About THE IWP PODCAST
Join Jim Robbins, Dean of Academic Affairs at IWP, and guests for weekly insight and perspective on topics of national security, intelligence, and international affairs.
**Please note that the views expressed by our hosts and guest speakers do not necessarily reflect the views of The Institute of World Politics.
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YouTubeSEASON 3
Terrorists Never Sleep, but Neither Do Soccer Moms
In this episode, Professor John Tsagronis interviews Kelley DeConciliis, a highly experienced professional in the fields of national security, intelligence, and international affairs. DeConciliis serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and is also an Adjunct Professor at the school. She shares her fascinating background, including her work in areas like evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, as well as her insights on balancing a demanding career with family life.
Guest: Kelley DeConciliis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and Adjunct Professor
Guest Host: John Tsagronis, Professor of Statecraft and National Security Affairs; Former Senior Director for Policy Implementation and Execution on the National Security Council Staff
Main Topics Discussed:
DeConciliis' background and how she got into the field of national security and intelligence (00:01:25)
Her experiences with evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, including specific examples (00:03:05)
The challenges of being a woman in national security and the importance of mentorship (00:04:01)
DeConciliis' new course at IWP on "The Fog of War" and the practical lessons she aims to impart to students (00:23:01)
DeConciliis' personal journey, including overcoming setbacks and failures, and how they have shaped her (00:31:27)
DeConciliis' involvement with the Institute of World Politics and the Spy Museum (00:49:08)
Where to Find Kelley DeConciliis:
Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/kelley-deconciliis/
Where to Find Professor John Tsagronis:
Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/s-john-tsagronis/
SEASON 2
This episode of the IWP Podcast features a discussion on the threat of globally networked terrorism and the potential risks to events like the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The host is Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), an accredited graduate school of National Security Intelligence and International Affairs.
Main Topics Discussed:
- Recent arrests of suspected terrorists from Tajikistan who entered the U.S. through the southern border [00:00:39 – 00:01:34]
- Warnings from U.S. officials about the rising threat of international, domestic, and state-sponsored terrorism [00:02:16 – 00:04:43]
- Concerns about terrorist threats to major events like the Boston Marathon, Cricket World Cup, and 2024 Paris Olympics [00:05:33 – 00:08:03]
- The need for increased preparedness and vigilance to prevent a major terrorist attack in the U.S. [00:08:03 – 00:08:31]
Where to Find:
Host:
- Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP)
- Website: iwp.edu
SEASON 1
The conversation discusses the drift in US relations with Israel, highlighting various actions and statements made by US officials that have strained the relationship. It also explores the impact of these actions on Hamas and the ongoing conflict. The domestic political angle and the personal dislike for Netanyahu are identified as factors influencing US policy. The conversation questions the effectiveness of expressing opinions about the internal politics of another country and emphasizes the need for a clear strategy. The chapter also delves into historical events, such as Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and Joe Biden's encounter with Menachem Begin.
Takeaways
- US actions and statements have strained relations with Israel
- US actions have emboldened Hamas in the ongoing conflict
- Domestic politics and personal dislike for Netanyahu influence US policy
- Expressing opinions about the internal politics of another country may not be effective
- A clear strategy is needed in US policy towards Israel
- Historical events provide insights into past diplomatic approaches
Chapters
00:00 Drift in US Relations with Israel
01:20 US Actions Emboldening Hamas
03:03 Expressing Opinions about Internal Politics
03:37 US Position on Palestinian Authority Elections
04:43 US Actions Not Helping Israel
05:12 US Aid to Israel and UNRWA Funding
06:24 Israel's Invasion of Lebanon in 1982
07:22 Human Rights Criticisms of Israel
09:48 Reagan's Diplomatic Approach
10:42 Joe Biden's Encounter with Menachem Begin
13:05 Lack of Strategy in American Policy
14:15 Focus on Hamas as the Cause
14:50 Obstacles to Peace
Visits the Institute of World Politics: iwp.edu
