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The Un-Diplomatic Podcast

Van Jackson
Grand Strategies Of the Left
China
U.S. Foreign Policy
Peace
Socialism
Imperialism
Militarism
Geopolitics
American Imperialism
Progressive Politics
Grassroots Movements
Electoral Politics
Guam
Decolonization
Space Colonization
US Foreign Policy
Star Wars
Great Power Rivalry
United States
The Guardian

Global power to the people. A show about the class politics of geopolitics. Hosted by Van Jackson, Julia Gledhill, and Matt Duss. The views expressed are theirs alone (not those of any institution or employer).

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes295Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for The Un-Diplomatic Podcast

Latest Episodes

While America's war in Iran slides into higher casualties and greater costs, most of the world remains distracted from America's illegal blockade of Cuba--an act of war. Why the oil crisis is going to fuel a food crisis, which is going to sow revolut... more

Free episode crossover with The Bang-Bang Podcast! You might know Morgan Spector as the critically acclaimed leading man in The Gilded Age and The Plot Against America. Or for his appearances in Boardwalk Empire, Suits, Homeland, How to Make It In Am... more

Why the Iran war is creating a global financial crisis. Why China doesn't want global hegemony, but if it did, now is the best time imaginable. Signs of American hegemonic decline. And Joe Kent's resignation from the Trump administration and how to r... more

What is the US shortage of standoff weapons? What's Iran's strategy? Why are missile defense systems moving from South Korea to the Middle East? And why is it wrong to believe that war with Iran comes at the expense of war with China? Can the US even... more

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Recent Guests

Maddy Crowell
prolific writer and freelance journalist who wrote about reindustrialization and techno-industrialism for Harper's Magazine
Harper's Magazine
Episode: Techno-Industrialism and the Plot to Save America, w/ Maddy Crowell | Ep. 290
David Cortright
Peace activist, scholar, and co-founder of Win Without War
Episode: Peace Activism, the Iraq War, and the New Militarism w/ David Cortright | Ep. 286
Seva Gunitsky
Political scientist from the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Episode: The Rupture of the “Rules-Based International Order” w/ Seva Gunitsky | Ep. 281
Scott Sagan
Professor at Stanford and eminent nuclear scholar
Stanford University
Episode: A House of Dynamite (2025) w/ Scott Sagan | Ep. 278
Sam Carliner
Brooklyn-based filmmaker and critic, returning guest
Episode: Netflix’s Marines (2025) w/ Sam Carliner | Bang-Bang Podcast Crossover | Ep. 275
Andy Facini
Analyst focusing on military strategy and autonomous weapons.
Episode: WarGames (part II) w/ Sam Ratner and Andy Facini | Ep. 268
Andrew Facini
Communications Director for the Council on Strategic Risks and a Senior Fellow in their Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons, focusing on nuclear weapons policy.
Council on Strategic Risks
Episode: WarGames w/ Sam Ratner and Andy Facini | Ep. 267
Sam Ratner
Policy Director at Win Without War, a national progressive foreign policy advocacy group.
Win Without War
Episode: WarGames w/ Sam Ratner and Andy Facini | Ep. 267
Jamie Merchant
Author of 'Endgame, Economic Nationalism and Global Decline'
Episode: Inter-Capitalist War and the End of the Nation-State (as we know it) w/ Jamie Merchant | Ep. 264

Hosts

Van Jackson
Host with a focus on progressive foreign policy analysis and critical examinations of U.S. and allied power.
Julia Gledhill
Co-host known for engaging discussions on foreign policy with scholarly perspectives.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 156 ratings
  • About the “kill everyone” scenario

    According to Robert Evan’s recent Behind the Bastards 3-episode “The Men Who Might Have Killed Us All”, the targeting was sufficiently burdensome in Curtis LeMay’s day that each Minuteman had a specific target, and there was little provision for distinguishing specific enemies, so that any major retaliation or launch on warning scenario involved strikes on China as well as the USSR.

    Since Scott Sagan disclaimed knowing LeMay, and Evans’ episodes pretty much end with LeMay, none of this directly ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Standards Geek
    Japan3 months ago
  • More like this please!

    The De Loera interview was one one of the best episodes so far. Very graphic picture of an official torn between the logic of and his loyalty to the organization, and his growing realization that the organization is compromising the principles that drew him to it. Lots of practical examples of how (domestic) progressive policy is constructed.

    I wish you’d have more examples to illuminates jargon in your foreign policy episodes. Eg, I don’t have a concrete image of “restraint” except zip-ties and... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Standards Geek
    Japan9 months ago
  • This should come with a warning.

    This is an agenda-laden podcast with weak arguments and analysis. Particularly with regard to Israel. Not for centrists seeking an objective view of geopolitics. Perhaps there’s some link to Al-Jazeera?

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Impoxtssibxo
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Bold Honest Informative but often wrong

    Good information. Good on anti war perspectives. Good on exposing government corruption. Wrong on economics, liberty, and positive vs negative rights. Too statist and Marxist.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Tax Slave 142B aka TruckerCo
    United States2 years ago
  • Outstanding

    Underrated commentary from one of the most forward thinking foreign policy wonks. Must listen

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pacman42000
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The host team is seen as deeply informed with strong policy chops, though some reviews note a potential bias or tone that may not appeal to centrists seeking neutral reporting.
Guests and scholarly discussions are highly valued, with many appreciating practical examples and theoretical context to illuminate foreign policy debates.
Listeners praise the show for breaking down complex international security topics into understandable analysis and for providing honest, sometimes provocative, takes.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#162
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#30
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#123
New Zealand/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#151
Ukraine/News
Apple Podcasts
#156
South Africa/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#165
Japan/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Techno-Industrialism and the Plot to Save America, w/ Maddy Crowell | Ep. 290
Q: What role do workers and labor voices play in this movement?
Labor voices were largely underrepresented at the conference, and there is concern that automation may reduce human labor overall, casting doubt on whether the movement truly centers workers' interests.
Techno-Industrialism and the Plot to Save America, w/ Maddy Crowell | Ep. 290
Q: Why did you choose Aaron Sladov as the protagonist of the piece?
Aaron Sladov is the face of the movement; he coined the term and published a manifesto calling tech engineers to join this reindustrialization effort, making him the natural central figure for the story.
Techno-Industrialism and the Plot to Save America, w/ Maddy Crowell | Ep. 290
Q: Can you describe for us what techno-industrialism is?
Techno-industrialism is the movement to revive American manufacturing by applying modern technology, AI, and software to hard manufacturing and aerospace, reviving the industrial base while upgrading it with new tech.
Primitive Accumulation, Imperialism, and Culture-War Grand Strategy w/ Jacob Shapiro | Ep. 276
Q: If you're China, how are you reacting to this document?
China is likely trying to be pragmatic, aware of its domestic economic problems, and sees the US as erratic and untrustworthy, accelerating its rise in global influence.
Primitive Accumulation, Imperialism, and Culture-War Grand Strategy w/ Jacob Shapiro | Ep. 276
Q: Are there any redeeming qualities to this document in your opinion?
No, it's a poorly written document with contradictions, but it does attempt to reckon American strategy with certain power realities that have changed, especially regarding Asia.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Un-Diplomatic Podcast

What is The Un-Diplomatic Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-edged, knowledge-forward geopolitics show that centers progressive foreign policy analysis and critical views of U.S. and allied power. Episodes routinely dissect imperial dynamics, military interventions, and the defense-industrial complex, often challenging traditional narratives with theoretical framing and historical context. Interactions mix sharp analysis with accessible commentary, and a recurring emphasis on ethics, democracy, and social justice in international relations makes it appealing to listeners who want policy critique grounded in academic insight. A standout feature is the partnership between a political theorist and policy-focused hosts, producing rigorous discussions that balance nuance with transparent opinions. more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Un-Diplomatic Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Un-Diplomatic Podcast:

1. American Prestige
2. Ones and Tooze
3. The Chris Hedges Report
4. Foreign Policy Live
5. Sinica Podcast

How many episodes of The Un-Diplomatic Podcast are there?

The Un-Diplomatic Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 295 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 Un-Diplomatic Podcast?

Recent guests on The Un-Diplomatic Podcast include:

1. Maddy Crowell
2. David Cortright
3. Seva Gunitsky
4. Scott Sagan
5. Sam Carliner
6. Andy Facini
7. Andrew Facini
8. Sam Ratner

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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