The Last Line of Defense
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. The podcast is produced by Marla Hiller.
Episodes
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.
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.
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
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.
Tehran’s Calculus: Iran’s Strategy Amidst the Storm
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.
The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops
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.
Beyond the Air War: What Are the Global Risks of the Iran Conflict?
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 wid
A Widening War with Iran: What Are the U.S. Military's Next Steps
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.
Why Putin’s "Inevitable" Victory in Ukraine is a Myth
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.
Locked and Loaded: What Are U.S. Military Options for 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.
Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime?
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.
America Under Siege: Inside China's Espionage Campaign in the United States
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).
Maduro is Gone. Now What in Venezuela?
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.
Which Military Shocks Defined 2025 — and What's Next in 2026?
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
Are the United States and Venezuela on the Brink of War?
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.
Is the U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine a Game-Changer or Fantasy?
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.
Is Putin Winning the War or Just Buying Time?
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.
Trump vs. Xi. Who Won?
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.
Introducing The Last Line of 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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