Carnegie Council Podcasts
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Listen, learn, and reflect on the most critical issues at the intersection of ethics and international affairs. Subscribe for access to the latest interviews, events, and audio articles from Carnegie Council's global community.
Episodes
- Practicing Strategic Empathy and Navigating Competing Values
In a world experiencing a seismic shift in the values and principles that guide geopolitics, how can we practice strategic empathy without succumbing to moral relativism? Brian Wong, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of H…
- Building Moral and Professional Resilience
Gilles Michaud, UN under-secretary-general for safety and security, joins the "Values & Interests" podcast to examine the moral and political challenges facing UN personnel in some of the world's most difficult security environments. Drawi…
- U.S. Power and Principle
America's post–World War II calculus guiding the relationship between power and principle has shifted dramatically. The result is a moment in which U.S. leaders may no longer be asking a vital question at the intersection of ethics and int…
- The Ethics of AI Agents in Global Governance
The adoption of AI agents is expanding rapidly, particularly within multilateral and diplomatic spaces. Such integration presents a myriad of new ethical questions and challenges for both the practitioners of today and next-gen leaders. In…
- Geopolitics in a Fracturing World, with Aarathi Krishnan
In a fracturing world awash with belligerent rhetoric, where are the real geopolitical pressure points and what forces are driving them? Aarathi Krishnan, CEO of Raksha Intelligence Futures, joins the "Values & Interests" podcast to pull b…
- The Gaslighting of America, with Professor Mathias Risse
Professor Mathias Risse explains how gaslighting, defined as persuasion through systematic denigration and norm inversion, is used in American politics by figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance. The discussion covers the mechanisms, effect…
- Ethics on Film: Discussion of "One Battle After Another"
In this episode of Carnegie Council Podcasts, Alex Woodson reviews Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another." The discussion covers themes such as gender roles, white supremacy, and the motivations of revolutionaries.
- Amoral American Power, with Professor Matias Spektor
Professor Matias Spektor joins the Values & Interests podcast to discuss the decline of America's moral framing in foreign policy, noting a shift towards a "might makes right" approach and its reception in the Global South. The episode exa…
- Why Space Matters and How to Govern It
This episode features an expert panel discussing the governance of space, addressing ethical questions related to militarization and emerging technologies. It examines the challenges to the concept of space as a global commons within the c…
- Keeping it Real(ism), with Assoc. Professor Paul Poast
Paul Poast explains the theory of realism in international relations, detailing its historical roots and its resurgence in contemporary foreign policy discussions, including its branding by the Trump administration.
- A Moral Rupture
Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal discusses an ethical article titled 'A Moral Rupture.' In it, Prime Minister Carney's warning about a moral rupture, rather than a transition, is highlighted in the context of moral relativists add…
- Embracing Empathy and Responsible Power, with Dr. Claire Yorke
Dr. Claire Yorke discusses her book, "Empathy in Politics and Leadership," on the "Values & Interests" podcast. The episode examines the relationship between power and empathy, contrasting zero-sum and inclusive power models, and the role…
- The Ethics of Decision-Making in National Security, with Avril D. Haines
Avril D. Haines, former director of national intelligence, delivered the Charles W. Kegley, Jr. Annual Lecture on the Ethics of Decision-Making in National Security. She discussed public service, current trends, and future needs for public…
- Re-examining our Capacity for Just Peace
This panel discussion from Carnegie Council explores the ongoing tension between conflict and human life, reflecting on the state of war in 2025 and the challenges in achieving a just peace.
- Geopolitics in an Era of AGI
This episode features an expert panel discussing how the accelerating adoption of AI and the race to develop AGI will challenge the principles of sovereignty and self-determination that have shaped the international system for 80 years.
- The Principle of Pragmatic Idealism, with Björn Holmberg
This episode features Björn Holmberg discussing pragmatic idealism in international relations. It explores the dangers of transactional politics and national interests, emphasizing the importance of morality in geopolitics for achieving gl…
- Addressing Climate Migration & Considerations for the Future
A panel discussion from the Carnegie Council addresses the growing number of climate migrants due to rising global temperatures and changing climate patterns. The discussion explores geopolitical challenges and examines how nations can col…
- Misinformation and the Global Manosphere, with Odanga Madung
Kenyan journalist Odanga Madung discusses how the information landscape, including misinformation and the rise of manosphere influencers, impacts democratic societies globally. The conversation touches on the corrosive effects of disinform…
- Ethics on Film: Discussion of "A House of Dynamite"
In "Ethics on Film," Kathleen Egan reviews the Netflix film "A House of Dynamite," which explores the ethical dilemmas leaders confront when a nuclear missile is launched at the United States. The accompanying article is available on the C…
- Re-envisioning Humanitarianism for a Changing World
This episode covers the need to re-envision humanitarian aid by 2025, addressing issues of power, accountability, and inclusivity in its planning and execution.
- The Cost of Military Primacy, with Peter Harris
Peter Harris joins the "Values & Interests" podcast to discuss the costs associated with America's post-WWII strategy of military primacy. The conversation also touches on what a less militarized future might look like for the U.S. and the…
- Post-Liberal American Power
A panel of experts discusses the implications of reduced funding for U.S. soft power institutions and changes in diplomatic style, questioning if this marks an era of post-liberal American power and examining the connection between values…
- Ethics in a Post-Liberal World
Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal discusses the precarious state of liberal principles and proposes that restoring them requires courage and action from states, businesses, institutions, and individuals.
- The Ethical Abyss: A Tech Ecosystem Reliant on Conflict, with Professor Elke Schwarz
Elke Schwarz joins the Carnegie Council to discuss the techno-military-industrial complex, where the pursuit of AI-enabled weapons relies on perpetual conflict. The episode explores the failure to integrate ethical considerations into comp…
- Values, Realism, and U.S. Foreign Policy, with Alexander Vindman
How can the U.S. pursue a realist foreign policy without abandoning its core values? Alexander Vindman, retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and former director for European Affairs on the White House's National Security Council, joins the…
- Living a Moral Life in a Catastrophic World, with Philosopher Travis Rieder
Moral philosopher Travis Rieder joins "Values & Interests" to explore how we might pursue ethical lives in an era of global crisis. From climate change and violent conflict to the dilemmas of daily life, Rieder argues that we must radicall…
- Investing in Your Ethical Infrastructure, with Dr. Simon Longstaff
For the latest episode of "Values & Interests," Dr. Simon Longstaff, executive director of The Ethics Centre, visits Carnegie Council for a wide-ranging conversation on the power of moral inquiry, performative vs. good-faith engagement wit…
- Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"
In this "Ethical Article" Alex Woodson reviews HBO's "Mountainhead," discussing ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires. To read this review, please go to: https://carnegiecouncil.co/ethics-on-film-m…
- Empowerment, Ownership, & Agency: Building an Inclusive AI Future, with Jimena Viveros
What will it take to build an inclusive technological future? International lawyer and AI expert Jimena Viveros joins Values & Interests to explore why bridging the digital divide between the Global South and North is both a moral and econ…
- Ethics on Film: Discussion of "I'm Still Here"
In this "Ethical Article" Alex Woodson reviews the 2024 Oscar-winning Braziilian film "I'm Still Here," discussing ethical issues surrounding Brazil's military dictatorship in the late 20th century and parallels to today. This film was dir…
- In Search of a Migration Governance Framework for the Modern Age
In this "Ethical Article" Susie Han says that the time for a crisis-driven approach to migration has passed. A pragmatic global response is needed—and Carnegie Council's Model International Mobility Convention initiative (MIMC) is the mech…
- Character not Compliance, with Edward Brooks
We're living in a world where transactional leadership is being prioritized over transformational leadership. Dr. Edward Brooks, executive director of the Oxford Character Project , joins the Values & Interest podcast to discuss how embrac…
- Advancing Global Health in a Moment of Fracturing Partnerships
Global health requires a multilateral approach for research, knowledge sharing, and the distribution of life-saving services. What lessons can we take from recent shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic? What ethical considerations are impera…
- The State of Migration in 2025: Balancing Values and Interests at the International and Local Levels
Today's shifting global order is increasingly restrictive, and even hostile, toward human mobility. Meanwhile, geopolitical volatility continues to drive more people to seek safety across borders. In response, Carnegie Council's Model Inte…
- Interrogating Our "Norms" with Professor Tanisha Fazal
University of Minnesota's Professor Tanisha Fazal joins the Values & Interests podcast to discuss shifting geopolitical norms in a moment of global transition. For more, please go to: https://carnegiecouncil.co/values-interests-fazal
- Doubling Down on Values in a Moment of Crisis, with Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling
U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Hertling joins the Values & Interests podcast to discuss lessons in leadership, the power of embracing your professional ethos, and the critical importance of staying true to personal values in time…
- Unlocking Cooperation: Space Diplomacy
The world has entered a new space age. This moment presents a myriad of novel ethical questions and governance challenges that require collaboration across sectors and the creation of new pathways for multilateral cooperation. In response,…
- Diplomacy as Stagecraft: Ambush, Performance, and the Ethics of the Trump–Zelenskyy Encounter
In this "Ethical Article" Oxford's Corneliu Bjola reads his essay examining five core breaches of diplomatic norms during the Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting. This article was written as an Online Exclusive for Carnegie Council's "Ethi…
- Small States, Mutual Respect, and the Future of the International System, with Ambassador Ali Naseer Mohamed
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, large states are acting with increased hostility toward the principle of international cooperation, challenging the very foundations of the multilateral system. Ambassador Ali Naseer Mohamed, permanent re…
- Moral Dilemmas and Political Tradeoffs in Peacekeeping Operations
United Nations peacekeeping operations present unique ethical challenges for both multilateral actors and local communities. Today, these moral and political dilemmas are exacerbated by a deteriorating geopolitical environment. In this dis…
- A World without USAID? with Andrew Natsios
The Trump administration's attempted dismantling of USAID has ignited a debate around whether humanitarian aid advances or stifles America's national interest. Andrew Natsios, former administrator of USAID under George W. Bush, joins the V…
- Morality and Power from the Individual to the Institution, with Joel Rosenthal
For the inaugural episode of the Values & Interests podcast, scholar and Carnegie Council president Joel Rosenthal unpacks the complex and often challenging relationship between morality and power in our personal lives and across geopoliti…
- Values & Interests: Trailer to the Series
Values & Interests is a new podcast from Carnegie Council, which takes a deep dive into the ethical tensions and tradeoffs at the heart of decision-making in today's interconnected world. Together, we'll hear from leaders and experts who h…
- Unlocking Cooperation: Open Societies
Democracies faced significant headwinds in 2024 as illiberal leaders and autocrats increasingly collaborated to suppress dissent and undermine institutions, both domestically and transnationally. In 2025, how can democratic states enhance…
- A New International Order Is Emerging, We Must Bring Our Principles With Us
On the heels of a new international order, Carnegie Council will continue to champion the vision of peace and cooperation that remains our mission, says Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal in this "Ethical Article." To read this arti…
- Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Dr. Strangelove"
In this "Ethical Article" Alex Woodson explores ethical issues around nuclear weapons and non-proliferation, the military-industrial complex, and the role of political satire in his review of Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove."…
- An Ethical Grey Zone: AI Agents in Political Deliberations
In this "Ethical Article" Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, head of anticipatory action and innovation at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, reads her article on the rise of agentic AI and the need for researchers and policym…
- Artificial Intelligence and Election Integrity in 2024
In this special episode of "Ethical Articles," Carnegie Ethics Fellow Christine Jakobson reads the article "Artifical Intelligence and Election Integrity in 2024," written by herself together with Fellows Travis Gidado and Hinh Tran. You c…
- Empowering Next-Gen Civic Leaders
More than half of the world's population is under 30 years old, yet young people are significantly underrepresented in key policymaking spaces. As the world confronts a multitude of existential challenges, fresh perspectives, greater trans…
- Walking a Fraying Nuclear Tightrope, by Joel Rosenthal
In this "Ethical Article" Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal argues that a recommitment to nuclear arms control is nothing short of a moral imperative. This article originally appeared in "Politico." You can access the op-ed here: h…