Notre Dame International Security Center

Join Anne Griffin '26 and Notre Dame political science professor Dr. Rose Kelanic as they explore the nuances of U.S. foreign policy decisions, from balancing power in Asia to the implications of green energy investments on national security. Gain perspective on the clash between academia and policy worlds, navigating incentives and challenges in shaping public discourse. From industry competition to strategic trade theory, join us for in-depth analysis on key topics influencing global dynamics and policy decisions.

In this episode of the Outside the Box podcast, host Dr. Michael Desch is joined by guests Dr. John Mearsheimer and Dr. Stephen Walt to discuss the taboo surrounding the Israel lobby. They highlight the historical backdrop of anti-Semitism in the West, conspiracy theories, and the tragic events of the Holocaust that make it challenging to discuss the lobby without triggering accusations of anti-Semitism. The guests also acknowledge that the lobby itself has used accusations of anti-Semitism to marginalize and silence critics. Overall, this episode delves into the intricate dynamics of interest group politics and criticizes not only the lobby but also Israel and the U.S.-Israeli relationship. Visit NDISC: www.ndisc.nd.edu

From the experiences and viewpoints of citizens growing up in the global South to the challenges faced by policymakers in understanding the complex dynamics of a globalized world, we explore the interplay between economics, the environment, and social dynamics. Join us as we navigate through the nuanced thinking styles and biases that influence decision-making, drawing on insights from experts with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been likened to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The comparison is apt, but NDISC Director Michael Desch asks us to truly reckon with it. He did so though his article in Harper's Magazine (https://harpers.org/archive/2023/10/the-tragedy-of-volodymyr-zelensky/), which prompted today's conversation between Dr. Desch and Senator Jim Webb.

Mike and Jim talk with former Lieutenant General Newbold about the recent actions of Senator Tuberville to block the president of the United States' selection of a new Commandant of the Marine Corps. In doing so, they compare the military's cultural history to today's political divide and attempt to uncover how and why they have changed.

In this episode of "Outside the Box," co-hosts Dr. Michael Desch and Sen. Jim Webb welcome Christopher Layne to discuss his recent co-authored article "Why Are We in Ukraine?" published in "Harper's Magazine" in June 2023. Christopher Layne is University Distinguished Professor of International Affairs and the Robert M. Gates Chair in National Security at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. His fields of interest are international relations theory, great power politics, U.S. foreign policy, and grand strategy. Read Chris Layne's and Ben Schwarz' piece in "Harper's Magazine": https://harpers.org/archive/2023/06/why-are-we-in-ukraine/ Visit the Notre Dame International Security Center: https://ndisc.nd.edu/

An Interview with Ambassador Nancy Jo Powell by Pranav Guntupalli Interview Summary : Ambassador Nancy Jo Powell speaks about the history of US relations with South Asia including the death of American ambassador Arnold Raphel in 1988, nuclear tension in the subcontinent, and re-emerging non-alignment in India’s foreign policy today. She also recounts her experience in the foreign service and shares advice for aspiring diplomats. Biography: Ambassador Nancy Jo Powell is one of the most distinguished diplomats in modern American history. Ambassador Powell joined the foreign service in 1977, and served with distinction for over 37 years, including assignments as the US ambassador to Uganda, US ambassador to Ghana, US ambassador to Pakistan, US ambassador to Nepal, and as the first female US ambassador to India. In 2006, Amb. Powell received one of the US government’s most prestigious awards – The Homeland Security service to America award – for her work as the State Department’s senior coordinator on the Avia

An Interview with Chaplain Col. Billy Graham of the US Army by Pranav Guntupalli Interview Summary: In this episode of the Students Talk Security podcast, Chaplain Billy Graham speaks about his military experience and the uniqueness of chaplaincy corp. Billy explains the crucial role of a Chaplain when a soldier dies in active duty, and shares his advice for ROTC students on how to cope with grief and stay "spiritually fit". Through personal anecdotes, Billy exposes a deeply human side of the military. Biography: Chaplain Billy Graham is an US Army War College Fellow, which is the Army strategic education forum for senior officers. He has served as an Army chaplain for 20 years and been in the Army 28 years. He has served in different locations around the world including the Pentagon and three deployments to the Middle East. He is married to Robin and they have three grown children and 10 grandchildren. He enjoys outdoor activities, military history, and biblical studies.

Episode summary – In this episode of Students Talk Security, Notre Dame senior and NDISC Undergraduate Fellow Benjamin Erhardt sits down with retired Navy fighter pilot, admiral, and fellow podcaster James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld, Jr. Their discussion covers topics ranging from the Admiral’s storied career – including his time as unit commander of the USS Enterprise during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – to his insights on the crisis in Ukraine, the U.S.’s great power competition with China, the future of American innovation in defense, TOPGUN, Top Gun (yes, both!), and more. All throughout, Adm. Winnefeld imparts noteworthy wisdom and leadership advice for both budding and seasoned professionals in military, political, and business disciplines. He also provides timely advice on how to handle stressful decisions in today’s volatile world. Interviewee bio – Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr. is a retired four-star admiral and was the ninth vice chairman of the

An Interview with Major Gregory M. Scott of the US Marine Corp by Pranav Guntupalli Interview Summary: In the first episode of the "Meet the NDISC fellows" series, Pranav Guntupalli speaks to the NDISC War College fellow, Major Gregory Scott, about his military service. They discuss his time in Okinawa (Japan) and in South America with the Embassy Security group, and Maj. Scott shares the insights he gained from his time being stationed in different countries around the world. Biography: Major Gregory M. Scott has served as a Fire Support Officer in Okinawa, Japan, Darwin, Australia, Thailand, Crow Valley, Philippines, and Korea. He has served with the Department of State in the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group covering South America. He attended Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. His last fleet tour he was stationed in San Diego California serving as a Battery Commander of a HIMARS unit in the 1st Marine Division. He has Scott deployed to Djibouti and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Major

In this episode of Outside the Box, co-host (and six-time novelist) Jim Webb switches to the interviewee seat to join University of Notre Dame English Professor, Iraq War Army veteran, and novelist Roy Scranton to talk about novels and war. In a wide-ranging discussion, the authors of Fields of Fire and War Porn discuss how their experiences in war led them to become novelists, the creative writing process, and how fiction can convey truths about war in a way that history cannot. Recorded: April 28, 2022

Roseanne W. McManus is an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on signaling and coercion in an international security context. She received her B.A. from the University of Maryland and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before pursuing an academic career, she was a Senior Analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Recorded: April 19, 2022

In this episode of ‘Students Talk Security’, Dr. Farr, the leading expert in the interconnection between international religious freedom, human rights, and United States National Security will discuss his work on the implications rights internationally have on defense and security domestically. His work has led to not only scholarship and legislative and State Department action, but to the creation of the Religious Freedom Institute, the leading scholarly institution on global religious freedom. Dr. Farr and I will be discussing this argument for increased emphasis on religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy, its implications within policy itself, and its usage in current issues of national security. Interviewee: Dr. Thomas Farr Interviewer: Maura Brennan

Matt Duss is a congressional staffer and has worked with Senator Bernie Sanders since 2017. Previously he was the President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, and a national security and international policy analyst at the Center for American Progress. Recorded: March 29, 2022

This episode will cover how the Senate can influence foreign policy in the face of new threats and increasing executive power, and what an NSA for a Senator sees as the biggest future threats to American security and power. Interviewer: Christopher Libero Interviewee: Thomas Mancinelli

In this episode of Outside the Box, Mike and Jim engage LtGen Gregory Newbold, former Director of Operations (J-3) for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a hard-hitting and wide-ranging discussion of proposed modernization of the U.S. Marine Corps in the XXIst Century, the role of the U.S. Congress in shaping the development of the armed forces, the legitimate avenues of military dissent, and how to grow a more effective general officer corps for the U.S. military in the years to come. Recorded: March 14, 2022

Major Jeremy Grunert is an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. In this capacity, he has served as a military prosecutor and legal advisor at assignments in Afghanistan, Qatar, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Major Grunert is currently assigned to the United States Air Force Academy, where he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law. He instructs the Academy’s core “Law for Air Force Officers” course and is the course director for the Academy’s new “Space Law” course. Major Grunert is also the Chief of Research for the Academy’s Law, Technology, and Warfare Research Cell; in this capacity, he hosts a monthly webinar series on the subject of space law. Finally, Major Grunert has published a number of journal articles and commentaries in publications such as War on the Rocks, the Air Force Law Review, the Journal of Drone Law & Policy, and the Pepperdine Law Review. Recorded: March 1, 2022

Šumit Ganguly is a Distinguished Professor of Political Science and holds the Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is a specialist on the international and comparative politics of South Asia. His most recent book (edited with M. Chris Mason) is The Future of US-India Security Cooperation (Manchester University Press, 2021).

In 2014 Lt. Gen. Daniel Bolger published his book Why We Lost: A General’s Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghan Wars. Seven years before the fall of Kabul, he had already foreseen the chaotic end of that campaign in the Global War on Terrorism. Bolger says there is much blame to go around but focuses his fire on his profession and colleagues: the senior leadership of the U.S. military. In this episode, General Bolger joins Jim and Mike to discuss why we lost and what we need to do to win our wars in the future.

Bear F. Braumoeller is Professor in the Department of Political Science at The Ohio State University and the holder of the Baronov and Timashev Chair in Data Analytics. He conducts research in the areas of international relations, political methodology, and complexity and human behavior. He received his B.A. from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and he held faculty positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Harvard University before moving to Ohio State. His present work focuses on the decline-of-war thesis, the relationship between international order and international conflict, and causal inference based on observational data. He currently co-directs the Computational Social Science community of practice under the Translational Data Analytics Institute at Ohio State. For more information, visit the Computational Social Science CoP page at TDAI.