Horns of a Dilemma

Frank Gavin, Editorial Board Chair, discusses the ongoing importance of humanities in higher education, exploring how universities shape perspectives and backgrounds. Topics include the significance of humanities in addressing national security issues, the role of historical perspectives in shaping policies, and the promotion of inclusivity and intellectual engagement in universities.

Professor Xiaobing Li discusses the evolution of China's Navy, from its humble beginnings to becoming the second-largest navy globally. The podcast explores tensions with the US in the South China Sea, China's naval modernization goals, and strategic concerns over potential conflicts in the region. The conversation delves into historical transformations, naval reforms, and the role of key figures like Xi Jinping in shaping China's naval strategy and challenging the US-dominated security system.

The Clements Center for National Security, the Center for European Studies and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies hosted Michael Kimmage, Professor of History at Catholic University, for a book talk on his upcoming release Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability.

The Clements Center for National Security, the LBJ Presidential Library and the UT-Austin History Department hosted Talmage Boston, historian and partner at the Dallas law firm Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, for a book talk on How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents.

Ramon Pacheco Pardo discusses South Korea's comprehensive grand strategy, navigating middle power dynamics, diplomatic relations with key players, maritime security cooperation, shifting global alliances, and the evolving role of middle powers in global dynamics.

On Tuesday, March 26, the Clements Center for National Security, the Army ROTC and the UT-Austin History Department hosted Kelly Eads and Dan Morgan for a book talk on their recent release: Black Hearts and Painted Guns: A Battalion’s Journey into Iraq’s Triangle of Death.

Marshall Kosloff, the Clements Center National Security media and journalism fellow, moderated a discussion with Jeff Decker, the managing director of Tech Transfer for Defense at Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability, and Noah Sheinbaum, the founder of Frontdoor Defense, about their recent article, "Shining a Light on the Defense Department’s Industrial Base Problems."

Philip Taubman, a lecturer at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation, discussed his latest book, In the Nation’s Service: The Life and Times of George P. Shultz. The conversation touched on the legacy of Secretary Shultz, his approach to the Soviet Union, and is filled with anecdotes from Philip's time in Moscow at the end of the Cold War.

The podcast delves into using generative AI to secure supply chains, the challenges of navigating investments in China, the influence of historical narratives on policy decisions, and the importance of expertise in tech industries for successful ventures.

Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government, spoke about the history of isolationism in the United States, its role in the formulation of American foreign policy, and how the idea is now resurgent in U.S. domestic politics. The conversation is based on Charlie's most recent book, Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself from the World.