Laura speaks to Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI. Prior to this Karin worked in the US State Department for six years in Obama’s Administration, including as the Chief of Staff to General Jon Allen, who was the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. She has experience in over two dozen conflict zones and worked for the UN in Somalia and Kosovo.

They talk about her time in the State Department and working in conflict zones, as well as the current security threats, geopolitics and Trump (yes, he gets a mention).

You can follow Karin  and Laura on Twitter: @kvonhippel and @LauraRound

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In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected.

This podcast is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture technology and fresh thinking. Give them a follow: @BigTentIdeas And if you are looking for more content, become a friend of the Big Tent for only £6 per month. And use code PODCAST for three months for free!