The Last Line of Defense https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense en 2025 Center for Strategic and International Studies In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense breaks down and analyzes the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest national security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.   Produced by Marla Hiller. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4380ff3a-b401-11f0-a7a7-3b0c4726e341/image/5878d705c24fbe0f838d9294d1dc11ee.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The Last Line of Defense https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense episodic Center for Strategic and International Studies In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense breaks down and analyzes the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest national security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.   Produced by Marla Hiller. In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense breaks down and analyzes the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest national security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.  

Produced by Marla Hiller.

]]> Center for Strategic and International Studies podcasts@csis.org Beyond the Rubble: Is China the Real Winner of the U.S.-Iran War? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense 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. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:09:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies 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. 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. 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.

]]> 1749 Tehran’s Calculus: Iran’s Strategy Amidst the Storm https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense 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. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:45:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies 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. 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. 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.

]]> 1989 The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:55:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East. Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East. Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East.

]]> 1737 Beyond the Air War: What Are the Global Risks of the Iran Conflict? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and missile threats. They also explore the international response — from Gulf States and NATO allies to China, Russia, and regional proxies — and the wider implications for the Middle East. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and missile threats. Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and missile threats. They also explore the international response — from Gulf States and NATO allies to China, Russia, and regional proxies — and the wider implications for the Middle East. Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and missile threats. They also explore the international response — from Gulf States and NATO allies to China, Russia, and regional proxies — and the wider implications for the Middle East.

]]> 1755 A Widening War with Iran: What Are the U.S. Military's Next Steps https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with retired General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving situation in Iran after Operation Epic Fury. They break down the military operations, Iran’s targeting strategy, regional fallout, U.S. munitions, and the broader strategic outlook. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:57:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with retired General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving situation in Iran after Operation Epic Fury. Host Seth Jones sits down with retired General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving situation in Iran after Operation Epic Fury. They break down the military operations, Iran’s targeting strategy, regional fallout, U.S. munitions, and the broader strategic outlook. Host Seth Jones sits down with retired General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving situation in Iran after Operation Epic Fury. They break down the military operations, Iran’s targeting strategy, regional fallout, U.S. munitions, and the broader strategic outlook.

]]> 1721 Why Putin’s "Inevitable" Victory in Ukraine is a Myth https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. They discuss recent remarks by J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, Russia’s mounting casualties, and the prospects for negotiations and a potential peace deal. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:13:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. They discuss recent remarks by J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, Russia’s mounting casualties, and the prospects for negotiations and a potential peace deal. Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. They discuss recent remarks by J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, Russia’s mounting casualties, and the prospects for negotiations and a potential peace deal.

]]> 1870 Locked and Loaded: What Are U.S. Military Options for Iran? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. They examine the U.S. military buildup near Iran and the strategic objectives of both Iran and the United States amid rising tensions. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:11:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. They examine the U.S. military buildup near Iran and the strategic objectives of both Iran and the United States amid rising tensions. Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. They examine the U.S. military buildup near Iran and the strategic objectives of both Iran and the United States amid rising tensions.

]]> 1747 Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. The pair discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, the regime’s response, and potential policy responses from the White House. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:59:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. The pair discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, the regime’s response, and potential policy responses from the White House. Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. The pair discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, the regime’s response, and potential policy responses from the White House.

]]> 1889 America Under Siege: Inside China's Espionage Campaign in the United States https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones explores the implications of modern Chinese espionage cases with David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:53:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones explores the implications of modern Chinese espionage cases with David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Host Seth Jones explores the implications of modern Chinese espionage cases with David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Host Seth Jones explores the implications of modern Chinese espionage cases with David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

]]> 1775 Maduro is Gone. Now What in Venezuela? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones speaks with Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS, about Venezuela’s political landscape in the post-Maduro era, examining U.S. policy goals, shifting power structures, and what’s at stake for the country’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:40:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones speaks with Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS, about Venezuela’s political landscape in the post-Maduro era, examining U.S. policy goals, shifting power structures, and what’s at stake for the country’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez. Host Seth Jones speaks with Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS, about Venezuela’s political landscape in the post-Maduro era, examining U.S. policy goals, shifting power structures, and what’s at stake for the country’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez. Host Seth Jones speaks with Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS, about Venezuela’s political landscape in the post-Maduro era, examining U.S. policy goals, shifting power structures, and what’s at stake for the country’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez.

]]> 1891 Which Military Shocks Defined 2025 — and What's Next in 2026? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department at CSIS, and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Together, they look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. They also forecast potential wildcards for 2026, including a U.S.–China deal and land strikes in Venezuela. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:52:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen to look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department at CSIS, and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Together, they look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. They also forecast potential wildcards for 2026, including a U.S.–China deal and land strikes in Venezuela. Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department at CSIS, and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.

Together, they look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. They also forecast potential wildcards for 2026, including a U.S.–China deal and land strikes in Venezuela.

]]> 1890 Are the United States and Venezuela on the Brink of War? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with Juan Cruz, who served in the U.S. Intelligence Community and on the National Security Council as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss the U.S. military’s role in the Venezuela crisis and provide an inside look at Maduro’s armed forces. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:09:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with Juan Cruz, who served in the U.S. Intelligence Community and on the National Security Council as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss the U.S. military’s role in the Venezuela crisis and provide an inside look at Maduro’s armed forces. Host Seth Jones sits down with Juan Cruz, who served in the U.S. Intelligence Community and on the National Security Council as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss the U.S. military’s role in the Venezuela crisis and provide an inside look at Maduro’s armed forces. Host Seth Jones sits down with Juan Cruz, who served in the U.S. Intelligence Community and on the National Security Council as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss the U.S. military’s role in the Venezuela crisis and provide an inside look at Maduro’s armed forces.


]]> 1865 Is the U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine a Game-Changer or Fantasy? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones sits down with Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, to discuss President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This episode was recorded on November 24th, 2025. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:02:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones sits down with Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, to discuss President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Host Seth Jones sits down with Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, to discuss President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This episode was recorded on November 24th, 2025. Host Seth Jones sits down with Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, to discuss President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

This episode was recorded on November 24th, 2025.

]]> 1933 Is Putin Winning the War or Just Buying Time? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense Host Seth Jones talks with Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, about his recent visit to Ukraine's frontlines. They discuss the evolving dynamics of the war, highlighting Ukraine's successes, Russia's challenges, and key developments, including shifts in U.S. policy, the change in air defense posture, and the increasing use of long-range strikes and drones. Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:59:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies Host Seth Jones talks with Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, about his recent visit to Ukraine's frontlines. Host Seth Jones talks with Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, about his recent visit to Ukraine's frontlines. They discuss the evolving dynamics of the war, highlighting Ukraine's successes, Russia's challenges, and key developments, including shifts in U.S. policy, the change in air defense posture, and the increasing use of long-range strikes and drones. Host Seth Jones talks with Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, about his recent visit to Ukraine's frontlines. They discuss the evolving dynamics of the war, highlighting Ukraine's successes, Russia's challenges, and key developments, including shifts in U.S. policy, the change in air defense posture, and the increasing use of long-range strikes and drones.

]]> 1700 Trump vs. Xi. Who Won? https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense President Trump met with President Xi in a historic bilateral meeting amid growing tensions between the United States and China. Host Seth Jones sat down with Jude Blanchette, the Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research and the inaugural director of the RAND China Research Center, for a discussion on the outcome of the meeting and China’s defense strategy moving forward. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:39:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies In this episode, Seth talks with RAND's Jude Blanchette about the outcome of the Trump-Xi meeting and China's defense strategy moving forward. President Trump met with President Xi in a historic bilateral meeting amid growing tensions between the United States and China. Host Seth Jones sat down with Jude Blanchette, the Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research and the inaugural director of the RAND China Research Center, for a discussion on the outcome of the meeting and China’s defense strategy moving forward. President Trump met with President Xi in a historic bilateral meeting amid growing tensions between the United States and China. Host Seth Jones sat down with Jude Blanchette, the Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research and the inaugural director of the RAND China Research Center, for a discussion on the outcome of the meeting and China’s defense strategy moving forward.

]]> 1812 Introducing The Last Line of Defense https://www.csis.org/podcasts/last-line-defense In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense offers clear and insightful analysis on the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.  Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:47:00 -0000 full Center for Strategic and International Studies In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense offers clear and insightful analysis on the latest national security news. In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense offers clear and insightful analysis on the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.  In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense offers clear and insightful analysis on the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense. 


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