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Artwork for The Last Line of Defense
Russia
China
Iran
Venezuela
United States
Ukraine
Taiwan
US Military Operations
Maduro
Xi Jinping
Donald Trump
Drug Trafficking
Operation Midnight Hammer
Vladimir Putin
Rare Earth Minerals
Cuba
Nicolás Maduro
Delcy Rodríguez
Latin America
Protests

In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense breaks down and analyzes the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest national security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense. Produced by Marla Hiller.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes15Founded5 months ago
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Artwork for The Last Line of Defense

Latest Episodes

Host Seth Jones speaks with Ambassador Ryan Crocker to unpack Iran’s complex political landscape, regional power dynamics, and the role of U.S. allies as the conflict unfolds. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Ambassador Crocker offers a d... more

Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East.

Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and... more

Host Seth Jones sits down with retired General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving situation in Iran after Operation Epic Fury. They break down the military operations, Iran’s targeting strategy, regional fallou... more

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Recent Guests

Margaret Brennan
Chief foreign affairs correspondent, CBS News, host of Face the Nation
CBS News
Episode: The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops
David Petraeus
Retired US Army General, former commander of US Central Command and former director of the CIA
United States Army (retired); CSIS guest expert
Episode: Beyond the Air War: What Are the Global Risks of the Iran Conflict?
Joseph Votel
Former Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) and US Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
U.S. military (retired), previously CENTCOM and SOCOM
Episode: A Widening War with Iran: What Are the U.S. Military's Next Steps
Kate Odell
A member of the Wall Street Journal's editorial board, joined in 2013
Wall Street Journal
Episode: Why Putin’s "Inevitable" Victory in Ukraine is a Myth
Admiral Sandy Winnefeld
Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Episode: Locked and Loaded: What Are U.S. Military Options for Iran?
Norm Roule
Former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at the CIA with 34 years of experience in the agency
CIA
Episode: Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime?
David Shedd
Former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and author of 'The Great Heist, China's Epic Campaign to Steal America's Secrets'
Episode: America Under Siege: Inside China's Espionage Campaign in the United States
Ryan Berg
Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: Maduro is Gone. Now What in Venezuela?
Kari Bingen
Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security in the Pentagon and Director of the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS.
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: Which Military Shocks Defined 2025 — and What's Next in 2026?

Host

Seth Jones
Host and analyst focused on national security and geopolitics; affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 10 ratings
  • Recommend

    Wonderful show with great potential.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RJG179
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Insightful, data-driven analysis that helps frame complex security issues.
Some episodes are very dense; great for executives and analysts, less so for casual listeners.
High-caliber guests and thoughtful, strategic discussion.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops
Q: What are people on the Hill saying about the imminent threat and the costs of this conflict?
Views vary but polling shows mixed support; definitions of imminence are debated, and leaders are pressured to justify costs and timelines to the public and to Congress.
The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops
Q: Where do negotiations stand right now, given there are no active talks at the moment?
There are no active negotiations, but there is a desire to resume dialogue through neutral mediators like Oman, with the Iranian foreign minister signaling potential flexibility if the regime remains in power.
The Iran Endgame: Iran's Nuclear Program, View from Tehran & U.S. Ground Troops
Q: So what did he say about how much of the nuclear capabilities can be eliminated by conventional military force?
He argued that you cannot erase Iran's nuclear ambitions with a campaign alone; even if some sites are hit, knowledge and capabilities remain, and the program could adapt by leveraging other research centers and universities.
Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime?
Q: What challenges does Iran's security apparatus face in controlling the protests?
The security forces face increasing discontent among their ranks as economic conditions worsen and protests grow more frequent and vocal, which may lead to cracks within their loyalty to the regime.
Inside Iran's Security Apparatus: How Stable is the Regime?
Q: What makes the current protests in Iran different from those in the past?
The protests reflect a greater intensity and violence, with people becoming more openly against the regime and expressing desires for significant changes such as the return of the Shah.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Line of Defense

What is The Last Line of Defense about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rigorous national security show that analyzes current geopolitical and military developments with expert depth. Episodes typically feature high-level briefings on Iran, Russia, China, and regional flashpoints, paired with practical implications for policy, defense strategy, and energy markets. Noteworthy is the frequent pairing of respected former officials and renowned analysts to unpack complex threats, risks, and policy options for decision-makers. Listeners are likely seeking informed, strategic perspectives on geopolitical risk, defense posture, and the interplay between diplomacy and military power.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Last Line of Defense?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Last Line of Defense:

1. Pekingology
2. Russian Roulette
3. ChinaPower
4. The Trade Guys
5. The President’s Inbox

How many episodes of The Last Line of Defense are there?

The Last Line of Defense launched 5 months ago and published 15 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 Last Line of Defense?

Recent guests on The Last Line of Defense include:

1. Margaret Brennan
2. David Petraeus
3. Joseph Votel
4. Kate Odell
5. Admiral Sandy Winnefeld
6. Norm Roule
7. David Shedd
8. Ryan Berg

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