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The “Asia Chessboard” features in-depth conversations with the most prominent strategic thinkers on Asia. Host Michael Green, Henry A. Kissinger Chair at CSIS and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, takes the debate beyond the headlines of the day to explore the historical context and inside decision-making process on major geopolitical developments from the Himalayas to the South China Sea. ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes137Founded7 years ago
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Artwork for The Asia Chessboard

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Mike is joined by Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Associate Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. They discuss how regime survival concerns among the Indo-Pacific’s authoritarian powers are... more

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In this episode, Mike sits down with Randall Schriver, Chairman of the Board at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs (January 2018-December 2019), to take stock of America... more

YouTube

Mike is joined by Professor Vipin Narang, the Frank Stanton Professor of Nuclear Security and Political Science and inaugural director of MIT SSP’s Center for Nuclear Security Policy (CNSP). From March 2022 to August 2024, he served as Principal Depu... more

YouTube

What does a more uncertain transatlantic relationship mean for Europe’s role in the Indo-Pacific? Mike sits down with Dr Gorana Grgić, Head of the Global Security Team at ETH Zürich’s Center for Security Studies and Non-Resident Fellow at the United ... more

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Recent Guests

Sheena Chestnut Greitens
Associate professor and Asia policy expert
LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin; editor-in-chief of Texas National Security Review
Episode: Countering Asia's Axis of Authoritarianism
Randall Schriver
Chair of the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security; former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs
Institute for Indo-Pacific Security / Project 2049 Institute
Episode: Taking Stock of U.S. Strategy in Asia
Not indicated
Episode: Taking Stock of U.S. Strategy in Asia
Vipin Narang
Frank Stanton Professor of Nuclear Security and Political Science; inaugural Director of MIT SSP CNSP
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Episode: Asia in the New Nuclear Age
Gorana Grgić
Head of Security Studies at ETH Zurich Center for Security Studies
ETH Zurich
Episode: Why Europe Still Matters to Asia's Security
Arzan Tarapore
Leading thinker on Indian Ocean Strategy and Indian Military Affairs
Hoover Institution at Stanford (Visiting Fellow); affiliated with European University Institute in Florence; former Australian defense official
Episode: From INDOPACOM to PACOM: Is There a Strategic Backstory?
Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director of the Centre for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute
Hudson Institute
Episode: How Prepared is the United States for War in the Indo-Pacific?
Laura Stone
Senior Advisor at DGA Albright Stonebridge Group; former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands
Albright Stonebridge Group
Episode: The New Great Game in the Pacific Islands
Minxin Pei
Analyst focusing on internal Chinese politics and its global implications
Claremont McKenna College; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (former)
Episode: The Power Politics behind Xi’s Grand Strategy

Host

Michael Green
Host of The Asia Chessboard; Henry A. Kissinger Chair at CSIS; CEO of the United States Studies Centre.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 274 ratings
  • Worthwhile – with Caveats

    Interesting discussions and sometimes astute analyses of the malevolent CCP threat facing the liberal West. The podcast is, however, frequently let down by a consistent pro-Democrat political bias (via-à-vis internal US politics) and a predilection for some uninterrogated foreign policy shibboleths and bromides. This is typical of CSIS. One would prefer less of a party political dimension to its analyses.

    It often reads like yet another formulaic and hive-minded brief from the nomenklatura of F... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Bibliophenia
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Worthwhile – with Caveats

    Interesting discussions and sometimes astute analyses of the malevolent CCP threat facing the liberal West. The podcast is, however, unfortunately let down at times by political bias (via-à-vis internal US politics) and a predilection for some uninterrogated foreign policy shibboleths and bromides.

    It often reads like yet another formulaic and hive-minded essay from the nomenklatura of Foreign Affairs magazine, a group which (like most Western leaders) was too inept to grasp the threat posed b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Bibliophenia
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • The Iran Wars (1979 - pres)

    The Iranian Theocracy has been at war with the US since 1979.

    Why do we doubt that they don’t mean it when they chant, “Death to America” for 47yrs, are the biggest state sponsor of terrorism - killing hundreds & wounded thousands of Americans.

    They took our diplomats hostage in 1979-1981, we had to take out their navy when they mined to close down the Strait of Hormuz in 1987.

    Iran is oil rich, but the theocracy wants a nuclear weapon to use against Israel, what they describe as, “a one b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    another RJF
    United States6 months ago
  • Still too conventional

    In the world changing at this peace, this type of analysis can be misleading overall

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Юлона
    United States2 years ago
  • True experts from the arena

    I don’t listen to every episode but I have yet to listen to one that I didn’t love and gain some new angle from. Bravo CSIS

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eric Staib
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience appreciates historical context that informs current policy decisions.
Insightful and high-level analysis on Asia-Pacific security and US strategy.
Guests bring deep expertise, elevating the discussion beyond surface-level geopolitics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#232
Indonesia/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Taking Stock of U.S. Strategy in Asia
Q: What role do allies play when there is perceived strategic ambiguity at the top?
Allies increasingly hedge and cooperate multilaterally, but the core challenge is maintaining a clear, credible U.S. strategy that partners can rally around; the trend toward multilateral defense initiatives with Japan, Australia, and others is positive but uneven in commitment and messaging.
Taking Stock of U.S. Strategy in Asia
Q: Do you think the top-level strategy is still coherent under the current administration?
There is continuity in some elements, especially on export controls and posture initiatives, but there is concern about public messaging and the coherence of the strategy across agencies, which can weaken alliance trust.
Taking Stock of U.S. Strategy in Asia
Q: How did the 2018 National Defense Strategy shape long-term U.S. approach to China and the region?
It established China as the pacing challenge and anchored a disciplined, multi-agency effort to align policies, resources, and posture—emphasizing competition while maintaining alliances and readiness.
Asia in the New Nuclear Age
Q: What role should arms control play in a multi-polar environment with China, Russia, and regional players?
Arms control remains important but faces legitimacy and verification challenges; any path likely needs broader participation, possibly a P5 framework, and should be pursued alongside credible deterrence and allied reassurance.
Asia in the New Nuclear Age
Q: Is nuclear sharing a viable or desirable tool for extended deterrence in Asia?
Nuclear sharing is costly and politically sensitive; there are viable alternatives, such as secure storage and theater options, plus enhanced trilateral coordination among allies to reinforce deterrence without permanent deployments.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Asia Chessboard

What is The Asia Chessboard about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Analyses center on Indo-Pacific geopolitics, allied strategy, and great-power competition, with frequent deep-dives into how policy, technology, and alliances shape regional security. Conversations often feature senior policymakers, top think-tank scholars, and regional experts discussing US strategy in Asia, China's rise, Taiwan, the Pacific Islands, India–US relations, and the role of alliances like AUKUS and the Quad. A standout trait is rigorous, context-rich debates that connect historical patterns to current decision-making, making it valuable for listeners who want textured, policy-forward insights beyond headlines. The format tends to mix strategic framing with practical implications for policymakers, business leaders, and defense p... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Asia Chessboard?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Asia Chessboard:

1. ChinaPower
2. Pekingology
3. Asia Geopolitics
4. The President’s Inbox
5. Russian Roulette

How many episodes of The Asia Chessboard are there?

The Asia Chessboard launched 7 years ago and published 137 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 The Asia Chessboard?

Recent guests on The Asia Chessboard include:

1. Sheena Chestnut Greitens
2. Randall Schriver
3. Not indicated
4. Vipin Narang
5. Gorana Grgić
6. Arzan Tarapore
7. Bryan Clark
8. Laura Stone

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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