Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and acclaimed presidential historian H.W. Brands joins Clearer Than Truth to explore what history can teach us about American leadership, democracy, and the presidency. Brands discusses what separates great presidents from mediocre ones, arguing that the most important quality in a leader is good judgment—the ability to make wise decisions in circumstances where there are rarely clear answers. He explains why presidents like George Washington, Theodore Rooseve...
Aug 14, 2026•37:09
Arne Westad | Author of The Coming Storm, Preeminent Cold War Scholar
Arne Westad, one of the world’s leading historians of international history and the Cold War, joins Clearer Than Truth to examine the geopolitical forces reshaping the world.Westad argues that today’s rivalry between the United States and China should not simply be viewed as a new Cold War. Instead, he sees stronger parallels with the period before World War I—a time when a relatively stable international system began to fracture, multiple regional conflicts emerged, and no one could predict which crisis might ultimately trigger a global catastrophe. The conversation explores the increasingly consequential relationship between Russia and China, Russia’s dependence on Beijing, the future of Putin’s regime, NATO expansion, Russian nationalism, and the lessons history can—and cannot—teach us about today's conflicts.Westad also examines China’s extraordinary economic transformation, its relationship with Taiwan, and how Beijing is interpreting Russia’s experience in Ukraine. He ultimately argues that the coming decades are likely to be defined by multipolarity, rising nationalism, and a series of smaller conflicts that could test the ability of major powers to maintain global stability.00:00 Introduction: Arne Westad 00:29 Is This a New Cold War? 02:20 Why 1914 May Be the Better Comparison 04:32 Russia & China: A Dangerous Partnership 07:33 How China Became a Global Power 09:20 How Durable Is the Russia-China Partnership? 12:10 What Happens to Russia by 2050? 14:23 How Putin Led Russia Into Crisis 16:41 NATO Expansion & Russia's Strategic Thinking 19:17 What Is Happening Inside Russia? 22:40 What Happens If Putin's Regime Weakens? 24:15 Understanding Russian Nationalism 27:33 China's Rise & Global Ambitions 30:49 What Is China Learning From Ukraine? 33:00 The Future of the Global Order 35:30 The Coming Storm & What's NextSupport the show
Aug 7, 2026•43:24
Mike Rogers | Former Commander of US Cyber Command | Former Director of the National Security Agency
Admiral Mike Rogers joins hosts Nathan Kiker and George Bogden to assess how cyber deterrence, disinformation, and rapid advances in AI are reshaping strategic competition. Rogers argues that the United States’ most consequential vulnerability is domestic: deep polarization that blocks consensus on hard problems—public debt, social programs, and technology governance—making solutions more costly the longer they’re deferred. The result is a political system struggling to keep pace with a security environment defined by speed, interdependence, and information manipulation.Rogers contends that credible cyber deterrence remains elusive. Adversaries still view peacetime cyber operations and influence campaigns as low-cost, low-risk tools to impose friction on the United States and its allies. He calls for a broader, risk-informed menu of response options—some signaled publicly—to shift adversary cost-benefit calculations, backed by consistent attribution and the capacity to impose costs across domains.The conversation examines critical infrastructure exposure in an era of dense interconnection and fragile dependencies, from power grids and ports to finance, communications, and GPS/PNT. Despite notable improvements since NotPetya and Colonial Pipeline, Rogers warns that complexity creates hidden failure modes that demand anticipatory standards, cross-sector exercises, and sharper prioritization of high-impact, high-probability risks.On AI, Rogers separates hype from operational reality. He highlights the true costs of development and deployment, the likelihood of a tiered model ecosystem rather than a frontier-model default, and the regulatory lag behind private-sector innovation—especially as China and Russia pursue state-driven approaches. His near-term worry is less a technical catastrophe than a breakdown in societal cohesion catalyzed by technology; his optimism comes from motivated innovators building guardrails and tools that strengthen, rather than corrode, open societies.00:00 Introduction to Admiral Mike Rogers 00:32 America's Biggest National Security Challenge 06:24 Global Threats Beyond U.S. Politics 08:19 AI, Emerging Technology & Government Regulation 10:09 China's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 17:04 How China Could Attack America's Infrastructure 22:34 Why Governments Struggle to Assess Risk 25:07 America's Offensive Cyber Capabilities 28:58 Should the U.S. Be More Aggressive in Cyberspace? 34:20 Why Cyber Deterrence Is Failing 38:52 The One Scenario That Worries Mike Rogers Most 42:04 Why Technology Still Gives Him HopeAbout the GuestAdmiral Mike Rogers is the former Director of the National Security Agency and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (2014–2018). A retired four-star U.S. Navy officer, he previously led U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/Tenth Fleet and brings decades of experience at the intersection of signals intelligence, cyber operations, and national security strategy.Support the show
Jul 29, 2026•34:14
Julian Zelizer | Professor of History at Princeton | CNN Political Analyst
Julian Zelizer joins Nathan Kiker and George Bogden to assess how polarization and party dynamics have reshaped U.S. governance—and why that matters for foreign policy, markets, and national security. He argues that political parties are indispensable institutions that organize interests and enable collective decision-making, but warns that key guardrails and leadership norms have eroded since the 1990s. The result is a Congress more prone to procedural hardball and performative conflict, with downstream effects on deterrence credibility, budget stability, and the steadiness of U.S. strategy.Zelizer traces a pivotal shift to Newt Gingrich’s ascent, which normalized a confrontational style that weaponized procedure and treated political opponents as illegitimate. Combined with narrow, shifting majorities and social media incentives, these dynamics reward zero-sum tactics over governing. The consequence is a legislature less able to absorb disagreement, negotiate tradeoffs, and deliver predictable policy—conditions that allies, adversaries, and businesses now price into their decisions.He also charts the long arc of the “imperial presidency,” noting that executive power has expanded for decades across parties. Yet Congress retains real leverage: the power of the purse, oversight, and statute remain decisive tools. Zelizer highlights the 1970s as proof that institutional renewal is possible, pointing to reforms on budgeting, ethics, disclosure, and impoundment limits, and offering a sober assessment of the War Powers Resolution’s mixed record.Looking ahead, Zelizer outlines practical steps to rebuild capacity: reestablish guardrails, strengthen committee work and regular order, and better connect party organizations to voters. For policymakers, investors, and security professionals, the message is clear: institutional design and leadership incentives are strategic variables that shape U.S. reliability, crisis response, and long-term competitiveness.Key Topics DiscussedWhy parties are essential to American democracy—and how frayed leadership norms since the 1990s shifted incentives from governing to procedural combat.The Gingrich-era revolution: weaponized oversight, agenda control, and scorched-earth tactics that redefined congressional power and political culture.The rise of the imperial presidency and how Congress can still reassert authority through budgets, oversight, and targeted statutory reform.War Powers, authorizations for use of force, and the practical constraints Congress faces when presidents act quickly in crises.Paths to renewal: restoring guardrails, rewarding substantive legislating over performative politics, and engaging a new generation of public servants.Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction to Julian Zelizer 01:05 Why Defend Partisanship? 04:01 Is America's Political System Broken? 06:30 Newt Gingrich and the Modern Republican Party 08:12 How the U.S. Compares to Other Democracies 12:26 Are Today's Politicians Less Effective? 15:48 How Congress Lost Power to the Presidency 21:11 Executive Power, Congress, and the Supreme Court 24:29 The War Powers Debate and Foreign Policy 27:21 Why Biden Succeeded Legislatively 30:06 What the Founders Intended for Congress 31:10 Why Julian Zelizer Remains OptimisticAbout the GuestJulian E. Zelizer is a leading historian of American politics and Congress, serving as the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He is the author and editor of numerous books on U.S. governance, including Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party, and is a frequent analyst on the presidency, party politics, and institutional reform.Support the show
Jul 23, 2026•44:31
Bojan Pancevski | Chief European Political Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal
Bojan Pancevski, Chief European Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and author of The Nord Stream Conspiracy, unpacks the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and its far‑reaching strategic consequences. The episode centers on attribution, tradecraft, and the emerging legal case in Germany—an unusually clear window into how a small clandestine team can generate outsized geopolitical effects by targeting critical undersea infrastructure.Nathan Kiker and George Bogdan press Pancevski on “Operation Diameter,” a plan conceived within a Ukrainian special operations unit but executed by civilian deep‑sea divers with limited clandestine training at 80–100 meters in the Baltic. He traces the recruitment pipeline, rapid training, and a chain of approval that ran through General Valery Zaluzhny, alongside the unresolved question of what, if anything, reached President Zelensky. The result, he argues, was an audacious, low‑budget mission that struck at the heart of Europe’s energy map in 2022.The conversation then turns to the German federal prosecutor’s decision to pursue war‑crimes charges—an attempt to bypass combatant immunity (the legal protection afforded to lawful combatants) by arguing the target was German infrastructure and the operatives were out of uniform. Pancevski outlines how this approach collides with politics in Berlin and Kyiv, intersecting with Germany’s energy strategy, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s Nord Stream policy, and live parliamentary debates.Finally, the episode situates Nord Stream within U.S.–European dynamics, from CIA warnings to the Biden administration’s stance on Nord Stream 2, and distills the strategic lesson: modern undersea networks—pipelines, power interconnectors, data cables—are acutely vulnerable to low‑cost attacks. With a Hamburg trial on the horizon, the case could set legal precedent, strain alliances, and reshape how states plan covert action and defend seabed infrastructure.Key Topics DiscussedHow “Operation Diameter” combined military planning with a civilian dive team to execute a complex, deep‑water sabotage on a minimal budget—and what that reveals about modern covert tradecraft.The command architecture behind the operation, including approval attributed to General Valery Zaluzhny and the ongoing dispute over presidential awareness in Kyiv.Germany’s prosecutorial strategy to pursue war‑crimes charges by challenging combatant immunity due to non‑uniformed operatives and damage to German infrastructure, and the political risk this creates.Berlin’s domestic cross‑pressures: energy security after Nord Stream, Merkel’s legacy, Bundestag debates, and how parties frame accountability and deterrence.Strategic implications for the protection of undersea infrastructure, deterrence signaling, escalation risks, and U.S.–European coordination amid CIA warnings and the Biden administration’s Nord Stream 2 posture.Timestamps00:00 – Why Nord Stream matters: strategic leverage, energy, and alliance politics03:45 – Inside “Operation Diameter”: planning, recruitment, and deep‑water tradecraft12:30 – Chain of command: Zaluzhny’s role and the Zelensky question18:50 – Germany’s legal gambit: war‑crimes theory vs. combatant immunity25:40 – Berlin’s political calculus: energy strategy, Merkel’s legacy, and Bundestag debate32:15 – The U.S. angle: CIA warnings, sanctions policy, and transatlantic diplomacy38:40 – Seabed vulnerability: pipelines, cables, and the deterrence challenge44:20 – The Hamburg trial: evidentiary hurdles and alliance implications49:10 – Did the sabotage achieve its aims? Russia’s repair/reopen push and narratives53:00 – Policy takeaways: hardening infrastructure and shaping future covert action normsAbout the GuestBojan Pancevski is the Chief European Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and the author of The Nord Stream Conspiracy. He reports on European politics, security, and transatlantic affairs, with a track record of breaking stories at the intersection of intelligence, law, and statecraft.Support the show
Jul 15, 2026•38:24•with Benjamin Alarie
Benjamin Alarie | CEO of Blue J Legal and co-author of Superjustice: The Future of Law
Benjamin Alarie joins hosts Nathan Kiker and George Bogdan to examine how rapidly improving AI systems can strengthen the administration of law—starting with tax, where complexity, volume, and inconsistency have long constrained access to justice. Alarie argues that legal AI is transitioning from promise to performance, producing measurably more accurate and comprehensive research while enabling the kind of population-level analysis that policymakers and practitioners have struggled to execute at scale.The conversation moves beyond abstract fairness debates to operational impact. Drawing on a decade of building tools at BlueJ Legal, Alarie underscores a sharp decline in user disagreement with AI-generated answers as models and workflows have matured. He details how adversarial research techniques—prompting strongest counterarguments and “braiding” outputs from multiple frontier models—paired with strict verification against primary sources, drive better outcomes. The result is faster, deeper, and more consistent analysis across statutes, cases, and administrative guidance.A core strategic theme is harmonization. Legal AI can help reconcile fragmented regimes—tax versus employment standards, antitrust versus trade policy, or Quebec’s civil law alongside common-law provinces—by mapping doctrine to practical outcomes and integrating empirical evidence. That capability enables more consistent enforcement, clearer incentives for firms, and a stronger foundation for preventative governance rather than purely reactive adjudication.Alarie is clear on limits: AI augments, not replaces, professional judgment. Accountability remains with human experts, and progress in tools must be matched by attention to the digital divide—where paper filings, limited connectivity, and uneven digital literacy still impede equitable access. For policymakers and leaders, the stakes are systemic: modernization of legal research and administration can reduce friction in markets, enhance compliance, and promote rule-of-law consistency across jurisdictions. Allery’s new book, Superjustice: The Future of Law, outlines these pathways in depth.Key Topics Discussed- Performance over theory: why disagreement with AI-generated legal answers is falling and what that signals about maturity in real-world research workflows.- Harmonizing fragmented regimes: using AI to surface cross-jurisdictional patterns, reconcile conflicting doctrines, and align legal incentives with policy goals.- Adversarial AI research: stress-testing conclusions by eliciting strongest counterarguments, braiding multiple model outputs, and verifying against primary sources.- From cases to populations: enabling empirical, population-level analyses of legal outcomes that inform better policy design and preventative governance.- Access and equity: the digital divide, persistent reliance on paper processes, and why infrastructure and adoption dynamics will shape AI’s impact on justice.About the GuestBenjamin Alarie is the CEO of BlueJ Legal and co-author of Superjustice: The Future of Law. He has spent the past decade building AI tools for tax and related legal research, bringing a practitioner’s mindset to model design, verification, and workflow integration. His experience positions him to assess where legal AI delivers real value, how to measure it, and what it will take to translate technical progress into fairer, more consistent legal outcomes.Timestamps- 00:00 — Framing the opportunity: why tax is a proving ground for legal AI- 06:20 — Measuring performance: accuracy, coverage, and declining user disagreement- 14:05 — Harmonization use cases across jurisdictions and practice areas- 22:30 — Adversarial techniques and multi-model “braiding” for resilient answers- 30:15 — Empirical synthesis: population-level insights for policy and compliance- 38:10 — Professional accountability and verification against primary sources- 44:55 — Adoption dynamics: legislative, judicial, and organizational factors- 51:40 — Digital divide, paper processes, and access-to-justice implications- 57:10 — Closing reflections and resources (Superjustice at superjustice.com)Support the show
Jul 3, 2026•33:40
David Ignatius | Associate Editor, The Washington Post
David Ignatius assesses how a fragmenting international order is reshaping U.S. strategy, allied cohesion, and day‑to‑day security. He argues the Middle East is settling into a harder-edged equilibrium: Iran’s hardliners have gained leverage despite battlefield setbacks to Tehran’s proxies; the Strait of Hormuz will likely reopen on Iran’s terms; and Turkey’s assertiveness is now a central strategic variable for Israel. These dynamics matter because they redefine risk at an energy chokepoint and test Washington’s ability to manage allies with diverging interests.Joining hosts Nathan Kiker and George Bogdan, Ignatius is struck by China’s passivity during the Hormuz crisis—even as Beijing’s technological and manufacturing advantages deepen. That paradox, he warns, could reshape American life unless the U.S. rebalances supply chains and rebuilds industrial capacity. In a world where economic power is concentrating while geopolitical discipline is eroding, technological dependence becomes a strategic liability.Beyond the region, Ignatius contends the U.S.-led postwar order is decaying without a clear successor. Asian allies read mixed U.S. signals on trade and security, even as Japan emerges as Washington’s most trusted partner and Vietnam’s importance grows. The result is a wary Indo-Pacific looking for consistency and credible capacity rather than speeches and episodic deals.On Ukraine, Ignatius sees a brutal but durable stalemate that is strategically costly for Russia, with domestic support eroding under the strain. Ukraine’s rapid drone innovation is setting a new standard for modern conflict, altering cost curves and operational tempo. Yet the greater risk, he cautions, may be a destabilized, post‑Putin Russia—an outcome that could be more dangerous than a negotiated pause if not carefully managed.Ignatius closes with a broader worry: a two‑speed world where technology races ahead while geopolitics fragments is unsustainable. Smarter policy, tighter allied coordination, and potentially AI‑enabled systems for crisis management may be necessary to restore a measure of stability so people can live “normal” lives.Key Topics DiscussedWhy Iran’s hardliners—and the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)—hold more leverage despite proxy setbacks, and how a reopened Strait of Hormuz on Tehran’s terms would reset regional risk.Turkey’s growing assertiveness and what it means for Israel’s strategy, Gulf cohesion, and the balance among non‑Arab power centers.China’s conspicuous silence during the Hormuz crisis contrasted with its accelerating edge in technology and manufacturing—and why U.S. supply chain resilience is now a strategic imperative.The fading U.S.-led order in Asia: allies unsettled by inconsistent trade and security signals, Japan’s rise as the most trusted partner, and Vietnam’s expanding role in regional balancing.Ukraine’s grinding stalemate, the strategic erosion of Russian support for the war, the battlefield impact of rapid drone innovation, and the risks posed by a chaotic post‑Putin Russia.About the GuestDavid Ignatius is a columnist and associate editor at the Washington Post, widely recognized for reporting and analysis on foreign affairs, intelligence, and national security. He has covered the Middle East, U.S. strategy, and great‑power competition for decades and is the author of several acclaimed novels rooted in geopolitical and intelligence themes.Support the show
Jun 11, 2026•38:53•with Brad Thor
Brad Thor | NYT Bestselling Author of Choke Point
Brad Thor returns to the show to discuss his latest thriller, Choke Point, a geopolitical suspense novel that explores one of the most consequential strategic questions of the 21st century: what happens if China gains control over the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.A #1 New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Scott Harvath series, Thor explains how real-world concerns about China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Strait of Malacca, and gray-zone warfare inspired the novel's plot. He discusses the growing importance of shipping lanes, soft power, and strategic infrastructure in global competition, as well as why he believes the next major geopolitical challenge for the United States will center on China.The conversation also explores covert conflict, military deception, the lessons of history, and how fiction can help readers better understand emerging threats before they become tomorrow's headlines. Thor reflects on the evolution of Scott Harvath after 25 years, the changing reading habits of modern audiences, and why geopolitical thrillers remain a powerful way to engage with the world around us.00:00 Introduction to Brad Thor and Choke Point 01:17 China's Belt and Road Strategy Explained 05:25 The Plot Behind Choke Point 07:08 Historical Lessons: D-Day, Deception, and Taiwan 09:02 Why Shipping Lanes Matter More Than Ever 12:29 China, Gray Zone Warfare, and Global Competition 18:08 Why Readers Are Increasingly Focused on China 22:38 Scott Harvath's Evolution After 25 Years 25:50 Wealth, Influence, and Foreign Policy 29:03 Writing with Ward Larsen and Crafting Thrillers 32:17 Social Media, Attention Spans, and the Future of Reading 36:10 Will Scott Harvath Ever Retire? 38:07 Final Thoughts on Choke PointSupport the show
Jun 7, 2026•29:47•with Dr. Michael Auslin
Dr. Michael Auslin – Stanford Hoover Institution Fellow & Author of National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America
Dr. Michael Auslin, historian, Hoover Institution fellow, and author of National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, joins the show to explore the remarkable journey of America's founding document as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.In this conversation, Auslin explains why the Declaration of Independence was originally viewed as a practical wartime necessity rather than a sacred national text. He walks through the dramatic debates surrounding independence, Thomas Jefferson’s drafting process, the influence of Enlightenment thinkers, and the political compromises that shaped the final document.The discussion also examines how the Declaration evolved over time—from a revolutionary announcement to what Abraham Lincoln called the nation's "apple of gold." Auslin traces how generations of Americans, from abolitionists to civil rights advocates, embraced its promise of equality and liberty, transforming it into one of the most influential documents in world history.As America approaches its semiquincentennial, Auslin argues that the Declaration remains the country's ultimate unifying document—a statement of ideals that continues to shape debates about freedom, citizenship, and national identity today.Support the show
May 22, 2026•42:10•with Mark Galeotti
Mark Galeotti - Author of over 25 books on Russia; Director of Mayak Intelligence
Mark Galeotti is one of the world’s foremost experts on Russia, an honorary professor at University College London, director of Mayak Intelligence, and author of more than 30 books on Russian history, intelligence, and organized crime. His latest work, Forged in War, explores the military history of Russia from its origins to the present day.In this episode, Galeotti explains why Vladimir Putin’s recent Victory Day parade revealed not strength—but vulnerability. He breaks down the growing strain inside Russia, from economic pressure and Ukrainian drone strikes to elite infighting and declining public trust in Putin’s leadership.The conversation also explores Putin’s worldview, the Soviet legacy that shaped him, and why Galeotti believes Russia is entering a generational transition. He examines the growing divide between Putin’s aging inner circle and younger elites preparing for a post-Putin future, while offering insight into what Russia could look like in the decades ahead.Throughout the discussion, Galeotti argues that the war in Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped Russia politically, economically, and psychologically—and that even if the fighting stopped tomorrow, the consequences will last for generations.00:00 Intro — What Putin’s Victory Day Parade Revealed 01:11 Why the Parade Signaled Weakness 05:21 Russians Are Starting to Feel the War 07:56 Does Putin Think the War Is Ending? 12:37 Why Putin Can’t Walk Away From Ukraine 17:03 How History Will Remember Putin 19:14 Is Putin Becoming Russia’s Brezhnev? 22:34 The Quiet Succession Debate Inside Russia 25:30 Ukraine’s Attacks on Russia’s Economy 30:14 How the Soviet Union Still Shapes Putin 35:33 What a Post-Putin Russia Could Look Like 40:14 Organized Crime, Russia, and Final ThoughtsSupport the show
May 18, 2026•36:00
Douglas Brunt - New York Times Best-Selling Author
Douglas Brunt is a New York Times bestselling author, and host of the podcast Dedicated. His latest book, The Lost Empire of Emanuel Nobel, uncovers the forgotten story of the Nobel family’s oil empire — a business that once rivaled Rockefeller’s Standard Oil before being erased from history by the Soviet regime.In this episode, Brunt explores the rise of Emanuel Nobel, nephew of Alfred Nobel, and how the Nobel family transformed the Russian oil industry into one of the largest petroleum empires in the world. The conversation traces the origins of global oil competition, the rise of industrial capitalism, and the violent political upheavals that reshaped the 20th century.Brunt also discusses the role of oil in world history — from the early battles over energy dominance to the Russian Revolution, World War I, and the emergence of modern geopolitics. He explains how Emanuel Nobel crossed paths with figures like Joseph Stalin and why the Bolsheviks saw the Nobel empire as a symbol of everything they wanted to destroy.The episode also dives into the origins of the Nobel Prize, the legacy of Alfred Nobel, the relationship between energy and global power, and why stories buried in forgotten archives still shape the modern world.Support the show
May 12, 2026•38:42
Ryan Crocker - Former U.S. Ambassador
Ryan Crocker is one of the most distinguished diplomats in modern American history, serving as U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Kuwait over a decades-long diplomatic career at the center of U.S. foreign policy.In this episode, Ambassador Crocker argues that the world is passing through a dangerous geopolitical “hinge point” — one marked by growing instability in the Middle East, rising strain on U.S. alliances, and the potential breakdown of the post-World War II international order.Drawing on firsthand experience from Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Syria, Crocker reflects on the long-term consequences of the Iraq War, the evolution of terrorism and proxy warfare, and the limits of American power. He warns that weakening alliances like NATO could accelerate nuclear proliferation and return the world to a far more dangerous balance-of-power system.The conversation also explores the Iran conflict, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, China’s growing role in global affairs, and why diplomacy and personal relationships between leaders still matter in statecraft. Throughout, Crocker offers a sobering but deeply informed perspective on what happens when global leadership becomes uncertain.Support the show
May 5, 2026•42:02
David McCloskey - Co-Host of The Rest is Classified
David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst and presidential briefer, now a bestselling author and co-host of the hit podcast The Rest Is Classified. He is the author of acclaimed spy novels including Damascus Station, Moscow X, and The Persian.In this episode, McCloskey pulls back the curtain on the world of intelligence—explaining why people are so fascinated by espionage and how secret operations can shape global events. He discusses the role of individuals versus systems in geopolitics, arguing that decisions often come down to what’s happening inside the minds of powerful leaders.The conversation also explores the intersection of fiction and reality, including how McCloskey draws on real-world conflicts—like the shadow war between Israel and Iran—to inform his novels. He shares insights into storytelling across mediums, from books to podcasts to television, and why different formats demand different approaches.McCloskey also reflects on the current state of the intelligence community, the impact of political dynamics on analysis, and the challenges of delivering clear, unbiased information at the highest levels of government. Throughout, he offers a rare look at how intelligence is created, consumed, and sometimes ignored.Support the show
Apr 30, 2026•38:13
Kenneth Rogoff - Professor of International Economics at Harvard University
Kenneth Rogoff is a professor of international economics at Harvard University and former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund. One of the world’s most influential economists, his work spans financial crises, central banking, and global currency systems. His latest book, Our Dollar, Your Problem, examines the future of U.S. financial dominance.In this episode, Rogoff explains why the U.S. dollar’s global dominance—long a cornerstone of American power—may be gradually weakening. He breaks down how the dollar gives the U.S. enormous economic and geopolitical advantages, from lower borrowing costs to control over global financial flows, and why those advantages are now being challenged.The conversation explores rising global debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and why simply taxing the wealthy won’t solve the problem at scale. Rogoff also discusses the growing pressure on central bank independence, the disruptive potential of AI, and the risks posed by crypto and stablecoins to financial stability.He offers a sobering but nuanced outlook: while the U.S. economy remains historically strong, long-term risks—from political dysfunction to global fragmentation—could reshape the financial system in ways policymakers are not fully prepared for.Support the show
Apr 20, 2026•29:15
Robert Kaplan | Preeminent Geopolitical Analyst & Author
Robert Kaplan is a bestselling author and geopolitical analyst, known for works like The Revenge of Geography. A longtime foreign affairs correspondent for The Atlantic, he has also advised the Pentagon and served as a leading voice in strategic analysis for decades.In this episode, Kaplan explains how geography and human behavior together shape global conflict—from the Strait of Hormuz to Taiwan. He argues that while geography sets the stage, it is ultimately leaders, decisions, and historical memory that determine how events unfold.The conversation explores the risks of a future U.S.-China conflict, why a war in the Pacific could be far more catastrophic than conflicts in the Middle East, and what a realistic outcome in Ukraine might look like. Kaplan also examines the weakening of NATO, the long-term instability facing Russia, and the dangers of what he calls “middle-sized wars”—conflicts that are large enough to be destructive but too small to fully capture public attention.Drawing on lessons from Iraq and decades of geopolitical analysis, Kaplan offers a sobering warning: policymakers must think beyond immediate action and ask the critical question—“what happens next?”Support the show
Apr 10, 2026•36:26
Nataliya Gumenyuk | CEO & Founder of the Public Interest Journalism Lab (PIJL)
Nataliya Gumenyuk is a Ukrainian journalist, documentary filmmaker, and CEO & founder of the Public Interest Journalism Lab, as well as co-founder of The Reckoning Project. She is one of the leading voices documenting war crimes and pursuing international justice in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine.In this episode, Gumenyuk explains why the war in Ukraine must be understood not just as a series of tragedies, but as deliberate crimes that demand accountability. Drawing on hundreds of survivor testimonies, she discusses the challenges of documenting war crimes, the limits of international institutions like the ICC, and why journalists and legal teams are increasingly turning to alternative jurisdictions to pursue justice.The conversation also explores the human dimension of war—what victims actually want, why truth and recognition matter as much as punishment, and how disinformation threatens to erase these crimes from global memory. Gumenyuk offers a sobering perspective on war fatigue, Western support, and why Ukrainians continue to fight—not out of choice, but necessity.Support the show
Apr 8, 2026•32:09
Branko Milanović | Former Lead Economist at the World Bank
Branko Milanović is one of the world’s leading economists and a former lead economist at the World Bank. Known for his groundbreaking work on global inequality, Milanović has spent decades analyzing how wealth and power shift across countries and individuals.In this episode, Milanović argues that the era of neoliberal globalization is over—and is being replaced by what he calls “national liberalism.” He explains how countries are abandoning free trade and global integration while continuing pro-market policies at home, creating a new and more fragmented economic system.The conversation explores the rise of Asia, the decline of Western economic dominance, and how global income is being reshuffled across both nations and individuals. Milanović also breaks down why some economic policies can be “lose-lose” in absolute terms but still make sense geopolitically, and how inequality—both within and between countries—continues to shape global stability.Support the show
Apr 6, 2026•27:15
Charles Kupchan | Senior Fellow and Director of European Studies
Charles Kupchan is a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He previously served on the National Security Council under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, helping shape U.S. policy toward Europe.In this episode, Kupchan explains his concept of “liberal realism” and why he believes the world is entering a new geopolitical era—one defined not by a single dominant power, but by a fragmented, “de-centered” global order. He discusses the decline of multilateral institutions, the uncertain future of NATO, and the growing shift of power from West to East and North to South.The conversation also explores whether the liberal international order is truly collapsing, what a multipolar world means for global stability, and why democracies must adapt to survive in the digital age. Kupchan offers a sobering look at the future of global cooperation, warning that demand for coordination is rising just as the ability to achieve it is declining.Support the show
Mar 25, 2026•40:14
Ram Charan | Author of China's 90% Model
Ram Charan is a world-renowned business advisor, speaker, and author who has spent decades coaching top CEOs and boards across the globe. He is the author of more than 30 books, including the bestseller Execution, and his latest, China’s 90% Model, argues that Beijing is pursuing a strategy of total industrial dominance.In this episode, Charan outlines his controversial thesis that China’s goal is not just to compete globally—but to eliminate the industrial capacity of rival nations through what he calls the “90% model.” He explains how China uses scale, subsidies, and pricing power to dominate entire industries, from solar to electric vehicles, and warns that this strategy could reshape the global economic order.The conversation explores whether this represents a new kind of economic warfare, why tariffs may not be effective, and what a realistic U.S. response could look like—from industry-by-industry negotiation to deeper coordination with allies. Charan also discusses the geopolitical implications of China’s rise, the risks to Western manufacturing, and what the next decade could mean for global power.Support the show
Mar 15, 2026•39:22
Mohammed Soliman | Senior Fellow at The Middle East Institute | Director at McLarty Associates
Mohammed Soliman is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, director at McLarty Associates, and a nonresident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is also the author of West Asia: A New Grand Strategy for the Middle East.In this episode, Soliman argues that policymakers should stop thinking about the region as the “Middle East” and instead understand it as West Asia—a strategic crossroads increasingly shaped by the rise of Asia, shifting trade routes, and emerging technology infrastructure. Drawing on themes from his new book, he explains how energy flows, migration, supply chains, and capital investment are linking the Gulf, South Asia, Europe, and Africa into a single geopolitical system.The conversation explores the growing role of India and the Gulf states in global trade, the strategic implications of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, and how artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers are becoming new strategic targets in modern warfare. Soliman also discusses how conflicts in the region could reshape Asian geopolitics and why U.S. strategy should focus less on military dominance and more on flexible coalitions and economic integration across West Asia.Support the show
Mar 10, 2026•39:13
Ravi Agrawal | Editor-in-Chief, Foreign Policy
Ravi Agrawal is the Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy and the host of FP Live. In this conversation, he discusses the implications of a new Middle East conflict and what it reveals about America’s evolving role in the global order.Agrawal explains the concept of a “world minus one”—a moment of transition where the United States appears to be stepping back from the international system it helped build. He examines the risks of military action taken without clear objectives, the precedent set by targeting foreign leaders, and how such actions may reshape global norms around power and sovereignty. The discussion also explores the potential ripple effects for Russia, China, and global energy markets, as well as the long-term consequences for nuclear proliferation and international institutions.Support the show
Mar 9, 2026•45:23
Benjamin Nathans
Benjamin Nathans is a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement, an acclaimed work that explores the individuals and ideas behind resistance to Soviet authoritarianism. Nathans’s research focuses on Russian and Soviet history, political dissent, and the struggle for human rights under authoritarian regimes.Support the show
Feb 26, 2026•41:16
Yukon Huang
Yukon Huang is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a leading authority on China’s economy and global financial relations. He previously served as the World Bank’s Country Director for China and Russia, giving him firsthand insight into the economic transformations of two major global powers. Huang’s work focuses on China’s growth model, U.S.–China tensions, and the evolving role of emerging markets in the global economy, making him a key voice in debates over trade, development, and geopolitics.Support the show
Feb 9, 2026•31:10
Edward Luce
Edward Luce is the chief U.S. commentator and columnist for the Financial Times, where he covers American politics, foreign policy, and global power shifts. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America’s Great Power Prophet, a definitive biography of one of the most influential strategic thinkers of the Cold War era. Luce is widely respected for his sharp analysis of U.S. leadership, geopolitics, and the future of the liberal international order.Support the show
Feb 5, 2026•37:04
Brad Thor
Brad Thor is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the most prominent voices in the modern thriller genre. Best known for his long-running Scot Harvath series, Thor’s novels explore terrorism, intelligence, and global security with meticulous research and real-world insight. His latest work, Cold Zero, co-authored with Ward Larsen, continues his tradition of high-stakes storytelling grounded in contemporary geopolitical threats. Thor frequently consults with intelligence and military professionals and is a sought-after commentator on national security issues.Support the show
Jan 30, 2026•34:00
Jeffrey Sachs
Jeffrey Sachs is an economist, university professor, and influential author known for his work in sustainable development. He is the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. His notable roles at the United Nations include serving as a Special Advisor to three different UN Secretaries-General: Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-moon, and António Guterres. He currently serves as an SDG Advocate for the present Secretary-General, focusing on promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Sachs' work spans global poverty, geopolitics, and public policy, making him a key voice on the frontlines of economic development and international relations.Support the show
Jan 20, 2026•49:30
Dmitri Alperovitch
Dmitri Alperovitch is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and author of The World on the Brink: How the Hybrid World War Threatens Our Future. He is the co-founder and former CTO of CrowdStrike, a global leader in cyber threat intelligence and defense, and currently serves in senior advisory roles shaping how governments and organizations respond to digital conflict and nation-state cyber operations. Alperovitch’s work spans cyber risk, geopolitics, and emerging threats, making him a key voice on the frontlines of cybersecurity and global stability.Support the show
Jan 13, 2026•44:29
Peter Pomerantsev
Peter Pomerantsev is a best-selling author, journalist, and leading expert on propaganda, disinformation, and modern information warfare. He is the author of Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible and This Is Not Propaganda, widely regarded as essential books for understanding how authoritarian regimes manipulate media and reality itself. Pomerantsev has advised governments and institutions on counter-disinformation strategies and regularly contributes to major global outlets on democracy, power, and the battle over truth.Support the show
Jan 13, 2026•47:18
Nicolas Niarchos
Nicolas Niarchos is a staff writer at The New Yorker covering foreign affairs, geopolitics, and global power dynamics. He’s the author of The Elements of Power: Gadgets, Guns, and the Struggle for a New Global Order, a deeply researched book that explores how control over critical elements like rare minerals, weapons, and technology shapes international politics. Niarchos’s work brings sharp insight into how resources and innovation influence statecraft in the 21st century, blending narrative reporting with expert analysis.Support the show
Jan 11, 2026•43:28
Stephen Walt
Stephen M. Walt is a renowned columnist for Foreign Policy and the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. A leading scholar in foreign policy theory and U.S. grand strategy, Walt is best known for his work on realism, alliance politics, and international security. His influential books include The Origins of Alliances, Taming American Power, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, and International Relations: One World, Many Theories. Walt’s writing and commentary challenge conventional wisdom and shape debates on America’s role in the world.Support the show
Jan 6, 2026•29:56
Tim Bouverie
Tim Bouverie is a British historian, journalist, and bestselling author specializing in World War II and modern European history. His acclaimed debut, Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War, explores the diplomatic failures that paved the way for conflict, and his latest book, Allies at War, examines the fractious wartime relationship between Britain and the United States. A former political journalist for Channel 4 News, Bouverie brings deep research and sharp narrative skill to his writing on power, diplomacy, and the lessons of history.Support the show
Jan 2, 2026•30:55
Yaakov Katz
Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author, journalist, and senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem. He served as editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post from 2016 to 2023 and continues to write a popular weekly column while appearing regularly as an analyst on CNN and the BBC. Katz is the author of Shadow Strike: Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power, Weapon Wizards: How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower, and Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War, and his upcoming book While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East is a national bestseller. He previously spent nearly a decade as the paper’s military reporter and defense analyst, served as a senior policy adviser to Israel’s government, and was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard.Support the show
Dec 15, 2025•36:10
Max Boot
Max Boot is a senior columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. A leading voice on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and military history, he has advised senior policymakers and served as a defense analyst for multiple administrations. Boot is also the author of several acclaimed books, including The Road Not Taken, Invisible Armies, and War Made New, and is a frequent commentator on global affairs and American strategy.Support the show
Dec 8, 2025•49:36
Ilan Berman
Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President of American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) in Washington, D.C., and a leading expert on security issues in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia. He has consulted for the CIA and U.S. Defense and State Departments, and advised congressional offices on foreign policy and national security. Berman is also an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics and associated faculty at Missouri State University’s Department of Defense and Strategic Studies. He is the author and editor of numerous books on Iran, Russia, warfare, and global security — including a forthcoming work titled The New Imperialists.Support the show
Nov 20, 2025•36:47
Edward Fishman
Edward Fishman is a leading scholar of economic statecraft and a former U.S. diplomat who helped design sanctions policies at the State Department and Treasury. He is currently a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and also teaches at its Center on Global Energy Policy. His book Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare (2025) offers a gripping, behind-the-scenes account of how the U.S. turned global finance, technology, and energy infrastructure into tools of geopolitical influence.Support the show
Nov 14, 2025•36:55
Barry Posen
Barry R. Posen is the Ford International Professor of Political Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Director Emeritus of its MIT Security Studies Program. A leading scholar in grand strategy and defense policy, his influential works include Restraint: A New Foundation for U.S. Grand Strategy and The Sources of Military Doctrine. Posen continues to shape debates on global power shifts, U.S. force posture, and military intervention through his teaching, research, and commentary.Support the show
Oct 17, 2025•42:45
Scott Kennedy
Scott Kennedy is Senior Adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). A leading authority on Chinese economic policy and U.S.–China commercial relations, he has traveled to China for nearly four decades and focuses on China’s industrial policy, tech innovation, and global economic governance. His publications include The Business of Lobbying in China, The Fat Tech Dragon, and numerous policy reports on U.S.–China tensions. Support the show
Oct 6, 2025•28:11
Don Bentley
Don Bentley is a bestselling American thriller author and former FBI Special Agent, SWAT team member, and U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot. He currently continues the legacy of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series, with his newest novel Denied Access, which takes fans back to Rapp’s early days as he battles threats to the CIA and a lover in peril. Bentley’s diverse writing portfolio also includes the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Jr. novels.Support the show
Oct 1, 2025•36:34
Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper is a prominent CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, and the author of Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War. His book uncovers the high-stakes global hunt to prosecute an al Qaeda operative who surrendered during the Arab Spring and sheds light on the challenges of delivering justice in the War on Terror. Tapper is also known for his political journalism, previously penning works like The Outpost and his bestselling novels.Support the show
Sep 17, 2025•21:02
Jack Carr
Jack Carr is a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned bestselling author known for his high-octane military thrillers. He burst onto the scene with The Terminal List, which was adapted into a Prime Video series, and has since written several more in the Reece series including Red Sky Mourning and Cry Havoc. In addition to fiction, he’s the author of Targeted: Beirut, a nonfiction work exploring the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings. Carr is also the host of the Danger Close podcast and draws heavily on his two decades of special operations experience in his writing.Support the show
Sep 12, 2025•44:29
Karen House
Karen Elliott House is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and former managing editor, publisher, and international editor at The Wall Street Journal with over four decades of experience covering Saudi Arabia. Her latest book, The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia (2025), draws on exclusive interviews with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and offers a nuanced view of a ruler trying to modernize while consolidating power. House is also author of On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines — and Future. Support the show
Sep 10, 2025•39:07
Oona Hathaway
Oona A. Hathaway is the Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law at Yale Law School and President-Elect of the American Society of International Law (ASIL), beginning her presidency in 2026. She also holds appointments at Yale’s Department of Political Science and the MacMillan Center, and directs the Center for Global Legal Challenges. A leading scholar of international and national security law, her research examines the global legal order, war powers, cyber sovereignty, and accountability in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Hathaway is also a Guggenheim Fellow (2025–26) and a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.Support the show
Sep 9, 2025•43:02
Paul Poast
Paul Poast is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Committee on International Relations at the University of Chicago, where he also serves as Deputy Dean for Doctoral Education and directs the Summer Institute for Social Research Methods. He’s a nonresident senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a foreign affairs columnist for World Politics Review. His research covers international security, alliance politics, and the political economy of warfare, and he is the author of books such as The Economics of War, Organizing Democracy, Arguing About Alliances, and Wheat at War.Support the show
Sep 8, 2025•29:30
Ryan Hass
Ryan Hass is an American foreign policy analyst and diplomat currently serving as the director of the John L. Thornton China Center and the Chen-Fu and Cecilia Yen Koo Chair in Taiwan Studies at the Brookings Institution. A former U.S. diplomat, he held senior roles including Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolian Affairs at the National Security Council during the Obama administration, and served in diplomatic posts in Seoul and Beijing. Hass is a prolific author whose recent works include Stronger: Adapting America’s China Strategy in an Age of Competitive Interdependence (Yale University Press, 2021) and U.S.–Taiwan Relations (Brookings Institution Press, 2023), and he continues to shape conversations on U.S.-East Asia relations through Brookings and major media outlets .Support the show
Aug 21, 2025•44:18
Einat Wilf
Einat Wilf is an Israeli intellectual, author, and former Knesset member (2010–2013), known for her insightful work on Zionism, Israeli education, and foreign policy. She has held roles as an intelligence officer in the IDF, foreign policy adviser to Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and strategic consultant at McKinsey & Company. A Harvard (BA), INSEAD (MBA), and Cambridge (PhD) alumnus, Wilf is the author of several books including We Should All Be Zionists (2022) and the co-authored The War of Return (2020).Support the show
Aug 20, 2025•44:18
Jon Lee Anderson
Jon Lee Anderson is an acclaimed biographer, investigative reporter, and war correspondent currently writing for The New Yorker, where he has been a staff writer since 1998. Over his distinguished career, he’s reported from conflicts across the globe—including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, Liberia, Angola, Mali, and more—and contributed to major outlets like The New York Times, Harper’s, Life, and The Nation. Anderson is also a respected author, known for his definitive biography Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life (during which he located Che’s hidden burial site), The Fall of Baghdad, Guerrillas, and The Lion’s Grave: Dispatches from Afghanistan. His latest book To Lose a War: The Fall and Rise of the Taliban is out now. He has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Maria Moors Cabot Prize for excellence in Latin American reporting.Support the show
Jul 30, 2025•29:56
Graham Markiewicz
Graham Markiewicz is the Executive Director of the Security and Democracy Forum and a seasoned national security policy advisor. He served as defense policy adviser for U.S. Senate, deployed twice to Afghanistan as an infantry officer, and previously held staff roles on Capitol Hill. A graduate of West Point and Boston College Law School, he combines military experience, legal expertise, and public policy leadership in his current work to strengthen democratic institutions and security governance.Support the show
Jul 29, 2025•38:42
Demkó Attila
Demkó Attila is a Hungarian security policy expert, former diplomat, and historian based in Budapest. He holds a PhD in history and political theory from Eötvös Loránd University and has trained at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and the Manfred Wörner Foundation. From 1999 to 2018, he served in senior roles in Hungary’s Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence—including leading the Defence Policy and Planning Departments and representing Hungary to NATO in Brussels. Demkó is also a celebrated author under the pen name "David Autere," whose bestselling novel Máglyatűz (“Bonfire”) imagines Russia leveraging ethnic conflict across Central Europe . Since 2018 he has contributed regularly to Mandiner and currently directs the Strategic Foresight Program at the John Lukács Institute, MCC, focusing on European security dynamics amid the war in Ukraine.Support the show
Jul 23, 2025•34:17
Yaroslav Trofimov
Yaroslav Trofimov is the Chief Foreign‑Affairs Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, reporting on global conflicts since 1999. Born in Kyiv, he has spent much of the past three years on the frontlines of the Russian‑Ukraine war and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his coverage in both 2022 and 2023. His recent nonfiction, Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine’s War of Independence (Penguin Press, Jan 2024), was a finalist for the Orwell Prize and won the Peterson Literary Prize. He’s also the author of No Country for Love, a historical novel rooted in Ukrainian family history.Support the show
Jun 22, 2025•37:30
Dana Stroul
Dana Stroul is Director of Research and Shelly & Michael Kassen Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a role she assumed in February 2024. From 2021 to 2023, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, leading U.S. defense policy amid crises like the Israel–Hamas War and Iran’s regional actions. Prior roles include senior staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (2013–2018), co-chairing the bipartisan Syria Study Group, and work in the Defense Department, U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and think tanks. She holds an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.Support the show
Jun 9, 2025•41:42
Eliot A. Cohen
Eliot A. Cohen is a leading authority in international security and strategic affairs. He holds the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at CSIS and is Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins SAIS, where he served as dean from 2019 to 2021. Previously, he was Counselor of the U.S. State Department under Secretary Condoleezza Rice (2007–2009), advising on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Russia. A prolific author, his works include Supreme Command, Conquered into Liberty, The Big Stick, and The Hollow Crown, and he contributes to The Atlantic and major national media.Support the show
May 13, 2025•33:35
Judy Woodruff
Judy Woodruff is a veteran broadcast journalist with a career spanning over five decades. She served as the anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour from 2013 to 2022, becoming the sole anchor following the passing of co-anchor Gwen Ifill in 2016. Woodruff has covered every U.S. presidential election and convention since 1976 and has held prominent roles at NBC, CNN, and PBS. She is renowned for her insightful political reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity. Currently, she continues her work as a senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour.Support the show
May 6, 2025•39:50
Arash Azizi
Arash Azizi is an Iranian writer, historian, and journalist whose work explores the intersections of politics, culture, and society in Iran and the broader Middle East. His latest book, What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom, delves into the aspirations and struggles of Iranians seeking a normal life under a repressive regime. Azizi's insightful analysis sheds light on various forms of activism in Iran, from employment and environmentalism to religious freedom, highlighting the resilience and determination of the Iranian people. His previous works include The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran's Global Ambitions, which examines the life and influence of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Azizi's writings have appeared in numerous publications, and he is recognized for his in-depth reporting and historical perspectives on Iran's contemporary issues.Support the show
May 6, 2025•32:42
James M. Scott
James M. Scott is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author renowned for his compelling narratives on military history. His latest book, Targeted: Beirut, co-authored with Jack Carr, delves into the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon, offering a meticulously researched account based on survivor interviews, military records, and personal documents . Scott's previous works include Black Snow, Rampage, Target Tokyo, The War Below, and The Attack on the Liberty. A former Nieman Fellow at Harvard, he currently serves as the Scholar in Residence at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.Support the show
Apr 30, 2025•35:24
Philip Zelikow
Philip Zelikow is an American diplomat, historian, and academic, best known for serving as executive director of the 9/11 Commission. He was Counselor of the U.S. State Department under Secretary Condoleezza Rice and has held senior academic roles at the University of Virginia and Stanford’s Hoover Institution. Zelikow’s work spans diplomacy, national security, and the writing of history, with a focus on pivotal global events and the art of statecraft.Support the show
Apr 29, 2025•35:10
Chris Whipple
Chris Whipple is a renowned journalist and author, best known for his in-depth analyses of American political institutions. His latest book, Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History, offers a detailed account of the 2024 presidential election, providing insider perspectives on the campaigns of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. Whipple's previous works include The Gatekeepers and The Spymasters, both of which explore the inner workings of the White House and the CIA, respectively.Support the show
Apr 8, 2025•40:23
Ben Hodges
Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe (2014–2017), is a Senior Advisor to Human Rights First and NATO Senior Mentor for Logistics. He co-authored Future War and the Defence of Europe and frequently provides analysis on European security matters in international media.Support the show
Mar 25, 2025•40:32
Terry McAuliffe
Terry McAuliffe is a seasoned political leader and businessman who served as the 72nd Governor of Virginia. A former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, he has been a key figure in national and state politics, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and education.4oSupport the show
Mar 25, 2025•45:13
Dr. Andrew A. Michta
Dr. Andrew A. Michta is a Senior Fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council and term life member at the Council on Foreign Relations.Support the show
Feb 18, 2025•34:05
Rupert Wainwright & David Dodson
In a special episode of Clearer Than Truth, Nathan is joined by Grammy winner Rupert Wainwright (Stigmata, The Fog) and filmmaker David Dodson to discuss their latest collaboration - HEROES UKRAINEMake sure to check out Rupert and David's incredible music video here - https://youtu.be/M5SOkb7M2HoSupport the show
Jan 14, 2025•31:22
Saleha Mohsin
Saleha Mohsin is the author of PAPER SOLDIERS, a compelling exploration of financial power and politics. As a Senior Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg News, she covers the intersection of economics and policy, bringing clarity to complex global financial systems. Saleha is also the host of The Big Take DC podcast, where she interviews key decision-makers and thought leaders shaping the nation's capital. Support the show
Dec 18, 2024•39:43
Joshua Landis
Joshua M. Landis is an American academic and leading expert on the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria. He directs the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma and has been the author of the blog Syria Comment since 2004.Support the show
Dec 11, 2024•49:20
Kelley Currie
Kelley Currie is an American human rights lawyer and former Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues (2020–2021). She has served as the U.S. Representative to the U.N. Economic and Social Council and Acting Deputy U.S. Representative to the U.N. A former senior fellow at the Project 2049 Institute, Currie has held senior roles in the U.S. State Department and various human rights organizations, focusing on security, public policy, and humanitarian issues.Support the show
Nov 26, 2024•52:27
Joby Warrick
Joby Warrick is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who has been a member of The Washington Post’s National staff since 1996. Specializing in Middle East issues, terrorism, and weapons proliferation, Warrick has authored three acclaimed nonfiction books, including Red Line: The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World and Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, which won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 2016.Support the show
Nov 22, 2024•57:55
Tom Gardner
Tom Gardner is The Economist’s Africa correspondent, based in Nairobi. With nearly a decade of experience, including time in Addis Ababa during the 2020-22 Tigray war, his reporting on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa has appeared in The Guardian, Foreign Policy, and The Atlantic. His first book, The Abiy Project: God, Power and War in the New Ethiopia, was published in 2024.Support the show
Nov 19, 2024•46:56
James Barnett
James Barnett is a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, specializing in conflict, terrorism, and geopolitics in Africa. With extensive fieldwork experience in conflict zones, he has conducted research in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Ukraine.Support the show
Nov 12, 2024•50:39
Michael J. Williams
Michael John Williams is associate professor of international affairs and director of international relations graduate programs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He specializes in international security, NATO, and European-Russian relations. Trained at the London School of Economics, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to examining society-military relations and warfare.Support the show
Nov 7, 2024•31:35
2024 Election Results w/Matthew Klein
Matthew Klein is a returning guest and analyst at The Cook Political Report. He’s back to discuss the results of the 2024 election, offering nonpartisan insights into U.S. House and gubernatorial outcomes.Support the show
Oct 31, 2024•33:31
Matthew Klein
Matthew Klein is an analyst at The Cook Political Report, where he collaborates with editors to provide nonpartisan insights on U.S. House and gubernatorial elections. On election nights, he manages the publication's social media updates and oversees key site features like the House Open Seats Chart. Originally from Maryland, Matthew holds a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University, where he authored an honors thesis on political realignment in West Virginia. A film enthusiast and avid runner, he currently resides in Washington, D.C.Support the show
Oct 17, 2024•26:05
Drew Petrimoulx
Drew Petrimoulx is an award-winning filmmaker, video producer, journalist, and Show Host for The Hill. Based in Washington, DC, he co-founded Framed Up Productions, where he helps clients craft compelling stories that connect with target audiences. His work spans every stage of production, from development to editing, and he frequently collaborates with major TV networks to report on key U.S. and global stories.Support the show
Sep 25, 2024•65:00
Michael Lind
Michael Lind is a historian, author, and scholar specializing in U.S. political and economic history, democratic nationalism, and foreign policy. His notable books include The Next American Nation, Land of Promise, and The New Class War. A fifth-generation Texan, Lind has taught at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Texas, where he is now a Professor of Practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. He contributes to publications like Tablet and American Affairs and is the author of fiction and poetry, including the award-winning The Alamo and Bluebonnet Girl.Support the show
Aug 22, 2024•54:15
Toby Muse
Toby Muse is a journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker known for his in-depth reporting on the cocaine trade. His work, featured in outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and BBC, often explores the human stories behind global conflicts and the drug industry. His book Kilo: Inside the Deadliest Cocaine Cartels provides a gripping look at the journey of a kilo of cocaine from production in Colombia to its arrival in the U.S. market, highlighting the lives affected by the drug trade.For more information, visit Toby Muse's official website.Support the show
May 30, 2024•28:08
Arash Azizi
Welcome back to Clearer Than Truth. On this episode, we are joined by writer and historian Arash Azizi to discuss the situation in Iran following the sudden death of the country's president, Ebrahim Raisi. We talk about the fallout from this tragic accident, as well as how this will affect Iran and its current state going forward. Support the show
Mar 20, 2024•25:17
Elliot Abrams
Ambassador Elliot Abrams joins "Clearer Than Truth" for our inaugural episode, where we engaged in a detailed discussion concerning the current state of global affairs. During our dialogue, he also delved into the intricate dynamics of the Middle East, shedding light on various geopolitical nuances. Furthermore, the conversation took a turn towards domestic politics, providing listeners with insight into the current political landscape and its implications on international relations.Support the show