Reagan to Retrenchment explores how this surge in capability exposed both strengths and vulnerabilities within the system. The episode examines major espionage cases that defined the era, the operational realities behind investigating them, and how the end of the Cold War triggered a shift in priorities that reduced resources at a critical moment. It underscores how strategic decisions, institutional pressures, and evolving threat landscapes reshaped the trajectory of U.S. counterintelligence moving into the 1990s.

Secrets, Scandals, Reform explores the history of U.S. counterintelligence through the forces that shaped it most: covert threats, institutional failures, political pressure, and the reforms that followed. This episode examines how espionage, controversy, and government oversight helped redefine the roles of the FBI, CIA, and the broader American counterintelligence mission.

This is a timely and important discussion for anyone interested in intelligence, national security, espionage, and the institutional history behind how the United States detects and responds to foreign threats. The Institute of World Politics teaches counterintelligence, intelligence policy, and the instruments of statecraft as part of its graduate education in national security and international affairs.

In this episode, Professor John Tsagronis interviews Kelley DeConciliis, a highly experienced professional in the fields of national security, intelligence, and international affairs. DeConciliis serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and is also an Adjunct Professor at the school. She shares her fascinating background, including her work in areas like evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, as well as her insights on balancing a demanding career with family life.

Guest: Kelley DeConciliis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) and Adjunct Professor

Guest Host: John Tsagronis, Professor of Statecraft and National Security Affairs; Former Senior Director for Policy Implementation and Execution on the National Security Council Staff

Main Topics Discussed:

DeConciliis' background and how she got into the field of national security and intelligence (00:01:25)

Her experiences with evacuation, exfiltration, and extraction operations, including specific examples (00:03:05)

The challenges of being a woman in national security and the importance of mentorship (00:04:01)

DeConciliis' new course at IWP on "The Fog of War" and the practical lessons she aims to impart to students (00:23:01)

DeConciliis' personal journey, including overcoming setbacks and failures, and how they have shaped her (00:31:27)

DeConciliis' involvement with the Institute of World Politics and the Spy Museum (00:49:08)

Where to Find Kelley DeConciliis:

Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/kelley-deconciliis/

Where to Find Professor John Tsagronis:

Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/s-john-tsagronis/

Glancy's courses at IWP on propaganda, political warfare, economic statecraft, and forecasting/risk analysis (00:01:19 - 00:02:46)

The need to relearn political warfare capabilities after the Cold War (00:03:32 - 00:04:40)

Challenges of confronting adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia that have strategic approaches to political warfare (00:04:56 - 00:07:54)

Potential for a "grand bargain" with Russia and the unlikelihood of such an approach succeeding (00:14:28 - 00:18:15)

Concerns about foreign interference in US elections and the limited impact of past efforts (00:31:38 - 00:37:41)

Debate over whether the US remains the "indispensable country" amid relative economic and military decline (00:38:49 - 00:43:41)

Where to Find the Guest:

David Glancy's faculty profile: www.iwp.edu/faculty/david-glancy

Where to Find the Host:

Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at IWP

IWP podcast: www.iwp.edu/podcast

-The Need for a Comprehensive U.S. National Energy Security Strategy

-The National Security Implications of Rapidly Growing Electricity Demand

-Navigating the Energy Trilemma: The Need for Diversification

-Renewable Energy: The Necessity of a Balanced Approach

-Energy Access and Equity: Ensuring Fair Distribution and Availability

The discussion also includes the close connection between energy and national security, the challenges of balancing energy security, sustainability, and affordability, the ineffectiveness of sanctions on Russia's energy exports, the interconnection between energy and food security, and the need for a balanced approach to energy that utilizes a variety of sources. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Vakhshouri, emphasizes the importance of a bipartisan, long-term national energy strategy that provides continuity and stability, rather than the radical shifts in policy that have occurred between administrations.

Where to Find Dr. Sara Vakhshouri:

- Institute of World Politics: [https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/sara-vakhshouri/]

Where to Find Host Jim Robbins:

- Institute of World Politics: [https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/]

In this episode, Professor Quattrocki discusses the history and evolution of counterintelligence policy in the U.S. government, covering topics such as:

- The origins of the counterintelligence review process in the early 2000s, starting with PDD-75 under the Clinton administration (00:01:02)

- The impact of 9/11 on the counterintelligence review and the shift in focus to counterterrorism (00:16:16) 

- The lack of consensus among senior policymakers on the definition and role of counterintelligence (00:23:54)

- The challenges of resourcing counterintelligence efforts compared to the scale of the threat (00:31:05)

- The importance of offensive and strategic counterintelligence, beyond just counterespionage (00:37:18)

- The distinction between recruitment of foreign agents and the use of double agents (00:43:04)

---

Where to Find Professor Quattrocki:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/john-j-quattrocki/

Where to Find Host Jim Robbins:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/

Guest Host: Prof. Glenn Corn, 34-year Veteran of the U.S. Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Communities

In this episode, Ambassador Miller discusses his storied career in the U.S. government and private sector, including his time serving in Vietnam, as a U.S. ambassador in Africa, and at the Department of Justice and National Security Council. He also talks about the mission and work of the Diplomatic Studies Foundation, which he co-founded to improve training and preparation for U.S. diplomats and foreign policy professionals.

Main Topics Discussed:

- Ambassador Miller's background and career path, including his time in Vietnam and as a U.S. ambassador (00:03:03 - 00:08:12)

- The importance of proper training and preparation for diplomats and foreign policy professionals (00:01:13 - 00:02:26)

- The Diplomatic Studies Foundation and its "Peace Games" program to better prepare country teams for overseas deployments (00:14:52 - 00:25:25)

- The need for stronger collaboration between the U.S. government and private sector on foreign policy and national security issues (00:25:02 - 00:26:00)

- Reflections on effective presidential leadership and the sacrifices made by foreign policy families (00:27:00 - 00:52:55)

---

Where to Find Ambassador Miller:

- Diplomatic Studies Foundation: https://www.usdiplomaticstudies.foundation/

Where to Find Our Guest Host, Glenn Corn:

- https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/

---

Key References and Resources Mentioned:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP)

- Hamlet Evaluation System (HES) in Vietnam

- Tet Offensive in Vietnam

- White House Fellows program

- Westinghouse Corporation

- National Security Council (NSC)

- U.S. Department of State

- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

- International Crisis Group (ICG)

- Ronald Reagan's leadership style

Guest: Dr. Anne Bradley, Professor at the Institute of World Politics and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Fund For American Studies

In this episode, Dr. Anne Bradley discusses her new monograph "The Political Economy of Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the War on Terror." She shares her personal experiences studying terrorism and working in counterterrorism at the CIA, as well as her economic perspective on the causes, costs, and strategies for mitigating terrorism.

Key Topics Discussed:

- [00:00:24] Dr. Bradley's background and inspiration for studying terrorism

- [00:05:02] How economic conditions contribute to the rise and perpetuation of terrorism

- [00:09:40] Effective counterterrorism strategies beyond just reducing government size

- [00:15:37] The massive financial costs of the "War on Terror" and the need for more efficient approaches

- [00:19:47] The impact of globalization on terrorism and the importance of economic development

- [00:28:44] The evolving role of technology and finance in terrorist activities and counterterrorism efforts

---

Where to Find Dr. Anne Bradley:

- Institute of World Politics: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/anne-rathbone-bradley/

- The Fund For American Studies: https://tfas.org/staff/anne-bradley/

---

Key Terms & References:

- Al Qaeda

- 9/11 attacks

- Costs of War Project (Brown University)

- OPEC

- Cryptocurrency and terror finance

- Property rights and economic development

- Role of NGOs in development

Podcast Show Notes

Guest: Al Santoli, professor at IWP, president of the Asia America Initiative, New York Times best selling author and Pulitzer nominated author

This episode explores the value of practical experience in national security education, drawing on Al Santoli's extensive background as a practitioner in fields like counterterrorism, refugee work, and conflict resolution.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Al Santoli's background and experience prior to joining IWP (00:00:31 - 00:04:18)

- The founding of IWP and its "scholar-practitioner" model (00:04:41 - 00:08:18)

- The importance of having practitioners in academia (00:09:41 - 00:16:30)

- Al Santoli's work with the Asia America Initiative in the Philippines (00:27:09 - 00:46:45)

- Translating practical experience into the classroom at IWP (00:46:59 - 00:54:33)

---

Where to Find Al Santoli:

- Asia America Initiative: https://www.asiaamerica.org/

- IWP Profile: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/al-santoli/

Where to Find the Host:

- IWP Website: https://www.iwp.edu/

---

Key References and Concepts:

- "Scholar-practitioner" model of education

- General Edward Lansdale and his work in the Philippines

- Studs Terkel and the "oral history" approach

- Counterterrorism work in the Philippines

- Conflict resolution and community-based development

- Maslow's hierarchy of needs

- Martial arts philosophy of "winning without fighting"

Podcast Show Notes

Guest: Elina Beketova, Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

Elina Beketova is a distinguished fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) where she has made significant contributions through her insightful articles on critical issues affecting Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Born and raised in Crimea, Elina has worked as a journalist, editor, and TV anchor in Ukraine before moving to the United States to work with CEPA.

Main Topics Discussed:

- Elina's experiences growing up in free Crimea and the changes after Russia's illegal occupation in 2014 (00:01:39)

- The tactics Russia uses to brainwash and indoctrinate youth in occupied areas of Ukraine (00:06:59)

- Examples of resistance and defiance against the Russian occupation in Crimea and other regions (00:14:36)

- Potential strategies for reintegrating Crimea and other occupied territories back into Ukraine after liberation (00:24:37)

- Challenges in getting the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support to counter Russia's aggression (00:43:39)

Where to Find:

- Elina Beketova: [https://cepa.org/author/elina-beketova/]

- Host Jim Robbins: [https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/]

Key References:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP): Private independent graduate school of national security and international affairs in Washington, DC (00:00:00)

- Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA): Think tank focused on Central and Eastern Europe (00:00:43)

- Crimea: Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 (00:01:39)

- Unarmia and Movement of the First: Russian propaganda youth organizations operating in occupied Ukraine (00:13:20)

- Filtration centers: Checkpoints where Russia detains Ukrainians in occupied territories (00:17:40)

- Ateš: Alleged Ukrainian partisan movement operating in Crimea (00:19:52)

- National Resistance Center: Ukrainian military body coordinating partisan activities (00:22:36)

---

Main Topics Discussed:

• Recent arrests of suspected terrorists from Tajikistan who entered the U.S. through the southern border [00:00:39 - 00:01:34]
• Warnings from U.S. officials about the rising threat of international, domestic, and state-sponsored terrorism [00:02:16 - 00:04:43]
• Concerns about terrorist threats to major events like the Boston Marathon, Cricket World Cup, and 2024 Paris Olympics [00:05:33 - 00:08:03]
• The need for increased preparedness and vigilance to prevent a major terrorist attack in the U.S. [00:08:03 - 00:08:31]

Where to Find:

Host:

• Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP)
• Website: iwp.edu

Topics discussed:

The obsession of the White House press corps with President Biden's red lines for Israel and Gaza.

The ambiguity and consequences of setting red lines in international relations.

Comparisons with past instances of red lines being drawn and the subsequent credibility challenges faced by administrations.

The impact of setting arbitrary limits, like troop ceilings during the Vietnam War, on public perception and credibility.

The self-inflicted wound of the Gaza red line dispute for the current administration and its implications for future events and narratives.

References:

Institute of World Politics (IWP): iwp.edu

Topics discussed:

• Israel's operations in Raffa and the Gaza Strip despite White House warnings
• Diplomatic activities and negotiations surrounding the conflict
• Response to civilian casualties and humanitarian efforts
• International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas officials
• Reactions from other countries like Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognizing Palestine as a state
• Patterns of foreign leaders not following President Biden's advice in various international conflicts

References:

Institute of World Politics (IWP) website: iwp.edu

Key takeaways and lessons:

• Historical protests from the 1960s, like the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, are often romanticized, with misconceptions about their true impact.
• Modern campus protests may not always align with broader public opinion and can have limited tangible outcomes.
• Contemporary campus protests serve as a form of mobilization, indoctrination, and radicalization, impacting the participants more than external stakeholders.

References:

Institute of World Politics (IWP): iwp.edu

Topics discussed:

Comparison of Leadership Styles:

President Biden's Conflict Management Approach:

• Emphasis on crisis management and avoiding escalation.
• Criticisms for half measures in handling crises like in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Former President Trump's Disruption Strategy:

• Unpredictability and willingness to walk away from traditional diplomatic norms.
• Successes like the Abraham Accords and challenges like North Korea diplomacy.

Foreign Policy Challenges:

• Issues in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Defense budget and modernization needs.
• National Energy Strategy and implications for national security.
• BRICS countries' influence and the future of the US dollar.
• Federal budget concerns and rising national debt.
• Border security as a national security issue.

Key takeaways:

The 2024 election will shape the future of US foreign policy and national security.

President Biden's conflict management style focuses on crisis containment but has faced criticism for perceived inaction.

Former President Trump's disruption strategy brought both successes and challenges in international relations.

Future administrations will need to address defense budget, energy strategy, international economic shifts, fiscal responsibility, and border security for effective national security.

The world is facing greater instability, declining American wealth, and rising competitors challenging US resolve.

References:

Institute of World Politics: iwp.edu

Topics discussed:

• Negotiating with student protesters at Columbia University, including the demands made and the subsequent escalation of protests.
• Comparison with the handling of protests at UT Austin and Northwestern University.
• The impact of negotiations and concessions on the behavior of protesters and the authority of university administrations.
• The role of external funding in supporting coordinated protests on campuses.
• The potential consequences and risks associated with escalating protests, especially during upcoming graduation ceremonies.
• Historical context and lessons from past campus protests, such as the People's Park protests at Berkeley in 1967.
• The challenges faced by college administrators in managing student unrest and the implications of prioritizing social activism over education.

References:

• Institute of World Politics (IWP): IWP Website
• People's Park Protests at Berkeley: History of People's Park Protests

Topics discussed:

• Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel known as Operation True Promise
• Response from Israel and its coalition partners
• Impact of the attack on the region and international relations
• Comparison to past conflicts and strategic responses
• Analysis of Hamas's actions and demands during the conflict
• Potential future actions by Israel and the United States
• The role of the United States in the conflict and its stance on responding to Iran
• Suggestions for moving forward and maintaining stability in the Middle East

References:

• Institute of World Politics (IWP): iwp.edu
• Amazon number 1 Vietnam War book: "This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive" [ https://shorturl.at/mwyT3 ]

Key takeaways:

It is crucial to take the statements and threats made by extremist groups seriously, even if they seem unrealistic or extreme.

Understanding the beliefs and motivations of extremist groups can help in assessing potential threats and preventing violent actions.

History has shown that extremist ideologies can quickly turn into violent actions if not taken seriously.

Western skepticism often underestimates the power of extremist imagination, leading to surprises when extremist groups carry out their plans.

Listening to the rhetoric of "bad guys" can provide valuable insights into their intentions and potential actions, helping to enhance national security and strategic planning efforts.

References:

Shlomi Eldar article on Hamas: [ https://rb.gy/53qqnj ]

Hannah Arendt's book "The Origins of Totalitarianism" - https://shorturl.at/hopWY

Article by Arthur Kustler on disbelieving atrocities: [ https://shorturl.at/auvQ8 ]

References:

Institute of World Politics: iwp.edu

RAND study on Chinese People's Liberation Army's use of social media: https://rb.gy/8p77m6

Jamestown Foundation study on ByteDance's operations: https://rb.gy/ehspqi

Takeaways

• US actions and statements have strained relations with Israel
• US actions have emboldened Hamas in the ongoing conflict
• Domestic politics and personal dislike for Netanyahu influence US policy
• Expressing opinions about the internal politics of another country may not be effective
• A clear strategy is needed in US policy towards Israel
• Historical events provide insights into past diplomatic approaches

Chapters

00:00 Drift in US Relations with Israel

01:20 US Actions Emboldening Hamas

03:03 Expressing Opinions about Internal Politics

03:37 US Position on Palestinian Authority Elections

04:43 US Actions Not Helping Israel

05:12 US Aid to Israel and UNRWA Funding

06:24 Israel's Invasion of Lebanon in 1982

07:22 Human Rights Criticisms of Israel

09:48 Reagan's Diplomatic Approach

10:42 Joe Biden's Encounter with Menachem Begin

13:05 Lack of Strategy in American Policy

14:15 Focus on Hamas as the Cause

14:50 Obstacles to Peace

Visits the Institute of World Politics: iwp.edu

Topics discussed:

1. Challenges of building a pier off Gaza
2. Operational and tactical aspects of JLOTS.
3. Security concerns and implications

References:

• Sal Mercogliano's video on JLOTS capabilities and challenges (available on x and YouTube)
• Article by Steve Wills at the Center for Maritime Strategy discussing force protection issues.

Key takeaways:

The complexities of the Gaza conflict extend beyond the ceasefire negotiations to political ramifications for the White House, with both progressive factions at home and Hamas abroad posing challenges.

The strategic progress of Israel in Gaza highlights the slow but steady efforts to weaken Hamas and address humanitarian concerns.

The comparison between progressive demands in the US and Hamas's objectives underscores the nuanced political landscape surrounding the conflict.

References:

Institute of World Politics (IWP): IWP Website

In this episode, Jim Robbins, the host and Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) in Washington, DC, examines the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential post-conflict scenarios. The discussion covers Israel's stance on demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza, the challenges of achieving a two-state solution, the role of the US in conflict resolution, and the potential for peace and prosperity in the region.

Topics discussed:

1. Israel's Post-Conflict Plans for Gaza
2. Challenges of the Two-State Solution
3. Feasibility of Two-State Solution Implementation
4. Gaza's Potential for Peace and Prosperity
5. Path to Peace in Gaza

References:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP): [iwp.edu](https://www.iwp.edu/)

Topics discussed:

1. The Challenge of Discussing Terrorism

2. Addressing Extremism Through Education

3. Distinguishing Terrorism and Guerrilla Warfare

4. The Situation in Yemen

References:

- Institute of World Politics (IWP): [iwp.edu](https://www.iwp.edu/)

- Geneva Convention: [Article 4 of Geneva Convention III](https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/applic/ihl/ihl.nsf/Article.xsp?action=openDocument&documentId=F0C6A1E0A9A8D030C12563CD0051C2CD)

In this podcast episode, Jim Robbins discusses the recent Iranian proxy attack on a US installation in Jordan and the Biden administration's response. He critiques the administration's approach to dealing with Iran's provocations and proposes a more assertive strategy.

Topics discussed:

• Iranian proxies' attack on a US installation in northeast Jordan
• Biden administration's reported plans for a campaign in response
• Statements from National Security Council spokesman John Kirby and an unnamed US official regarding the attack
• Proportionality as deterrence strategy

References:

The Institute of World Politics (https://www.iwp.edu/)

In this episode, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics, Jim Robbins, is joined by Dr. Chris Harmon, an expert on terrorism and counterterrorism. They discuss the topic of defining terrorism and its application to the Houthi group. The conversation covers various definitions of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism, and the implications of these definitions in government policies and international law.

Topics discussed:

- The Houthi group and its terror designation by the Biden administration

- Defining terrorism and its various aspects

- The United Nations' stance on terrorism and its enforcement provisions

- State-sponsored terrorism and its inclusion in the definition of terrorism

- Different definitions of terrorism in the US government and their impact

- Historical perspectives on terrorism and its acceptance by terrorist groups

- Al Qaeda's magazine, Inspire, and its content

References:

- Institute of World Politics: [https://www.iwp.edu](https://www.iwp.edu)

- United Nations: [https://www.un.org](https://www.un.org)

Key takeaways:

- The conflict in Yemen involving the Houthi rebels has significant geopolitical implications and is not just a regional issue.

- The asymmetric nature of the conflict and the determination of the Houthis pose challenges for traditional conflict management strategies.

- The technological advances in warfare pose a significant risk to maritime security, and there is a need for comprehensive strategies to protect ships in conflict zones.

References:

- The Institute of World Politics - www.iwp.edu

- UN Security Council Resolution 2722

In this episode of THE IWP PODCAST, Jim Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics, discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah. He explores recent events, including targeted strikes and retaliatory attacks, and analyzes the potential for a full-scale war between the two parties. While it is not in the interest of either side to engage in a war, history has shown that crises can lead to conflict regardless of rationality. Robbins also examines the potential consequences and involvement of other actors, such as Iran and the United States, in the event of a war.

Topics discussed:

1. Background on the conflict: A low-intensity conflict has been ongoing along Israel's northern border since the Hamas attacks in the south in 2023. Hezbollah has been carrying out small-scale attacks, and Israel has responded with counterstrikes. Israeli civilians have been evacuated from the north to protect them from possible rocket attacks.

2. Recent events: The conflict escalated on January 2nd when a senior Hamas official was assassinated in Beirut. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened revenge, and the next day, Hezbollah struck an Israeli air base, causing severe damage. Israel warned Hezbollah that no terrorist is immune and took out a senior member of Hezbollah's elite force. Hezbollah retaliated with a drone attack on an IDF headquarters, but there was no significant damage.

3. Hezbollah's intentions: Nasrallah and Hezbollah's deputy leader have stated that they do not want to expand the war beyond Lebanon. They are signaling that they want to deter Israel rather than engage in a wider conflict.

4. Potential consequences: Hezbollah is a powerful force with a large arsenal of rockets, missiles, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, and drones, many of which are supplied by Iran. A war with Hezbollah would be costly for Israel. However, Hezbollah would also face the effects of war on Lebanon itself, and Iran may be more interested in keeping Hezbollah in reserve for future conflicts.

5. United States involvement: While the Biden administration does not want to see a wider war develop, the US might conduct limited airstrikes against critical Hezbollah targets to help end the conflict quickly. Iran would have to consider the possibility of US intervention on behalf of Israel.

Key takeaways:

- The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been escalating, with targeted strikes and retaliatory attacks.

- Neither side wants a full-scale war, but history has shown that crises can lead to conflict regardless of rationality.

- Hezbollah wants to deter Israel rather than engage in a wider war.

- The potential consequences of a war include significant damage and casualties, as well as involvement from other actors such as Iran and the United States.

- The situation is fluid, and the outcome is uncertain.

References:

- Institute of World Politics: ( https://www.iwp.edu/ )