There is a lot of talk these days about which apple cart China may or may not decide to upset next in its neighborhood (looking at you, Taiwan). To have an informed conversation about that, however, it’s important to keep abreast of the latest military developments, which is why I’m delighted to be joined by Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program and noted expert on the region’s armed forces. We discuss the rapid Chinese naval and strategic build-up, what Australia should (and shouldn’t) do to respond to this challenge, and what Biden’s withdrawal in Afghanistan might mean for the future of American power in Asia.

With all the cyber-espionage it’s been up to lately, surely China will be able to rapidly catch up with the U.S. and close the technological gap between the two militaries, right? Not so fast, says today’s guest, Dr. Mauro Gilli, senior researcher in military technology and international security at ETH Zurich. The latest stealth jet-fighter technology, drone proliferation, and the future of warfare – it’s all here. Strap yourselves in for a riveting ride.

Well, that sure happened fast. The Taliban have waltzed into Kabul, essentially unopposed. The so-called Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is no more. Was Biden right to pull out the troops or did he act too fast? Was something wrong with the intelligence assessments? And where does Afghanistan go from here? Professor John Mueller is back on the show to discuss all this and more.

On today’s episode I’m delighted to be joined by Professor Pieter Judson, whose most recent book, “The Habsburg Empire: A New History” is now available in paperback. Join us for a rich discussion about what made the Habsburg Empire so unique, what really brought about its demise, and why it remains more relevant than ever.

My guest today is the well-known Israeli journalist and writer, Gideon Levy. Join us for a lively discussion about the nature of Israeli society, why he no longer avoids the “A” word when talking about Israel, and what to make of (and expect from) the new government.

On today’s episode I’m delighted to welcome Michael O’Hanlon, whose new book, “The Art of War in an Age of Peace: U.S. Grand Strategy and Resolute Restraint,” is out now with Yale University Press. Join us for a lively discussion about the challenges facing U.S. foreign policy today, the role of historical thinking in crafting a grand strategy, how all this relates to American domestic politics, and much, much more.

On today’s episode I’m delighted to welcome a special guest: Professor John Mueller, whose new book, "The Stupidity of War: American Foreign Policy and the Case for Complacency," is out now with Cambridge University Press. Join us for a lively discussion about U.S. foreign policy, the international state system, the use and abuse of concepts in political science and international relations, and much, much more.