Small World, Big Problems

JHU SAIS Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies
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Small World, Big Problems

Small World, Big Problems – a SAIS Strategy Podcast. ​A SAIS student podcast supported by the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies. ​In Small World, Big Problems, we ask the experts about the biggest challenges in the world of strategy and national security. ​It’s a small world, and it’s only getting smaller. But it seems like every day, there is a new problem on the horizon: great power conflict, political extremism, climate change – the list goes on and on. In this student podcast sponsored by the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies, we ask leading experts in the fields of national security, strategy, and statecraft about what problems the world is facing and, more importantly, how to solve them. ​Please address any questions to SAISStrategyPodcast@gmail.com.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Dr. Mara Karlin - The Pentagon's Chief Strategist on Deterrence and US National Security

    Luke Litle talks with Dr. Mara Karlin about the development of the 2022 National Defense Strategy, various practical approaches to deterring adversaries, recent US security challenges, and potential future global security threats. Dr. Karlin is a professor of practice at SAIS and is the co-lead for the Security, Strategy, and Statecraft focus area. She has served in national security roles for six U.S. secretaries of defense, advising on policies spanning strategic planning, defense budgeting, the future of conflict, and regional affairs involving the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Most recently, she served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, leading the development and implementation of the 2022 National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review, and Missile Defense Review.

    41 min

  2. JUN 28

    German Awakening: Zeitenwende and Germany’s New Role in Europe

    Days after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, new in office, gave the now famous Zeitenwende speech in which he proclaimed a dramatic turn in German foreign policy and national security policy in response to Russia’s full-scale aggression. The speech generated a lot of discussions and, sometimes, unrealistic optimism. Two years later, Germany has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine militarily and economically, but as the war has turned into a war of attrition, Germany is still a long way from the ambitious undertaking of Zeitenwende and divided over the extent to which to support Ukraine. In this episode, Jeff Rathke, the President of the American-German Institute, Washington’s only think tank focusing exclusively on Germany and U.S.-German relations, discusses with Martin Makaryan Germany’s role in the security architecture of Europe and within NATO, the practical implications of Zeitenwende, the war in Ukraine, and what the future holds for U.S.-German relations and Germany’s new role in Europe. This episode was recorded by Martin Makaryan and produced by Luke Litle and Andrew Whelan.

    48 min

  3. JUN 6

    An interview with NATO's youngest leader

    In a first for Small World Big Problems, this week we interviewed a sitting head of state: Jakov Milatović, the 37-year-old president of Montenegro. Milatović was elected in May of 2023 on a pro-European Union, pro-democracy, and anti-corruption platform that has received record-breaking support from the people of Montenegro. In an era of weakening democracy and growing isolationism around the world, Montenegro has proven to be an exception to the rule. But why are these values important to everyday Montenegrins, and how do ongoing threats—like disinformation and organized crime—endanger the progress that has been made so far? Sitting down with President Milatović was a fantastic opportunity, and we thank him for his time. Special thanks also go to Ed Joseph, Brent Kesler, and the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute for arranging the interview. This episode was researched, hosted, and edited by Eli George, with audio support from the staff at the JHU Bloomberg Center Media Suite.

    28 min

  4. APR 25

    Echoes of the Cold War: A Discussion on the State of Russian Spies in the West

    Russia has a long-fabled history of deep-cover spies in the West. Known as the Illegals Program, these spies enter Western countries under false identities to conduct espionage activities. The history of this program goes back to the earliest days of the USSR, but these spies still lurk in the shadows of universities, think-tanks, and suburban neighborhoods across the West. Why does Russia use these types of spies? Has their mission changed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine? How can private institutions protect themselves from Russian intelligence? In this episode, we discuss the answers to these questions with Professor Mark Kelton. Professor Kelton was formerly the Deputy Director of the National Clandestine Service for Counterintelligence, one of the most senior positions within the National Clandestine Service. This episode was researched, recorded, and edited by Connor Crago.

    43 min

  5. APR 19

    Hidden Gears: The Inner Workings of the Defense Industry, Part 2

    In part two of this interview with Richard "Otter" Bew, we dive deep into the challenges currently facing the defense industry. The digital revolution is upending how we approach defense; back in the day, we could plan out development on a ten or fifteen year timeline. But now, game-changing technologies are being released every few months. The militaries that can best capitalize on this revolution will be the most successful in the 21st century. How can the US keep up? And what are the stakes if we don't? This episode was researched, edited, and produced by Eli George.

    36 min

  6. APR 12

    Hidden Gears: The Inner Workings of the Defense Industry, Part 1

    The American defense industry employs over a million people—in the military, in civilian jobs, and at private companies—and every part matters. Few people have spent as much time inside this complex machine as our guest this week: Richard T. Bew, the Chief of Staff for Lockheed Martin. In part one of this two-part interview, we talk with him about his time as a Marine aviator, the importance of human capital in the civil-military relationship, and the changing character of war in the 21st century. This episode was researched, recorded, and edited by Eli George.

    36 min

  7. MAR 27

    Transatlantic Security Cooperation amidst Global Uncertainty

    The EU and the US have long been steadfast partners across the Atlantic, with healthy trade relations and cooperation in numerous sectors of foreign policy, including combatting climate change, promoting the rule of law, and international security. With several international security crises taking place globally, it is important for the cooperation between the two to remain strong. However, elections on both sides of the Atlantic this upcoming year have once again raised questions of how much we can take the relationship for granted. On today’s episode, Deputy Ambassador of the EU to the US Michael Curtis discusses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Middle-East, and relations with China, and how it has impacted his work in Washington DC. This interview is conducted by Miloš Maggiore, and researched by Camilla Manning, Juliette Verlaque, and Ryan Sheets.

    35 min

  8. MAR 13

    Deepening Crises and Opportunities in Bolivia

    Over the last 15 years, Bolivia has experienced political and economic ups and downs. The MAS, a socialist part with a leftist agenda, led a period of high growth and a vibrant new political party structure. Now, the party is experiencing internal conflict and the country has a mighty foreign exchange crisis on its hands. If Bolivia plays its cards right, though, it could improve its economic, and thus political standing. In discussing Bolivia's current challenges and future opportunities, Noah Martin sits down with Dr. Calla Hummel to get a better understanding of the country’s political economy and what’s in store going forward.  Research, hosted, and edited by Noah Martin. Produced by Noah Martin and Dylan Yachyshen.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Small World, Big Problems – a SAIS Strategy Podcast. ​A SAIS student podcast supported by the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies. ​In Small World, Big Problems, we ask the experts about the biggest challenges in the world of strategy and national security. ​It’s a small world, and it’s only getting smaller. But it seems like every day, there is a new problem on the horizon: great power conflict, political extremism, climate change – the list goes on and on. In this student podcast sponsored by the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies, we ask leading experts in the fields of national security, strategy, and statecraft about what problems the world is facing and, more importantly, how to solve them. ​Please address any questions to SAISStrategyPodcast@gmail.com.

Information

  • Creator
    JHU SAIS Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © JHU SAIS Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies 2023
  • Show Website
    Small World, Big Problems

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