Defense and Democracy Dialogue
The Defense and Democracy Dialogue is the flagship platform of the Center for the Study of Democracy on the security of free societies. It examines how democracies are pressured by armed conflict, hybrid warfare, disinformation, economic coercion, and internal erosion of institutions. The show treats defending democracy as a core part of defense policy. Through high-level forums, international expert dialogues, and policy analysis, it explores resilience, technological sovereignty, and strong institutions as essential to deterrence alongside military power.
Епизоди
Defense and Democracy Dialogue with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) McMaster
Gen. McMaster examined what strategic competence demanded of democracies in an era of contested peace, as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea deepened coordination across military, economic, and information domains. Drawing on his national security experience, he explored the risks of misreading adversaries, the importance of understanding their strategic objectives, and the need to integrate all
Defense and Democracy Dialogue with Gen. (Ret.) Stanley A. McChrystal
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Gen. (Ret.) Stanley A. McChrystal joins host Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Democracy, to discuss why the decisive vulnerability facing democracies is rarely the threat itself, but the speed and coherence of their own response.The conversation covers the seams between institutions, the integrity of defense
Defense and Democracy Dialogue Series with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Shanahan
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John N.T. “Jack” Shanahan joins host Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Democracy, to discuss how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping warfare, intelligence, and strategic competition. As the inaugural Director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Cent
Defense and Democracy Dialogue Series: Why We Fight | Prof. Christopher Blattman
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Prof. Christopher Blattman, Ramalee E. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies at the University of Chicago and author of “Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace,” joins host Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director at the Center for the Study of Democracy.Recorded in September 2025, the conversation draws on years of researc
Defense and Democracy Dialogue Series: Why We Fight | Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, joins host Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Democracy, to examine today’s most pressing security challenges, drawing on decades of operational and strategic leadership.Recorded in August 2025, the conversation covers Europe’s shifting
Defence and Democracy Dialogue Series: Why We Fight | Gen. (ret.) Philip M. Breedlove
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Gen. (Ret.) Philip M. Breedlove, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, joins host Michael Miklaucic, Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Democracy, for a conversation drawing on decades of frontline leadership.Recorded in July 2025, the discussion covers NATO’s evolving posture and the rationale behind allied military enga
Shifting Power: The Emerging Trump Cabinet and Implications for U.S. Global Engagement
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, “Shifting Power: The Emerging Trump Cabinet and Implications for U.S. Global Engagement,” host Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director at the Center for the Study of Democracy, is joined by a panel from The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post:🔹 John Bussey, Associate Editor, The Wall Street Journal🔹 Aaron Zitner, Reporter and Editor, Wa
Beijing’s Strategic Dilemma
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, “Beijing’s Strategic Dilemma,” host Ruslan Stefanov is joined by:🔹 John Bussey, Associate Editor, The Wall Street Journal, New York🔹 James McGregor, Chairman of Greater China, APCO Worldwide🔹 Andrew Brown, Partner, Brunswick GroupTogether they explore China’s evolving global role, its support for Russia, and how mounting economic challeng
The U.S. Presidential Election: What’s at Stake for Democracy Globally
🎙️ In this episode of CSD’s Defense and Democracy Dialogue, Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director at the Center for the Study of Democracy, is joined by four Wall Street Journal journalists to discuss what the 2024 U.S. presidential election meant for democracy around the world:🔹 John Bussey, Associate Editor, New York🔹 Aaron Zitner, Reporter and Editor, Washington Bureau🔹 Gerald F. Seib, Former Washi
