Rephonic
Artwork for Always at War
United States
Iran
U.S. Foreign Policy
Military-Industrial Complex
Think Tanks
American Empire
American Exceptionalism
Quincy Institute
Foreign Policy
Israel
Quincy Institute For Responsible Statecraft
Imperialism
American Military
Cultural Narratives
Military Industrial Complex
China
Gaza
Defense Contractors
Iraq War
Political Influence

Why is America seemingly always at war? Join the Quincy Institute’s Courtney Rawlings and Alex Jordan as they expose the monied interests, outdated ideologies, and entrenched powers that have driven the U.S. to wage nearly 400 wars and interventions.

Each episode, they’ll be joined by journalists, advocates, and experts to uncover who profits from America’s endless conflicts, and to imagine how ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes32Foundeda year ago
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NewsPolitics

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Artwork for Always at War

Latest Episodes

In the latest episode of Always at War, Courtney and Alex examine Israel's $1 billion campaign to shape global opinion and policy toward Israel with the researcher who's done the work to expose it: QI Fellow Nick Cleveland-Stout.

Nick's new paper, "... more

In the latest episode of Always at War, Courtney and Alex sit down with Almut Rochowanski, a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute and longtime grassroots activist who spent nearly two decades working with civil society organizers across Russia... more

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SUPPORT QI'S FIRST AMENDMENT FUND: givingtools.com/give/939

CHECK OUT TRITA'S SUBSTACK: tritaparsi.substack.com/

In the latest episode of Always at War, Courtney and Alex sit down with Quincy Institute co-founder and Executive Vice P... more

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On this episode of Always at War, Courtney and Alex expose the secret plan to end US military grant aid to Israel while permanently shielding US military support for Israel from congressional oversight — and from you.

First, they break down Section ... more

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Recent Guests

Trita Parsi
Expert in US-Iranian relations, Iranian foreign policy and Middle East geopolitics
Quincy Institute
Episode: The Middle East After the Iran War | GOING DEEP with Trita Parsi
Jake Werner
Head of East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute; historian of modern China
Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Episode: China Bad? | GOING DEEP with Jake Werner
Catherine Lutz
Thomas J. Watson Jr. Family Professor Emerita of Anthropology and International Studies, Brown University; Co-founder and Strategic Advisor of Costs of War Project
Brown University; Costs of War Project
Episode: The REAL costs of America's wars | GOING DEEP with Catherine Lutz
Nick Cleveland-Stout
Co-creator of Think Tank Funding Tracker
Think Tank Funding Tracker
Episode: Who’s Selling the Iran War? | BREAKING IT DOWN w/ Nick Cleveland-Stout
Kelley Vlahos
Editor-in-Chief, Responsible Statecraft
Responsible Statecraft
Episode: Is Trump already losing control of the Iran war? | EMERGENCY EPISODE w/Kelley Vlahos
Noah Kulwin
Journalist and co-host of Blowback
Blowback (podcast)
Episode: The deadly decline of US empire | GOING DEEP with Noah Kulwin
Lee Schlenker
Research associate with the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute
Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Episode: Why did Trump REALLY attack Venezuela? | GOING DEEP with Lee Schlenker
Taylor Lorenz
Technology journalist; author and host of Power User Podcast
User Magazine; The Atlantic (past)
Episode: Is the War Machine Censoring Your Social Media Feed? | GOING DEEP with Taylor Lorenz
Jim Lobe
Contributing editor to Responsible Statecraft, Quincy Institute
Responsible Statecraft, Quincy Institute
Episode: Thanks A Lot, Dick Cheney | GOING DEEP with Jim Lobe

Hosts

Courtney Rawlings
Host of Always at War; affiliated with Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft; focuses on anti-intervention and policy reform.
Alex Jordan
Co-host of Always at War; co-hosts with Courtney Rawlings; affiliated with Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 70 ratings
  • Courtney and Alex

    What is war good for? Listen to the beautiful Courtney and her sidekick Alex.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    復古
    South Korea8 months ago
  • 🤯

    I found this podcast a week ago and have already listened to all 13 episodes. This has set me on a path of political belief deconstruction. I’m questioning everything I once thought I knew. On the one hand it’s relaxing because it makes the things republicans and democrats fight about look petty but on the other hand it’s terrifying to think there’s nothing that will stop the war machine.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Takeittreezy
    United States9 months ago
  • Always Podcasting

    I came over by way of American Prestige. So far so good on this show. Keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BigDon802
    United Statesa year ago
  • fascinating

    fresh perspectives on US foreign policy & a fun style. Immediate must-listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kate888888888
    United Statesa year ago
  • Thank you!!

    One of the most important and useful shows of this time!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    yazi the taxi
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Punchy, well-researched takes on U.S. foreign policy.
Smart, accessible storytelling that connects policy to everyday impacts.
Staunch on accountability and funding transparency.
Thought-provoking critiques that question mainstream narratives around war and defense spending.
Balanced discussion with strong guest lineups.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#124
South Korea/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#221
Hong Kong/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#229
Singapore/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Thanks A Lot, Dick Cheney | GOING DEEP with Jim Lobe
Q: Jim, could you start by talking about how you got into foreign policy and what sparked your interest?
Jim describes his early exposure to the Vietnam era, the Christmas bombing campaign, and a growing commitment to understanding how foreign policy decisions are made, which led him to study neoconservatism and the U.S. role in global power dynamics.
The deadly decline of US empire | GOING DEEP with Noah Kulwin
Q: What is the number one thing that keeps America at war?
He argues that technology is the enabling force, allowing sustained warfare with lower domestic costs, which makes it easier for leaders to wage conflict without proportionate sacrifice from the public.
The deadly decline of US empire | GOING DEEP with Noah Kulwin
Q: What do you think accounts for Democrats not seizing anti-interventionist momentum?
He suggests that economic and job-related incentives tied to the defense industry, along with a broader political structure that tolerates militarism, reduce appetite for anti-war messaging within the left.
The deadly decline of US empire | GOING DEEP with Noah Kulwin
Q: What got you into foreign policy?
Noah describes a shift from a Zionist youth experience in Israel to growing disenchantment, ultimately drawing him toward world politics after engagement with Iraq War themes and a personal sense that traditional narratives failed to explain US actions.
Is the Gaza Ceasefire Working with Lara Friedman
Q: Obviously, news in the Middle East is changing fast. Can you give us a rundown of your reading of what's going on between Israel and Gaza, and how you diagnose the ceasefire as it stands?
The ceasefire isn't a real ceasefire for Palestinians. While bombing has paused and some hostages were released, humanitarian aid remains blocked, civilians continue to be killed, and the overall situation on the ground remains grim. The framework is more about political optics and framing than delivering tangible relief or addressing the root causes of conflict.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Always at War

What is Always at War about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp examination of U.S. foreign policy and the incentives that push the country toward conflict. Across episodes, the show probes how money, politics, media ecosystems, and think tanks shape public opinion and policy, from ongoing wars and base networks to the mechanics of defense spending and regime-change rhetoric. Guests span respected researchers, journalists, and advocates who dissect funding shadows, lobbying, and the ethics of military intervention, often highlighting least-anticipated perspectives and practical paths toward restraint and peace. The hosting duo combines rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling to reveal how power, profit, and ideology intertwine in America's approach to global engagement.

Noteworthy is the... more

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1. American Prestige
2. Turbulence
3. The Nation Podcasts
4. Behind the News with Doug Henwood
5. Jacobin Radio

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Always at War launched a year ago and published 32 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Always at War?

Recent guests on Always at War include:

1. Trita Parsi
2. Jake Werner
3. Catherine Lutz
4. Nick Cleveland-Stout
5. Kelley Vlahos
6. Noah Kulwin
7. Lee Schlenker
8. Taylor Lorenz

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