
Hey, it’s Marcel Dirsus. I’m a political scientist and this is The Next Best, my podcast. The world is complex, dangerous and confusing. To make sense of it all, I talk to authors, historians, diplomats and spies. Together, we’re going to learn about nuclear weapons, sanctions, targeted killings and much more. Let’s go. Have a question? Email at: thenextbestpodcast@gmail.com
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 20 | Founded | 5 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsPolitics | |||

China doesn't need to invade Taiwan to win.A blockade could bring the global economy to its knees — without firing a single shot. In this episode of The Next Best, political scientist Marcel Dirsus sits down with Hoover Fellow Eyck Freymann to map ou... more
Russia didn't just invade Ukraine. It's trying to break the rules of the international system.In this episode, I sit down with James Ker-Lindsay — one of the world's leading authorities on secession and self-determination — to trace exactly how the s... more
Russia says it's winning. The front line tells a different story. Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady just returned from Ukraine — here's what he actually saw. Russia is betting on spring advances in the Donbas. Ukrainian soldiers say they'll stay "ti... more
Xi Jinping may be the most powerful man in the world. But that power may also be a trap he can't escape.In this episode of The Next Best, Marcel Dirsus sits down with Rory Truex — Princeton professor and leading expert on Chinese politics — to unpack... more
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Great line up of guests and very insightful interviews!
Marcel Dirsus brings the same sharp insight and engaging storytelling we know from his book „how tyrants fall“ and his talks. Even with just one episode so far, I am hooked. Can’t wait to hear more!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #94 | |
Apple Podcasts | #168 | |
Apple Podcasts | #235 |
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The show consistently features in-depth conversations with authors, historians, diplomats, and intelligence professionals who unpack global power dynamics, security, and policy tools. Episodes frequently center on Russia, U.S. foreign policy, European security, economic sanctions, and the ethics of statecraft, often weaving historical context into contemporary decisions. A standout pattern is rigorous, issue-driven analysis delivered through long-form interviews with credible experts, making it a strong resource for listeners who want nuanced takes on geopolitics, defense, and international economics. A notable strength is the guest lineup, which combines scholars and practitioners, offering a blend of theoretical insight and real-world exp... more
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The Next Best with Marcel Dirsus launched 5 months ago and published 20 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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Recent guests on The Next Best with Marcel Dirsus include:
1. Seva Gunitsky
2. Elizabeth N. Saunders
3. Patrick McGee
4. Gavin Wilde
5. Max Bergmann
6. Tim Weiner
7. Oliver Moody
8. Edward Fishman
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