Episodes
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Erin Kocourek, Senior Director of Requirements and Capabilities at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, for a conversation on the United States’ efforts to build up hypersonic offensive and defensive capabilities. Additionally, they discuss the shortage of hypersonic engineering talent in the U.S., and the efforts being made to strengthen the industry.  
Published 07/14/21
Panel Two at the Future Strategy Forum 2021 focused on emerging technologies and statecraft. Camille Stewart, Ginny Badanes, Christie Lawrence, and Sanne Verschuren discussed the ways in which emerging technologies are shaping interstate interactions across the spectrum short of kinetic action, from statecraft and diplomacy to information operations. This panel was moderated by CSIS Senior Adviser Suzanne Spaulding.  
Published 06/30/21
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine for a conversation on the Biden Administration’s vaccine roll-out plan. They discussed vaccine hesitancy, new Covid-19 variants, and vaccine distribution and access. Additionally, they discussed Dr. Levine’s historic appointment as the first Senate-confirmed, openly transgender federal official.
Published 06/16/21
Smart Women, Smart Power Director Beverly Kirk spoke with Case Impact Network CEO and National Geographic Chair Jean Case for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed Jean’s work on redefining capitalism and making it more inclusive as well as why she is so committed to ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to invest in good. This event was sponsored by Citi.
Published 06/02/21
Panel One at the Future Strategy Forum 2021 focused on emerging technologies and warfighting. Evanna Hu, Dr. Nina Kollars, Dr. Ulrike Franke, and Julie George discussed the ways in which emerging technologies are shaping the battlespace and changing the nature of warfare. This panel was moderated by MIT PhD candidate Sara Plana.
Published 05/26/21
Anne Neuberger, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, recorded opening remarks for the 2021 Future Strategy Forum, where she shared her expertise on national security and technology, as well as her outlook for the future.
Published 05/25/21
Kristine Braden, Citi Europe Head and CEO Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG in Frankfurt, Germany discusses how financial companies are setting up operations around Europe following Brexit and the implications for U.S. businesses. She also talks about the European Central Bank’s potential plans for digital currencies.
Published 05/12/21
CSIS Senior Associate, Nina Easton, CSIS Senior Vice President, Dan Runde, and Smart Women, Smart Power Director, Beverly Kirk joined together for a conversation with the Foreign Minister of Panama, Her Excellency Erika Mouynes. The group discussed gender equality, the Panama Canal, and sustainability in Panama. This event was sponsored by Citi.
Published 05/05/21
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Kaitlyn Johnson, Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Fellow in the International Security Program, for a conversation about her recent reports on space threats, space as a warfighting domain, and the counterspace capabilities of countries around the world. Read “Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space: Protecting Space Systems from Counterspace Weapons” here and “Space Threat Assessment 2021” here.
Published 04/21/21
Host Beverly Kirk is joined by Miriam Wugmeister, Partner at Morrison & Foerster and Co-Chair of its Global Privacy and Data Security Group, for a conversation about some of the digital issues the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light, from cyberattacks and ransomware to privacy breaches.
Published 04/07/21
In the final episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Carolina Permuy and former CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence Carmen Medina. The group discusses issues of justice, mercy, and transparency in the intelligence community and why decision-makers should change the way they think about worst-case scenarios.
Published 03/24/21
In the third episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Sruthi Katakam and Johns Hopkins University health security scholar Dr. Gigi Gronvall. The group discusses the holes in U.S. biological policy revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of dual-use biotechnologies in strategy and policy.
Published 03/17/21
Host Beverly Kirk spoke with author and journalist Gayle Tzemach Lemmon for a special event in honor of International Women’s Day. They discussed her new book, The Daughters of Kobani, which tells the story of the young women who served as America’s partner in the fight against ISIS. This event was sponsored by Citi.
Published 03/12/21
In the second episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Hannah Barrett and CSIS’s Director of the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program Nicole Aandahl. The group discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the national security space.
Published 03/10/21
In the first episode of our new series, SWSP x Girl Security, host Beverly Kirk is joined by Girl Security scholar Meaghan Burnes and AEI’s Dr. Kori Schake. The group discuss the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and how the events of January 6, 2021 will shape this question in America.
Published 03/03/21
Beverly Kirk is joined by fellow podcast hosts Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs and LTC Brittany Lloyd, AUSA’s Army fellow, for a discussion of Army Matter’s ArmyRealTalk podcast which focuses on issues of interest to next-gen soldiers, leaders, and their families.
Published 02/24/21
The next-gen women scholars of the CSIS International Security Program take over the podcast to discuss the national and international security challenges ahead for the new Biden administration. This conversation is hosted by Christine Brazeau and features Emma Bates, Suzanne Claeys, Catrina Doxsee, Grace Hwang, Devi Nair, Simone Williams, and Makena Young.
Published 02/18/21
CSIS Senior Associate, Nina Easton spoke with Kathy Warden, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Northrop Grumman for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed defense in the 21st century, including the impact of Covid-19 on business and women in STEM and defense. This event was sponsored by Citi.
Published 02/10/21
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Andrea Conner, CEO of Stevenson Conner Global Strategies and the immediate past president of ATHENA International. They discuss how the gender multiplier effect improves the lives of women globally through economic empowerment leading to healthier families, stronger communities, and a thriving economy.
Published 01/27/21
Suzanne Spaulding, director of the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions project, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th and its impact on the future of America’s democratic institutions.
Published 01/13/21
Host Beverly Kirk spoke with CSIS experts Sarah Ladislaw and Stephanie Segal along with Laura Kupe, Counsel on the House Homeland Security Committee. They discussed all of the security and foreign policy challenges facing the world in 2020 and what to expect in the upcoming year. 
Published 12/16/20
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Teresa Carlson, vice president of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Worldwide Public Sector. They discuss current tech trends, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on innovation, and her efforts to support women in tech. 
Published 12/09/20
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Kimberly Reed, president and chairman of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. They discuss what EXIM bank does, how it’s helping companies create jobs in America, and the impact of Covid-19 on the U.S. economy.
Published 12/02/20
Host Beverly Kirk talks to Bonnie Glick, the former Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The pair discuss USAID’s digital strategy, the future of 5G in emerging markets and the threat of Huawei, and the role USAID plays in contributing to global network security. 
Published 11/18/20
Beverly Kirk spoke with Dana Perino, anchor of The Daily Briefing, co-host of The Five on FOX News Channel, and former White House Press Secretary for a Smart Women, Smart Power event. The pair discussed the outcome and aftermath of the 2020 election, its potential impact on U.S. national security, foreign, and domestic policy, and her advice for starting a career in Washington. This event was sponsored by Citi.
Published 11/13/20