https://simplecast.com Pivotal States In a fragmented and transactional world, the United States faces a host of challenges. To meet the moment, Washington needs new habits of statecraft, the courage to make difficult trade-offs, and the wisdom to work with a diverse array of global partners. The American Statecraft’s Pivotal States podcast series focuses on key nations that present strategic challenges and opportunities for the United States. Through these conversations, we aim to pave the way for a foreign policy equipped to navigate the mid-21st century. 2024, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace en Thu, 9 Apr 2026 17:00:06 +0000 Thu, 9 Apr 2026 17:00:19 +0000 https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com Pivotal States https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/115ebe2e-23ad-42ec-b051-9234726bbe19/a946b50e-4abf-4f88-8a29-86475f602801/3000x3000/pivotal-20states-simplecast.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com episodic In a fragmented and transactional world, the United States faces a host of challenges. To meet the moment, Washington needs new habits of statecraft, the courage to make difficult trade-offs, and the wisdom to work with a diverse array of global partners. The American Statecraft’s Pivotal States podcast series focuses on key nations that present strategic challenges and opportunities for the United States. Through these conversations, we aim to pave the way for a foreign policy equipped to navigate the mid-21st century. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace false https://feeds.simplecast.com/oas0_vnr government, corruption, politics Carnegie Endowment for International Peace podcasts@ceip.org ad3edbd8-185f-442d-bfe1-a2bc3cc3efdd Should Americans Fear China's Dominance? In Washington, policymakers frame competition with China as a zero-sum contest for power. But does slowing China’s progress actually benefit Americans—or is it a fool’s errand? What might a more stable future for U.S.-China relations look like, and what would it take to achieve it?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Jessica Chen Weiss, the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS and author of the forthcoming book, What China Wants: And What it Means for the World to unpack the most significant bilateral relationship in the world today. They discuss what each side wants from the other and explore what framework the United States should adopt to manage relations going forward. 

]]> Thu, 9 Apr 2026 17:00:06 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Christopher S. Chivvis, Jessica Chen Weiss) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/should-americans-fear-chinas-dominance-HIKFtjvX In Washington, policymakers frame competition with China as a zero-sum contest for power. But does slowing China’s progress actually benefit Americans—or is it a fool’s errand? What might a more stable future for U.S.-China relations look like, and what would it take to achieve it?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Jessica Chen Weiss, the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS and author of the forthcoming book, What China Wants: And What it Means for the World to unpack the most significant bilateral relationship in the world today. They discuss what each side wants from the other and explore what framework the United States should adopt to manage relations going forward. 

]]> Should Americans Fear China's Dominance? Christopher S. Chivvis, Jessica Chen Weiss 00:54:55 In Washington, policymakers frame competition with China as a zero-sum contest for power. But does slowing China’s progress actually benefit Americans—or is it a fool’s errand? In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Jessica Chen Weiss, the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS and author of the forthcoming book, What China Wants: And What it Means for the World. They discuss what might a more stable future for U.S.-China relations look like, and what would it take to achieve it. In Washington, policymakers frame competition with China as a zero-sum contest for power. But does slowing China’s progress actually benefit Americans—or is it a fool’s errand? In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Jessica Chen Weiss, the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS and author of the forthcoming book, What China Wants: And What it Means for the World. They discuss what might a more stable future for U.S.-China relations look like, and what would it take to achieve it. geopolitics, chinapolicy, trumpxisummit, nationalsecurity, uschinarelations, internationalrelations, globalpolitics, foreignpolicy, globalaffairs, diplomacy false full 13 3 24ae9898-be16-452c-aad7-01509e9b085c What Does the United States Want From Cuba? For more than sixty years, Cuba’s revolutionary government has survived economic crises and sustained pressure from the United States. But today, the island may be facing its most severe test yet. Daily life is grinding to a halt, under intense economic pressure from the Trump administration. Some U.S. officials are even predicting the imminent collapse of its longstanding communist regime. 

But what does the United States actually want from Cuba? What do past U.S. policies toward Cuba tell us about America's options for getting the change it seeks? 

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Michael J. Bustamante, Associate Professor of History and the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami. They discuss U.S. strategic interests in Cuba, the Trump administration’s approach toward the Island, and scenarios for the future.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:25:07 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Christopher Chivvis, Michael J. Bustamante) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/what-does-the-united-states-want-from-cuba-GTCsEwa_ For more than sixty years, Cuba’s revolutionary government has survived economic crises and sustained pressure from the United States. But today, the island may be facing its most severe test yet. Daily life is grinding to a halt, under intense economic pressure from the Trump administration. Some U.S. officials are even predicting the imminent collapse of its longstanding communist regime. 

But what does the United States actually want from Cuba? What do past U.S. policies toward Cuba tell us about America's options for getting the change it seeks? 

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Michael J. Bustamante, Associate Professor of History and the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami. They discuss U.S. strategic interests in Cuba, the Trump administration’s approach toward the Island, and scenarios for the future.

]]> What Does the United States Want From Cuba? Christopher Chivvis, Michael J. Bustamante 01:02:07 For more than sixty years, Cuba’s revolutionary government has survived economic crises and sustained pressure from the United States. But today, the island may be facing its most severe test yet. Daily life is grinding to a halt, under intense economic pressure from the Trump administration. But what does the United States actually want from Cuba? What do past U.S. policies toward Cuba tell us about America's options for getting the change it seeks? To explore these questions, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Michael J. Bustamante, Associate Professor of History and the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami. For more than sixty years, Cuba’s revolutionary government has survived economic crises and sustained pressure from the United States. But today, the island may be facing its most severe test yet. Daily life is grinding to a halt, under intense economic pressure from the Trump administration. But what does the United States actually want from Cuba? What do past U.S. policies toward Cuba tell us about America's options for getting the change it seeks? To explore these questions, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Michael J. Bustamante, Associate Professor of History and the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami. us strategy cuba, international relations, us foreign policy, christopher chivvis, cuban economy crisis, havana, cuban american relations, geopolitical strategy, michael j bustamante, cuba sanctions, us cuba relations, cuban government, cuba future scenarios, latin america politics, pivotal states podcast, cuba, trump administration false full 12 3 ab7495fe-f229-44ae-9d31-1feeb9a271ac Spheres of Influence or American Primacy? The World Trump is Making From 'spheres of influence' to 'naked imperialism' to 'peace through strength,' analysts of foreign affairs are offering competing explanations for Trump’s foreign policy whirlwind.  Over the past year, he has rattled the world with tariffs, negotiated a ceasefire in Gaza, conducted strikes in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and even issued threats of conquering an ally’s territory. Whether one views this record as beneficial or damaging to American interests, one thing seems clear: Trump has unleashed American power on the world stage, creating extraordinary uncertainty for the future world order.

So, how is Trump’s foreign policy shaping the world? To find the signal in the noise, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Stephen Wertheim, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School.

]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:44:45 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Stephen Wertheim, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/spheres-of-influence-or-american-primacy-the-world-trump-is-making-hMXDhvrC From 'spheres of influence' to 'naked imperialism' to 'peace through strength,' analysts of foreign affairs are offering competing explanations for Trump’s foreign policy whirlwind.  Over the past year, he has rattled the world with tariffs, negotiated a ceasefire in Gaza, conducted strikes in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and even issued threats of conquering an ally’s territory. Whether one views this record as beneficial or damaging to American interests, one thing seems clear: Trump has unleashed American power on the world stage, creating extraordinary uncertainty for the future world order.

So, how is Trump’s foreign policy shaping the world? To find the signal in the noise, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Stephen Wertheim, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School.

]]> Spheres of Influence or American Primacy? The World Trump is Making Stephen Wertheim, Christopher Chivvis 01:13:21 Analysts of foreign affairs are offering competing explanations for Trump’s foreign policy whirlwind. Over the past year, he’s rattled the world with tariffs, negotiated a ceasefire in Gaza, conducted strikes in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and even issued threats of conquering an ally’s territory. Whether one views this record as beneficial or damaging to American interests, one thing seems clear: Trump has unleashed American power on the world stage, creating extraordinary uncertainty for the future world order. So, how is Trump's foreign policy shaping the world? To find the signal in the noise, Chris Chivvis speaks with Stephen Wertheim, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Analysts of foreign affairs are offering competing explanations for Trump’s foreign policy whirlwind. Over the past year, he’s rattled the world with tariffs, negotiated a ceasefire in Gaza, conducted strikes in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and even issued threats of conquering an ally’s territory. Whether one views this record as beneficial or damaging to American interests, one thing seems clear: Trump has unleashed American power on the world stage, creating extraordinary uncertainty for the future world order. So, how is Trump's foreign policy shaping the world? To find the signal in the noise, Chris Chivvis speaks with Stephen Wertheim, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. world order, trump, foreign policy false full 11 3 5bb17643-e396-4014-b390-fd4605c08a55 Does Trump Understand America's Real Interests in Venezuela? President Trump campaigned on peace. Yet, for months, he expanded America’s military presence in the Caribbean to its largest since the Cold War. Just days into 2026, Trump had Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro captured and taken to a New York prison. Trump claims the United States will “run the country” until a proper transition takes place. Now the world’s left wondering what that means and what comes next. 

What are U.S. national interests in Venezuela in the first place? What does the United States stand to gain from a policy of maximizing control over Venezuela? And how does the U.S. operation in Venezuela impact the region, and even world order?   

To explore the consequences for the United States, Latin America, and the world, Christopher S. Chivvis is joined by Oliver Stuenkel, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Associate Professor of International Relations at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in São Paulo. 

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:21:59 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Oliver Stuenkel, Christopher S. Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/does-trump-understand-americas-real-interests-in-venezuela-lo1qjjO2 President Trump campaigned on peace. Yet, for months, he expanded America’s military presence in the Caribbean to its largest since the Cold War. Just days into 2026, Trump had Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro captured and taken to a New York prison. Trump claims the United States will “run the country” until a proper transition takes place. Now the world’s left wondering what that means and what comes next. 

What are U.S. national interests in Venezuela in the first place? What does the United States stand to gain from a policy of maximizing control over Venezuela? And how does the U.S. operation in Venezuela impact the region, and even world order?   

To explore the consequences for the United States, Latin America, and the world, Christopher S. Chivvis is joined by Oliver Stuenkel, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Associate Professor of International Relations at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in São Paulo. 

]]> Does Trump Understand America's Real Interests in Venezuela? Oliver Stuenkel, Christopher S. Chivvis 01:09:36 President Trump campaigned on peace, yet he has expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean to its largest since the Cold War. Days into 2026, he had Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro captured, claiming the United States will “run the country”. What are U.S. interests in Venezuela? Christopher S. Chivvis sits down with Oliver Stuenkel to examine the regional and global consequences of Trump's actions, and what comes next. President Trump campaigned on peace, yet he has expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean to its largest since the Cold War. Days into 2026, he had Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro captured, claiming the United States will “run the country”. What are U.S. interests in Venezuela? Christopher S. Chivvis sits down with Oliver Stuenkel to examine the regional and global consequences of Trump's actions, and what comes next. foreign policy, venezuela false full 10 3 78f3e72f-08d9-4783-ab97-24adc684d943 Inside America's Stubborn Rivalry with Iran U.S.–Iranian animosity has persisted relentlessly for more than four decades. From the Cold War to the unipolar moment to today’s multipolar world, tensions between the United States and Iran have remained a constant in an otherwise shifting geopolitical landscape. Understandably, Washington blames Tehran. But where does American agency fit into this story? Where have U.S. policymakers missed chances to reset the relationship? And what stands in the way of charting a new course?

In her new book, Enduring Hostility, Dalia Dassa Kaye examines how America’s foreign-policy elite, from Reagan through Biden, have understood and shaped relations with Iran.

On Pivotal States, she joins host Christopher S. Chivvis to discuss how America's choices have contributed to the stubborn antagonism between the two countries, and what it will take to change the script.

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Christopher S. Chivvis, Dalia Dassa Kaye) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-americas-stubborn-rivalry-with-iran-U4xn2okx U.S.–Iranian animosity has persisted relentlessly for more than four decades. From the Cold War to the unipolar moment to today’s multipolar world, tensions between the United States and Iran have remained a constant in an otherwise shifting geopolitical landscape. Understandably, Washington blames Tehran. But where does American agency fit into this story? Where have U.S. policymakers missed chances to reset the relationship? And what stands in the way of charting a new course?

In her new book, Enduring Hostility, Dalia Dassa Kaye examines how America’s foreign-policy elite, from Reagan through Biden, have understood and shaped relations with Iran.

On Pivotal States, she joins host Christopher S. Chivvis to discuss how America's choices have contributed to the stubborn antagonism between the two countries, and what it will take to change the script.

]]> Inside America's Stubborn Rivalry with Iran Christopher S. Chivvis, Dalia Dassa Kaye 00:55:18 Dalia Dassa Kaye joins Christopher S. Chivvis on the latest episode of Pivotal States to discuss the United States' ongoing rivalry with Iran and the factors preventing a reset in the relationship. Dalia Dassa Kaye joins Christopher S. Chivvis on the latest episode of Pivotal States to discuss the United States' ongoing rivalry with Iran and the factors preventing a reset in the relationship. u.s.-iran relations, iran, united states false full 9 3 d99bb59b-3383-47e2-8501-5a789cf6b83f Peril and Promise in the U.S.–China AI Race The contest to stay on the leading edge of AI is rapidly taking center stage in America’s strategic competition with China. But what does it actually mean to beat China in AI? Does the United States have the right strategy for navigating this contest? Are policymakers overstating the threats posed by China, or by artificial intelligence itself? And can Washington and Beijing cooperate on areas of high risk even as they compete intensely elsewhere?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Colin H. Kahl, Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Biden administration, to unpack the peril and the promise of U.S.–China competition in AI.

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:21:40 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Colin H. Kahl, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/peril-and-promise-in-the-uschina-ai-race-NDUewjMr The contest to stay on the leading edge of AI is rapidly taking center stage in America’s strategic competition with China. But what does it actually mean to beat China in AI? Does the United States have the right strategy for navigating this contest? Are policymakers overstating the threats posed by China, or by artificial intelligence itself? And can Washington and Beijing cooperate on areas of high risk even as they compete intensely elsewhere?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Colin H. Kahl, Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Biden administration, to unpack the peril and the promise of U.S.–China competition in AI.

]]> Peril and Promise in the U.S.–China AI Race Colin H. Kahl, Christopher Chivvis 01:19:23 The race to stay on the cutting edge of AI is becoming central to America’s strategic competition with China, raising questions about whether the U.S. has the right strategy and how real the risks truly are. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Colin H. Kahl to unpack both the promise and the peril of U.S.–China competition in AI. The race to stay on the cutting edge of AI is becoming central to America’s strategic competition with China, raising questions about whether the U.S. has the right strategy and how real the risks truly are. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Colin H. Kahl to unpack both the promise and the peril of U.S.–China competition in AI. geopolitics, ai, u.s.–china competition false full 8 3 503bbef5-6a20-44e6-981e-84f22fe1296d Hard Limits: Testing U.S. Power in Ukraine President Donald Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. He sent his negotiator Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for multiple rounds of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, and even hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a high-profile summit in Alaska this August. But despite these moves, the war grinds on with no resolution in sight. Negotiations have stalled as Russia continues to demand sweeping concessions. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Trump is now pressing for more assertive international action against Moscow, even as his own willingness to impose further costs on Russia remains unclear. The path forward looks increasingly grim, and the limits of U.S. influence in Ukraine are becoming ever more apparent. So what kind of outcome is realistically achievable— and at what cost?

To assess the dilemmas inherent in America’s policy toward Ukraine, Chris Chivvis speaks with Thomas Wright, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council during the Biden administration.

]]> Fri, 3 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Thomas Wright, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/hard-limits-testing-us-power-in-ukraine-n2Cek8OI President Donald Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. He sent his negotiator Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for multiple rounds of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, and even hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a high-profile summit in Alaska this August. But despite these moves, the war grinds on with no resolution in sight. Negotiations have stalled as Russia continues to demand sweeping concessions. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Trump is now pressing for more assertive international action against Moscow, even as his own willingness to impose further costs on Russia remains unclear. The path forward looks increasingly grim, and the limits of U.S. influence in Ukraine are becoming ever more apparent. So what kind of outcome is realistically achievable— and at what cost?

To assess the dilemmas inherent in America’s policy toward Ukraine, Chris Chivvis speaks with Thomas Wright, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council during the Biden administration.

]]> Hard Limits: Testing U.S. Power in Ukraine Thomas Wright, Christopher Chivvis 00:51:56 To assess the dilemmas inherent in America’s policy toward Ukraine, Chris Chivvis speaks with Thomas Wright, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council during the Biden administration. To assess the dilemmas inherent in America’s policy toward Ukraine, Chris Chivvis speaks with Thomas Wright, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council during the Biden administration. russia, putin, trump, ukraine, united states, zelensky false full 6 3 c11307b4-b040-47a2-91af-a46a25f37bcc Would an Asian NATO Be Good for America? This summer, during a trip to Asia, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated that the Indo-Pacific is the U.S. Department of Defense’s priority theater. Yet unlike Europe, the region still lacks a multilateral defense alliance, relying instead on a patchwork of bilateral ties and minilateral arrangements. Should the U.S. push for a formal defense pact in the Pacific? Advocates say a new alliance would bring stability and peace, while critics argue it would escalate tensions with China. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Dr. Ely Ratner of the Marathon Initiative to unpack the risks and benefits. Dr. Ely Ratner, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs for the Biden administration, lays out his vision in a recent Foreign Affairs essay, “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact.”

]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:55:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Ely Ratner, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/would-an-asian-nato-be-good-for-america-wVtpDvBo This summer, during a trip to Asia, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated that the Indo-Pacific is the U.S. Department of Defense’s priority theater. Yet unlike Europe, the region still lacks a multilateral defense alliance, relying instead on a patchwork of bilateral ties and minilateral arrangements. Should the U.S. push for a formal defense pact in the Pacific? Advocates say a new alliance would bring stability and peace, while critics argue it would escalate tensions with China. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Dr. Ely Ratner of the Marathon Initiative to unpack the risks and benefits. Dr. Ely Ratner, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs for the Biden administration, lays out his vision in a recent Foreign Affairs essay, “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact.”

]]> Would an Asian NATO Be Good for America? Ely Ratner, Christopher Chivvis 01:03:35 Should the U.S. push for a formal defense pact in the Pacific? Advocates say a new alliance would bring stability and peace, while critics argue it would escalate tensions with China. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Dr. Ely Ratner of the Marathon Initiative to unpack the risks and benefits. Dr. Ely Ratner, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs for the Biden administration, lays out his vision in a recent Foreign Affairs essay, “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact.” Should the U.S. push for a formal defense pact in the Pacific? Advocates say a new alliance would bring stability and peace, while critics argue it would escalate tensions with China. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis speaks with Dr. Ely Ratner of the Marathon Initiative to unpack the risks and benefits. Dr. Ely Ratner, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs for the Biden administration, lays out his vision in a recent Foreign Affairs essay, “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact.” security, indo-pacific, foreign policy false full 5 3 8f0e3f9b-be84-4ef7-827d-72f83ab489e9 Trump 2 at 6 Months: Fury and Furor, But What’s Changed? In his second term, President Trump cast himself as a “peacemaker and unifier” and tried to bring a swift end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Six months later, however, those conflicts continue, and last month Trump launched strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.

What has actually changed? Is Trump altering the trajectory of American global power or ultimately delivering more of the same?

Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Stephen Wertheim, from the Carnegie Endowment’s American Statecraft Program, as they unpack Trump’s second-term record thus far and discuss Stephen’s new essay in the New York Times, “Trump Wants to Put America First. He Has No Idea How.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/opinion/trump-america-foreign-policy.html

]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:23:03 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Christopher Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/trump-2-at-6-months-fury-and-furor-but-whats-changed-SvDvv6_m In his second term, President Trump cast himself as a “peacemaker and unifier” and tried to bring a swift end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Six months later, however, those conflicts continue, and last month Trump launched strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.

What has actually changed? Is Trump altering the trajectory of American global power or ultimately delivering more of the same?

Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Stephen Wertheim, from the Carnegie Endowment’s American Statecraft Program, as they unpack Trump’s second-term record thus far and discuss Stephen’s new essay in the New York Times, “Trump Wants to Put America First. He Has No Idea How.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/opinion/trump-america-foreign-policy.html

]]> Trump 2 at 6 Months: Fury and Furor, But What’s Changed? Christopher Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim 00:43:24 Six months into his second term, is Trump altering the trajectory of American global power or ultimately delivering more of the same? Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Stephen Wertheim, from the Carnegie Endowment’s American Statecraft Program, as they unpack Trump’s second-term record thus far and discuss Stephen’s new essay in the New York Times, “Trump Wants to Put America First. He Has No Idea How.” Six months into his second term, is Trump altering the trajectory of American global power or ultimately delivering more of the same? Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Stephen Wertheim, from the Carnegie Endowment’s American Statecraft Program, as they unpack Trump’s second-term record thus far and discuss Stephen’s new essay in the New York Times, “Trump Wants to Put America First. He Has No Idea How.” trump, foreign policy false full 4 3 70a85de3-d12d-47cb-bd32-22566366a543 America and Iran: Is a New Chapter Possible? Few relationships are as fraught, and as consequential, as America and Iran’s. The Trump administration inherited a golden opportunity to strike a deal, but the path has been anything but smooth. With the Trump now in nuclear talks with Iran, the question looms: Could this be a Nixon-to-China moment? What would a deal mean for the region? What benefits could it bring, and what’s at stake?

Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, as they break down the strategic choices in U.S.-Iran relations.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:20:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Ali Vaez, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/america-and-iran-is-a-new-chapter-possible-2FsVaTwU Few relationships are as fraught, and as consequential, as America and Iran’s. The Trump administration inherited a golden opportunity to strike a deal, but the path has been anything but smooth. With the Trump now in nuclear talks with Iran, the question looms: Could this be a Nixon-to-China moment? What would a deal mean for the region? What benefits could it bring, and what’s at stake?

Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, as they break down the strategic choices in U.S.-Iran relations.

]]> America and Iran: Is a New Chapter Possible? Ali Vaez, Christopher Chivvis 00:58:51 Few relationships are as fraught, and as consequential, as America and Iran’s. With the Trump now in nuclear talks with Iran, the question looms: Could this be a Nixon-to-China moment? What would a deal mean for the region? What benefits could it bring, and what’s at stake? Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, as they break down the strategic choices in U.S.-Iran relations. Few relationships are as fraught, and as consequential, as America and Iran’s. With the Trump now in nuclear talks with Iran, the question looms: Could this be a Nixon-to-China moment? What would a deal mean for the region? What benefits could it bring, and what’s at stake? Join Christopher S. Chivvis and Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, as they break down the strategic choices in U.S.-Iran relations. nuclear policy, iran false full 3 3 8fe601dc-d7ef-4e62-9e29-586e35f7f2b5 How Pivotal is the United Kingdom? The Future of U.S.-UK Relations America’s relationship with the United Kingdom is one of the deepest in the world, but in the face of changing interests and new geopolitical pressures, how important will the UK be to the future of American statecraft? UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made it clear that London will not choose between the U.S. and the EU. But navigating this delicate balance isn’t easy. Where is the “special relationship” between London and Washington heading? Does the UK have what it takes to safeguard Europe’s security, with less help from America? Can the U.S. and the UK agree on China?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis explores the U.S.-UK relationship with Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

]]> Mon, 5 May 2025 18:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Jeremy Shapiro, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/how-pivotal-is-the-united-kingdom-the-future-of-us-uk-relations-yfo_PJVV America’s relationship with the United Kingdom is one of the deepest in the world, but in the face of changing interests and new geopolitical pressures, how important will the UK be to the future of American statecraft? UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made it clear that London will not choose between the U.S. and the EU. But navigating this delicate balance isn’t easy. Where is the “special relationship” between London and Washington heading? Does the UK have what it takes to safeguard Europe’s security, with less help from America? Can the U.S. and the UK agree on China?

In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis explores the U.S.-UK relationship with Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

]]> How Pivotal is the United Kingdom? The Future of U.S.-UK Relations Jeremy Shapiro, Christopher Chivvis 00:52:25 America’s relationship with the United Kingdom is one of the deepest in the world, but in the face of changing interests and new geopolitical pressures, how important will the UK be to the future of American statecraft? In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis explores the U.S.-UK relationship with Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. America’s relationship with the United Kingdom is one of the deepest in the world, but in the face of changing interests and new geopolitical pressures, how important will the UK be to the future of American statecraft? In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis explores the U.S.-UK relationship with Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. us-uk relations, foreign policy, uk false full 2 3 f8f73e57-e094-4d98-b91f-82f0eff94eeb How is Taiwan Reacting to the Trump Administration? Four Experts Visited Taiwan to Find Out As the United States overhauls its foreign policy approach, Taiwan is on high alert. The Trump administration’s push for a Ukraine settlement has led many to question Washington’s commitment to Taiwan. What do leaders in Taipei think of these geopolitical changes?  What’s the pulse of the Taiwan public?

To find out, American Statecraft Program and national security experts Christopher S. Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim, Brett Rosenberg, and Matthew Duss visited Taipei and met with Taiwan's officials and thought leaders. In this episode of Pivotal States, they share their takeaways and delve into the United States' policy challenge in Taiwan.

]]> Wed, 9 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Brett Rosenberg, Matthew Duss, Stephen Wertheim, Christopher Chivvis) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/how-is-taiwan-reacting-to-the-trump-administration-four-experts-visited-taiwan-to-find-out-E6cKd40I As the United States overhauls its foreign policy approach, Taiwan is on high alert. The Trump administration’s push for a Ukraine settlement has led many to question Washington’s commitment to Taiwan. What do leaders in Taipei think of these geopolitical changes?  What’s the pulse of the Taiwan public?

To find out, American Statecraft Program and national security experts Christopher S. Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim, Brett Rosenberg, and Matthew Duss visited Taipei and met with Taiwan's officials and thought leaders. In this episode of Pivotal States, they share their takeaways and delve into the United States' policy challenge in Taiwan.

]]> How is Taiwan Reacting to the Trump Administration? Four Experts Visited Taiwan to Find Out Brett Rosenberg, Matthew Duss, Stephen Wertheim, Christopher Chivvis 00:58:53 As the United States overhauls its foreign policy approach, Taiwan is on high alert. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim, Brett Rosenberg, and Matthew Duss share their takeaways from their recent trip to Taipei and delve into the United States' policy challenge in Taiwan. As the United States overhauls its foreign policy approach, Taiwan is on high alert. In this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher S. Chivvis, Stephen Wertheim, Brett Rosenberg, and Matthew Duss share their takeaways from their recent trip to Taipei and delve into the United States' policy challenge in Taiwan. taiwan, trump, foreign policy false full 1 3 1c5c2344-c2ce-4bba-a5d0-faadecff2461 Food Security Reimagined | Barbecue Earth Winners and losers—every major transition has them. For the world to meet its climate goals, it needs to undergo a partial shift away from traditional meat and toward alternative proteins. But who would be the winners and losers of a global protein transition? In Episode 6, we investigate what this transition might look like and what it could mean for national security and geopolitics.

]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park, Noah Gordon) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/food-security-reimagined-barbecue-earth-VyYsZtsG Winners and losers—every major transition has them. For the world to meet its climate goals, it needs to undergo a partial shift away from traditional meat and toward alternative proteins. But who would be the winners and losers of a global protein transition? In Episode 6, we investigate what this transition might look like and what it could mean for national security and geopolitics.

]]> Food Security Reimagined | Barbecue Earth Heewon Park, Noah Gordon 00:23:25 Winners and losers—every major transition has them. For the world to meet its climate goals, it needs to undergo a partial shift away from traditional meat and toward alternative proteins. But who would be the winners and losers of a global protein transition? In Episode 6, we investigate what this transition might look like and what it could mean for national security and geopolitics. Winners and losers—every major transition has them. For the world to meet its climate goals, it needs to undergo a partial shift away from traditional meat and toward alternative proteins. But who would be the winners and losers of a global protein transition? In Episode 6, we investigate what this transition might look like and what it could mean for national security and geopolitics. false full 6 2 2ddbfbdb-5ad0-4e18-81b3-414a54bc4751 Consider the Lobster | Barbecue Earth There’s a lot to learn from the lobster. Its transformation from disdained prison food to fine-dining delicacy reveals how culture shapes our palate and how people could start to get a taste for food that does less damage to the planet than a bacon cheeseburger. In Episode 5, we look to the future of alternative proteins—from bean burgers to lab-grown nuggets—and ask what it would look like to live in a world less centered on traditional meat production.

]]> Tue, 5 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Noah Gordon, Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/consider-the-lobster-barbecue-earth-Zj6nGf_F There’s a lot to learn from the lobster. Its transformation from disdained prison food to fine-dining delicacy reveals how culture shapes our palate and how people could start to get a taste for food that does less damage to the planet than a bacon cheeseburger. In Episode 5, we look to the future of alternative proteins—from bean burgers to lab-grown nuggets—and ask what it would look like to live in a world less centered on traditional meat production.

]]> Consider the Lobster | Barbecue Earth Noah Gordon, Heewon Park 00:28:15 There’s a lot to learn from the lobster. Its transformation from disdained prison food to fine-dining delicacy reveals how culture shapes our palate and how people could start to get a taste for food that does less damage to the planet than a bacon cheeseburger. In Episode 5, we look to the future of alternative proteins—from bean burgers to lab-grown nuggets—and ask what it would look like to live in a world less centered on traditional meat production. There’s a lot to learn from the lobster. Its transformation from disdained prison food to fine-dining delicacy reveals how culture shapes our palate and how people could start to get a taste for food that does less damage to the planet than a bacon cheeseburger. In Episode 5, we look to the future of alternative proteins—from bean burgers to lab-grown nuggets—and ask what it would look like to live in a world less centered on traditional meat production. false full 5 2 46f8051e-93c8-435d-908d-4e215a4723eb Uncle Sam and the Magic Beanstalk | Barbecue Earth The soybean is more than just a humble legume—it’s a major geopolitical player that feeds the international meat market, shapes trade wars, and transforms economies. In Episode 4, we tell the story of how the soybeans that feed pigs around the world have shaped the geopolitical behavior of what some call “the Meat Triangle”: the United States, Brazil, and China.

]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park, Noah Gordon) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/barbecue-earth-ep-4-uncle-sam-and-the-magic-beanstalk-3cKrxXhU The soybean is more than just a humble legume—it’s a major geopolitical player that feeds the international meat market, shapes trade wars, and transforms economies. In Episode 4, we tell the story of how the soybeans that feed pigs around the world have shaped the geopolitical behavior of what some call “the Meat Triangle”: the United States, Brazil, and China.

]]> Uncle Sam and the Magic Beanstalk | Barbecue Earth Heewon Park, Noah Gordon 00:29:03 The soybean is more than just a humble legume—it’s a major geopolitical player that feeds the international meat market, shapes trade wars, and transforms economies. In Episode 4, we tell the story of how the soybeans that feed pigs around the world have shaped the geopolitical behavior of what some call “the Meat Triangle”: the United States, Brazil, and China. The soybean is more than just a humble legume—it’s a major geopolitical player that feeds the international meat market, shapes trade wars, and transforms economies. In Episode 4, we tell the story of how the soybeans that feed pigs around the world have shaped the geopolitical behavior of what some call “the Meat Triangle”: the United States, Brazil, and China. false full 4 2 4ecde424-9b8b-48ff-b381-4a56a819efc0 How to Launder a Cow | Barbecue Earth You’ve probably heard of money laundering. But while some choose to launder dirty cash, others launder cows. Episode 3 tells the story of one Brazilian company’s entanglement with the smuggling and selling of illegal cattle throughout the Amazon—and explores how big meat companies around the world use their power to undermine climate goals.

]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park, Noah Gordon) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-launder-a-cow-iRSHhXHA You’ve probably heard of money laundering. But while some choose to launder dirty cash, others launder cows. Episode 3 tells the story of one Brazilian company’s entanglement with the smuggling and selling of illegal cattle throughout the Amazon—and explores how big meat companies around the world use their power to undermine climate goals.

]]> How to Launder a Cow | Barbecue Earth Heewon Park, Noah Gordon 00:26:51 You’ve probably heard of money laundering. But while some choose to launder dirty cash, others launder cows. Episode 3 tells the story of one Brazilian company’s entanglement with the smuggling and selling of illegal cattle throughout the Amazon—and explores how big meat companies around the world use their power to undermine climate goals. You’ve probably heard of money laundering. But while some choose to launder dirty cash, others launder cows. Episode 3 tells the story of one Brazilian company’s entanglement with the smuggling and selling of illegal cattle throughout the Amazon—and explores how big meat companies around the world use their power to undermine climate goals. false full 3 2 72a401b8-dd0b-45a4-9edd-2bfad6ebe5f9 Barbecue Earth Trailer Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:30:16 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Noah Gordon, Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/introducing-barbecue-earth-mqWBVylL Barbecue Earth Trailer Noah Gordon, Heewon Park 00:02:03 Meat isn’t just delicious. It’s also an important commodity, a politically powerful industry, and a big reason why our planet is overheating. Join the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for our new podcast Barbecue Earth, as we explore the intersection of meat, climate change, and geopolitics. Meat isn’t just delicious. It’s also an important commodity, a politically powerful industry, and a big reason why our planet is overheating. Join the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for our new podcast Barbecue Earth, as we explore the intersection of meat, climate change, and geopolitics. false trailer 2 b3496c6f-6382-42e7-a4f2-2df124f60495 Hog Country | Barbecue Earth In the United States, agriculture plays by a different set of rules than other sectors. With its lax child labor laws and lack of environmental restrictions, the American farming industry operates in a uniquely under-regulated environment. Why? Episode 1 explores the history of agricultural exceptionalism and how it impacts the lives of North Carolina residents living close to factory farms.

]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Noah Gordon, Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/hog-country-ExAKWy0i In the United States, agriculture plays by a different set of rules than other sectors. With its lax child labor laws and lack of environmental restrictions, the American farming industry operates in a uniquely under-regulated environment. Why? Episode 1 explores the history of agricultural exceptionalism and how it impacts the lives of North Carolina residents living close to factory farms.

]]> Hog Country | Barbecue Earth Noah Gordon, Heewon Park 00:31:16 In the United States, agriculture plays by a different set of rules than other sectors. With its lax child labor laws and lack of environmental restrictions, the American farming industry operates in a uniquely under-regulated environment. Why? Episode 1 explores the history of agricultural exceptionalism and how it impacts the lives of North Carolina residents living close to factory farms. In the United States, agriculture plays by a different set of rules than other sectors. With its lax child labor laws and lack of environmental restrictions, the American farming industry operates in a uniquely under-regulated environment. Why? Episode 1 explores the history of agricultural exceptionalism and how it impacts the lives of North Carolina residents living close to factory farms. false full 1 2 ee1c6cef-456c-4c68-8c3e-ce5bb56ba319 The Farmers Strike Back | Barbecue Earth Tractors blocking government buildings. Manure piled on highways. The birth of a populist political party. In the Netherlands, government regulations on agriculture’s nitrogen emissions have sparked backlash from Dutch farmers. In Episode 2, we tell the story of this quarrel. It holds lessons for all countries, in Europe and beyond, that are facing rising agricultural populism as they begin to implement stricter environmental regulations on farming.

]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park, Noah Gordon) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/the-farmers-strike-back-HGcLObdj Tractors blocking government buildings. Manure piled on highways. The birth of a populist political party. In the Netherlands, government regulations on agriculture’s nitrogen emissions have sparked backlash from Dutch farmers. In Episode 2, we tell the story of this quarrel. It holds lessons for all countries, in Europe and beyond, that are facing rising agricultural populism as they begin to implement stricter environmental regulations on farming.

]]> The Farmers Strike Back | Barbecue Earth Heewon Park, Noah Gordon 00:28:01 Tractors blocking government buildings. Manure piled on highways. The birth of a populist political party. In the Netherlands, government regulations on agriculture’s nitrogen emissions have sparked backlash from Dutch farmers. In Episode 2, we tell the story of this quarrel. It holds lessons for all countries, in Europe and beyond, that are facing rising agricultural populism as they begin to implement stricter environmental regulations on farming. Tractors blocking government buildings. Manure piled on highways. The birth of a populist political party. In the Netherlands, government regulations on agriculture’s nitrogen emissions have sparked backlash from Dutch farmers. In Episode 2, we tell the story of this quarrel. It holds lessons for all countries, in Europe and beyond, that are facing rising agricultural populism as they begin to implement stricter environmental regulations on farming. false full 2 2 efe2423f-712c-4274-9848-94f92b34d67f Trouble in the Blue House | Behind Closed Doors The third episode, "Trouble in the Blue House," dissects the corruption scandal often called "South Korea's Watergate." When former President Park Geun-hye was first elected in 2013, she held widespread conservative support and was internationally celebrated as the country's first female president. No one could have predicted that just 5 years later, she would end up embroiled in a corruption case that would leave her disgraced, impeached, and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Although not without its controversy, Park Geun-hye's impeachment shows how anti-corruption movements can pursue accountability and reform while protecting democratic norms. 

]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2023 17:15:36 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-3-trouble-in-the-blue-house-DlvClhkr The third episode, "Trouble in the Blue House," dissects the corruption scandal often called "South Korea's Watergate." When former President Park Geun-hye was first elected in 2013, she held widespread conservative support and was internationally celebrated as the country's first female president. No one could have predicted that just 5 years later, she would end up embroiled in a corruption case that would leave her disgraced, impeached, and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Although not without its controversy, Park Geun-hye's impeachment shows how anti-corruption movements can pursue accountability and reform while protecting democratic norms. 

]]> Trouble in the Blue House | Behind Closed Doors Heewon Park 00:38:39 Episode 3 follows the story of "South Korea's Watergate" and assesses the role of accountability in safeguarding democratic norms. Episode 3 follows the story of "South Korea's Watergate" and assesses the role of accountability in safeguarding democratic norms. false full 4 1 2a3d61fd-d59d-4f3f-b016-f57927f698f3 Seeing the Monster | Behind Closed Doors The second episode, "Seeing the Monster," explores what some call the biggest corruption scandal in history—Brazil's Lava Jato scandal. The story begins at a small gas station in southern Brazil, where a single arrest for bribery in 2013 unleashed a domino effect that would topple hundreds of business executives, imprison a former head of state, and impeach the sitting president. The aftermath of the scandal shows how important it is for anti-corruption movements to not only expose corruption, but also to provide constructive ways to address it. 

]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:40:33 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/seeing-the-monster-4DvTVlcJ The second episode, "Seeing the Monster," explores what some call the biggest corruption scandal in history—Brazil's Lava Jato scandal. The story begins at a small gas station in southern Brazil, where a single arrest for bribery in 2013 unleashed a domino effect that would topple hundreds of business executives, imprison a former head of state, and impeach the sitting president. The aftermath of the scandal shows how important it is for anti-corruption movements to not only expose corruption, but also to provide constructive ways to address it. 

]]> Seeing the Monster | Behind Closed Doors Heewon Park 00:43:07 Episode 2 of "Behind Closed Doors" dissects the biggest corruption cases in history and explores the aftermath of these scandals. Episode 2 of "Behind Closed Doors" dissects the biggest corruption cases in history and explores the aftermath of these scandals. false full 3 1 d2d2ab49-d303-4073-bf7f-59e712d68749 Behind Closed Doors Trailer Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:44:46 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/trailer-X1QPxaOS Behind Closed Doors Trailer Heewon Park 00:02:48 Introduction to Behind Closed Doors: Corruption in Democracies Introduction to Behind Closed Doors: Corruption in Democracies false full 1 1 30f92979-20ef-4c92-b41b-16f3b3ec4f4c If Men Were Angels, We Wouldn't Need Government | Behind Closed Doors What is corruption in democracies? How has it changed over time? And, in what forms does it emerge in our society today? Episode 1, 'If Men Were Angels, We Wouldn't Need Government,' answers these questions through the lens of case studies in the United States, including the political scandal of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have eroded controls on influence-peddling, and other frequent tools used by leaders and groups to receive preferential treatment in the U.S. system of government. 

]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:12:12 +0000 podcasts@ceip.org (Heewon Park) https://behind-closed-doors-corruption-in-democracies.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-1-if-men-were-angels-we-wouldnt-need-government-zNxf9h8y What is corruption in democracies? How has it changed over time? And, in what forms does it emerge in our society today? Episode 1, 'If Men Were Angels, We Wouldn't Need Government,' answers these questions through the lens of case studies in the United States, including the political scandal of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have eroded controls on influence-peddling, and other frequent tools used by leaders and groups to receive preferential treatment in the U.S. system of government. 

]]> If Men Were Angels, We Wouldn't Need Government | Behind Closed Doors Heewon Park 00:34:51 Episode 1 unpacks the political scandal surrounding former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, and explores the tools used by leaders to receive preferential treatment. Episode 1 unpacks the political scandal surrounding former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, and explores the tools used by leaders to receive preferential treatment. false full 2 1