Power & Purpose

Věra Jourová on Digital Power and Europe’s Global Role

Věra Jourová joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on her time at the forefront of EU policymaking on technology, disinformation, and media freedom. She discusses the challenges of regulating Big Tech, promoting innovation while protecting citizens’ rights, and addressing the digital challenges facing democracies today. She also shares her personal journey, including how growing up under communist rule shaped her commitment to democracy. Věra Jourová is the former Vice President of the European Commission. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.

Dina Kawar on the Human Cost of Middle East Conflict

How are overlapping crises shaping diplomacy in the Middle East? Dina Kawar, Jordan's Ambassador to the United States, joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore the ripple effects of war and the realities of regional interdependence. She reflects on her diplomatic career, the barriers women face in public service, and the mindset needed to lead under pressure. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.

Gabriela Ramos on Mexico, Multilateralism, and the Fight for Gender Equality

Gabriela Ramos joins Amanda and Nathalie to reflect on Mexico’s changing relationship with the United States, the weakening of the multilateral system, and the effort needed to sustain international cooperation. She discusses parental expectations, professional trade-offs to sustain family life, and the purpose that sustained her through achievement and failure. Gabriela Ramos is the co-chair of the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TSIFD), leading the development of a framework for financial transparency and social impact. Previously, she held the role of Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO (2020-2025), Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20 of the OECD (2006-2020), and she was a member of Mexico’s Foreign Service. In 2025, she was Mexican Candidate for Director General of UNESCO. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.

Priyanka Chaturvedi on India, Empowerment, and Persistence

How does the world look from India today? Priyanka Chaturvedi joins Amanda and Nathalie to explore India’s evolving global role, its relationships with Europe and the United States, and the challenges of regulating technology in a democracy. She reflects on her journey from media to politics, the challenges women face in political life, and why persistence matters in public service. Priyanka Chaturvedi is an Indian politician who served as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, and is a former Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (UBT). Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.

Julie Smith on NATO, Trust, and the Importance of Public Service

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julie Smith joins Amanda and Nathalie to discuss the alliance’s future at a moment of deep uncertainty. From a growing transatlantic trust deficit to Europe’s push for greater security autonomy, she explores what lies ahead for NATO. Julie reflects on her experience navigating the alliance during the war in Ukraine, what it means to be a woman in the security field, and the importance of keeping faith in public service. Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy. Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.