The Last Line of Defense

The Room Where It Happened: What the Media Missed About the Trump-Xi Meeting

Host Seth G. Jones sat down with Ambassador (ret.) Edgard D. Kagan, former U.S. ambassador to Malaysia and newly appointed Senior Adviser and Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS. Together, they dissected the recent Trump–Xi meeting, examining how the visit was portrayed in the Chinese media, the challenges behind joint statements, and the dynamics surrounding Taiwan.

China’s Win? The Missile Gap After Epic Fury

Host Dr. Seth G. Jones sat down with retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian to examine the U.S. munitions stockpiles after Operation Epic Fury, the challenges facing America’s defense industrial base, and what those shortfalls could mean in a future conflict with China.

Strategic Exhaustion: Will Iran Fold?

Norman Roule is back on the podcast with Seth Jones to provide an update on developments in Iran, including the impact of sanctions and the blockade, an assessment of who is in charge in Tehran, the current state of talks, and the role of Gulf States, Lebanon, and other countries. Mr. Roule served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017.

Beyond the Rubble: Is China the Real Winner of the U.S.-Iran War?

Host Seth Jones sat down with Dr. Bonny Lin, CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the China Power Project, to explore Beijing’s view of the U.S.-Iran war, including its own role, the China-Pakistan peace plan, and potential takeaways.

Tehran’s Calculus: Iran’s Strategy Amidst the Storm

Host Seth Jones speaks with Ambassador Ryan Crocker to unpack Iran’s complex political landscape, regional power dynamics, and the role of U.S. allies as the conflict unfolds. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Ambassador Crocker offers a deeply informed perspective shaped by his past service as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon.