The Last Line of Defense

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.