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Artwork for Arms Control Wonk
Nuclear Weapons
Missile Defense
Russia
Arms Control
Iran
China
House Of Dynamite
Nuclear Strategy
Middle East
Cold War
U.s.-Iran Relations
Israel
Burevestnik
People-To-People Connections
Nuclear Deterrence
Brilliant Swarms
United States
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Ukraine Conflict
Diplomacy Through Science

The nuclear weapons, arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation podcast. Companion to the popular Arms Control Wonk blog (www.armscontrolwonk.com). Hosted by Jeffrey Lewis & Aaron Stein.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsEducationPolitics

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Artwork for Arms Control Wonk

Latest Episodes

Russia tested the RS-28 Sarmat heavy ICBM, which will replace the SS-18/RS-36M Satan.

What's it for?

Aaron and Jeffrey talk about the role of heavy ICBMs, the foundational assumption for counterforce, the rise of orbital bombardment systems (FO... more

It's been a long time, we shouldnt have left you, but we got a dope pod to step too. Or at least we think so. After a brief hiatus, Aaron and Jeffrey return to discuss the latest from the Iran war and what it means for arms control. It ends with Jeff... more

U.S. Undersecretary of State Tom DiNanno accused China of conducting decoupled, low-yield nuclear tests including on June 22, 2020. Aaron and Jeffrey talk about seismic monitoring of nuclear tests, the role of hydronuclear testing, and what might be ... more

The New START treaty has expired leaving the US and Russia without a bilateral limit on offensive strategic arms for the first time in decades. There is reportedly a handshake deal not to do anything drastic for six months while the two sides talk ab... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Net AssessmentThe Stimson Center
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Rational SecurityThe Lawfare Institute
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Asia GeopoliticsThe Diplomat
Angry Planet
Angry PlanetMatthew Gault and Jason Fields

Recent Guests

Fred Kaplan
Author of numerous books on nuclear strategy and the author of Capital Calamity
Episode: Fred Kaplan and A Capital Calamity
Decker Eveleth
Associate research analyst at the CNA Corporation
CNA Corporation
Episode: Busting the Burevestnik

Hosts

Jeffrey Lewis
Host of the long-running arms-control podcast; a distinguished scholar in global security with roles at Middlebury College and the Foreign Policy Research Institute.
Aaron Stein
Co-host who contributes policy insight and analysis; listed as President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute in multiple entries.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 603 ratings
  • I can't say this podcast has made me a happier person, but it has made me more informed. We live in a nuclear world, and if you want somebody to get you up to speed on the goings-on of mutually assured destruction, Dr. Lewis is a great call.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Kaiasky
    2 years ago
  • Launch a missile, get a pod, ….record a great show, get a 5 Star.

    I was introduced to Dr. Lewis via his book the 2020 commission. He, Dr. Stein and their guests inform me on topics of interest, perhaps not always perfectly but darn close. Just wish they would drop more frequently.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ThermoPlaya
    United States3 years ago
  • Decent info if u can suffer through it

    First episode I listened to was painful. Audio quality, so so. Content surprisingly decent, but too much chaff and self involved drivel. Not as dry or half hearted as some people think tank content. Not much competition in this space I guess

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    jd2020
    United States3 years ago
  • Useful, but only to a point

    As one who is intimately interested in WMD arms control and who has a graduate degree in Global/National Security Studies, I was a core consumer for this podcast. Sadly Dr. Lewis has turned me off of this podcast through his use of profanity in instruction and his failure to observe a prime commandment of higher education - ‘Thou shalt not demonize “all”, lest your argument become an intellectual fallacy’.

    Dr. Lewis is an unabashed Democrat supporter and he believes that no Republican, Libertar... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Dan7013
    United States4 years ago
  • Wanted to love it…

    I wanted to love this podcast, since I have worked in an adjacent field and I find it very interesting. But in a podcast (ASAT podcast), where they gloss over some nuanced information, which happens to be the key information they should be discussing, I realized that what was being presented may have made me more ignorant of the current issues and developments in the ASAT space than I had been with only very basic information. Now I wonder about the other podcasts where I might not be able to se... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    TBGEMH
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Regulars value the hosts' expertise and candid dialogue; guests are viewed as credible and knowledgeable.
Audience looks for timely, in-depth discussions tied to world events and policy debates.
Audio quality is occasionally a point of critique on some episodes.
Many appreciate nonpartisan, analytical approach but some perceive bias in framing.
Listeners praise the technical depth and ability to explain complex arms-control topics clearly.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#237
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#197
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#41
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#52
Colombia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#54
Argentina/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#67
Belgium/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Fred Kaplan and A Capital Calamity
Q: What is the significance of humor in your writing?
Kaplan emphasizes that the humor serves as a self-protective mechanism in discussing serious topics like nuclear war, without letting cynicism prevail.
Fred Kaplan and A Capital Calamity
Q: How does your character Serge Willoughby reflect your own experiences in Washington?
Kaplan admits parts of Serge Willoughby reflect his experiences but clarifies that while he observed the disillusionment, he wasn't as extreme in his reactions.
Fred Kaplan and A Capital Calamity
Q: Why did you move from nonfiction to fiction?
Kaplan shares that he was inspired to write a novel during the COVID lockdown after being unable to conduct in-person research for his last nonfiction book.
North Korea's New Satellite
Q: Is this really an ICBM in disguise?
No, North Korea has an undisguised ICBM. They don't need to pretend or disguise it.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Arms Control Wonk

What is Arms Control Wonk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program focuses on nuclear weapons, arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation through technical depth and policy analysis. Across episodes, it often dissects treaties, verification, deterrence, and strategic decision-making, with a knack for breaking down complex concepts for listeners who are policy professionals, academics, or military/defense-minded readers. A standout is the rigorous, technical framing paired with accessible storytelling and candid critiques of policymakers and media narratives, making it valuable for anyone tracking proliferation challenges, strategic stability, and related geopolitics. The show's longevity and steady willingness to tackle timely, sometimes controversial topics from a civilian expert perspec... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Arms Control Wonk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Arms Control Wonk:

1. War on the Rocks
2. Net Assessment
3. Rational Security
4. Asia Geopolitics
5. Angry Planet

How many episodes of Arms Control Wonk are there?

Arms Control Wonk launched 12 years ago and published 100 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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Recent guests on Arms Control Wonk include:

1. Fred Kaplan
2. Decker Eveleth

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