Smart Women, Smart Power

What does it actually mean when we say, “democracy is on the line?” Nisha Anand, the CEO of Dream.org, would know – she was arrested for passing out pro-democracy leaflets in Myanmar in 1998. To help us unpack the state of democracy today, and what we can learn from Myanmar and other places, Nisha discusses her path from her 1998 arrest to seeking more bi-partisanship today.

Admiral Franchetti sits down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, for a discussion on the U.S. Navy’s priorities as they operate far forward, around the world and around the clock, from seabed to space, in cyberspace, and in the information environment to promote our nation’s prosperity and security, deter aggression, and provide options to our nation’s leaders. Additionally, the pair will discuss Admiral Franchetti’s approach to mentorship, recruitment, and retention within the force. Admiral Franchetti assumed the duties as 33rd Chief of Naval Operations on November 2, 2023, becoming the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to this, Admiral Franchetti served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Throughout her time in the service, she has led across the globe – including in Korea, Europe, and Africa. At sea, she has served on numerous vessels including carriers, destroyers, destroyer tenders, replenishment ships, and a hospital ship. Notably, she commanded USS Ross (DDG-55); led Destroyer Squadron 21 (DESRON 21) while embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74); and the USS George Washington (CVN-73) Carrier Strike Group.    Ashore, Franchetti’s highlights as a flag officer include commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea; commander, Carrier Strike Group 15; chief of staff, Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5) Joint Staff; commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa; and director for Strategy, Plans and Policy (J-5), Joint Staff.

In 2014, the United Kingdom almost came undone. Advocates for Scottish independence were finally granted a referendum, and the future of Scotland’s political arrangements was in the hands of the Scottish people. On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dame Louise Richardson, the president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, discusses freedom of speech, political pressure, leadership in academia, and the challenges of navigating complex debates and crises with host Dr. Kathleen McInnis.

Nuclear strategy remains a priority for the United States. In this episode, host Dr. Kathleen McInnis speaks with CSIS Senior Adviser (Non-resident) to the Project on Nuclear Issues and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, Elaine Bunn. Elaine's experience and perspective shed light on the complexities involved in nuclear policy and defense strategy.

On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College and CSIS Trustee, joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis for a discussion on her approach to leadership after years in government, the nonprofit space, and the private sector, including CARE, the CDC, and USAID. Dr. Gayle is no stranger to leading during a crisis, and at the heart of her decisions is the notion that people are policy. Additionally, she discussed her decision to brand the international humanitarian organization CARE as an organization focused on women’s empowerment.

Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) about her whirlwind past couple of weeks. The pair discussed her recent trip to the Munich Security Conference, including the moment she found out about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and her sponsorship of the recently passed House legislation aimed at protecting Americans from TikTok’s national security threats.

For decades the U.S. Treasury Department has used the American dollar as a weapon to shape U.S. policy. However, in an era of rising authoritarian actors set out to undermine democracies, can the United States, and its currency, survive the latest threats? With over a decade of firsthand reporting, Senior Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg News Saleha Mohsin joins Kathleen McInnis to talk about her new book Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order.

On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the new Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. The pair discussed the war in Ukraine, including Ukraine's membership to the EU, plus her role in Lithuania facing economic coercion from China, and much more.

The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a winter break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back in March!

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Melissa A. Johnson, an Acquisition Executive in the U.S. Special Operations Command, for a briefer on the process behind acquisition, technology, and logistics in the Special Operations Forces. Additionally, Melissa highlighted her role in setting up the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System.

Host Dr. Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, for a conversation on the threat democracy is under. Additionally, the pair discussed the process behind Montenegro joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Maria Demaree, Vice President and General Manager of National Security Space at Lockheed Martin, for a discussion on the future of the space mission. Additionally, Maria discussed the balance between her rise to leadership and motherhood.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen. The pair discussed Under Secretary Allen’s mission to reimagine the power and purpose of American diplomacy, including her role in planning the 2016 meal between President Obama and Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Sarah Heer, the special advisor to the Commander of the Canadian Army, and a Peace With Women Fellow, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed her experience commanding Operation Unifier in September 2020, where, alongside Canadian soldiers, she helped train Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, she discussed the lessons she learned from her Ukrainian counterparts.

While at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum, Kathleen McInnis had the opportunity to sit down with Karen Courington, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Google, and Alexandra Veitch, the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at YouTube. The discussion follows their career paths, the priorities of their organizations in this era of crisis, as well as mis and disinformation.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Beth McGrath, Deloitte’s Global Industry Leader for Government and Public Services (GPS), at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The conversation followed Beth’s 25+ years in the Federal Government, including her focus on improving business operations within the Department of Defense, as well as her transition to the private sector.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Heidi Grant, Vice President of Global Growth and Engagement for Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed Heidi’s successful career as a civilian in the national security space, as well as her thoughts on how to make the U.S. defense industry more competitive.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley O’Connor, Managing Partner at Strategic Partners & Media, for a conversation on the evolution of political campaigning and advertising. The pair also discussed Ashley’s decision to invest time in understanding women voters, including her outlook for the 2024 election season.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Sherri Goodman, a former senior defense official, for a discussion on her early work in climate security, and how climate change is impacting the national security landscape.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Natalia Gavrilița, former Prime Minister of Moldova (2021-2023), for a conversation on her leadership of Moldova during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in addition to a look at the future of the region.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mackenzie Eaglen, Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), for a thoughtful conversation on the power of your reputation and credibility in Washington, DC. Eaglen discusses her decision to not sign a letter circulated by former GOP lawmakers that opposed the candidacy of President Donald Trump in 2016.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Susan Markham, Director of the Peace With Women Fellowship program at the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) for a conversation about the role of gender in foreign policy, including her experience implementing gender policy at USAID. Additionally, they discussed Susan’s new book “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and in Practice.”

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. The pair discussed the priorities of the U.S. Army Reserve, gender dynamics, and the future of the force.

Last September, the tragic death of Mahsa Amini spread across global headlines, and the fight for women’s rights in Iran was brought to light. The injustices in Iran continue to make headlines with the reported assault of 16-year-old Armita Garavand. Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad for a conversation on the current state of Iran and women’s rights.

On this podcast on the road episode, host Kathleen McInnis visited Washington University in St. Louis, where she sat down with Leila Sadat, former special adviser on crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor from 2012-2023. This conversation follows Leila’s career, the role of the ICC, and what is happening in Ukraine.

SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Jordan Tachibana interviews Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for IBM Research Kathleen (Taffy) Kingscott for a discussion on the world of semiconductors and the role of the CHIPS Act.

SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Paden Tranter interviews Glitterpill Co-Founder and Chief Intelligence Officer Samantha Kutner for a discussion on the role and history of domestic extremist groups in natural disaster relief responses.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a discussion on their recent travels throughout Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. They also discussed where Ukrainian assistance stands, as Congress is back in session.

SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. On this episode, Girl Security scholar Kennedy Solaru sits down with CSIS Strategic Technologies Program Fellow Caitlin Chin for a discussion on the various challenges facing the national security community, including the issue of technology privacy and its impact on individual rights.

While traveling on a delegation throughout Ukraine, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a compelling conversation on the current state of the region, as well as key questions the United States should be considering moving forward.

On August 4th, General Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army, 32nd Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sat down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, and Kari Bingen, Director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project for a discussion on her priorities within the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), which includes parts of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Additionally, General Richardson discussed how SOUTHCOM is approaching challenges facing this strategic region, including the People’s Republic of China’s growing presence and influence; counternarcotics operations; maritime domain awareness; space; and more.

The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a summer break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back soon!

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. The pair discussed the Pentagon’s organizational design in an era of rapidly developing and complex threats.

Dr. Kathleen McInnis spoke with Dr. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. Together they discussed their decision to leave the academic world for the policy world. Plus, they discussed what's going on in the nuclear space!

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley Davis, founding Partner of West Front Strategies LLC and former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security. The pair discussed Ashley’s experience in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, including her role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Judith Batty, former Senior Counsel at ExxonMobil and interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. She discussed her dynamic career as a deal lawyer, from navigating the corporate world to serving as the first Black woman leader of Girl Scouts of the USA.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with writer and producer Chris Levinson for a candid conversation on the relationship between Hollywood and Washington D.C.

We are doing something a little different on the podcast today – we are joined by our first-ever male guest!  Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Donald Steinberg, the former U.S. Ambassador to Angola, among countless other roles. Ambassador Steinberg discussed his role in the 1994 Angola Peace Accords and how the decision to exclude women ultimately led to the failure of the peace process.     Additionally, Ambassador Steinberg discussed Mobilizing Men as Partners for Women, Peace, and Security (MAWS), which argues that men must be part of the solution when it comes to implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mollie Breen, CEO and Co-Founder of Perygee, for a discussion on how her STEM background has influenced her leadership style. Additionally, the pair discussed her former roles in creating and leading teams to strengthen military strategy and critical infrastructure at the National Security Agency and Pentagon.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shannon Clark, Senior Vice President, Federal, R+D at Palantir Technologies, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Shannon discussed her role in deploying technology to help navigate mental resilience for U.S. Navy SEALS.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Ambassador Dobrianksy discussed the establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council during the George W. Bush administration.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Principal to Principal, for a conversation on her time working on the ground in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, they discuss her experience in problem-solving and crisis communications.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Amy E. Pope, U.S. Candidate for Director General at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for a powerful conversation on her approach to migration, and her decision to run for IOM Director General.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Morgan Ortagus, the former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Morgan walked us through her role in the historic Abraham Accords, and more!

On April 4, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the U.S. Coast Guard’s growing presence beyond America’s immediate maritime borders, including in the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. Additionally, the pair discussed Admiral Fagan’s approach to leadership, recruitment, and retention within the force.

On March 22, Gayle E. Smith, the CEO of the ONE Campaign, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed Gayle’s role in leading the U.S. effort to end the global Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, they discussed her priorities at the ONE Campaign, including her take on hard and soft power and how it interrelates with gender.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, for an insightful conversation on her role in adopting NATO’s first Climate Change and Security Agenda. In addition, the pair discussed the incorporation of human security, the protection of civilians, and gender within NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, Christina Markus Lassen, on her extensive career in the Danish Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the conversation includes a deep dive into Danish’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

On March 6, Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed how CARE USA has worked to rally the global community to respond to recent humanitarian crises holistically, from the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Covid-19, and the recent deadly earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, to the growing hunger crisis around the world.

On March 1, the 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army, HON Christine E. Wormuth, sat down with CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the Defending Democratic Institutions Project, Suzanne Spaulding, for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the priorities of the United States Army as the institution prepares for this era of geopolitical uncertainty, as well as Secretary Wormuth’s approach to leading the largest branch of the United States military.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Julie Callacott, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command Assistant Chief of Staff Support, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Colonel Callacott described her experience as a Task Force Commander for the Canadian Airfield opening team in Mali, which included her role in landing a C-17 on an untested, newly constructed and expanded runway.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Captain Jenny Ström, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Naval Warfare Flotilla in the Swedish Navy, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Captain Ström discussed her former role as Head of the Recruitment Branch in the Training Department of the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters, where she focused on recruitment and retaining females within the Swedish Armed forces with reintroduced gender-neutral conscription. #HFX2022

On January 27, the President of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sandra Douglass Morgan, sat down with CSIS Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the International Security Program Emily Harding for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the rise of women in the National Football League (NFL) and Sandra's former role as chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Kelley Currie, former Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Ambassador Currie discussed her role in discovering the horrific genocide taking place in China against the Uyghur community. #HFX2022   Please note this episode contains subject matter relating to human atrocities, including but not limited to comments on genocide, torture, and forced sterilization. Listener discretion is advised.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Captain Erin Williams, Commanding Officer, USCG Activities Far East, United States Coast Guard, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Captain Williams described the aftermath of a tug hitting Bligh Reef two days before Christmas during an ice scouting mission for tank vessels transiting Prince William Sound. #HFX2022

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum with Kamila Sidiqi, an Afghan entrepreneur and former government official. The pair highlighted Kamila’s innovative work and discussed the resilience of Afghan women in the country today.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Enoh T. Ebong. Director Ebong discussed her role and priorities at USTDA, in addition to her role in approving grant funding for a feasibility study that supported the development of solar-powered microgrids in Zambia.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. The pair discussed the global fight against organized crimes and drug trafficking, including the trafficking of women. In addition, they discussed the outcomes of the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs, hosted on December 15, 2022.   Please be advised this episode includes a discussion on sexual violence, human trafficking, and rape.

On December 13, as part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, Dr. Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO. The pair discussed the future of the NATO alliance, and the current situation in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Finland and Sweden’s succession to NATO.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum with Maryna Baydyuk, Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown University, and co-founder of United Help Ukraine. The pair discussed the work of the charitable non-profit organization United Help Ukraine, which provides medical and humanitarian support, as well as the critically important non-lethal resources the Ukrainian defense needs to drive back the invading forces and protect innocent lives.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lisa Kaplan, the founder of Alethea, a company designed to help organizations navigate the new digital reality and protect themselves against disinformation. This conversation took place at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum, where the pair discussed the current landscape of the information space, including social media, among other things.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed Ambassador Jenkins’ priorities in the State Department, including her work on arms control, and the power of diplomacy. #HFX2022

Dr. Mara E. Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, joined host Kathleen McInnis for a conversation on the newly released 2022 National Defense Strategy, including the focus on the urgent need to sustain and strengthen deterrence with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the pacing challenge.

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis talks with the Honorable Erin C. Conaton, former Under Secretary of the Air Force, and former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The pair discussed the Hon. Conaton’s time on the Hill and in the Pentagon, including her work to get the Air Force’s Next Generation Strategic Bomber, the B-21, approved as part of the Department of Defense’s Program of Record.

On November 1, the CSIS Strategic Technologies Program hosted Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jen Easterly for a conversation on the future of U.S. cyber and infrastructure security, including CISA’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025. This conversation was moderated by Suzanne Spaulding, and Smart Women, Smart Power is delighted to share this timely and critical conversation with our audience.

The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a fall break this week to refresh and recharge. We’ll see you next week!

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with President of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) Amy Gilliland for a conversation on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. In addition, they discussed how creating a people-first environment influences innovation. Please note this episode contains subject matter relating to mental health and the topic of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

On October 3rd, as part of the Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, Emily Harding, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow of the International Security Program, sat down with the Honorable Celeste Wallander, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, for an update on Russia’s operations in Ukraine.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Phyllis J. Wilson for a discussion on her participation on the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group. During her time in this group, Phyllis worked to understand what the future operating environment would be like in 2030-2050. Today, Phyllis is the President of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

As a part of our Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Kristen Silverberg, President and COO of the Business Roundtable and former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. The pair explored the many roles – formal and informal – business leaders play in international affairs.

In this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth King, Majority Staff Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee. The pair discussed her role on the Hill over the years, including the extent to which women bring a new perspective to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a break this week to refresh, recharge and get ready for an exciting lineup of guests this fall. They’ll be back to you in September with insights from the leading women in national security.

In April, Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Honorable Anita Anand, Canadian Minister of National Defence. The pair discussed a variety of issues important to Canadian defense policy including: Canada’s military posture amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, defense in the Arctic, and the importance of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). In addition, they discussed Minister Anand’s priority to ensure cultural change in the Canadian military.

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lara Seligman, a defense reporter at POLITICO, where she covers the Pentagon. The pair discussed her fruitful career in journalism, in addition to her experience reporting on the fall of Afghanistan in 2021.

In this episode, Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shelly O’Neill Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for BAE Systems, Inc, for a conversation on her incredible career. The pair discussed Shelly’s time in government before joining BAE Systems, including her role in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” while the Special Assistant to the President from 2009 to 2011.

Host Kathleen McInnis was joined by Erin Clancy, Public Policy Manager for Strategic Response Policy at Meta and formerly a Political Advisor and Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State. Together they discussed Erin’s involvement in rescuing the White Helmets out of Syria in 2018, as well as what it’s like to be out in national security. #PrideMonth

Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Honorable Shawn G. Skelly, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, for a conversation on her role as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). In addition, she discussed her decision to endorse the recommendation to require women to register for the Selective Service System while serving as a commissioner on the National Commission for Military, National, and Public Service.

Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Elizabeth Shackelford, Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, about her time as a Foreign Service Officer in South Sudan. Together, they looked at her role in extending the United Nation’s patrol and protection of women against South Sudanese security forces.   Please be advised this episode includes a conversation on violence against women and rape as a weapon of war.

In this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sits down for a candid conversation with MP Galyna Mykhailiuk, a Member of the Ukrainian parliament, and Sevgil Musaieva, Editor-in-Chief of Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s largest online newspaper. The discussion is an in-depth look at the reality on the ground in Ukraine, from horrific war crimes to humanitarian catastrophes.   Content Warning: There are conversations in this episode that are difficult to listen to as they discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, war crimes, and humanitarian catastrophes.

In this episode, Suzanne Spaulding officially passes the Smart Women, Smart Power (SWSP) microphone over to the new director of SWSP, Dr. Kathleen McInnis. But first, Suzanne discusses Kathleen’s fruitful career, her vision for the future of SWSP, and the other work she is planning on tackling while at CSIS.

Suzanne Spaulding was joined by Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker for a conversation on Elizabeth’s incredible career path serving in the CIA, NSA, and the State Bar of California, among other leadership roles. In addition, they discussed public trust in the justice system, as well as what it means to be a mentor.

CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Dr. Stacey Dixon for a discussion on the greatest intelligence challenges facing the world today. In addition, the PDDNI discussed her remarkable career path, how the IC is being positioned for the future, as well as how they are promoting competitiveness and innovation.

In the final episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding sat down with Girl Security scholar Amanda Kay and Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit Assistant General Counsel Kemba Eneas Walden. The group discussed diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field, digital crimes, and more.

In the third episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding shared the microphone with Girl Security scholar Kelly Huang who interviewed cybersecurity professional and dual Harvard Georgetown MPP/JD Candidate Winnona DeSombre. The group discussed cyberattacks and defense, as well as different pathways to a career in cybersecurity.

In the second episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding is joined by Ilinca Drondoe, Girl Security Scholar, and Molly Kellogg, Gender, Climate and Security Advisor at the United Nations Environment Program. The group discusses the intersection of climate, gender, and security, as well as steps to take to get more involved in climate action.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Suzanne Spaulding was joined by the Honorable Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, for a conversation on gender equality and sustainability challenges. In addition, they discussed her participation in an unofficial delegation to Taiwan amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the role China is taking on during this crisis.

In the first episode of our Women’s History Month SWSP x Girl Security series, Suzanne Spaulding is joined by Girl Security scholar Rachel Rochford and retired career diplomat Ambassador Laura Kennedy. The group discusses past and present international relations issues, the role of Foreign Service Officers, and Ambassador Kennedy’s incredible career path.

This week we partnered with #SharetheMicInCyber, where Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Zinet Kemal, Associate Cloud Security Engineer at Best Buy and author of a new children’s book, “Oh, No…Hacked Again!” and Juliet "Jules" Okafor, CEO and Founder of RevolutionCyber. They discussed what led them to the cybersecurity field, their legal backgrounds, the work they do today, and more.

China continues to make headlines, from the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China-Russia relations, and the humanitarian crisis in the Xinjiang region to the future of Taiwan. Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Dr. Bonny Lin, senior fellow for Asian security and director of the China Power Project at CSIS, where they discussed these headlines in more depth.

Suzanne Spaulding spoke with Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), whose work focuses on strengthening America’s civilian-led tools — development and diplomacy — alongside defense. The pair discussed the work of the coalition, the role of the U.S. in foreign policy issues, and the value of bipartisanship.

Strategic challenges from Russia and China, the one-year anniversary of January 6, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic set the stage for the defense and security outlook of 2022. Christine Brazeau hosts the next-gen women associates of the CSIS International Security Program, Rose Butchart, Catrina Doxsee, Devi Nair, and Makena Young, for a conversation on national and international security challenges ahead in the new year.

On the end of the year episode, host Suzanne Spaulding spoke with CSIS experts Dr. Katherine Bliss, Rachel Ellehuus, and Marti Flacks on security and foreign policy challenges the world faced in 2021, from the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines to the fall of Kabul, as well as what to expect in the upcoming year.

Beverly Kirk says farewell to the Smart Women, Smart Power podcast as she departs CSIS in December after five years as the podcast's host. We are excited to announce the new interim director of Smart Women, Smart Power, Suzanne Spaulding. Suzanne is currently a senior adviser for homeland security and director of the Defending Democratic Institutions project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). We hope you'll stay tuned as we continue to bring you powerful, in-depth conversations with women leaders from around the globe.

In the ninth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with U.S. Air Force Colonel Jenise Carroll who is currently the Commander of the 75th Air Base Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The pair discussed her innovative work with community leadership near the base to provide affordable housing for military families, as well as her work on diversity and inclusion.

In the eighth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with U.S. Army Reserves Major Asha Castleberry-Hernandez who is currently a senior advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department. The pair discussed defending democracy abroad, strategic competition in the Middle East, and how the United States should engage in the region.

In the seventh episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with retired U.S. Marine Corps LtCol Amy McGrath, who has dedicated her life to public service, from the battlefield to running for public office.  She discussed her new book “Honor Bound,” the lessons she has learned as a military officer turned politician, and her work on leadership development for women with a military or service background.

In the sixth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with two of CSIS’s Military Fellows – Army Colonel Danielle Ngo, who most recently served as Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Office of the Inspector General, and Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Macander, former Battalion Commander of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. They discussed breaking barriers, the need for reform to retain more women service members, and what they hope to achieve during their time at CSIS.

CSIS Senior Associate Nina Easton spoke with Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks. She is the first Senate-confirmed woman in the position. The pair discussed current global security issues, including Afghanistan and China. In addition, they discuss her prioritization of innovation in defense, where she is focusing on small businesses, climate change, tech, and DEI issues.

In the fifth episode of our new Women in the Military series, host Beverly Kirk spoke with Lauren G. Weiner, Ph.D., and Donna S. Huneycutt, J.D., the founders of WWC Global. It’s a woman-owned management consulting firm that has prioritized remote work since 2004, allowing it to hire lots of military spouses and veterans. They discussed how a remote workforce can be successful and why it’s an important option for those who serve.