Episode 34: Joseph Nye

Joseph Nye is on the line today. You probably know him best for “soft power,” but the international relations theorist has a long history of trailblazing research and analysis. Arguably one of the most influential academics of the last half century, Nye tells Mark about how he got his start. (It begins in east Africa, academically, at least.) Nye discusses growing up in New Jersey, his career in and out of government service, and his “a-ha!” moment on “soft power.”  It’s a great episode with a top-notch thinker. They kick off with a discussion about the international relations theory that underpins Putin’s moves in eastern Ukraine.  Have a listen!