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The Last Line of Defense: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago30 min
Is Ukraine Winning? Inside the Battlefield of Drones, AI, and Autonomous Warfare
Host Seth Jones welcomes back Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, for the latest on the Ukraine-Russia battlefield. The pair discussed the Ukrainian air campaign, including the use of AI and drone warfare, as well as the conditions of Russia’s frontlines.
- 4 weeks ago33 min
The Surprising Truth About How Americans See NATO, China, and Iran
On this episode, host Seth Jones discusses areas of bipartisan support for global engagement, including NATO, the threat posed by China, support for Ukraine, and more. He is joined by Roger Zakheim, who currently serves as the Washington Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, and previously General Counsel and Deputy Staff Director of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
- Jun 22, 202630 min
The World Turned Upside Down: The Aftermath of the Iran War
Host Seth G. Jones sits down with Walter Russell Mead to examine the war in Iran, including its political implications, the state of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the historical forces shaping the conflict. Drawing on decades of expertise, Mead offers critical historical context and perspective as the Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute, Global View columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Alexander Hamilton Professor of Strategy and Statecraft at University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.
- Jun 17, 202628 min
Cracks in the Armor: Russia’s Military Struggles and the G7 Aftermath
Host Seth G. Jones speaks with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe (2014–2017), about the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. They examine key takeaways from the G7 Summit, assess conditions on the battlefield, and explore the mounting challenges confronting Russia’s military.
- May 21, 202634 min
The Room Where It Happened: What the Media Missed About the Trump-Xi Meeting
Host Seth G. Jones sat down with Ambassador (ret.) Edgard D. Kagan, former U.S. ambassador to Malaysia and newly appointed Senior Adviser and Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS. Together, they dissected the recent Trump–Xi meeting, examining how the visit was portrayed in the Chinese media, the challenges behind joint statements, and the dynamics surrounding Taiwan.
- May 13, 202632 min
China’s Win? The Missile Gap After Epic Fury
Host Dr. Seth G. Jones sat down with retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian to examine the U.S. munitions stockpiles after Operation Epic Fury, the challenges facing America’s defense industrial base, and what those shortfalls could mean in a future conflict with China.
- Apr 29, 202631 min
Strategic Exhaustion: Will Iran Fold?
Norman Roule is back on the podcast with Seth Jones to provide an update on developments in Iran, including the impact of sanctions and the blockade, an assessment of who is in charge in Tehran, the current state of talks, and the role of Gulf States, Lebanon, and other countries. Mr. Roule served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017.
- Apr 15, 202629 min
Beyond the Rubble: Is China the Real Winner of the U.S.-Iran War?
Host Seth Jones sat down with Dr. Bonny Lin, CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the China Power Project, to explore Beijing’s view of the U.S.-Iran war, including its own role, the China-Pakistan peace plan, and potential takeaways.
About The Last Line of Defense
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.
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