Best Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Podcasts (2025)

1
Canada, Ukraine, and South Sudan, plus Nick Thompson on Undersea Cable Attacks 42:30

3h ago42:30

42:30

Interview with Nick Thompson on Undersea Cables - 22:20 This week is our second episode with Kelly's new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze the recent conflict in South Sudan and Canadian politics, as well as the …

1
Jason Steinhauer on How Historians Must Adapt to Social Media 36:00

1h ago36:00

36:00

For our fourth episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes author Jason Steinhauer to explore how social media has impacted historical narratives. They dive into the idea of "e-History" and how social media has made it harder for professional historians to cut through the noise in an age where misinformation is constantly competing f…

1
Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and Author 54:15

4h ago54:15

54:15

While Jew hatred in America and Europe has been at the forefront recently, the reality is Jews everywhere are under siege. This is especially true in Australia, where attacks on Jews have ranged from doxxing and vandalism to arson, including the horrific firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alex Ry…

1
Syria, Germany, the G20, and Edward Fishman on Ukraine 1:10:05

6d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Interview with Edward Fishman on Ukarine & Russia - 40:50 This week, Kelly introduces our new co-host, Tristen Naylor, a non-resident fellow at ISD. Read more about Tristen on our website: https://isd.georgetown.edu/profile/tristen-naylor/ Kelly and Tristen analyze recent developments in German and Syrian politics and the recent G20 summit in South…

1
Katie Stallard on Mythmaking & History in Russia, China, and North Korea 46:41

13d ago46:41

46:41

For our third episode of "History and our Current World," Kelly welcomes journalist Katie Stallard to explore how historical mythmaking shapes foreign policy. We examine how Russia, China & North Korea have manipulated national narratives to legitimize their global ambitions and create powerful collective identities. Katie is a senior editor for Ch…

1
Joel Chasnoff, Stand-Up Comedian & Author 42:31

14d ago42:31

42:31

From Mel Brooks to Jerry Seinfeld, there is a proud lineage of Jewish comedians who use their experience and wit to make the world laugh. However, since October 7, those laughs can feel hollow, knowing how many of our brethren are suffering. Others, though, view comedy as a coping mechanism to deal with the pain and trauma. Host Steven Shalowitz si…

1
Omar Mahmood on Somaliland's Political Future 31:30

27d ago31:30

31:30

Interview with Omar Mahmood on Somaliland - 16:40 This week, Kelly sits down with International Crisis Group Senior Analyst Omar Mahmood for an in-depth look at Somaliland's history and quest for international recognition. Before that, he and Freddie discuss Trump's USAID cuts, political turmoil in the Philippines, and Ecuador's presidential electi…

1
Margaret Macmillan: Why Does History Matter? 41:18

27d ago41:18

41:18

For our first full episode of Season 8, Kelly is joined by Margaret MacMillan to discuss the importance of history in shaping the behavior of individuals, politicians, and entire societies. Margaret MacMillan is an emeritus professor of History at the University of Toronto and an emeritus professor of International History at Oxford University. She…

1
Simon Newton-Smith, Senior VP of the Americas, EL AL Israel Airlines 35:03

1M ago35:03

35:03

IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Simon Newton-Smith, Senior Vice President of the Americas for EL AL Israel Airlines, to discuss the airline’s extraordinary role in keeping Israel connected amid unprecedented challenges. Simon shares insights into EL AL's resilience and operational strategies following October 7, detailing how the a…

1
Michael Rapaport, Award-winning actor, comedian, podcaster, and pro-Israel advocate 53:56

30d ago53:56

53:56

As one of the most recognizable and outspoken advocates for Israel, particularly in the wake of October 7, Michael Rapaport has given a voice to millions of Zionists worldwide. Known for his unfiltered commentary, Rapaport delves into his Jewish identity, the challenges facing Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and the vital role of humor dur…

1
Liana Fix on Germany’s Political Crisis 30:17

1M ago30:17

30:17

Interview with Liana Fix on Germany - 16:00 NOTE: This episode was recorded before the ceasefire in the DRC began to break down. This week, Kelly sits down with Council on Foreign Relations fellow Liana Fix for an update on Germany's political crisis just weeks ahead of the federal elections. Before that, Kelly and Freddie break down the release of…

1
Season 8 Preview: History and our Current World 4:29

1M ago4:29

4:29

This week, Kelly teases the upcoming season of Diplomatic Immunity, titled "History and our Current World." The new series explores how history shapes foreign affairs—from the lessons of the Treaty of Versailles to the myths fueling conflicts in Ukraine and the South China Sea. Don’t miss our next episode on February 13th, when Kelly interviews ren…

1
Dr. Ronen Shoval, Israeli Philosopher, Author & Head of the Argaman Institute for Advances Studies 1:03:59

1M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Even before the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks exacerbated life for Jewish students, universities were already hostile to anything related to Israel. Six months prior, when Dr. Ronen Shoval, head of the Israeli Argaman Institute, was lecturing at Princeton University, he required a police escort due to threats from protesters. Host Steven…

1
Mona Yacoubian on Syria: HTS's Rise and Reconstruction Ahead 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

Interview with Mona Yacoubian on Syria — 10:57 This week, Kelly interviews Mona Yacoubian from the U.S. Institute of Peace to provide insights into Syria's future, focusing on the rise of HTS, reconstruction challenges, and the role of international actors. Before that, Kelly and Freddie cover the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire a…

1
Richard Fontaine: The Russo-Chinese Alliance & U.S. Foreign Policy 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

To kick off 2025, Kelly talks with Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for New American Security, about his new report with the Council on Foreign Relations: No Limits? The China-Russia Relationship and U.S. Foreign Policy. Richard is the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security. Prior to CNAS, Richard was a foreign policy …

1
Gadi Ezra, Commentator, Author & Israel's Former National Public Diplomacy Unit Director 1:01:39

2M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

From his time on the ground in the Israeli special forces to his bridge-building efforts as the National Public Diplomacy Unit Director, Gadi Ezra has dedicated his life to serving his country. From his time in Gaza in 2008 to his recent engagement after being called up from the reserves, Ezra is intimately familiar with war and how Hamas operates.…

1
Dana W. White, Managing Director, Juno Collective, author, national security expert and political commentator 1:20:30

3M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

The history of relations between black and Jewish Americans has always been complicated, often oscillating between solidarity and distance. While the communities have historically been close, there is now a much more rampant pro-Palestinian sentiment in black populations, in addition to accusations of antisemitism. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down w…

1
2024: Year in Review with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

This week, Kelly looks back on the major events of 2024 with Amy Mackinnon and Ellen Laipson. Amy Mackinnon is an award-winning national security and intelligence reporter at Foreign Policy. She has reported from across Eastern Europe and was previously based in Moscow and in Tbilisi, Georgia, as senior editor for the crisis reporting site Coda Sto…

1
David Matlow, Owner of the largest collection of Herzl memorabilia in the world 51:26

3M ago51:26

51:26

Currently on display at the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum at New York’s Temple Emanu-El, the All About Herzl Exhibition showcases a wide array of original Herzl documents, ephemera, and artifacts. The exhibition includes materials drawn from the collections of the Theodor Herzl Archive at the Central Zionist Archives in Israel, YIVO Institute for…

1
Lessons in Diplomacy with Former UK Ambassador Leigh Turner 53:21

3M ago53:21

53:21

This week, Kelly talks with former British Ambassador Leigh Turner about a wide range of topics, from crisis and safety issues facing embassies around the world to how technology is transforming the role of the diplomat, and how he sees European, Russian, and British foreign policy developing in the next few years. Leigh Turner is a writer based in…

1
Colonel Richard Kemp - Retired British Army Officer 23:48

3M ago23:48

23:48

How does the Israel Defense Forces conduct war? Despite the rhetoric from the United Nations and college protesters, the IDF has a clear track record of valuing and protecting life while still efficiently combatting terrorists in the region. Colonel Richard Kemp returns to IsraelCast to discuss his observations from his time spent in Israel and Gaz…

1
Ambassador Samuel Ducroquet: Sports Diplomacy After Paris 2024 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

This week, Kelly talks with the French Ambassador for Sports, Samuel Ducroquet, about the growing role of sports in diplomatic efforts. Samuel Ducroquet was appointed French ambassador for sport in February 2023. He joined the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2007 as an International Civilian Volunteer at the French Permanent Mission to t…

1
Prof. Shai Davidai, Assistant Professor of Management, Columbia University Business School 1:09:57

4M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

What does it mean to be an activist today? For Columbia professor Shai Davidai, it means being on the front lines speaking out against the rampant Jew hatred he saw on his campus. Despite the antisemitism he has faced, including a suspension from the university, Davidai continues to spread awareness of the plight Jews on campus face. Host Steven Sh…

1
Dan Byman on Israel; updates on Georgian Elections, COP29, and Venezuela 32:25

4M ago32:25

32:25

Interview with Dan Byman on Israel — 14:36 This week, Kelly speaks with Georgetown Professor Dan Byman for an update on Israel and Lebanon, days before a ceasefire was announced in the year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Before that, Kelly and Freddie talk through the recent elections in Georgia and Venezuela, and the negotiations at t…

1
ISD Live: NYT's Edward Wong Receives the 2024 Weintal Prize 1:04:07

4M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

On November 13, ISD Director Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine awarded New York Times correspondent Edward Wong with the Edward Weintal Prize for diplomatic reporting. Ed's lecture, "Empires in Extremis," covers his family's story as it intertwines with the rise of the CCP and Xi Jinping, leading into his own career as a diplomatic correspondent and…

1
Aryeh Lightstone, CEO of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute 49:44

4M ago49:44

49:44

When it comes to Middle East relations, few know more than Aryeh Lightstone. A Senior Advisor to former United States Ambassador David Friedman, Lightstone played a crucial role in implementing the Abraham Accords, one of the most important normalization agreements in modern times, and helping secure a brighter future for Israelis and Arabs in the …

1
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky: U.S. History & the Biden-Trump Transition 22:18

4M ago22:18

22:18

This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky about the history of Presidential transitions, and how the Biden-Trump transition is shaping up. Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky is a presidential historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. Her research focuses on the development of political institutions and political c…

1
Matti Friedman, Journalist & Author 55:05

5M ago55:05

55:05

An author and reporter who was in the Jerusalem bureau of the Associated Press, Matti Friedman has a firsthand look at how often many news agencies distort the facts when it comes to Israel. Both American and international organizations consistently appear to have a bias against the Jewish State, while social media has become a cesspool of antisemi…

1
Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor 52:55

5M ago52:55

52:55

During the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks, Hamas used social media garner additional attention, even livestreaming their slaughter of innocent civilians and hostage-taking. According to Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, the Founder and Executive Director of CyberWell who dedicates her life to combatting and reporting online antisemitism, this led to a…

1
Tristen Naylor: How is the World Viewing the 2024 Election? 26:27

5M ago26:27

26:27

This week, Kelly talks with Dr. Tristen Naylor, Founder and Managing Director of the geopolitical risk consultancy Diplomatic Solutions, about the outlooks for relationships with leaders in Europe, China, Iran, and other nations, as well as how America’s relationship with multilateral institutions like the United Nations might be impacted by either…

1
Sara Moller on NATO's new Secretary General; updates on Kenya, Tunisia and the Chagos Islands 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

Interview with Sara Moller - 13:00 This week, Kelly and Freddie talk through the UK's deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands, the Tunisian presidential election, and Kenya's police mission in Haiti. Kelly then talks with Professor Sara Moller about NATO's new Secretary General Mark Rutte. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly …

1
Emma Ashford: Trump vs Harris on Foreign Policy 28:02

5M ago28:02

28:02

For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we’ll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We’ll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect US foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching wit…

1
Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) 46:45

6M ago46:45

46:45

On the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7 massacre, when Hamas terrorists slaughtered over 1,200 innocent Israelis, the landscape of the Middle East has changed. From the initial shock of Israel’s intelligence failure to the unity seen among Israel and world Jewry to the way other countries have either supported or hindered Israel’s res…

1
Stephanie Fillion on UNGA Week; Updates on Israel and the South China Sea 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

11:40 - Interview with Stéphanie Fillion This week, Kelly and Freddie discuss recent updates in Israel and the South China Sea. Kelly then talks with Stephanie Fillion, a UN correspondent, about high-level week at the UN General Assembly. Stephanie Fillion is an international reporter who covers the UN from its headquarters in New York City. Her wo…

1
Elizabeth Saunders - Does Foreign Policy Matter in US Elections? 26:45

6M ago26:45

26:45

For our seventh season of Diplomatic Immunity, we’ll be taking a look at the role of foreign policy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We’ll be taking you through the key things to know about where the candidates stand on international issues, how a win for either will affect U.S. foreign policy, and how the rest of the world is watching w…

1
Shahar Azani, Veteran Israeli Diplomat & Senior Vice President, Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) 57:48

6M ago57:48

57:48

A veteran Israeli diplomat, Shahar Azani was never a stranger to Israel and Jew hatred. Yet, after the October 7 terrorist attacks, Shahar Azani saw a shift in discourse. While protesters previously couched their bias in softer language, many are now openly supporting terrorist groups and calling for the end of the Jewish State. Host Steven Shalowi…

1
Rachael Stern, Director of Operations at The Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL) 54:08

6M ago54:08

54:08

1
Noa Cochva, Israel Advocate, Miss Israel 2021, IDF Combat Medic 53:47

7M ago53:47

53:47

Noa Cochva has fought for Israel in a multitude of ways. As a soldier, she served as a combat medic, including for five months on the Gaza border post-October 7. As an activist, she works tirelessly to spread the truth about Israel amidst a sea of antisemitism. And as the former Miss Israel, she represented her country on the international stage. H…

1
Masha Merkulova, the Founder and Executive Director of Club Z 50:08

7M ago50:08

50:08

11M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

In the post-October 7 world, advocating for Israel can feel like an uphill battle. Trolls and antisemites attack pro-Israel posts on social media, and Zionists get banned merely for supporting Israel’s right to exist. Yet, the fight continues, and everyday, people are in the trenches spreading the truth about Israel. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down…

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