Brussels Sprouts

The 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall with Ambassador Dan Fried

Ambassador Dan Fried, Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss the state of European and American democracy 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Reflecting on that critical juncture in history, this episode explains how 1989 shapes U.S. policy today, discusses the role of NATO expansion in U.S.-Russia relations today, and gives us a reason to be hopeful about the future of democracy in the United States and Europe.

Norway, NATO, and the High North with Norwegian State Secretary Audun Halvorsen

Audun Halvorsen, State Secretary in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss Norwegian foreign policy, what the Arctic means to Norway, and the state of its relationship with NATO and the United States. As the High North opens up due to climate change and increased development, Norway will play a key role in the navigability, stability, and economic future of the Arctic region.

Germany and the State of the Transatlantic Relationship with Julie Smith

Julie Smith, Director of the Asia Program at The German Marshall Fund, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to recap her year as the Weizsäcker Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin. Smith explains the state of German politics, foreign policy, and perceptions of the transatlantic relationship in Europe.

Discussing Turkey’s Offensive Against the Kurds in Syria with Nick Heras

The United States’ withdrawal and the Turkish military’s incursion into the Kurdish-controlled northeast have completely changed the balance of power in Syria. Without American support and minimal humanitarian aid, Kurdish forces have said they cannot simultaneously hold off Turkey’s advance and maintain guard over thousands of former ISIS fighters and their families. CNAS Middle East Security Senior Fellow Nick Heras joins Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss the latest developments, the Kurds' prospects in a prolonged conflict, and what this means for U.S. policy toward Syria and in the Middle East.

The Transatlantic Alliance at 70 with NATO’s Camille Grand

Camille Grand, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss the 70th anniversary of NATO and the challenges ahead. While mutual defense and deterrence will remain the alliance’s core mission, the cyber domain, China’s strategic rise, and the future of out-of-area operations will challenge the alliance's character and purpose. Addressing these challenges will require greater investment and coordination.

France and European Security with Dr. Alice Pannier

Dr. Alice Pannier, Assistant Professor of International Relations and European Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend for a conversation about the state of NATO, French geopolitics, and the future of European security. This episode explores the effects of Emmanuel Macron's call for rapprochement with Russia and investigates whether this move will lead to greater insecurity instead of securing strategic stability.

5G and the Future of Technology and Governance with Daniel Bagge

Daniel Bagge, Cyber Attaché of the Czech Republic to the United States and Canada, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend for an in-depth discussion on the security of 5G networks, the implications for transatlantic security, and the future governance of emerging technologies. Bagge explains how the Czech Republic’s pioneering regulatory, legal, and political moves in cyber security can be adapted to other nations’ needs and could reinforce transatlantic and NATO security.

Behind the Turmoil in Italian Politics with Erik Jones

Dr. Erik Jones, Director of European and Eurasian Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced and International Studies, joins Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend for a rundown of what’s happening in Italian politics. Matteo Salvini’s defection from the previous coalition government set off a series of events that have resulted in Salvini’s League party on the outside and the incumbent Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, still in power. Dr. Jones explains what is likely to happen next and what the options are for Conte and Salvini going forward.

Brexit with Luke Coffey and Amanda Sloat

Luke Coffey of The Heritage Foundation and Dr. Amanda Sloat of the Brookings Institution join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend for a rundown of the latest Brexit developments. As the current government presses on to make good on its promise of a “do or die” Brexit, a diverse set of opponents in the House of Commons has responded with a parliamentary campaign to delay a no-deal Brexit. What could the future hold for British politics and the country's relationship with the European Union?

A Conversation with Maggie Feldman-Piltch and #NatSecGirlSquad

#NatSecGirlSquad founder and Unicorn Strategies managing director Maggie Feldman-Piltch joins Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss the importance of competent diversity in the national security apparatus.