with moderator Nina Easton to discuss her efforts to bring justice to women and men victims of sexual violence during the Kosovo War.
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Jan 17, 2019
Preventing Radicalization in France with Muriel Domenach
Muriel Domenach, Secretary General of the French government’s Inter-ministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalization sat down with host Beverly Kirk to discuss how France is implementing radicalization prevention programs that target vulnerable young people.
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Jan 2, 2019
One Woman’s Story: Smashing an Oil Industry Glass Ceiling
Kim McHugh, Chevron Vice President of Drilling and Completions chats with Beverly Kirk about being the first woman in the energy industry to hold her job, how she encourages young women to pursue STEM careers, and why she strives for “work-life integration,” not “work-life balance.”
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Dec 19, 2018
How Saudi Women are Leveraging Online Businesses
2018 Eisenhower Fellow Wafaa AlAshwali, CEO and Co-Founder of Serviis, a Saudi Arabia-based digital platform and local marketplace, talks to host Beverly Kirk about how her company and others like it are opening up new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in her country. She also discusses the Saudi Vision 2030 plan and efforts to include more women in the workforce.
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Dec 7, 2018
The U.S.-German Relationship
Emily Haber, German Ambassador to the United States, joins Beverly Kirk on the Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast for a conversation about migration, integration, and the importance of a strong relationship between the U.S. and Germany.
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Nov 21, 2018
Security and Technology in the Air
Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President for Technology and Chief Digital Officer, United Airlines, joins Beverly Kirk on the Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast for a conversation on how technology is transforming the airline industry and how airlines are thinking about security in the digital age.
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Nov 9, 2018
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Innovate and Grow - A Conversation with Julie Sweet, CEO - Accenture North America
Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture North America, joined CSIS for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation with Dr. Kathleen Hicks to discuss artificial intelligence, innovation, and re-skilling the workforce for the future.
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Oct 31, 2018
NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps Talks Mission Removal and the Future of Human Spaceflight
Dr. Jeanette Epps, NASA Astronaut, joined CSIS for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation with Nina Easton to discuss her recent removal from the International Space Station mission, challenges in her career, and the importance of international collaboration in space.
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Oct 17, 2018
Challenges to Public Confidence in Democratic Institutions and Elections
Suzanne Spaulding, Senior Adviser for Homeland Security in the International Security Program at CSIS discusses how Russian influence campaigns are impacting public confidence in democratic systems, including the courts and elections, and what the U.S. should do to counter them.
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Oct 3, 2018
Trust in the Global Nuclear Order
Dr. Heather Williams, Defense Studies Lecturer at King’s College London in the Center for Science and Security Studies talks with Beverly Kirk about challenges with trust in the institutions, treaties and norms that govern the global nuclear order and what needs to happen to rebuild trust that has been lost between the U.S. and Europe.
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Sep 19, 2018
Food Insecurity as a Security Challenge: A Conversation with Ambassador Ertharin Cousin
Ambassador Ertharin Cousin joins Nina Easton to discuss global food insecurity and hunger and the role they play in other security issues, including violent extremism.
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Sep 6, 2018
Sweden’s Election and Europe’s New Populist Norm
CSIS Europe expert Heather Conley discusses the issues dominating the upcoming Swedish general election, including immigration and the rise of populist/nationalist Sweden Democrats political party. She also looks at the impact populism is having on elections across Europe.
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Aug 22, 2018
All Things Russia
From sanctions to Russian foreign policy strategy to election interference to possible areas of cooperation with the U.S., Olga Oliker, CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the Russia-Eurasia Program discusses all things Russia.
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Aug 8, 2018
NATO, Europe, and the U.S. – What’s Next?
CSIS experts Dr. Kathleen Hicks and Heather Conley discuss the impact of the July NATO Summit on future relations between the U.S. and Europe and examine the growing rift between the U.S., NATO, and Turkey.
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Jul 26, 2018
The Future of Warfare Technology
Rebecca Hersman, Director of the Project of Nuclear Issues at CSIS; Katherine Charlet, Director Technology and International Affairs Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Dr. Lindsay Cohn, Associate Professor at the U.S. Naval War College; and Dr. Rupal Mehta, Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discuss the opportunities and challenges of current and future warfare tools and technology.
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Jul 17, 2018
A conversation with Secretary-General of Taiwan Chen Chu
Recorded while she was Mayor of Kaohsiung, Chen Chu, the current Secretary-General to the Presidential Office, talks to Beverly Kirk about her role as an activist and member of the “Kaohsiung Eight,” her transition to a political leader in Taiwan, and her views on women’s leadership and youth engagement.
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Jun 29, 2018
The Future of Non-State Power
Dr. Erin Simpson, Director for Strategic Planning at Northrop Grumman, sits down with Dr. Emma Ashford, Research Fellow at the CATO Institute, Dr. Audrey Kurth Cronin, Professor at American University, Ciara Knudsen, Director of Strategic Planning at the Department of State, and Dr. Maria J. Stephan, Senior Advisor at the United States Institute of Peace to discuss the challenge of non-state actors.
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Jun 22, 2018
Energy Challenges and Future Opportunities: A Conversation with Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy
Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy sits down with Nina Easton to discuss the trends impacting the energy industry, the challenges it faces, and the efforts being made to create a cleaner, smarter energy future.
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Jun 13, 2018
Sports Diplomacy – Athletes as Ambassadors
Sherrie Deans, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, and Beverly Kirk discuss the importance of sports diplomacy, and the humanitarian work that the Players Association Foundation supports globally and in the U.S.
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May 30, 2018
The Future of State Security Competition
Julie Smith, Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security sits down with Amanda Dory, Faculty at the National War College, Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, Dr. Olga Oliker, Senior Adviser and Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at CSIS, and Dr. Ariane Tabatabai, Director of Curriculum and Assistant Teaching Professor at Georgetown University to discuss strategic competition and the return of great power politics at the inaugural Future Strategy Forum.
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May 18, 2018
Improving Education and Healthcare for Women and Girls in Malawi
Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, joins Beverly Kirk to discuss educating and protecting young girls and improving maternal healthcare both in her country and in other developing countries. She also discusses the relationship between U.S. and African countries.
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May 2, 2018
From British to American Hegemony: Lessons for Today
Dr. Kori Schake, Deputy Director at IISS and Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses her book “Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony” and how these historical contexts can be applied to current conflicts with China and Russia.
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Apr 19, 2018
Global Tensions, the World Economy, and Health Security - A Conversation with former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte
Former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte sits down with Dr. Kathleen Hicks to discuss the Syrian conflict, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and her leadership of CSIS’ new health security commission.
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Apr 4, 2018
Fight Like a Girl
Kate Germano, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, and award-winning journalist, Kelly Kennedy, discuss their newly released book “Fight Like a Girl: The Truth Behind How Female Marines are Trained.” The book examines gender bias, changing the status quo, and how these lessons from the Marine Corps relate to all women.
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Mar 28, 2018
Hunger and Food Insecurity at Home and Around the World
Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme and Distinguished Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Kimberly Flowers, Director of the Global Food Security Project at CSIS, and Beverly Kirk discuss hunger, food insecurity, and nutrition in the U.S. and around the world.
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Mar 21, 2018
Pentagon Priorities and Public Engagement
Dana W. White, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesperson, and Beverly Kirk discuss the Defense Department’s budget, priorities, and the new “This is the Military” initiative helping to inform the public about those who serve our country. Follow the initiative on Twitter with the hashtag .
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Mar 9, 2018
Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion: A Conversation with Sue Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence
The Honorable Sue Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, sits down with Dr. Kathleen Hicks to discuss intelligence, innovation and inclusion in a complex global security environment.
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Feb 21, 2018
Afghan Women Take the Lead
Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Cooperation, Adela Raz, and Deputy Minister for Policy in the Ministry of Finance, Naheed Sarabi, discuss their country’s security and economic challenges and the government’s efforts to bring women into public service.
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Feb 9, 2018
PyeongChang: Olympic Truce on the Korean Peninsula?
CSIS Korea Chair Senior Fellow Dr. Sue Mi Terry discusses the diplomatic overtures between North and South Korea and the ongoing political tensions between Washington and Pyongyang during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
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Jan 31, 2018
China’s Digital Economy and Cyber Governance
Samm Sacks, a senior fellow in the CSIS Technology Policy Program, tells host Beverly Kirk about advances and challenges in China’s digital economy and its cyber governance law and analyzes the likelihood of a trade war between the U.S. and China.
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