South African Supreme Court Justice Albie Sachs in a conversation with UC BerkeleyŐs Harry Kreisler talks about personal survival in the context of the transformation of South Africa. (52 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Stanford political scientist Stephen D. Krasner for a discussion of sovereignty in the post 911 world. Drawing on his academic work in international relations theory and his recent experience as Director of Policy Planning in the State Department, Professor Krasner reflects on the greatest threats to the stability of the international system. (58 minutes)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Philip Bobbitt, Herbert Wechsler Professor of Jurisprudence, Columbia University. Focusing on the transformation of the state and warfare, Professor Bobbitt offers a new interpretation of terrorism. He explains the emergence of the market state, compares it to the nation state, analyzes the unique features of warfare in the new century, and brings into focus the distinctive qualities of today's terrorism. Professor Bobbitt also describes the challenges posed for national security and offers an agenda for changes that integrate strategy and law. (57 minutes)

Writer and Diplomat Shashi Tharoor joins host Harry Kreisler for a discussion of his dual careers as one of India's most distinguished writers and as a leading figure in international diplomacy. (52 min)

UC Berkeley's Harry Kreisler in conversation with Norman Podhoretz, whose 35 years as an author, literary critic and editor of Commentary magazine has had a profound influence on the ideas that have shaped public debate in the United States. (53 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Rise of the Vulcans author James Mann for a discussion of the history of the Bush administration's foreign policy. (56 min)

In this edition, UC Berkeley's Harry Kreisler talks with Ambassador Jack Matlock who served as the last U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union. Ambassador Matlock offers his reflections on the fall of the Soviet Union, the policies of the Reagan administration, and how students should prepare for the future. (50 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler speaks with William A. Rusher, former publisher of the "National Review" about the conservative movement. (54 min)

Washington Post reporter John Pomfret discusses his new book, "Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China." (55 minutes)

UC Berkeley's Harry Kreisler welcomes author and columnist William Pfaff for a discussion of U.S. foreign policy, U.S.- European relations and the end of the Cold War. Pfaff reflects on hisĘ intellectual odyssey and comments on the role of the press in shaping U.S.opinion toward world politics. (60 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Die Zeit Publisher/Editor Josef Joffe for a discussion of America’s role in the 21st century. Starting with an analysis of the differences between a bi-polar and a uni-polar world, Joffe analyzes the roots of anti-Americanism, defines a global strategy for U.S. foreign policy, and offers a unique perspective on the different worlds the U.S. confronts, the Berlin/Berkeley axis—a post modern world of information technology and no possibility of war--and the Beijing/Baghdad axis—a world of nationalism where war is still possible. (58 minutes)

Host Harry Kreisler welcomes Michael Gordon, Chief Pentagon Correspondent for The New York Times, for a discussion of his new book Cobra II, co written with General Bernard E. Trainor. In the interview, Kreisler and Gordon discuss the origins of the war plan, the key decision makers the intelligence failure before and during the war, the insurgency, SaddamŐs war plan, and the implications of the war for the American military. (59 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Israeli political scientist and peace activist Galia Golan for a discussion of the peace movement in Israel. She reflects on the Israeli domestic situation, compares Israeli occupation policies to South Africa's apartheid, and analyzes Israel"s geopolitical constraints. She also compares the stability of superpower conflict in the Middle East during the Cold War with today's regional geopolitical situation, especially Israel's conflict with Iran. (58 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes scientist Norman Myers who talks about his intellectual journey and his work in the environmental movement. 43 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Chalmers Johnson for a discussion of his new book, Nemesis. In the interview, Johnson, an Emeritus Professor of the University of California, analyzes the impact of the American empire on democracy at home. Comparing the United States to Rome and Great Britain, he argues that a combination of military Keynesianism, the Bush administration's attempt to implement a unitary presidency, and the failed checks on executive ambition point to political and economic bankruptcy. (59 minutes)

Geographer Michael Watts, the Director of the UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies, talks about his personal and political evolution as a researcher and scholar of internationalism and modernity. (62 min)

Host Harry Kreisler welcomes Historian Juan Cole for a discussion of U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. He also explores the importance of religion in understanding events in Iran and Iraq and he addresses the impact of the communications revolution on his own work as a scholar involved in the policy debate. (59 min)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Steven A. Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations for a discussion of the impact of the military on democratization in Turkey, Algeria, and Egypt. He analyzes the structure of power in these countries, the role of Islamic parties in furthering democratization, and raises important questions about U.S. policy in the region through comparison with the policies of the European Union. (51 minutes)

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes General John Abizaid for a discussion of the role of the military in the 21st century. Drawing on his experience as commander of the U.S. Central Command, he discusses the problems confronting the next President in the Middle East. He analyzes the lessons of the Iraq War and reflects on issues such as intelligence, the Geneva Conventions, and the role of military contractors. (53 minutes)

Retired U.S. Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni joins host Harry Kreisler on this edition of Conversations with History to discuss the military today and their role in a changing world filled with transnational threats and terrorism. (60 min)