Claim OwnershipThe Last Line of Defense
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© 2025 Center for Strategic and International Studies
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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.
15 Episodes
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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 deeply informed perspective shaped by his past service as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
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 missile threats. They also explore the international response — from Gulf States and NATO allies to China, Russia, and regional proxies — and the wider implications for the Middle East.
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 fallout, U.S. munitions, and the broader strategic outlook.
Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. They discuss recent remarks by J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, Russia’s mounting casualties, and the prospects for negotiations and a potential peace deal.
Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. They examine the U.S. military buildup near Iran and the strategic objectives of both Iran and the United States amid rising tensions.
Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. The pair discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, the regime’s response, and potential policy responses from the White House.
Host Seth Jones explores the implications of modern Chinese espionage cases with David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Host Seth Jones speaks with Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program and Head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS, about Venezuela’s political landscape in the post-Maduro era, examining U.S. policy goals, shifting power structures, and what’s at stake for the country’s new president, Delcy Rodríguez.
Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department at CSIS, and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.
Together, they look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. They also forecast potential wildcards for 2026, including a U.S.–China deal and land strikes in Venezuela.
Host Seth Jones sits down with Juan Cruz, who served in the U.S. Intelligence Community and on the National Security Council as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, to discuss the U.S. military’s role in the Venezuela crisis and provide an inside look at Maduro’s armed forces.
Host Seth Jones sits down with Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, to discuss President Trump’s proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
This episode was recorded on November 24th, 2025.
Host Seth Jones talks with Mick Ryan, retired Australian Army Major General, about his recent visit to Ukraine's frontlines. They discuss the evolving dynamics of the war, highlighting Ukraine's successes, Russia's challenges, and key developments, including shifts in U.S. policy, the change in air defense posture, and the increasing use of long-range strikes and drones.
President Trump met with President Xi in a historic bilateral meeting amid growing tensions between the United States and China. Host Seth Jones sat down with Jude Blanchette, the Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research and the inaugural director of the RAND China Research Center, for a discussion on the outcome of the meeting and China’s defense strategy moving forward.
In this era of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Hosted by Dr. Seth G. Jones, The Last Line of Defense offers clear and insightful analysis on the latest national security news. Each episode provides practical solutions to the toughest security questions—from war and peace around the world to the role of emerging technology in defense.
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