President Obama’s commencement address to West Point Graduates this week was billed by the White House as a major foreign policy address. But there were some conspicuous absences from the talk. What was notable about this speech? And how does this fit into Obama’s overall foreign policy legacy? Here to put the talk in context is Matt Duss of the Center for American Progress.
Archives for May 2014
Episode 18: Zalmay Khalilzad
Zalmay Khalizad is on the line this week. The Afghan native served as US ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations under George W. Bush.
Ambassador Khalilzad discusses coming to the USA at the age of 15, how a chance encounter in grad school changed his career path, and how he helped shape US policy during the Iran-Iraq war. The conversation kicks off with a discussion of Afghan president Hamid Karzai’s legacy and America’s legacy of violence in Iraq.
Why Libya is Suddenly on the Verge of Civil War
Libya today is arguably closer to a full blown civil war than at any time since the fall of Muammar Ghaddafi in 2011. A renegade general named Khalifa Haftar is on the March, seeking to upend an Islamist controlled parliament. Who is this man, what does he want, and why are conditions ripe for a civil war? Mark speaks with journalist Marine Casalis who puts the unfolding situation in Libya in some context.
Episode 17: Gov. Bill Richardson
Bill Richardson is a former UN ambassador, governor, presidential candidate, member of congress and energy secretary. But throughout it all he’s had a second career: hostage negotiator. Richardson discusses how he developed a reputation as the “undersecretary for thugs”; his visits to hostile countries to secure the release of political prisoners; and how a famed African dictator almost bludgeoned him with a cane.
The Foreign Policy Implications of India’s Elections
The largest excerise in democracy in the history of humanity is coming to an end. Narendra Modi will cruise to victory, but what does his ascent mean for India’s relationship with Pakistan, China, the USA and the rest of the world? Mark speaks with Tanvi Madan of the Brookings Institution about the foreign policy implications of India’s elections.
Episode 16: Save the Children CEO Carolyn Miles
Save the Children is one of the largest international aid and relief organizations in the world. CEO Carolyn Miles speaks with Mark about her unconvential path to relief work, which included studying animal behavior, a stint selling credit cards in Asia and opening a boutique coffee chain in Hong Kong.
Because this was published on Mother’s Day, they kick off with a discussion of Save the Children’s report on unsafe motherhood around the world. Have a listen!
What Boko Haram Wants
Boko Haram is in the news for all the wrong reasons. A series of audactious attacks, including the kidnapping of hundreds of school girls, has provoked international outrage. But why would Boko Haram launch such an attack? Who are these people, what do they want, and how can they be defeated?
Mark Leon Goldberg catches up with Jacob Zenn of the Jamestown Foundation who offers insight, context and an explanation for the Boko Haram insurgency. Have a listen.
