RIP

Michael Howard: The Transformation of Europe

Jennifer Doudna
1990

Historian Sir Michael Howard joins Conversations with History host Harry Kreisler for a discussion of the changes in Europe with the end of the Cold War.

Merv Field: Taking the Pulse of California

Merv Field
2012

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes pollster Merv Field for a discussion of his remarkable career. Tracing his intellectual odyssey, he describes his education, early work with George Gallup, and his stint in the Merchant Marines. He recalls the early history of polling in the US including the founding and development of the Field Research Corporation and the Field poll. He analyzes the challenges of conducting reliable polls while maintaining ethical standards in the profession. Field reflects on the skills required in survey research and the challenges of adapting to new...

Lord Carrington: Diplomacy, the Nuclear Arms Race, and East-West Relations

Lord Carrington
1984

In this 1984 interview, Lord Carrington, one of Britain's greatest statesmen, joins U.C. Berkeley's Harry Kreisler and Professor Ernst Haas for a discussion of the nuclear arms race and the role of diplomacy in resolving conflict.

KEYWORDS: Nuclear Weapons, Arms Race, Great Britain.

Linus Pauling: The Peace Movement in Historical Perspective

Linus Pauling
1983

In this 1983 interview, Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling joins U.C. Berkeley's Harry Kreisler for a discussion of the role of scientists in the peace movement.

KEYWORDS: Nobel Laureates, Nuclear Weapons, Political Activism, Peace Movements.

Leslie H. Gelb: Power, Ideas and Foreign Policy in the 21st Century

Leslie H. Gelb
2009

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Leslie H. Gelb, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion of his new book "Power Rules: How Common Sense Can Rescue American Foreign Policy." Gelb analyzes what power is, demonstrates how most American leaders fail to understand it, and explains how the demons of ideology, domestic politics, and arrogance lead to its misuse. Gelb also examines two problems--the international economic crisis and the Afghanistan Pakistan crisis and offers suggestions to President Obama about how he should proceed to avoid the pitfalls...

Leonard Shlain: Art and Science

Leonard Shlain
2008

Host Harry Kreisler welcomes Leonard Shlain, Chairman of Laparoscopic Surgery at the California Pacific Medical Center and Associate Professor of Surgery at UCSF for a discussion of his career as a surgeon and as an author. Dr. Shlain talks about his three previous books: Art and Physics; The Alphabet Versus the Goddess; and Sex,Time and Power and his forthcoming book on Leonardo da Vinci. He highlights the brain/mind theme that recurs throughout his works, analyzes the roots of creativity, and analyzes the differences between male and female perspectives. He concludes with his thoughts...

Leon M. Lederman: A Life in Science: A Sense of Wonder

Leon M. Lederman
2009

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Nobel Laureate Leon M. Lederman. Tracing his intellectual journey, Professor Lederman discusses the qualities of a scientist, the early years of particle physics, the evolution of his own research interests, the discovery of the muon neutrino, the importance of that discovery and its implications for cosmology. He recalls the dynamism and excitement of his years in particle physics and the experience of winning the Nobel Prize. Drawing on his recent work, Professor Lederman also offers a critique of Secondary school science education and...

Leon M. Lederman: A Life in Science: A Sense of Wonder

Leon M. Lederman
2009

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Nobel Laureate Leon M. Lederman. Tracing his intellectual journey, Professor Lederman discusses the qualities of a scientist, the early years of particle physics, the evolution of his own research interests, the discovery of the muon neutrino, the importance of that discovery and its implications for cosmology. He recalls the dynamism and excitement of his years in particle physics and the experience of winning the Nobel Prize. Drawing on his recent work, Professor Lederman also offers a critique of Secondary school science education and...

Lawrence K. Grossman: Pioneering Innovations in Broadcast Television

Lawrence K. Grossman
2001

Lawrence Grossman past president of the Public Broadcasting System and NBC news reflects on television today.

KEYWORDS: Public Broadcasting, Television News, Public Television.

Kenneth Waltz: Theory and International Politics

Kenneth Waltz
2003

On this edition of Conversations with History, UC Berkeley's Harry Kreisler talks with renowned political scientist Kenneth N. Waltz, about theory, international politics, and the U.S. role in world affairs.

KEYWORDS: Theory, Power, Realism, State Power.