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Net Assessment

The Stimson Center
China
Russia
Ukraine
United States
NATO
Donald Trump
Trump Administration
National Security
Venezuela
Iran
Middle East
U.S. Foreign Policy
U.s.-China Relations
Taiwan
Biden Administration
Israel
European Union
Foreign Policy
U.S. Military Presence In Europe
United States National Security Strategy

Hosts Melanie Marlowe, Christopher Preble, and Zack Cooper, debate their way through some of the toughest and most contentious topics related to strategy, international relations, and the use of force. This podcast is brought to you by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes168Founded8 years ago
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PoliticsNews

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Artwork for Net Assessment

Latest Episodes

On this episode, Chris, Melanie, and Zack consider the question of military victory. Is there such a thing? Is military victory achievable for either Russia or Ukraine? And if so, at what cost? And will we ever see a war that ends in unconditional su... more

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As the artificial intelligence revolution advances and the Trump administration questions the value of outside experts, think tanks are facing a worsening supply-demand imbalance. Chris, Melanie, and Zack discuss a recent Anthropic report outlining d... more

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With Zack out collecting frequent flyer miles, Tom Karako joins Chris and Melanie to discuss the Lead Inspector General Report on Operation Epic Fury. When the war began in February, were the administration's stated objectives aligned with the resour... more

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In this show, the Net Assessment crew ponders the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Twenty-five years after 9/11 and five years after the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. what lessons have we learned about warfare? Does our experience in Afghanista... more

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Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

Tom Karako
Senior Fellow, Missile Defense Project
CSIS
Episode: Unpacking the IG Report on the Iran War
Elbridge Colby
Former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; commentator featured in interview referenced in the episode
U.S. Government/Defense Policy
Episode: A Strategy of Denial?
Emma Ashford
Guest expert joining the discussion
Stimson Center
Episode: Apocalypse Soon? The US and NATO at a Crossroads
David Mora
Senior analyst for Mexico
International Crisis Group
Episode: Mexico's Fight against the Cartels
Stacie Pettyjohn
Author; Center for New American Security contributor
Center for New American Security
Episode: Implementing a Hellscape Strategy for Taiwan
Molly Campbell
Author; Center for New American Security contributor
Center for New American Security
Episode: Implementing a Hellscape Strategy for Taiwan
Kelly Grieco
Senior Fellow in the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center
Stimson Center
Episode: New Denial Strategy? Assessing the 2026 NDS
Zack Cooper
Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute
American Enterprise Institute
Episode: Farewell 2025, Hello 2026

Hosts

Melanie Marlowe
Host of Net Assessment; CSIS
Christopher Preble
Host of Net Assessment; co-host
Zack Cooper
Co-host; policy researcher

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 774 ratings
  • Great discussions and disagreements

    5 stars for the assessments … but also to balance out the political junkies who negatively rate bc criticism of the current administration = bias (long time listeners know the team had lots of criticisms for the Biden Administration).

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RobTomB
    United States7 days ago
  • One of the best

    This show has 3 wonderful hosts, and it is a true joy to listen to them with my wife and learn about current events.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rneal1994
    United States7 days ago
  • Amazing Expertise Communicated in an Entertaining and Wholesome Way

    These people are unashamedly Washington elite… and that’s a good thing! Listening to these three whenever a news episode drops always makes my day brighter.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DamonShu
    Canada7 days ago
  • A Must Recommend

    Excellent show that covers a wide range of foreign policy and national security issues. The hosts select issues that are well-researched and thought provoking. A must recommend to people interested in foreign policy and national security.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ColdSteel06
    United States8 days ago
  • It’s all complaining

    Very smart hosts but over the course of about 18 months the show has turned into almost entirely to criticizing recent current headlines and preaching impending doom. It has become more and more difficult to listen to. Listen now will usually put me in a bad mood.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Markymark241
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, the show is perceived as a thoughtful, high-signal discussions on security and alliances.
A few listeners find the tone overly partisan or negative about current administration, though many praise informed analysis.
The hosts mix strong expertise with engaging banter, making complex policy accessible.
Listeners appreciate thoughtful defense/foreign policy perspectives and diverse viewpoints.
Some reviews mention bias or partisanship, but the discourse remains well-argued and data-driven.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#129
India/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#170
Singapore/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#214
Russia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#228
Colombia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#238
South Korea/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#239
South Africa/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Are Rising Powers Over?
Q: What are your overall thoughts on the historical narrative and main argument presented in the article?
I remain skeptical about some parts but the piece serves a purpose as it questions fundamental assumptions.
What's the Plan for AI?
Q: Is global dominance what we should be aspiring to?
The discussion highlights the importance of ensuring benefits from AI without necessarily seeking total dominance, emphasizing effective implementation instead.
What's the Plan for AI?
Q: What are your general thoughts about the plan?
The hosts discuss the ambitious nature of the AI Action Plan and its implications for American dominance in the AI sector versus the realities of its implementation.
Countering Foreign Media Manipulation. Or Not.
Q: Can we fairly create policy in the absence of definitive evidence?
The lack of clear evidence complicates policymaking, especially regarding the effectiveness of foreign media manipulation.
A Live Turkey
Q: How do you think the dynamics of our US and Saudi relations in regard to energy independence will affect our alliances?
Energy independence may lessen America's commitment to Saudi Arabia, which could drive a wedge in our alliances if we don't articulate our interests clearly to our allies.

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 Net Assessment

What is Net Assessment about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, policy-forward show that centers on grand strategy, defense, and international security. Frequent topics include U.S. alliance management, deterrence, great-power competition (notably China and Russia), and regional flashpoints in the Middle East, Europe, and Indo-Pacific. Regular hosts bring a think-tank perspective with emphasis on realism, alliance burden-sharing, and pragmatic policy options, often debating strategy with a candid, sometimes provocative tone. A standout is the mix of rigorous argument, data-driven analysis, and accessible banter, making complex geopolitics approachable for practitioners, policymakers, and security-minded listeners who want clear, opinionated debate and tangible policy implications.

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Which podcasts are similar to Net Assessment?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Net Assessment:

1. War on the Rocks
2. Modern War Institute
3. Irregular Warfare Podcast
4. School of War
5. NatSec Matters

How many episodes of Net Assessment are there?

Net Assessment launched 8 years ago and published 168 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 Net Assessment?

Recent guests on Net Assessment include:

1. Tom Karako
2. Elbridge Colby
3. Emma Ashford
4. David Mora
5. Stacie Pettyjohn
6. Molly Campbell
7. Kelly Grieco
8. Zack Cooper

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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