THE VALUE OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION

In this episode of The IWP Podcast, Jim Robbins and his guest, Al Santoli, explore the value of the scholar-practitioner model at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), where faculty have both academic credentials and practical experience in national security and foreign policy. Professor Santoli, discusses his own background and involvement with IWP, highlighting the importance of instinct, intuition, and real-world experience that practitioners can bring to the classroom. He also shares his experiences working in the Philippines, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and community-based initiatives to build peace. Finally, Santoli explains how he translates his practical experiences into his teaching at IWP, emphasizing the importance of introspection, character development, and preparing students for productive careers in national security and related fields.Podcast Show NotesGuest: Al Santoli, professor at IWP, president of the Asia America Initiative, New York Times best selling author and Pulitzer nominated authorThis episode explores the value of practical experience in national security education, drawing on Al Santoli's extensive background as a practitioner in fields like counterterrorism, refugee work, and conflict resolution.Key Topics Discussed:- Al Santoli's background and experience prior to joining IWP (00:00:31 - 00:04:18)- The founding of IWP and its "scholar-practitioner" model (00:04:41 - 00:08:18)- The importance of having practitioners in academia (00:09:41 - 00:16:30)- Al Santoli's work with the Asia America Initiative in the Philippines (00:27:09 - 00:46:45)- Translating practical experience into the classroom at IWP (00:46:59 - 00:54:33)---Where to Find Al Santoli:- Asia America Initiative: https://www.asiaamerica.org/- IWP Profile: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/al-santoli/Where to Find the Host:- IWP Website: https://www.iwp.edu/---Key References and Concepts:- "Scholar-practitioner" model of education- General Edward Lansdale and his work in the Philippines- Studs Terkel and the "oral history" approach- Counterterrorism work in the Philippines- Conflict resolution and community-based development- Maslow's hierarchy of needs- Martial arts philosophy of "winning without fighting"