The Last Line of Defense

Епизоде

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  25 Years After 9/11: Is America Prepared for the Next Crisis? 12.09.2026 33мин

  Host Dr. Seth Jones sits down with Dr. Dan Byman, director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at CSIS and professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Drawing on his experience in the U.S. intelligence community, the 9/11 Commission, and the Joint 9/11 Inquiry Staff of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, Dr. Byman offers his reflections on the attacks, the United States' response in Afghanistan and the global war on terror, evolving threats to the homeland today, and the lessons that Americans should draw to improve national resilience and prepare for future crises. 
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  Are Soldiers Obsolete? How Autonomy Will Define the Coming Conflict with China 04.09.2026 36мин

  Host Seth Jones sits down with Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the U.S. Air Force and former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to discuss his new book, Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It or Not. They explore China’s military modernization and the challenge it poses to U.S. and allied forces in the Asia-Pacific, along with lessons from past military-technology “offsets.” Kendall examines how autonomous systems will reshape the way the United States designs, equips, and employs its forces, discusses the future of land and surface warfare, and explains the imperative for technological innovation to strengthen deterrence and help prevent great-power conflict.
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  How Close Are We to World War III? A UK General on Iran, Ukraine, and the Changing Character of War 26.08.2026 33мин

  Host Seth Jones sits down with General Sir Nick Carter, who served as Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of the General Staff in the UK military, for an assessment of the changing character of warfare. Drawing on decades of military leadership and firsthand experience commanding U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Carter offers insight into the operational lessons emerging from the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the risks of strategic hubris, the evolving role of drones and autonomy on the battlefield, and the growing danger of escalation toward a broader, multi-theater conflict. 
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  From Orbit to the Battlefield: The Future of Space Capabilities 19.08.2026 34мин

  Host Seth Jones sits down with Robert Cardillo, former director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, for an assessment of space as an emerging domain of modern warfare. Drawing on decades of experience in the intelligence community and his current leadership positions in the private sector, Cardillo offers insight into the role of space assets in the wars in Ukraine and Iran, the rise of commercial space companies, and the implications of surging Chinese space capabilities for U.S.-China strategic competition and U.S. homeland defense.  
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  Ex-CIA and Pentagon Chief Warns: Iran, the Homeland, and Challenges Ahead 05.08.2026 36мин

  Host Seth Jones sits down with Secretary Leon Panetta for an assessment of the Iran war, U.S. military readiness, and broader strategic challenges. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of government, Panetta discusses America's national security strategy, offering insights shaped by his leadership as chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
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  Is Ukraine Winning? Inside the Battlefield of Drones, AI, and Autonomous Warfare 22.07.2026 30мин

  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.
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  The Surprising Truth About How Americans See NATO, China, and Iran 02.07.2026 33мин

  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.
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  The World Turned Upside Down: The Aftermath of the Iran War 22.06.2026 30мин

  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.
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  Cracks in the Armor: Russia’s Military Struggles and the G7 Aftermath 17.06.2026 28мин

  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.
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  The Room Where It Happened: What the Media Missed About the Trump-Xi Meeting 21.05.2026 34мин

  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.
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  China’s Win? The Missile Gap After Epic Fury 13.05.2026 32мин

  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.
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  Strategic Exhaustion: Will Iran Fold? 29.04.2026 31мин

  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. 
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  Beyond the Rubble: Is China the Real Winner of the U.S.-Iran War? 15.04.2026 29мин

  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.
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  Tehran’s Calculus: Iran’s Strategy Amidst the Storm 01.04.2026 33мин

  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.
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  The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops 20.03.2026 28мин

  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.
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  Beyond the Air War: What Are the Global Risks of the Iran Conflict? 10.03.2026 29мин

  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.
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  A Widening War with Iran: What Are the U.S. Military's Next Steps 03.03.2026 28мин

  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.
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  Why Putin’s "Inevitable" Victory in Ukraine is a Myth 18.02.2026 31мин

  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.
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  Locked and Loaded: What Are U.S. Military Options for Iran? 04.02.2026 29мин

  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.
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  Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime? 21.01.2026 31мин

  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.