World Class

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
  • 4.8 (54)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
World Class

Podcast from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) at Stanford University, featuring Director Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Mike and our scholars dive into critical international issues, offering insights into the history and context of the biggest stories in the news.

  1. The Great Retreat of Political Parties

    3D AGO

    The Great Retreat of Political Parties

    People are fed up with political parties, and that's a big problem for democracy, says Didi Kuo. She joins Michael McFaul to discuss why we need well-functioning parties, how we got the party system we have today, and what can be done to course correct.

    22 min
  2. Three Years of War in Ukraine

    FEB 24

    Three Years of War in Ukraine

    Three years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains a sovereign democracy. But changes in the U.S. and shifts in the international security landscape could drastically impact the trajectory of the war and Ukraine's future. Former ambassador Steven Pifer joins Michael McFaul to discuss what's been happening and how it may affect Kyiv, Europe, and the world order more broadly.

    27 min
  3. Understanding China's 'Upstart' Strategy

    FEB 19

    Understanding China's 'Upstart' Strategy

    China is rapidly gaining influence and power on the global stage, and if the United States wants to stay ahead, Oriana Skylar Mastro says we need to fundamentally rethink our understanding of how Beijing is competing and the strategies America can use to counter an "upstart" great power.

    24 min
  4. Vladimir Kara-Murza on the Future of Russian Democracy

    12/13/2024

    Vladimir Kara-Murza on the Future of Russian Democracy

    Former political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza joins Michael McFaul to discuss why he believes the long-term stability of Europe depends on the existence of a free, fair, and democratic Russia, and what can be done now to start preparing for that future.

    26 min
  5. Whatever Victory Takes: Ambassador Audra Plepytė on Support for Ukraine

    11/08/2024

    Whatever Victory Takes: Ambassador Audra Plepytė on Support for Ukraine

    Audra Plepytė, Lithuania's Ambassador to the United States, shares her views on Ukraine's struggle against Russia from the perspective of Lithuania, another former Soviet state, and explains why preserving Ukraine's sovereignty is crucial for maintaining stability and security in the international order.

    27 min
  6. Global Threats Today: The 2024 Edition

    10/31/2024

    Global Threats Today: The 2024 Edition

    Climate change, Russia and Ukraine, China, the Middle East, global democracy: how are we doing on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today? Michael McFaul talks to a panel of experts to assess what progress has been made and what more can be done to tackle these issues.

    35 min
  7. An Inside Look at Policymaking with Susan E. Rice

    07/17/2024

    An Inside Look at Policymaking with Susan E. Rice

    Ambassador Susan Rice shares some of the lessons she's learned about perseverance and humility during her long career in government and policy making.

    35 min
  8. The View on Russia from Estonia

    06/17/2024

    The View on Russia from Estonia

    Estonia's Ambassador to the U.S. Kistjan Prikk joins Michael McFaul to discuss his country's view on Russia's military, Putin's nuclear threats, and the long-term impact the war in Ukraine will have on European security.

    18 min
See All (159)

4.8
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Podcast from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) at Stanford University, featuring Director Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Mike and our scholars dive into critical international issues, offering insights into the history and context of the biggest stories in the news.

Information

  • Creator
    Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    World Class

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