Rephonic
Artwork for The Impossible State
North Korea
South Korea
United States
Russia
Biden Administration
U.S. National Security
Nuclear Weapons
Ukraine
China
DPRK Policy
Ballistic Missiles
2024 Elections
Sanctions
Dprk-Russia Cooperation
Humanitarian Cooperation
Deterrence
National Assembly Elections
Japan
U.s.-Rok Alliance
DPRK

North Korea is the Impossible State. Each episode, join the people who know the most about North Korea for an insiders’ discussion with host Victor Cha about one of the United States’ top national security priorities.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes140Founded7 years ago
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Artwork for The Impossible State

Latest Episodes

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Ely Ratner, and Mr. Scott Snyder discussed two of China’s major diplomatic events—the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the Victory Day Parade—as well as the Xi-Putin-Kim meeting, Kim Ju Ae's international debut, ... more

This episode is a special crossover with our CSIS sister podcast, State of Play.

After a busy month of U.S. diplomacy, Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Tru... more

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Ms. Yoojin Kim, Dr. Philip Luck, and Mr. Bill Reinsch discussed the implications of this major trade development, including its impact on U.S.–South Korea economic ties; the outlook for allied investment in critical s... more

YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha and Mr. Sydney Seiler discussed prospects for a U.S.-South Korea trade deal before the end of the August 1 pause on 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Korea, and ways to modernize the 72-year old alliance under the n... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Ely Ratner
Principal at the Marathon Initiative and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Indo-Pacific
Marathon Initiative
Episode: Is China Eating Our Lunch?
Scott Snyder
President and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America and author on Korea studies
Korea Economic Institute of America
Episode: Is China Eating Our Lunch?
Sid Seiler
Senior advisor and non-resident senior advisor in the Korea Chair and geopolitics department; formerly a national intelligence officer for North Korea.
CSIS
Episode: US-South Korea Trade Deal and Alliance Modernization?
Senator Andy Kim
The first Korean American elected to the U.S. Senate, previously served three terms in the House of Representatives.
U.S. Senate
Episode: Special Conversation with Senator Andy Kim
Jake Kwon
Senior journalist at the BBC covering Korean politics and culture.
BBC
Episode: Getting Started: The New Lee Jae-myung Government
Wonchul Kim
Washington-based correspondent for the Han Gyeo-dae Shinmun covering US-Korea relations.
Han Gyeo-dae Shinmun
Episode: Getting Started: The New Lee Jae-myung Government
Victor Cha
President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at CSIS, Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Government at Georgetown University
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: South Korea's New President
Ramon Pacheco Pardo
Professor of International Relations at King's College London, KFVUP Korea Chair at the Center for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy at the Free University of Brussels
King's College London
Episode: South Korea's New President
Lee Hyo-young
Associate Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy specializing in International Trade and Diplomacy
Korea National Diplomatic Academy
Episode: Can Korea Manage Economic Security and Supply Chain Challenges?

Hosts

Victor Cha
President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at CSIS, Victor Cha is an expert in North Korea and U.S. foreign policy.
H. Andrew Schwartz
Host and expert on North Korea and U.S. foreign policy, H. Andrew Schwartz brings extensive experience and knowledge in the field.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 192 ratings
  • Very, Very Good

    This show excels at covering the Korean Peninsula and the sphere relevant to it. Indispensable information and analysis; just top notch.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RJG179
    United Statesa year ago
  • Very, Very Good

    This show excels at covering the Korean Peninsula and the sphere relevant to it. Indispensable information and analysis; just top notch. I do miss Sue.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RJG179
    United States3 years ago
  • Awesome

    Podcast Addict
    5
    DaniDani
    3 years ago
  • Awesome

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Dani
    3 years ago
  • Very, Very Good

    This show excels at covering the DPRK with expert analysis; it also excels at covering the ROK as the two relate. That might seem to be a foregone conclusion given the subject matter, yet it warrants acknowledgment in the case of this show. Indispensable information and analysis; just top notch.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RJG179
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the show as indispensable for its expert analysis on North Korea and related geopolitical issues.
Criticism focuses on perceived biases and a lack of alternative viewpoints, indicating some dissatisfaction from conservative listeners.
The emphasis on timely insights and deep discussions garners positive reviews, highlighting the quality of guests and topics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#93
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#38
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#142
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#69
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#111
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#122
Italy/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is China Eating Our Lunch?
Q: What sort of meaning you took away from these meetings?
The meetings signify a growing integration of power among China, Russia, and North Korea, indicating challenges for U.S. alliances in Asia.
Getting Started: The New Lee Jae-myung Government
Q: What was the domestic reaction to the absence of the meeting with Trump?
It was seen as somewhat embarrassing for the new government, highlighting the challenges they face in international relations early in Lee's presidency.
Getting Started: The New Lee Jae-myung Government
Q: How important was it for President Lee to go to the G7 Summit?
It was crucial for Lee's administration as it marked a significant presence on the global stage and an opportunity to start building diplomatic relations with world leaders, especially Japan.
Special Conversation with Senator Andy Kim
Q: What does that mean in terms of our commitment, and perhaps even more importantly, what does it mean for deterrence and preparedness vis-à-vis North Korea and China?
Senator Kim states that a unilateral decision about troop withdrawals, if not communicated respectfully to South Korea, could undermine the alliance and embolden adversaries, indicating the need for assurance in U.S. commitment.
Special Conversation with Senator Andy Kim
Q: What do you see as some of the opportunities for deepening cooperation with this new government in South Korea and with Japan for that matter?
Senator Kim sees economic security and the need for a close relationship with both nations as the key priorities, emphasizing the importance of engaging and addressing economic concerns together.

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 The Impossible State

What is The Impossible State about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate dynamics surrounding North Korea, this series highlights discussions from experts, providing deep insights into the geopolitical, security, and economic challenges of the region. Regular episodes cover critical topics such as U.S.-North Korea relations, the impact of political changes within South Korea, and broader international implications, especially in light of tensions with China and Russia. Engaging guests from government, academia, and media create a comprehensive understanding of key developments, making it an essential resource for those interested in foreign policy, Asian studies, and security issues.

With its insider perspectives and timely analysis, this series stands out for its depth of expertise and... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Impossible State:

1. Pekingology
2. ChinaPower
3. Asia Geopolitics
4. Russian Roulette
5. The Trade Guys

How many episodes of The Impossible State are there?

The Impossible State launched 7 years ago and published 140 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 Impossible State?

Recent guests on The Impossible State include:

1. Ely Ratner
2. Scott Snyder
3. Sid Seiler
4. Senator Andy Kim
5. Jake Kwon
6. Wonchul Kim
7. Victor Cha
8. Ramon Pacheco Pardo

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