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Artwork for The Asia Chessboard
China
United States
Taiwan
Xi Jinping
Indo-Pacific
Us-China Relations
Indo-Pacific Strategy
Southeast Asia
Japan
ASEAN
U.s.-China Relations
U.s.-China Competition
Alliances and Partnerships
Asia
Scams
Chinese Policy
National Security
Australia
Russia
South Korea

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 monthlyEpisodes132Founded7 years ago
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Artwork for The Asia Chessboard

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Mike sits down with Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, about whether the United States is prepared for a major conflict in the Indo-Pacific. They examine... more

In this episode, Mike is joined by Ambassador Laura Stone, who most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and previously held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Sec... more

YouTube

This week, Mike hosts Professor Minxin Pei, the Tom and Margot Pritzker ‘72 Professor of Government and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College, and author of the recent book The Broken China Dream: How Reform Revived Totalitarianism. T... more

YouTube

Mike sits down with Justin Bassi, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, to examine Australia’s latest 2026 National Defence Strategy and what it reveals about Canberra’s evolving strategic outlook. They examine how the stra... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
Justin Bassi
Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPE)
Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPE)
Episode: Grand Strategy Down Under
Choi Kang
President of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Seoul
Asan Institute for Policy Studies
Episode: A New Security Consensus in South Korea?
Joanne Lin Weiling
Senior fellow at the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, Yusof Ishak Institute
ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
Episode: How Does Southeast Asia View U.S.–China Competition?
Evan Medeiros
Penner Family Chair in Asia Studies at the School of Foreign Service and Kling Family Distinguished Fellow in US China Studies, Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Episode: The Iran War and Strategic Competition in Asia
Toshi Yoshihara
Senior Fellow at CSBA, former Naval War College chair
Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments
Episode: Holding the Line: Denial Defense Along the First Island Chain
Tanvi Madan
Senior Fellow in the Center for Asia Policy Studies at Brookings
Brookings Institution
Episode: Crucial Partners: the Volatile and Indispensable U.S.-India Linkage
I-Chung Lai
President of the Prospect Foundation, an important voice in security policy and geopolitics from Taiwan
Prospect Foundation
Episode: Taiwan’s Strategic Clarity Amid Global Upheaval

Host

Michael Green
Host of The Asia Chessboard

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 268 ratings
  • 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 States3 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago
  • Very good but with some limits

    There is a ton to like in this podcast and I have been listening and recommending for years. Covers a broad range of countries and topics. I do wish 1. Dr. Green would not view himself as a “co-guest” on every episode (let the guest do the lion’s share of the talking, please!) and 2. Bring on some more guests who disagree (in a thoughtful way) with Mike’s (and in the past Jude’s) views. The combination of these two issues can make it a bit predictable and repetitive.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    ps19827
    United States2 years ago
  • 12/19/2024 The Philippines

    After being told to close down our bases & leave the Philippines, we should have let the Philippines solve their own problems. It was obvious the PRC would be able to push around the Philippines without the US there. It is a waste of US taxpayers to close down bases and then to reopen them.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    another RJF
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Many appreciate the historical context and depth beyond headlines.
Listeners praise the rigorous, expert-driven analysis and diverse guest roster.
Some critique occasional host-driven framing and desire more dissenting viewpoints.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#120
Poland/News
Apple Podcasts
#130
Russia/News
Apple Podcasts
#158
Saudi Arabia/News
Apple Podcasts
#206
Sweden/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Power Politics behind Xi’s Grand Strategy
Q: What would you have done differently with China's WTO accession or in shaping early post-Cold War policy toward Beijing?
If policy could be reset, earlier emphasis on a coherent strategic orientation rather than ad hoc engagements would help. While the WTO decision was historically transformative, more aggressive enforcement of rules and greater alignment with allies might have limited China's early strategic consolidation, though it's not certain what outcomes would have followed.
The Power Politics behind Xi’s Grand Strategy
Q: How should the US and its allies deter China while avoiding a dangerous arms race or miscalculation?
A balanced approach is needed: strengthen military deterrence and alliances, invest in technological controls, and pursue sustained diplomatic engagement to establish clear rules and expectations. It's crucial to avoid overreliance on military posture alone, and to pursue confidence-building dialogues that reduce misperceptions and manage risks, especially in gray-zone scenarios.
The Power Politics behind Xi’s Grand Strategy
Q: What is the core argument of your Broken China Dream book and how does it reinterpret Xi's governance in relation to Deng's reform era?
The core argument is that Xi's approach represents a continuation of Deng's objective to preserve the Communist Party's rule, with Xi adopting a dogmatic, centralized, and more forceful form of control. Deng's reforms enabled growth within a one-party system, and Xi's leadership builds on that structure to consolidate power and push a more assertive foreign policy, challenging liberal international norms.
A New Security Consensus in South Korea?
Q: But I want to start with you, Choi. How did you get into this? Did your parents hope that you would be a dentist or a doctor and you took a long turn?
Choi explains his pathway from North Korean-focused family background into defense analysis, emphasizing a long-standing interest in national security and the influence of mentors and policy work, including time at KIDA and the NSC.
How Does Southeast Asia View U.S.–China Competition?
Q: What is the top-line takeaway of the latest State of Southeast Asia survey?
Southeast Asia is uneasy about both the United States and China, but in different ways; China is influential but not universally trusted, while confidence in US leadership has weakened, especially on trade and global rules, leading to a cautious pursuit of strategic autonomy.

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?

A thoughtful, policy-focused show that centers Asia-wide strategic dynamics, with deep dives into alliances, regional security architectures, and great-power competition. Episodes frequently explore US-China competition, regional security frameworks, and how domestic politics shape foreign policy, often featuring leading researchers, former officials, and senior strategists from top think tanks. Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on historical context, alliance architecture, and practical policy implications for Washington's Asia strategy, making it valuable for listeners who want rigorous, intellectually grounded analysis and a sober synthesis of complex geopolitical trends.

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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. Russian Roulette
5. The Foreign Affairs Interview

How many episodes of The Asia Chessboard are there?

The Asia Chessboard launched 7 years ago and published 132 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. Laura Stone
2. Minxin Pei
3. Justin Bassi
4. Choi Kang
5. Joanne Lin Weiling
6. Evan Medeiros
7. Toshi Yoshihara
8. Tanvi Madan

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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