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The CEPA Podcast

Center for European Policy Analysis

Leadership is the most important factor in achieving positive outcomes for security, democracy, and innovation around the globe. The CEPA Podcast, a new podcast from the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), seeks to bring established and rising leaders to analyze today’s current events and highlight the best ways to achieve tangible positive impact. From generals and journalists to authors and diplomats, CEPA President and CEO Dr. Alina Polyakova speaks with thought leaders and policymakers from across the world to learn more about how to turn leadership into action.

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17 episodes
monthly
Avg 33 min
English

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September 11 · 36 min
CEPA Podcast: General (Ret.) Daniel Petrescu on What is Next for the NATO Alliance
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, General (Ret.) Daniel Petrescu, Romania's former Chief of the Defence Staff, joins to explore where NATO goes after this year’s summit in Ankara. Drawing on Romania's experience intercepting Russian drones out of its own airspace, he argues the alliance’s real potential lies in how fast allies can field and integrate new capabilities to face today’s threats. Petrescu makes the case for how a stronger Romania can bolster the alliance and why the Black Sea deserves more attention as a region for NATO’s leadership. Speakers: · Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Petrescu, Member, International Leadership Council, Center for European Policy Analysis; Chief of the Defence Staff, Romanian Armed Forces (2019-2023) Moderated by: · Kari Odermann, Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis
June 30 · 32 min
CEPA Podcast: What is Next for Putin's Russia
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, Dr. Evgeny Roshchin, director of CEPA's Democratic Resilience program, is joined by CEPA Senior Fellow Sam Greene, journalist Julia Ioffe of Puck, and Vladislav Kulminski, Moldova's Ambassador to the United States, to assess what comes next for Putin's regime. They examine whether a worsening economy, a stalling war, and growing pressure at home are weakening Putin's grip or simply hardening it. They dig into how authoritarian regimes break down, who might step in if Putin were gone, and what his survival or fall would mean for Moldova and the West. Speakers: · Julia Ioffe, Founding Partner and Washington Correspondent, Puck · Sam Greene, Senior Fellow, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis · H.E. Vladislav Kulminski, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States and Mexico, Embassy of the Republic of Moldova Moderated by: · Dr. Evgeny Roshchin, Director, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis; Visiting Scholar, Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
April 21 · 26 min
CEPA Podcast: Admiral Foggo on the Future of Maritime Security
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. What does it mean to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, and what happens next? Auterion Senior Fellow for Defense Technology Jason Israel sits down with Admiral (ret.) James Foggo, former commander of the US Sixth Fleet and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, and CEPA Distinguished Fellow, to unpack one of the most consequential maritime crises in decades. They also examine how unmanned systems and AI can help ensure security on the oceans in the years to come. Speakers: Admiral James Foggo (Ret.), Distinguished Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis; Dean, Center for Maritime Strategy Jason Israel, Auterion Senior Fellow, Defense Technology Initiative, Center for European Policy Analysis
March 20 · 26 min
The Hon. Michael Turner on How to Build Lasting Peace in Europe
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode of the CEPA Podcast, Representative Michael Turner of Ohio's 10th Congressional District joins Dr. Polyakova to reflect on his time as Mayor and his role in Congress. Representative Turner holds a rare vantage point regarding transatlantic policy. His tenure as Mayor of Dayton shaped his understanding of how international collaboration begins at the local level. Two decades of service in Congress reinforced why partnerships matter so much, particularly during his selection to serve as head of the US delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Speakers: The Hon. Michael Turner, US Representative (OH,10), US House of Representatives Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President & CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis
February 27 · 44 min
Dr. Kiana Aran on AI & The Future of Biotech
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, Dr. Kiana Aran, inventor, entrepreneur, and bioengineer at UC San Diego, unpacks how AI is reshaping the future of biotechnology. Dr. Alina Polyakova and Aran dive into how AI, semiconductors, and advanced biomanufacturing are transforming biotechnology, from data-driven “real-time biology” and harnessing other species’ biological “superpowers” to the geopolitical stakes of supply chains, innovation, and talent. Speakers: · Dr. Kiana Aran, Associate Professor, Bioengineering, UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering; Co-Director, Center for Technologies for Healthy Aging Moderated by: · Dr. Alina Polyakova, President & CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis
January 23 · 40 min
H.E. Olha Stefanishyna on Ukraine's Defining Moments
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, H.E. Olha Stefanishyna, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, joins Dr. Alina Polyakova to reflect on her personal background and professional career, from her upbringing in Odesa and experience in government during the Euromaidan protests to her leadership in Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic integration. Their conversation examines Ukraine’s history and future trajectory, including the extraordinary events in Ukraine before and after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Speakers: H.E. Olha Stefanishyna, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President & CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis
Dec 10, 2025 · 42 min
General Philippe Lavigne on the future of NATO
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, General Philippe Lavigne, a Distinguished Fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at CEPA, draws upon his experience as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to discuss the future of NATO amidst the evolving role of AI and autonomous systems, the future of security in the Arctic, and investing in the future of security. Speakers: General (Ret.) Philippe Lavigne, Distinguished Fellow, Transatlantic Defense and Security, Center for European Policy Analysis; Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation, NATO (2021-2024) Moderated by: Kari Odermann, Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Nov 18, 2025 · 31 min
The Hon. Nathaniel Moran on US Support for Ukraine
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, Representative Nathaniel Moran of Texas’s 1st Congressional District sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to reflect on his career in public service, from his time as a Texas Judge, Councilman, and Mayor, to his work in Congress today. Their conversation focuses on the importance of ongoing US support for Ukraine and outlines America's key priorities for the transatlantic alliance. Speakers: The Hon. Nathaniel Moran, US Representative (TX-01), US House of Representatives Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Nov 18, 2025 · 39 min
The Hon. Jim Costa on Ukrainian Security & Resilience
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the crucial challenges shaping our world today. As part of a series of special episodes with US lawmakers, Representative Jim Costa of California's 21st Congressional District sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to reflect on his path to and career in public service, including his work on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Europe. Their conversation explores the resilience of the Ukrainian people and why US support for Ukraine remains crucial to America’s national security interests. Speakers: The Hon. Jim Costa, US Representative (CA-21), US House of Representatives Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Oct 24, 2025 · 40 min
Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan on Russia’s Past, Present, and Future
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, Russian investigative journalists Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan join Kari Odermann to discuss their experience reporting on Russia and the Kremlin over the last 30 years, exploring its repression tactics used in Russia and abroad, as well as the challenges and personal sacrifice of being dissidents under an authoritarian regime. Speakers: Andrei Soldatov, Senior Fellow, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis Irina Borogan, Senior Fellow, Democratic Resilience, Center for European Policy Analysis Moderated by: Kari Odermann, Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Sep 23, 2025 · 23 min
The Hon. Mike Lawler on Moldova’s Elections and Transatlantic Security
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the crucial challenges shaping our world today. As part of a series of special episodes with US lawmakers, Congressman Mike Lawler of New York's 17th Congressional District sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to reflect on his career in public service, from his work as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Moldova Caucus to his role as a Member on the House Financial Services Committee. Their conversation explores the upcoming Moldovan Elections and why US support for Ukraine remains critical to America’s national security interests. Speakers: The Hon. Mike Lawler, US Representative (NY-17), US House of Representatives Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Sep 23, 2025 · 38 min
The Hon. Jason Crow on America’s Role in the World
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the crucial challenges shaping our world today. As part of a series of special episodes with US lawmakers, Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado’s 6th Congressional District sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to reflect on his career in public service, from his combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to his work in Congress today. Their conversation explores the evolving security landscape, the importance of transatlantic cooperation, and why US support for Ukraine remains critical to America’s national security interests. Speakers: The Hon. Jason Crow, US Representative (CO-06), US House of Representatives Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Jul 2, 2025 · 27 min
Lorenz Meier: Building the Future Force
In this episode of the CEPA Podcast, Auterion Co-founder and CEO Dr. Lorenz Meier discusses the cutting-edge technological revolution happening in Ukraine. Meier reveals how commercially available technologies are creating strategic game-changers, from drone operations to cyber capabilities. Hear firsthand insights into how Ukraine's tech ecosystem is developing world-class autonomous systems that are changing military strategy in real-time, and why Western militaries need to radically rethink their approach to innovation and adaptation.
Jul 2, 2025 · 20 min
Karan Bahtia: Trust and Reliability in Transatlantic Tech
In this episode of the CEPA podcast, former Deputy US Trade Representative and Google's Global Head of Government Affairs, Karan Bhatia, unpacks the complex relationship between technology, security, and innovation. From AI's transformative potential to the challenges of digital sovereignty, this conversation offers a candid look at how tech giants are navigating Europe's evolving landscape. Discover why trust matters more than ever and how collaboration could be the key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing global tech ecosystem.
May 22, 2025 · 30 min
Dr. Benedikt Franke on International Diplomacy and Security
The CEPA Podcast hosts a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic every month to explore the most important developments shaping our world today. In the latest episode, Dr. Benedikt Franke sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to discuss the evolution of global security dialogue, including in his role as Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Munich Security Conference. The conversation explores his career in international diplomacy and security, the challenges of multilateral cooperation in an age of geopolitical fragmentation, and Dr. Franke’s most meaningful moments from MSC 2025. Speakers: Dr. Benedikt Franke, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Munich Security Conference Hosted by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis
May 21, 2025 · 30 min
Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher on NATO’s Eastern Flank
The CEPA Podcast is a series of dynamic interviews, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In this episode, Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher joins to discuss her career in diplomacy, including her time as US Ambassador to Poland, the strategic importance of NATO’s Eastern Flank, the Three Seas Initiative, and the evolving global response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Speakers: Amb. Georgette Mosbacher, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Poland (2018-2021) Hosted by: Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis
May 13, 2025 · 33 min
Ambassador Mark Gitenstein on Diplomacy and EU-US Ties
CEPA is proud to launch The CEPA Podcast, a series of dynamic interviews every month, bringing together leaders and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the most important challenges shaping our world today. In our first episode, Ambassador Mark Gitenstein sits down with Dr. Alina Polyakova to discuss his career in public service, including his tenure as US Ambassador to Romania and the European Union, as well as the strategic importance of Romania for NATO, the importance of independent media in sustaining democracy, and the evolving US-EU response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speakers: · Amb. Mark Gitenstein, United States Ambassador to the European Union (2022-2025); United States Ambassador to Romania (2009-2012) Hosted by: · Dr. Alina Polyakova, President and CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis

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