Episodes
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Understanding the 2025 National Security Strategy of the United States: a conversation with Joe Grogan, former White House Director of the Domestic Policy Council
In this episode, Christiaan Alting von Geusau speaks with his special guest Joe Grogan, former Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House during the first Trump administration, also having served in the G.W. Bush administration before that.
We discuss the background and genesis of the National Security Strategy that was published by the White House in December 2025, and the consequences this document and the resulting policies have for international affairs. We also discuss in-depth the new focus of the US administration on the Western Hemisphere - where currently the conflict with Venezuela is heating up - and the challenges in the relationship of the US with Europe. Special attention is also given to the Ukraine war and the problematic role of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The video of Otto von Habsburg warning for Putin in 2003 (in the podcast we speak erroneously of 2006/2008): https://youtu.be/P1lj6QsqDhU?si=45MkcGFI6YtrJeA7
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Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Missing episodes?
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Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
-
Description:
This series for (aspiring) legislators, government leaders, and others in public office seeks to provide timeless insights and share enduring wisdom needed in the execution of one’s daily duties and responsibilities, always aiming at justice and the advancement of the common good. Christian leadership for those holding high office is above all a fundamental way of life, consistently lived and carefully guarded, bringing lasting unity to the spheres of faith, family and public duty, unapologetically desiring and working every day to root all in a Christ-centered life of faithfulness, courage and sacrifice. As Christians in leadership positions, we have to ourselves be the change we wish you to see in our society. Throughout history, great Christian men and women of deep faith and formidable character have struggled with this challenge to uphold the principles rooted in their well-formed consciences. Episodes:
1. Who am I, what is my calling?
2. The unity of a life in Christ.
3. The meaning of virtue.
4. Conscience, duty and the law.
5. Exemplary Christians in Politics.
6. What is the Common Good?
The podcast episodes will be presented by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) (https://icln.world/executive-board/#christiaan) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U (https://ambrose-advice.com/profile/). He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of this course internationally. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Episode 6: Human Work and Economic Life.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
See for our previous series on Education and the Role of the State: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1546282/episodes/14996548-the-purpose-of-education-and-the-role-of-the-state-what-is-education-to-awaken (the first of a series of episodes on this channel)
See also the video series 'Education at the Crossroads' : https://youtu.be/8FrAcgHBlfY?si=PRMLwDGDmepI2z7U
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Episode 7: Christian Responsibility in the Political Community
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
See for our series on Politics & Conscience: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1546282/episodes/14084899-politics-conscience-how-to-navigate-the-modern-challenges-of-public-office-1 (one of 7 episodes on this channel)
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Episode 8: Taking Care of Creation in all its Dimensions: What is the Proper Attitude?
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
3. Pope Francis: Laudato Si: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
4. Pope Benedict XVI: The Listening Heart - Reflections on the Foundations of Law: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2011/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110922_reichstag-berlin.html
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Episode 5: Marriage and Family in Society.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
3. Pope Francis: Amoris Laetitia: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia.html
4. Pope Saint John Paul II: Familiaris Consortio: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio.html
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Episode 4: Basic Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine: Subsidiarity and Solidarity.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
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Episode 3: Basic Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine: The Common Good.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
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Episode 2:
Basic Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine: Human freedom.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
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Episode 1: Reason and Origins of Catholic Social Doctrine.
Resources:
1. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
2. Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html
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Edith Eger, in her book (The Choice), writes:
“We can't choose to vanish the dark, but we can choose to kindle the light – (..) Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”
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“The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either – but right through every human heart – and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained.”
- The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956 by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
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Since the end of World War Two, there has been an international effort to codify human rights in legal instruments, allowing them to be enforced across borders. Treaties, constitutions, laws and declarations have been issued to make the global protection of human rights an effort of all nations. The fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, religion and expression are considered the first and most important of these human rights, yet it is here that during the past decade we have seen a marked increase in exactly these rights being undermined and trampled upon, and not only in undemocratic societies. In medicine, both for practitioners and patients, the right of conscientious objection is continually being further limited. The persecution of especially Christians around the world has exploded and the tool of government censorship is back again now also in democratic societies.
This series will discuss definitions, concrete examples of this deterioration, the main human rights instruments they violate, and explore what measures can be taken to turn the tide.
Introduction:
1. The main human rights instrumentsDefinitions and violations:
2. Freedom of Conscience
3. Freedom of Religion
4. Freedom of SpeechDefending freedom of conscience, religion and speech:
5. Successful legal cases
6. Successful policy initiativesThe podcast episodes are hosted by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U. He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of human rights and fundamental freedoms. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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Since the end of World War Two, there has been an international effort to codify human rights in legal instruments, allowing them to be enforced across borders. Treaties, constitutions, laws and declarations have been issued to make the global protection of human rights an effort of all nations. The fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, religion and expression are considered the first and most important of these human rights, yet it is here that during the past decade we have seen a marked increase in exactly these rights being undermined and trampled upon, and not only in undemocratic societies. In medicine, both for practitioners and patients, the right of conscientious objection is continually being further limited. The persecution of especially Christians around the world has exploded and the tool of government censorship is back again now also in democratic societies.
This series will discuss definitions, concrete examples of this deterioration, the main human rights instruments they violate, and explore what measures can be taken to turn the tide.
Introduction:
1. The main human rights instrumentsDefinitions and violations:
2. Freedom of Conscience
3. Freedom of Religion
4. Freedom of SpeechDefending freedom of conscience, religion and speech:
5. Successful legal cases
6. Successful policy initiativesThe podcast episodes are hosted by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U. He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of human rights and fundamental freedoms. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
-
Since the end of World War Two, there has been an international effort to codify human rights in legal instruments, allowing them to be enforced across borders. Treaties, constitutions, laws and declarations have been issued to make the global protection of human rights an effort of all nations. The fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, religion and expression are considered the first and most important of these human rights, yet it is here that during the past decade we have seen a marked increase in exactly these rights being undermined and trampled upon, and not only in undemocratic societies. In medicine, both for practitioners and patients, the right of conscientious objection is continually being further limited. The persecution of especially Christians around the world has exploded and the tool of government censorship is back again now also in democratic societies.
This series will discuss definitions, concrete examples of this deterioration, the main human rights instruments they violate, and explore what measures can be taken to turn the tide.
Introduction:
1. The main human rights instrumentsDefinitions and violations:
2. Freedom of Conscience
3. Freedom of Religion
4. Freedom of SpeechDefending freedom of conscience, religion and speech:
5. Successful legal cases
6. Successful policy initiativesThe podcast episodes are hosted by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U. He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of human rights and fundamental freedoms. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.
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