In this podcast, Brookings President  reflects on growing up in Cleveland, his career—as a journalist, State Department Official, and think tank leader—and today’s challenges for governance and stability. Learn how a career in journalism prepared him for State Department diplomacy; about his role in defusing two international crises in one dangerous week in June 1999; what he thinks about Vladimir Putin and Russia’s course; and why nuclear proliferation and climate change are “existential threats.” And also listen to his reflections on Brookings’s centenary next year. Also at the top of the podcast, , director of the , offers his economic update and previews two important upcoming events. Show Notes: • , by Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy (2d edition)• , by Angela Stent• , by Strobe Talbott and William Antholis (revised edition)• • "," Brookings Essay by Strobe Talbott Subscribe to the Brookings Cafeteria on , listen on , and send feedback email to .