Coffee Break With Paolo

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks about Charter Schools, secondary education entities funded by taxpayer dollars but run by private entities. On average, students attending these schools perform better. Can these experiments produce tomorrow’s new standard?

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks with Peter Schechter, a seasoned expert on Latin America, and the co-host of the podcast Altamar. Peter discusses key developments in problem countries such as Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. He also points out positive changes in Colombia, Peru and Chile.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks with Linda Rahal and Elizabeth Kohler Maya, immigration attorneys. The discussion is about current laws affecting residency, work permits, student visas, asylum, and a lot more. Can US elected leaders at some point agree on sensible reforms that will allow immigration to take place in a way that will strengthen America?

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach discusses the implication of the abrupt suspension, maybe cancellation, of all peace talks between the US and the Taliban in Afghanistan announced by US President Donald Trump. Does this mean that America is prepared to keep a military presence in Afghanistan for many more years? Will the US stay engaged? What about support for the country’s fragile economy?

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks with Doug Macgregor, retired US Army Colonel, PhD and author of five books. The discussion focuses on the misguided security priorities that are at the foundation of prolonged and wasteful military engagements, such as the occupation of Afghanistan and the war in Iraq.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach discusses the implications of new findings indicating that babies need direct contact with their mothers in the critical first year of life. Day care centers, even if available and affordable, are not enough. This is about the healthy development of our children. What can be done

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach hosts Lou Pugliaresi, and eminent energy expert, currently President of the Energy Policy Research Foundation, based in Washington DC. The conversation begins with the US energy renaissance which made America into the world leading oil and gas producer. It continues with a discussion on global warming, renewables and EVs.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach hosts Zsofia Racz, analysts with the Budapest-based Center for Fundamental Rights. The discussion focuses on the resurgence of nationalism in Europe, and the ultimate objectives and limits of the process of European integration.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach hosts Mark Meirowitz, Associate Professor at SUNY Maritime College and Global Policy Institute Fellow. The discussion focuses on problems related to Turkish weapons purchases, differences over Gulen, the future of Syria, security and energy issues in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach hosts John Sitilides, geopolitical strategists at Trilogy Advisors, and Diplomacy Consultant at the U.S. Department of State. The discussion focuses on the implications of growing tensions with Iran, U.S. disengagement from Afghanistan and Iraq, the future of NATO and the challenges represented by China’s economic and military rise.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach hosts Jennifer Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Global Risk Intel, a multi-service consultancy that provides customized services to companies and organizations. The discussion focuses on how corporations and other actors can better understand the context in which they operate, properly assess the risks involved, and take the appropriate measures aimed at avoiding or mitigating them.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks about  Brexit and the future of the European Union with Martin Sieff, international affairs journalist and author. The discussion focuses on how Great Britain will finally exit the European Union and how Europe is facing the challenges of globalization.

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach discusses the US and World Threats with Arnold Dupuy, international security expert with Booz Allen Hamilton and Adjunct Professor at George Mason University and Virginia Tech. The conversation includes the level of US defense spending, the new role of NATO, and the challenges represented by China's growing military capabilities.

Episode 16: “Crisis at the US Mexico border”, Paolo von Schirach discusses the phenomenon of fake asylum claims. US laws should be changed, including the creation of a robust guest workers visa program.  

In this episode, Paolo von Schirach talks about the Geopolitics of Oil and Gas with Robert Cekuta, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, with a long and distinguished career in the US Department of State. The discussion includes the new role that the US is playing as a major world energy producer and now exporter, and how Russia uses energy as a political influence tool.

Episode 14: “China and Hong Kong a troubled relationship”, Paolo von Schirach talks about the new extradition treats between China and Hong Kong and why millions of Hong Kong citizens protested against it because they see it as a threat to their freedom.

Episode 13: “The Ethics of Islam”, Paolo von Schirach talks to Professor Abdulaziz Sachedina, Chair of Religious Studies at George Mason University. Sachedina makes critical distinctions between message of love and tolerance of Islam and subsequent interpretations. 

Episode 12: “The South China Sea Dispute”, Paolo von Schirach discusses China's claims on the South China Sea and how this issue affects us China relations.

Episode 11: “Brexit 2.0 and European Parliament Elections”, Paolo von Schirach talks about Brexit, the complex process leading to the UK departure from the European Union and the elections of the new European Parliament.

Episode 10: “US - Iran Relations”, Paolo von Schirach discusses the current state of relations between Washington and Tehran; why the sanctions? Can this get better?