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    <title>State of Play</title>
    <language>en</language>
    <copyright>2025 Center for Strategic and International Studies</copyright>
    <description>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</description>
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      <title>State of Play</title>
    </image>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</itunes:summary>
    <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[<p>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</p>]]>
    </content:encoded>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>podcasts@csis.org</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
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    <itunes:category text="Government">
    </itunes:category>
    <item>
      <title>Has the Iran War Transformed the Middle East's Future?</title>
      <description>The war with Iran has roiled the economies of the Middle East, shattered trust between Iran and Arab Gulf states, challenged security arrangements, and highlighted the region's geopolitical importance. But looking ahead, how much has the war really changed the region's future, and what is likely to remain more constant? Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Mona Yacoubian, and Susan Ziadeh joined Will to discuss how the war has reshaped the Middle East.


  Maria Fantappie and Vali Nasr, "Can Saudi Arabia Keep Hedging?" Foreign Affairs, May/June 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian, "Why “Mowing the Grass” Won’t Work in Iran," CSIS, April 17, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:49:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Mona Yacoubian, and Susan Ziadeh joined Will to discuss how the war has reshaped the Middle East.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The war with Iran has roiled the economies of the Middle East, shattered trust between Iran and Arab Gulf states, challenged security arrangements, and highlighted the region's geopolitical importance. But looking ahead, how much has the war really changed the region's future, and what is likely to remain more constant? Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Mona Yacoubian, and Susan Ziadeh joined Will to discuss how the war has reshaped the Middle East.


  Maria Fantappie and Vali Nasr, "Can Saudi Arabia Keep Hedging?" Foreign Affairs, May/June 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian, "Why “Mowing the Grass” Won’t Work in Iran," CSIS, April 17, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The war with Iran has roiled the economies of the Middle East, shattered trust between Iran and Arab Gulf states, challenged security arrangements, and highlighted the region's geopolitical importance. But looking ahead, how much has the war really changed the region's future, and what is likely to remain more constant? Vali Nasr, Michael Ratney, Mona Yacoubian, and Susan Ziadeh joined Will to discuss how the war has reshaped the Middle East.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Maria Fantappie and Vali Nasr, "<a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/middle-east/can-saudi-arabia-keep-hedging">Can Saudi Arabia Keep Hedging?</a>" <em>Foreign Affairs, </em>May/June 2026.</li>
  <li>Mona Yacoubian, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-mowing-grass-wont-work-iran">Why “Mowing the Grass” Won’t Work in Iran</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, April 17, 2026.</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>3152</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will Orban’s Defeat Transform Europe?</title>
      <description>Prime minister Victor Orban lost the Hungarian elections after 16 years in power. Péter Magyar’s landslide victory gave him a broad mandate for change and the ability to do so. Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss what changes he will make, what it means for Hungary’s relationship with the EU, and if this will be a game changer for Europe.


  Donatienne Ruy, “What Happens After Hungary’s Election? Four Scenarios to Watch,” CSIS, April 3, 2026.

  Donatienne Ruy and Maria Snegovaya, “What Is at Stake in Hungary’s Election?” CSIS, March 11, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:15:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss Péter Magyar’s landslide victory and if this will be a game changer for Europe.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Prime minister Victor Orban lost the Hungarian elections after 16 years in power. Péter Magyar’s landslide victory gave him a broad mandate for change and the ability to do so. Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss what changes he will make, what it means for Hungary’s relationship with the EU, and if this will be a game changer for Europe.


  Donatienne Ruy, “What Happens After Hungary’s Election? Four Scenarios to Watch,” CSIS, April 3, 2026.

  Donatienne Ruy and Maria Snegovaya, “What Is at Stake in Hungary’s Election?” CSIS, March 11, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Prime minister Victor Orban lost the Hungarian elections after 16 years in power. Péter Magyar’s landslide victory gave him a broad mandate for change and the ability to do so. Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss what changes he will make, what it means for Hungary’s relationship with the EU, and if this will be a game changer for Europe.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Donatienne Ruy, “<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/what-happens-after-hungarys-election-four-scenarios-watch"><u>What Happens After Hungary’s Election? Four Scenarios to Watch</u></a>,” <em>CSIS</em>, April 3, 2026.</li>
  <li>Donatienne Ruy and Maria Snegovaya, “<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/what-stake-hungarys-election"><u>What Is at Stake in Hungary’s Election?</u></a>” <em>CSIS</em>, March 11, 2026.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1141</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Has the Iran war upended U.S.-China negotiations?</title>
      <description>President Trump delayed his planned summit with Xi Jinping from March to May due to the war with Iran. Scott Kennedy and Brian Hart join Will to assess the war's impact on the talks, if the war has changed China's negotiating strategy, and if we should expect a different outcome from the May summit as a result of the delay.


  Scott Kennedy, "The United States Needs a Coherent China Policy," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Bonny Lin, "Why a Venezuela-Style Operation Would Backfire for Beijing," CSIS, January 9, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:49:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Scott Kennedy and Brian Hart join Will to assess the war's impact on President Trump and Xi Jinpings summit. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>President Trump delayed his planned summit with Xi Jinping from March to May due to the war with Iran. Scott Kennedy and Brian Hart join Will to assess the war's impact on the talks, if the war has changed China's negotiating strategy, and if we should expect a different outcome from the May summit as a result of the delay.


  Scott Kennedy, "The United States Needs a Coherent China Policy," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Bonny Lin, "Why a Venezuela-Style Operation Would Backfire for Beijing," CSIS, January 9, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>President Trump delayed his planned summit with Xi Jinping from March to May due to the war with Iran. Scott Kennedy and Brian Hart join Will to assess the war's impact on the talks, if the war has changed China's negotiating strategy, and if we should expect a different outcome from the May summit as a result of the delay.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Scott Kennedy, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/experts-react-us-china-relations-heading-likely-summit#Kennedy">The United States Needs a Coherent China Policy</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 6, 2025.</li>
  <li>Bonny Lin, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/are-us-operations-venezuela-blueprint-china-taiwan#Lin">Why a Venezuela-Style Operation Would Backfire for Beijing</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, January 9, 2026.</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1697</itunes:duration>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS5341363726.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Are the Hidden Costs of the War with Iran?</title>
      <description>Beyond increasing gas prices, the war with Iran has had significant ripple effects for food security, economic security, and humanitarian crises in the Middle East and beyond. Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war that are getting less attention, and what can be done to mitigate their worst effects.


  Emily Harding, "Data Is Now the Front Line of Warfare," CSIS, March 19, 2026

  David Michel, "Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?" CSIS, March 19, 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian, "Iran’s War Strategy: Don’t Calibrate—Escalate," CSIS, March 16, 2026.

  Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh, "Chokepoint: How the War with Iran Threatens Global Food Security," CSIS, March 11, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:16:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war with Iran. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Beyond increasing gas prices, the war with Iran has had significant ripple effects for food security, economic security, and humanitarian crises in the Middle East and beyond. Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war that are getting less attention, and what can be done to mitigate their worst effects.


  Emily Harding, "Data Is Now the Front Line of Warfare," CSIS, March 19, 2026

  David Michel, "Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?" CSIS, March 19, 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian, "Iran’s War Strategy: Don’t Calibrate—Escalate," CSIS, March 16, 2026.

  Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh, "Chokepoint: How the War with Iran Threatens Global Food Security," CSIS, March 11, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Beyond increasing gas prices, the war with Iran has had significant ripple effects for food security, economic security, and humanitarian crises in the Middle East and beyond. Emily Harding, Caitlin Welsh, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will to discuss the short- and long-term implications of the war that are getting less attention, and what can be done to mitigate their worst effects.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Emily Harding, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/data-now-front-line-warfare">Data Is Now the Front Line of Warfare</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, March 19, 2026</li>
  <li>David Michel, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/could-iran-disrupt-gulf-countries-desalinated-water-supplies">Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?</a>" <em>CSIS</em>, March 19, 2026.</li>
  <li>Mona Yacoubian, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/irans-war-strategy-dont-calibrate-escalate">Iran’s War Strategy: Don’t Calibrate—Escalate</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, March 16, 2026.</li>
  <li>Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/chokepoint-how-war-iran-threatens-global-food-security">Chokepoint: How the War with Iran Threatens Global Food Security</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, March 11, 2026.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2945</itunes:duration>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS9213031352.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How did Japan Navigate Trump's Pressure on Iran?</title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was the first U.S. ally to visit President Trump in the White House after he called on allies to help with the war on Iran. Nick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.


  Kristi Govella and Jane Nakano, "What Are the Implications of the Iran Conflict for Japan?" CSIS, March 20, 2026.

  "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance for the Benefit of All Americans," The White House, March 19, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:05:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Nick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was the first U.S. ally to visit President Trump in the White House after he called on allies to help with the war on Iran. Nick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.


  Kristi Govella and Jane Nakano, "What Are the Implications of the Iran Conflict for Japan?" CSIS, March 20, 2026.

  "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance for the Benefit of All Americans," The White House, March 19, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was the first U.S. ally to visit President Trump in the White House after he called on allies to help with the war on Iran. Nick Szechenyi joins Will to discuss what Takaichi had hoped to achieve in her visit, how she handled Trump's pressure, and the playbook she's developing for U.S. allies.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Kristi Govella and Jane Nakano, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/what-are-implications-iran-conflict-japan">What Are the Implications of the Iran Conflict for Japan?</a>" <em>CSIS</em>, March 20, 2026.</li>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-strengthens-u-s-japan-alliance-for-the-benefit-of-all-americans/">Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance for the Benefit of All Americans</a>," <em>The White House</em>, March 19, 2026.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1082</itunes:duration>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS2579120853.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are Russia and China Benefitting from the War with Iran? </title>
      <description>As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, U.S. attention is focused on the Middle East once again. Both China and Russia may find strategic openings, from higher global energy prices that bolster Moscow’s war economy to new opportunities for Beijing to expand its influence elsewhere. But the conflict also carries costs for both. Instability threatens critical energy supplies to China, while the conflict is prompting the further degradation of a key Russian partner in the Middle East. On balance, are Russia and China gaining or losing more from the war with Iran?



The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a live episode of State of Play to explore the implications of the war with Iran for China and Russia on Monday 16 March at 4:00pm. The discussion will feature Dr. Bonny Lin, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.



This event is made possible through general support to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:28:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Will is joined by Bonny Lin and Maria Snegovaya to discuss both China and Russia's strategic openings and costs in the war with Iran. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, U.S. attention is focused on the Middle East once again. Both China and Russia may find strategic openings, from higher global energy prices that bolster Moscow’s war economy to new opportunities for Beijing to expand its influence elsewhere. But the conflict also carries costs for both. Instability threatens critical energy supplies to China, while the conflict is prompting the further degradation of a key Russian partner in the Middle East. On balance, are Russia and China gaining or losing more from the war with Iran?



The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a live episode of State of Play to explore the implications of the war with Iran for China and Russia on Monday 16 March at 4:00pm. The discussion will feature Dr. Bonny Lin, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.



This event is made possible through general support to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, U.S. attention is focused on the Middle East once again. Both China and Russia may find strategic openings, from higher global energy prices that bolster Moscow’s war economy to new opportunities for Beijing to expand its influence elsewhere. But the conflict also carries costs for both. Instability threatens critical energy supplies to China, while the conflict is prompting the further degradation of a key Russian partner in the Middle East. On balance, are Russia and China gaining or losing more from the war with Iran?</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a live episode of State of Play to explore the implications of the war with Iran for China and Russia on Monday 16 March at 4:00pm. The discussion will feature Dr. Bonny Lin, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>This event is made possible through general support to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2106</itunes:duration>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS5636685956.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Is Cuba Next? </title>
      <description>President Trump said the Cuban government will fall “pretty soon” and “it may not be a friendly takeover.” Ryan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join Will to discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change. 


  “Secretary of State Marco Rubio with John Micklethwait of Bloomberg News,” U.S. Department of State, February 14, 2026. 

  Ryan Berg et al. “China’s Intelligence Footprint in Cuba: New Evidence and Implications for U.S. Security,” CSIS, December 6, 2024. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Ryan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join Will to discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>President Trump said the Cuban government will fall “pretty soon” and “it may not be a friendly takeover.” Ryan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join Will to discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change. 


  “Secretary of State Marco Rubio with John Micklethwait of Bloomberg News,” U.S. Department of State, February 14, 2026. 

  Ryan Berg et al. “China’s Intelligence Footprint in Cuba: New Evidence and Implications for U.S. Security,” CSIS, December 6, 2024. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>President Trump said the Cuban government will fall “pretty soon” and “it may not be a friendly takeover.” Ryan Berg and Carrie Filipetti join Will to discuss President Trump’s goals in Cuba, his range of options, and the risks and benefits of regime change. </p>
<ul>
  <li>“<a href="https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-with-john-micklethwait-of-bloomberg-news">Secretary of State Marco Rubio with John Micklethwait of Bloomberg News</a>,” <em>U.S. Department of State</em>, February 14, 2026. </li>
  <li>Ryan Berg et al. “<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/chinas-intelligence-footprint-cuba-new-evidence-and-implications-us-security">China’s Intelligence Footprint in Cuba: New Evidence and Implications for U.S. Security</a>,” <em>CSIS</em>, December 6, 2024. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2156</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[83713bf0-1e2d-11f1-9243-bf3db1b4b94e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS8958313449.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Would Regime Change Solve the Iran Challenge?</title>
      <description>To discuss the risks of regime change in Iran, the lessons to draw from other regime change efforts in the Middle East and beyond, and to outline what the United States can do now to ensure a positive outcome in Iran, Jon Alterman, Daniel Byman, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will Todman on a live episode of State of Play.


  Jon Alterman, "Why Decapitation Will Not Solve the United States’ Iran Problem," CSIS, March 3, 2026.

  Daniel Byman, "6 Questions About Operation Epic Fury," Foreign Policy, February 28, 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian and Samuel Zabin, "If Compute is the New Oil, War in the Gulf Significantly Raises the Stakes," CSIS, February 27, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Jon Alterman, Daniel Byman, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will Todman on a live episode of State of Play.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>To discuss the risks of regime change in Iran, the lessons to draw from other regime change efforts in the Middle East and beyond, and to outline what the United States can do now to ensure a positive outcome in Iran, Jon Alterman, Daniel Byman, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will Todman on a live episode of State of Play.


  Jon Alterman, "Why Decapitation Will Not Solve the United States’ Iran Problem," CSIS, March 3, 2026.

  Daniel Byman, "6 Questions About Operation Epic Fury," Foreign Policy, February 28, 2026.

  Mona Yacoubian and Samuel Zabin, "If Compute is the New Oil, War in the Gulf Significantly Raises the Stakes," CSIS, February 27, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>To discuss the risks of regime change in Iran, the lessons to draw from other regime change efforts in the Middle East and beyond, and to outline what the United States can do now to ensure a positive outcome in Iran, Jon Alterman, Daniel Byman, and Mona Yacoubian joined Will Todman on a live episode of State of Play.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Jon Alterman, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-decapitation-will-not-solve-united-states-iran-problem">Why Decapitation Will Not Solve the United States’ Iran Problem</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, March 3, 2026.</li>
  <li>Daniel Byman, "<a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/28/iran-strikes-israel-us-questions/">6 Questions About Operation Epic Fury,</a>" <em>Foreign Policy</em>, February 28, 2026.</li>
  <li>Mona Yacoubian and Samuel Zabin, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/if-compute-new-oil-war-gulf-significantly-raises-stakes">If Compute is the New Oil, War in the Gulf Significantly Raises the Stakes</a>," <em>CSIS,</em> February 27, 2026.</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1916</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c3b7f9a8-181d-11f1-9684-2b49ffa5c43a]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS7146905953.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How are SE Asian States Recalibrating Their U.S. and China Ties Under Trump 2.0? </title>
      <description>President Trump's economic strategy in SE Asia faces new questions after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how SE Asian states are engaging with the Trump administration and navigating U.S.-China competition in the region.


  Japhet Quitzon and Greg Poling, "Lessons from the Manila Strategy Forum," CSIS, February 25, 2026.

  Henrietta Levin, Greg Poling, et al. "State of Play: The Global Impact of the SCOTUS Decision on IEEPA Tariffs," CSIS, February 20, 2026.

  Henrietta Levin, "The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Deal Makes No Sense" Foreign Policy, July 16, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:05:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how SE Asian states are engaging with the Trump administration and navigating U.S.-China competition in the region.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>President Trump's economic strategy in SE Asia faces new questions after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how SE Asian states are engaging with the Trump administration and navigating U.S.-China competition in the region.


  Japhet Quitzon and Greg Poling, "Lessons from the Manila Strategy Forum," CSIS, February 25, 2026.

  Henrietta Levin, Greg Poling, et al. "State of Play: The Global Impact of the SCOTUS Decision on IEEPA Tariffs," CSIS, February 20, 2026.

  Henrietta Levin, "The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Deal Makes No Sense" Foreign Policy, July 16, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>President Trump's economic strategy in SE Asia faces new questions after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how SE Asian states are engaging with the Trump administration and navigating U.S.-China competition in the region.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Japhet Quitzon and Greg Poling, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/lessons-manila-strategy-forum?auHash=Gvpgzg03j_EIC9JlXS_eSskWm98II1n2bDaRYfyibGY">Lessons from the Manila Strategy Forum</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, February 25, 2026.</li>
  <li>Henrietta Levin, Greg Poling, et al. "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/state-play-global-impact-scotus-decision-ieepa-tariffs">State of Play: The Global Impact of the SCOTUS Decision on IEEPA Tariffs</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, February 20, 2026.</li>
  <li>Henrietta Levin, "<a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/16/us-vietnam-trade-deal-trump-tariffs/">The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Deal Makes No Sense</a>" <em>Foreign Policy</em>, July 16, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1760</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[45c46b68-131c-11f1-87a8-07d036bc880c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS7313249249.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Emergency Episode: European Security after the Munich Conference</title>
      <description>Max Bergmann shares his key observations about transatlantic relations after attending the Munich Security Conference. He discusses how European leaders reacted to Secretary Rubio’s speech, the U.S. strategy for Europe, and the ongoing challenges of shifting the defense burden from the United States to Europe. 


  Max Bergmann, “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America,” (video) CSIS, November 5, 2025. 

  Max Bergmann and Otto Svendsen, “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America,” (report) CSIS, October 8, 2025. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:03:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Max Bergmann shares his key observations about transatlantic relations after attending the Munich Security Conference</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Max Bergmann shares his key observations about transatlantic relations after attending the Munich Security Conference. He discusses how European leaders reacted to Secretary Rubio’s speech, the U.S. strategy for Europe, and the ongoing challenges of shifting the defense burden from the United States to Europe. 


  Max Bergmann, “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America,” (video) CSIS, November 5, 2025. 

  Max Bergmann and Otto Svendsen, “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America,” (report) CSIS, October 8, 2025. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Max Bergmann shares his key observations about transatlantic relations after attending the Munich Security Conference. He discusses how European leaders reacted to Secretary Rubio’s speech, the U.S. strategy for Europe, and the ongoing challenges of shifting the defense burden from the United States to Europe. </p>
<ul>
  <li>Max Bergmann, “<a href="https://youtu.be/RhQjiVgQbpI?si=5dfYd6QTFoKRos6d">How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America</a>,” (video) <em>CSIS</em>, November 5, 2025. </li>
  <li>Max Bergmann and Otto Svendsen, “<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-europe-can-defend-itself-less-america">How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America</a>,” (report) <em>CSIS</em>, October 8, 2025. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1047</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d15beb7c-0ce3-11f1-be0f-ef34cad0c7ea]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS2335779497.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are we thinking about tech competition with China the right way?</title>
      <description>Technological advances are not just about economics, but also power and leverage. Mark Dallas and Ilaria Mazzocco join Will to explore the geopolitical aspect of tech competition. They discuss each state's key technological advantages, what geopolitical power they bring them, and how the United States should compete better.


  "Tech Edge: A Living Playbook for America’s Technology Long Game," CSIS, January 20, 2026.

  "America's Technology Long Game for Competing with China," CSIS Events, January 28, 2026. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:38:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Mark Dallas and Ilaria Mazzocco join Will to explore the geopolitical aspect of tech competition. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Technological advances are not just about economics, but also power and leverage. Mark Dallas and Ilaria Mazzocco join Will to explore the geopolitical aspect of tech competition. They discuss each state's key technological advantages, what geopolitical power they bring them, and how the United States should compete better.


  "Tech Edge: A Living Playbook for America’s Technology Long Game," CSIS, January 20, 2026.

  "America's Technology Long Game for Competing with China," CSIS Events, January 28, 2026. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Technological advances are not just about economics, but also power and leverage. Mark Dallas and Ilaria Mazzocco join Will to explore the geopolitical aspect of tech competition. They discuss each state's key technological advantages, what geopolitical power they bring them, and how the United States should compete better.</p>
<ul>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/tech-edge-living-playbook-americas-technology-long-game">Tech Edge: A Living Playbook for America’s Technology Long Game</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, January 20, 2026.</li>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/securing-edge-americas-technology-long-game-competing-china">America's Technology Long Game for Competing with China</a>," <em>CSIS Events</em>, January 28, 2026. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2467</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8034cbc8-0820-11f1-aa89-c79d0be950f3]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS9058595556.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Emergency Episode: PM Takaichi's Landslide Victory in Japan</title>
      <description>Nick Szechenyi joins Will to analyze the geopolitical consequences of Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in the February 8 Japanese general elections. They discuss what the prime minister's historic supermajority in the lower house of parliament means for Japan's defense spending, tensions with China, ties with the United States, and Takaichi's broader strategy.


  Yuko Nakano and Nicholas Szechenyi, "Takaichi Dominates Japan’s Lower House Election," CSIS, February 9, 2026.

  Kristi Govella, Charles McClean, and Nicholas Szechenyi, "Inside Japan’s High-Stakes Snap Election," CSIS, February 9, 2026.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Nick Szechenyi joins Will to analyze the geopolitical consequences of Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in the February 8 Japanese general elections.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Nick Szechenyi joins Will to analyze the geopolitical consequences of Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in the February 8 Japanese general elections. They discuss what the prime minister's historic supermajority in the lower house of parliament means for Japan's defense spending, tensions with China, ties with the United States, and Takaichi's broader strategy.


  Yuko Nakano and Nicholas Szechenyi, "Takaichi Dominates Japan’s Lower House Election," CSIS, February 9, 2026.

  Kristi Govella, Charles McClean, and Nicholas Szechenyi, "Inside Japan’s High-Stakes Snap Election," CSIS, February 9, 2026.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Nick Szechenyi joins Will to analyze the geopolitical consequences of Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in the February 8 Japanese general elections. They discuss what the prime minister's historic supermajority in the lower house of parliament means for Japan's defense spending, tensions with China, ties with the United States, and Takaichi's broader strategy.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Yuko Nakano and Nicholas Szechenyi, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/takaichi-dominates-japans-lower-house-election">Takaichi Dominates Japan’s Lower House Election</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, February 9, 2026.</li>
  <li>Kristi Govella, Charles McClean, and Nicholas Szechenyi, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/inside-japans-high-stakes-snap-election">Inside Japan’s High-Stakes Snap Election</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, February 9, 2026.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1087</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4e22ecac-05f8-11f1-94bb-ef533473587e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS6074525761.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can middle powers build a new world order as PM Carney says?</title>
      <description>At Davos, the Canadian prime minister argued that the rules based system is fading and middle powers must work together to build a new world order. Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.


  Mark Carney, "Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada," January 20, 2026.

  Kristi Govella, "Japan’s Response to Trump 2.0: Sustaining U.S. Ties, Strengthening International Partnerships," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Jessie Hu, and Sam Smith, "President Trump’s Latin America Policy: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Risks," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At Davos, the Canadian prime minister argued that the rules based system is fading and middle powers must work together to build a new world order. Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.


  Mark Carney, "Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada," January 20, 2026.

  Kristi Govella, "Japan’s Response to Trump 2.0: Sustaining U.S. Ties, Strengthening International Partnerships," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Jessie Hu, and Sam Smith, "President Trump’s Latin America Policy: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Risks," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At Davos, the Canadian prime minister argued that the rules based system is fading and middle powers must work together to build a new world order. Chris Hernandez-Roy and Kristi Govella join Will to discuss whether or not key U.S. allies like Canada and Japan could do this, what it might look like, and what the risks are.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Mark Carney, "<a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-by-mark-carney-prime-minister-of-canada/">Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada</a>," January 20, 2026.</li>
  <li>Kristi Govella, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/japans-response-trump-20-sustaining-us-ties-strengthening-international-partnerships">Japan’s Response to Trump 2.0: Sustaining U.S. Ties, Strengthening International Partnerships</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 6, 2025.</li>
  <li>Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Jessie Hu, and Sam Smith, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/president-trumps-latin-america-policy-short-term-gains-long-term-risks">President Trump’s Latin America Policy: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Risks</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 6, 2025.</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2296</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d47bd9de-fc99-11f0-a975-27c42b55b4fc]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS8494916946.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How should we combat China's economic coercion?</title>
      <description>In a special live episode to mark the launch of a new book on China's weaponization of trade, Will sits down with its main author Dr. Victor Cha and panelists Bethany Allen and Dr. Melanie Hart. They discuss how China's economic strategy is evolving, how it compares with President Trump's own form of economic coercion, and what states and firms can do to push back.


  Victor Cha, Ellen Kim, and Andy Lim, "China's Weaponization of Trade: Resistance Through Collective Resilience" (Columbia University Press), January 2026.

  Victor Cha, "How to Stop Chinese Coercion," Foreign Affairs, January/February 2023.

  Watch video of the discussion.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:33:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Will and guests discuss how China's economic strategy is evolving, how it compares with President Trump's own form of economic coercion, and what states and firms can do to push back.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In a special live episode to mark the launch of a new book on China's weaponization of trade, Will sits down with its main author Dr. Victor Cha and panelists Bethany Allen and Dr. Melanie Hart. They discuss how China's economic strategy is evolving, how it compares with President Trump's own form of economic coercion, and what states and firms can do to push back.


  Victor Cha, Ellen Kim, and Andy Lim, "China's Weaponization of Trade: Resistance Through Collective Resilience" (Columbia University Press), January 2026.

  Victor Cha, "How to Stop Chinese Coercion," Foreign Affairs, January/February 2023.

  Watch video of the discussion.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a special live episode to mark the launch of a new book on China's weaponization of trade, Will sits down with its main author Dr. Victor Cha and panelists Bethany Allen and Dr. Melanie Hart. They discuss how China's economic strategy is evolving, how it compares with President Trump's own form of economic coercion, and what states and firms can do to push back.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Victor Cha, Ellen Kim, and Andy Lim, "<a href="https://cup.columbia.edu/book/chinas-weaponization-of-trade/9780231564205/">China's Weaponization of Trade: Resistance Through Collective Resilience</a>" (Columbia University Press), January 2026.</li>
  <li>Victor Cha, "<a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/world/how-stop-china-coercion-collective-resilience-victor-cha">How to Stop Chinese Coercion</a>," <em>Foreign Affairs</em>, January/February 2023.</li>
  <li>Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHUJGVLt44M">video of the discussion</a>.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>4220</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8e4c33e4-f868-11f0-a8df-07482b09f09e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS1805704305.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What are CSIS experts' boldest geopolitical predictions in 2026?</title>
      <description>After a momentous year of geopolitical shifts, 12 CSIS experts join Will to share what they consider the most significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025. They also share their predictions for what they expect to happen across the world in the year ahead.


  "Indo-Pacific Forecast 2026," CSIS, January 14, 2026. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>12 CSIS experts join Will to share significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025, and predictions for 2026.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After a momentous year of geopolitical shifts, 12 CSIS experts join Will to share what they consider the most significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025. They also share their predictions for what they expect to happen across the world in the year ahead.


  "Indo-Pacific Forecast 2026," CSIS, January 14, 2026. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After a momentous year of geopolitical shifts, 12 CSIS experts join Will to share what they consider the most significant developments in different parts of the world in 2025. They also share their predictions for what they expect to happen across the world in the year ahead.</p>
<ul>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/indo-pacific-forecast-2026">Indo-Pacific Forecast 2026</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, January 14, 2026. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2513</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[77f22600-f18b-11f0-9a75-ff00ba155d92]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS1005073691.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran</title>
      <description>Nicolas Maduro was a key ally of the so-called CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) in Latin America. But President Trump’s actions in Venezuela seemingly support an attempt to alter the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere.  



The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons these states are learning from Maduro’s capture and what it means for their interests going forward. The discussion will feature Dr. Ryan Berg, Henrietta Levin, Dr. Vali Nasr, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:20:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Will is joined by a panel of experts to discuss CRINK countries in Latin America following Maduro’s capture. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Nicolas Maduro was a key ally of the so-called CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) in Latin America. But President Trump’s actions in Venezuela seemingly support an attempt to alter the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere.  



The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons these states are learning from Maduro’s capture and what it means for their interests going forward. The discussion will feature Dr. Ryan Berg, Henrietta Levin, Dr. Vali Nasr, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Nicolas Maduro was a key ally of the so-called CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) in Latin America. But President Trump’s actions in Venezuela seemingly support an attempt to alter the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere.  </p>
<p><br></p>
<p>The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons these states are learning from Maduro’s capture and what it means for their interests going forward. The discussion will feature Dr. Ryan Berg, Henrietta Levin, Dr. Vali Nasr, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>3540</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[30004578-f0ca-11f0-aea2-2bdc2feffd88]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS9773897598.mp3?updated=1768422974" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Did Trump remake the global order in 2025?</title>
      <description>2025 was a transformative year for geopolitics. Victor Cha and the Brookings Institution's Dr. Tom Wright join Will to discuss how the United States' global strategy changed, how its allies and adversaries are responding, and what to watch for in the year ahead.


  Thomas Wright, "A Strategy That Ignores the Real Threats," The Atlantic, December 8, 2025.

  Victor Cha (ed.), "Navigating Disruption: Ally and Partner Responses to U.S. Foreign Policy," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:38:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Victor Cha and the Brookings Institution's Dr. Tom Wright join Will to discuss how the United States' global strategy changed in 2025.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>2025 was a transformative year for geopolitics. Victor Cha and the Brookings Institution's Dr. Tom Wright join Will to discuss how the United States' global strategy changed, how its allies and adversaries are responding, and what to watch for in the year ahead.


  Thomas Wright, "A Strategy That Ignores the Real Threats," The Atlantic, December 8, 2025.

  Victor Cha (ed.), "Navigating Disruption: Ally and Partner Responses to U.S. Foreign Policy," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>2025 was a transformative year for geopolitics. Victor Cha and the Brookings Institution's Dr. Tom Wright join Will to discuss how the United States' global strategy changed, how its allies and adversaries are responding, and what to watch for in the year ahead.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Thomas Wright, "<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2025/12/national-security-strategy-ignores-real-threats-trump/685181/">A Strategy That Ignores the Real Threats,</a>" <em>The Atlantic</em>, December 8, 2025.</li>
  <li>Victor Cha (ed.), "<a href="https://features.csis.org/responses-to-US-foreign-policy/">Navigating Disruption: Ally and Partner Responses to U.S. Foreign Policy</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 6, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2465</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[65bcb718-db5e-11f0-846d-eb496979e9bf]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS3667508987.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Where now for Europe and Ukraine after the NSS? </title>
      <description>After a flurry of diplomacy on Ukraine and the release of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and how the growing crisis in transatlantic relations might shape the contours of a deal.


  Max Bergmann, "The NSS That Could Destroy the NATO Alliance," CSIS, December 5, 2025.

  Mark F Cancian and Maria Snegovaya, "The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision," CSIS, November 24, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:43:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After a flurry of diplomacy on Ukraine and the release of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and how the growing crisis in transatlantic relations might shape the contours of a deal.


  Max Bergmann, "The NSS That Could Destroy the NATO Alliance," CSIS, December 5, 2025.

  Mark F Cancian and Maria Snegovaya, "The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision," CSIS, November 24, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After a flurry of diplomacy on Ukraine and the release of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya join Will to discuss what we should expect from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and how the growing crisis in transatlantic relations might shape the contours of a deal.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Max Bergmann, "T<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/nss-could-destroy-nato-alliance">he NSS That Could Destroy the NATO Alliance</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, December 5, 2025.</li>
  <li>Mark F Cancian and Maria Snegovaya, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/unfinished-plan-peace-ukraine-provision-provision">The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, November 24, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2055</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3cb7e0f6-d5f8-11f0-9928-d7ef5fe1217d]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS2836405042.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Did the Saudi &amp; Syrian Trump visits meet expectations? </title>
      <description>The visits of the Saudi crown price and the Syrian president to the White House resulted in large investment deals and new defense announcements. Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. 


  Michael Ratney, “A Crown Prince with a New Set of Priorities,” New York Times, November 17, 2025. 

  Mona Yacoubian and Michael Ratney, “MBS in Washington: What’s Next for U.S.-Saudi Relations?” CSIS, November 6, 2025. </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:53:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The visits of the Saudi crown price and the Syrian president to the White House resulted in large investment deals and new defense announcements. Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. 


  Michael Ratney, “A Crown Prince with a New Set of Priorities,” New York Times, November 17, 2025. 

  Mona Yacoubian and Michael Ratney, “MBS in Washington: What’s Next for U.S.-Saudi Relations?” CSIS, November 6, 2025. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The visits of the Saudi crown price and the Syrian president to the White House resulted in large investment deals and new defense announcements. Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. </p>
<ul>
  <li>Michael Ratney, “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/opinion/saudi-prince-mbs-trump-washington.html">A Crown Prince with a New Set of Priorities</a>,” <em>New York Times</em>, November 17, 2025. </li>
  <li>Mona Yacoubian and Michael Ratney, “<a href="https://www.csis.org/events/mbs-washington-whats-next-us-saudi-relations">MBS in Washington: What’s Next for U.S.-Saudi Relations?</a>” <em>CSIS</em>, November 6, 2025. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1944</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8b264300-c724-11f0-9d16-2fe9abd726bc]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS9493686126.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are President Trump's tariffs working?</title>
      <description>President Trump has staked much of his economic and foreign policy agendas on his expansive use of tariffs. Navin Girishankar and Phil Luck join Will to discuss what they are intended to achieve, their economic effects, and the geopolitical shifts they are precipitating.


  Philip Luck, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Duc Minh Nguyet (Moon) Nguyen, "When a Trade War Becomes a Food Fight," CSIS, October 21, 2025.

  Navin Girishankar, "Fighting a Trade War Could Mean Losing the Tech War," CSIS, March 28, 2025. </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:42:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Navin Girishankar and Phil Luck join Will to discuss President Trump’s foreign policy and economic agendas. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>President Trump has staked much of his economic and foreign policy agendas on his expansive use of tariffs. Navin Girishankar and Phil Luck join Will to discuss what they are intended to achieve, their economic effects, and the geopolitical shifts they are precipitating.


  Philip Luck, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Duc Minh Nguyet (Moon) Nguyen, "When a Trade War Becomes a Food Fight," CSIS, October 21, 2025.

  Navin Girishankar, "Fighting a Trade War Could Mean Losing the Tech War," CSIS, March 28, 2025. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>President Trump has staked much of his economic and foreign policy agendas on his expansive use of tariffs. Navin Girishankar and Phil Luck join Will to discuss what they are intended to achieve, their economic effects, and the geopolitical shifts they are precipitating.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Philip Luck, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Duc Minh Nguyet (Moon) Nguyen, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/when-trade-war-becomes-food-fight">When a Trade War Becomes a Food Fight</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 21, 2025.</li>
  <li>Navin Girishankar, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/fighting-trade-war-could-mean-losing-tech-war">Fighting a Trade War Could Mean Losing the Tech War</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, March 28, 2025. </li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2208</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cbc85002-bfd5-11f0-a3da-c34fb8c8946b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS3525674939.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Was President Trump's Asia trip a success?</title>
      <description>After a whirlwind trip through Asia, President Trump touted big economic deals, a peace treaty, and a successful meeting with Xi Jinping. Victor Cha and Brian Hart join Will to discuss if the trip met expectations, what surprises emerged, and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:21:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Victor Cha and Brian Hart join Will to discuss if President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping met expectations.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After a whirlwind trip through Asia, President Trump touted big economic deals, a peace treaty, and a successful meeting with Xi Jinping. Victor Cha and Brian Hart join Will to discuss if the trip met expectations, what surprises emerged, and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After a whirlwind trip through Asia, President Trump touted big economic deals, a peace treaty, and a successful meeting with Xi Jinping. Victor Cha and Brian Hart join Will to discuss if the trip met expectations, what surprises emerged, and what it means for the future of U.S.-China relations.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1828</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e6505e58-b664-11f0-87bb-33f7533d83e3]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS4885265513.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will U.S.-China tensions dominate the ASEAN summit?</title>
      <description>As Southeast Asian leaders prepare to discuss regional security and economic cooperation at the ASEAN Summit, President Trump's potential presence raises questions about the future of U.S. engagement in the region. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join guest host Catherine Nzuki to assess what’s at stake for Southeast Asia and whether U.S.–China tensions will overshadow the summit.


  Gregory Poling, "Southeast Asia Navigates Trump’s Return: Quick Deals, Lasting Dread," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Henrietta Levin, "A Big Deal Can Only Favor China," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join guest host Catherine Nzuki to assess what’s at stake for Southeast Asia and whether U.S.–China tensions will overshadow the summit.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As Southeast Asian leaders prepare to discuss regional security and economic cooperation at the ASEAN Summit, President Trump's potential presence raises questions about the future of U.S. engagement in the region. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join guest host Catherine Nzuki to assess what’s at stake for Southeast Asia and whether U.S.–China tensions will overshadow the summit.


  Gregory Poling, "Southeast Asia Navigates Trump’s Return: Quick Deals, Lasting Dread," CSIS, October 6, 2025.

  Henrietta Levin, "A Big Deal Can Only Favor China," CSIS, October 6, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As Southeast Asian leaders prepare to discuss regional security and economic cooperation at the ASEAN Summit, President Trump's potential presence raises questions about the future of U.S. engagement in the region. Greg Poling and Henrietta Levin join guest host Catherine Nzuki to assess what’s at stake for Southeast Asia and whether U.S.–China tensions will overshadow the summit.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Gregory Poling, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/southeast-asia-navigates-trumps-return-quick-deals-lasting-dread">Southeast Asia Navigates Trump’s Return: Quick Deals, Lasting Dread</a>," <em>CSIS</em>,<em> </em>October 6, 2025.</li>
  <li>Henrietta Levin, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/experts-react-us-china-relations-heading-likely-summit#Levin">A Big Deal Can Only Favor China</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, October 6, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2354</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[352ef5e4-aa07-11f0-a5da-5f1a738463b4]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS3466713940.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Is Gaza pushing international institutions to crisis or renewal?  </title>
      <description>After nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, Caitlin Welsh and Mona Yacoubian join Will to discuss whether the war has prompted an irreversible break in the effectiveness of international institutions or if signs of reform are emerging.  </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:28:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Caitlin Welsh and Mona Yacoubian join Will to discuss how the war in Gaza has reshaped international institutions. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, Caitlin Welsh and Mona Yacoubian join Will to discuss whether the war has prompted an irreversible break in the effectiveness of international institutions or if signs of reform are emerging.  </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After nearly two years of conflict in Gaza, Caitlin Welsh and Mona Yacoubian join Will to discuss whether the war has prompted an irreversible break in the effectiveness of international institutions or if signs of reform are emerging.  </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1827</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1766feb4-9f9c-11f0-bebd-3bbc39dc1136]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS6400124517.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What can U.S. pressure on Venezuela achieve?</title>
      <description>Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join Will to discuss what the U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean tells us about changing U.S. priorities, its implications for Venezuela and the wider region, and if U.S. pressure is likely to achieve its aims.

 

·         Mark Cancian and Chris Park, "Going to War with the Cartels: The Military Implications," CSIS, September 8, 2025.

·         Ryan Berg and Eric Farnsworth, "Deploying U.S. Vessels to the Caribbean Is a Show of Force," Foreign Policy, September 4, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join Will to discuss what U.S. military buildup tells us about its implications for Venezuela and more.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join Will to discuss what the U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean tells us about changing U.S. priorities, its implications for Venezuela and the wider region, and if U.S. pressure is likely to achieve its aims.

 

·         Mark Cancian and Chris Park, "Going to War with the Cartels: The Military Implications," CSIS, September 8, 2025.

·         Ryan Berg and Eric Farnsworth, "Deploying U.S. Vessels to the Caribbean Is a Show of Force," Foreign Policy, September 4, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Mark Cancian and Ryan Berg join Will to discuss what the U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean tells us about changing U.S. priorities, its implications for Venezuela and the wider region, and if U.S. pressure is likely to achieve its aims.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>·         Mark Cancian and Chris Park, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/going-war-cartels-military-implications">Going to War with the Cartels: The Military Implications</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, September 8, 2025.</p>
<p>·         Ryan Berg and Eric Farnsworth, "<a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/04/venezuela-naval-deployment-drug-cartels/">Deploying U.S. Vessels to the Caribbean Is a Show of Force</a>," <em>Foreign Policy</em>, September 4, 2025.</p>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1734</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c6a0ae94-93ed-11f0-905f-877f4b65df66]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS5737194747.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are U.S. tariffs bringing India and China together? </title>
      <description>President Xi and Prime Minister Modi greeted each other warmly at the SCO summit in China last weekend. Rick Rossow and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how real the China-India rapprochement is, if it’s really because of President Trump’s tariffs, and what it means for the United States. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Rick Rossow &amp; Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss China-India rapprochement, Trump’s tariffs, &amp; U.S. implications.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>President Xi and Prime Minister Modi greeted each other warmly at the SCO summit in China last weekend. Rick Rossow and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how real the China-India rapprochement is, if it’s really because of President Trump’s tariffs, and what it means for the United States. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>President Xi and Prime Minister Modi greeted each other warmly at the SCO summit in China last weekend. Rick Rossow and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss how real the China-India rapprochement is, if it’s really because of President Trump’s tariffs, and what it means for the United States. </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1636</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0de030c8-8907-11f0-ad4a-d7fe692964ef]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS3977655850.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better?</title>
      <description>After a busy month of U.S. diplomacy, Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump and what patterns are emerging about how President Trump engages with autocrats.


  "Statesmen’s Forum: His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea" CSIS, August 25, 2025.

  "Max and Maria on the Alaska and White House Peace Summits" Russian Roulette, CSIS, August 21, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:38:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Will, Victor Cha &amp; Max Bergmann explore what allies learn from Trump at summits and his patterns with autocrats.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After a busy month of U.S. diplomacy, Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump and what patterns are emerging about how President Trump engages with autocrats.


  "Statesmen’s Forum: His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea" CSIS, August 25, 2025.

  "Max and Maria on the Alaska and White House Peace Summits" Russian Roulette, CSIS, August 21, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After a busy month of U.S. diplomacy, Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump and what patterns are emerging about how President Trump engages with autocrats.</p>
<ul>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/statesmens-forum-his-excellency-lee-jae-myung-president-republic-korea">Statesmen’s Forum: His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea</a>" <em>CSIS</em>, August 25, 2025.</li>
  <li>"<a href="https://www.csis.org/podcasts/russian-roulette/max-and-maria-alaska-and-white-house-peace-summits">Max and Maria on the Alaska and White House Peace Summits</a>" <em>Russian Roulette, CSIS</em>, August 21, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1681</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4b2e0f38-8414-11f0-a289-f35e5cc334c7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS4180025635.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are U.S.-Japan relations at a turning point?</title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>This week, Kristi Govella and Nick Szechenyi join Will to discuss if U.S.-Japan relations are shifting in a fundamental way after tariff negotiations, pressure on defense spending, and turbulent Japanese politics.


  Kristi Govella, "What the LDP-Komeito Defeat Means for Japanese Foreign Policy," The Diplomat, July 31, 2025.

  Nicholas Szechenyi, Yuko Nakano, and Kristi Govella, "Japan’s Upper House Election: Prolonged Instability," CSIS, July 21, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Kristi Govella and Nick Szechenyi join to discuss whether U.S.-Japan ties are shifting amid tariffs and political change.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, Kristi Govella and Nick Szechenyi join Will to discuss if U.S.-Japan relations are shifting in a fundamental way after tariff negotiations, pressure on defense spending, and turbulent Japanese politics.


  Kristi Govella, "What the LDP-Komeito Defeat Means for Japanese Foreign Policy," The Diplomat, July 31, 2025.

  Nicholas Szechenyi, Yuko Nakano, and Kristi Govella, "Japan’s Upper House Election: Prolonged Instability," CSIS, July 21, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, Kristi Govella and Nick Szechenyi join Will to discuss if U.S.-Japan relations are shifting in a fundamental way after tariff negotiations, pressure on defense spending, and turbulent Japanese politics.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Kristi Govella, "<a href="https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/what-the-ldp-komeito-defeat-means-for-japanese-foreign-policy/">What the LDP-Komeito Defeat Means for Japanese Foreign Policy</a>," <em>The Diplomat</em>, July 31, 2025.</li>
  <li>Nicholas Szechenyi, Yuko Nakano, and Kristi Govella, "J<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/japans-upper-house-election-prolonged-instability">apan’s Upper House Election: Prolonged Instability</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, July 21, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1814</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[827fac1a-72ff-11f0-b92b-d3bcf63837e7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS9746122170.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Is Pressure on Indo-Pacific Allies Working?</title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>The Trump administration is placing pressure on allies in the Indo-Pacific, from tariffs and aid cuts to efforts to increase defense spending. Charles Edel and Greg Poling join Will to discuss if the United States' economic and security strategies are working, how allies are responding, and what this means for China's standing in the region.


  Charles Edel, Kathryn Paik, and John Auge, "Shifting Tides: The National Security Implications of the United States’ Pacific Drawdown," CSIS, July 22, 2025.



  Gregory Poling, "Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence," Congressional Testimony, June 10, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:44:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Charles and Greg join Will on U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and China’s position.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The Trump administration is placing pressure on allies in the Indo-Pacific, from tariffs and aid cuts to efforts to increase defense spending. Charles Edel and Greg Poling join Will to discuss if the United States' economic and security strategies are working, how allies are responding, and what this means for China's standing in the region.


  Charles Edel, Kathryn Paik, and John Auge, "Shifting Tides: The National Security Implications of the United States’ Pacific Drawdown," CSIS, July 22, 2025.



  Gregory Poling, "Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence," Congressional Testimony, June 10, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The Trump administration is placing pressure on allies in the Indo-Pacific, from tariffs and aid cuts to efforts to increase defense spending. Charles Edel and Greg Poling join Will to discuss if the United States' economic and security strategies are working, how allies are responding, and what this means for China's standing in the region.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Charles Edel, Kathryn Paik, and John Auge, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/shifting-tides">Shifting Tides: The National Security Implications of the United States’ Pacific Drawdown</a>," <em>CSIS</em>, July 22, 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
  <li>Gregory Poling, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/building-bridges-countering-rivals-strengthening-us-asean-ties-combat-chinese-influence">Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence</a>," <em>Congressional Testimony</em>, June 10, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1830</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[521b020c-6893-11f0-b829-9f8f95062751]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS2427465230.mp3?updated=1753371418" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>China’s World Order: Does BRICS Still Matter? </title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>After President Xi skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil, Ryan Berg and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss if BRICS still matters, if it's part of China’s alternative world order, and other ways China is competing with the U.S. in Latin America and beyond. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>After Xi skips BRICS summit, experts join Will to ask: Does BRICS still matter—and how is China challenging the U.S.?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After President Xi skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil, Ryan Berg and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss if BRICS still matters, if it's part of China’s alternative world order, and other ways China is competing with the U.S. in Latin America and beyond. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After President Xi skipped the BRICS summit in Brazil, Ryan Berg and Henrietta Levin join Will to discuss if BRICS still matters, if it's part of China’s alternative world order, and other ways China is competing with the U.S. in Latin America and beyond. </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1664</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How the Israel-Iran War Crossed the Rubicon</title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>This week, Will talks with Mona Yacoubian and Max Bergmann about the consequences of the war between Israel and Iran. They discuss President Trump's negotiating strategy, the lessons other states are taking from the war, and what it reveals about the changing global order.


  Mona Yacoubian, "How Will Iran and the Middle East Respond to U.S. Strikes?" CSIS, June 23, 2025.

  Max Bergmann, "America Blew its Unipolar Moment," Foreign Policy, May 26, 2025.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:23:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Max Bergmann and Mona Yacoubian join Will to unpack the ripple effects of the Israel-Iran war and what lessons other states are taking from it.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, Will talks with Mona Yacoubian and Max Bergmann about the consequences of the war between Israel and Iran. They discuss President Trump's negotiating strategy, the lessons other states are taking from the war, and what it reveals about the changing global order.


  Mona Yacoubian, "How Will Iran and the Middle East Respond to U.S. Strikes?" CSIS, June 23, 2025.

  Max Bergmann, "America Blew its Unipolar Moment," Foreign Policy, May 26, 2025.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, Will talks with Mona Yacoubian and Max Bergmann about the consequences of the war between Israel and Iran. They discuss President Trump's negotiating strategy, the lessons other states are taking from the war, and what it reveals about the changing global order.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Mona Yacoubian, "<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-will-iran-and-middle-east-respond-us-strikes">How Will Iran and the Middle East Respond to U.S. Strikes?</a>" <em>CSIS</em>, June 23, 2025.</li>
  <li>Max Bergmann, "<a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/05/26/how-america-blew-its-unipolar-moment/">America Blew its Unipolar Moment</a>," <em>Foreign Policy</em>, May 26, 2025.</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1877</itunes:duration>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS8468048285.mp3?updated=1750948110" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What to Expect at the G7 Summit</title>
      <link>https://www.csis.org/podcasts/state-play</link>
      <description>This week, Will talks with Victor Cha and Max Bergmann about what to expect from the G7 Summit in Canada. They discuss what makes this meeting so unusual, what on the agenda is most important, and what needs to change to make the G7 relevant in the new geopolitical environment.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:09:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to unpack the G7 Summit’s surprises, top priorities, and global relevance today.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, Will talks with Victor Cha and Max Bergmann about what to expect from the G7 Summit in Canada. They discuss what makes this meeting so unusual, what on the agenda is most important, and what needs to change to make the G7 relevant in the new geopolitical environment.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, Will talks with Victor Cha and Max Bergmann about what to expect from the G7 Summit in Canada. They discuss what makes this meeting so unusual, what on the agenda is most important, and what needs to change to make the G7 relevant in the new geopolitical environment.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1593</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[75b95be4-478e-11f0-a49d-5b05adbbece1]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS7271353098.mp3?updated=1749734066" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Introducing State of Play </title>
      <description>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:57:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Center for Strategic and International Studies</itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The world order has been disrupted, and a new international system is emerging. Hosted by Will Todman, State of Play unpacks the biggest geopolitical developments of the week. Every episode brings together CSIS’s leading regional experts to explore how global power is shifting, how allies and adversaries are responding, and what it all means for the future of international order. State of Play is produced by Cera Baker.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>85</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <enclosure url="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CSIS6558096827.mp3?updated=1748959343" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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