Podcasts about Diplomacy

Wars are fought by militaries — but they're usually ended by diplomats. So, what happens when diplomacy is sidelined?Officials from Washington and Tehran engaged in talks for weeks, trying to avoid war before the U.S. and Israel fired missiles targeting Iran weeks ago. Now, as President Donald Trump publicly muses about why the military is engaged in another conflict in the Middle East, experts are wondering why talks were abandoned in the first place. And about the off ramps for all sides involved.We look at the role diplomacy plays once a war is already raging — and what happens when negotiations, expertise, and international alliances are weakened.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As the US and Israel continue to ramp up strikes on Tehran and Beirut, we discuss the likelihood that diplomacy might bring about a solution. Then: France’s municipal elections, Vietnam’s parliamentary elections and Monocle at Mipim and the Oscars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The studio is wafting with sandalwood and intense male musk because Dave's got a new scent, something which is causing John much nasal fascination. But yet again, the big story is a huge Elis James week. What a run he's on by the way. He's had a completely genuine standing ovation at one of London's coolest comedy gigs. Further still, he's performed the finest bit of house jobbery he's ever done, with plumbing tape elevating this above Mega Week. Elsewhere, Adrian brings the boys some significant crispy content and John's even sacking people who no longer work with him. We also have potentially our most round about chat ever in addressing some correspondence. From cumin and white pepper into the meaning of creativity to horses and penguins, back to the email. Want to add to the larder of email content? Well get it to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk And do check out Saturday's Bureau for crying out loud. Only on BBC Sounds.

Iran War Update: Gas Goes Up, Missiles Go Boom, and Epstein Still Ain't Dead (Probably) On the Libservative podcast, Corey hosts with Bell while Dan is away, covering the ongoing Iran war, rising gas prices, and political fallout. They criticize Trump golfing while authorizing a major Strategic Petroleum Reserve release, compare it to Biden's 2022 release, and mock the recurring “short-term pain for long-term gain” messaging. They argue the U.S. is spending about $1B/day firing expensive missiles at cheap drones, warn the conflict could drag on (with a memo preparing through September 2026), and say the war is destabilizing alliances, including pulling Patriot/THAAD systems from South Korea. They discuss claims a U.S. tomahawk hit a school, broader history of U.S.-Iran tensions, cluster munitions hypocrisy, job losses and higher unemployment, and new Epstein guard cover-up allegations, then touch on special-election “blue wave” chatter and Trump targeting Thomas Massie. 00:00 Welcome to Libservative 01:12 Show topics and tech issues 03:01 Trump golfing and war optics 04:00 Oil reserves and gas prices 07:07 Short term pain montage 08:51 Drone math and war costs 11:58 Public support and goalposts 13:15 Religion and the war lens 17:49 School strike and deniability 21:35 How we got here since 1954 26:43 Regime change and mission creep 28:50 Cluster bombs and hypocrisy 30:11 Patriot systems and global spillover 37:05 THAAD moved from Korea to Israel 38:46 Two state solution and blowback fears 42:44 War of attrition and economic pain 45:18 Diplomacy bombed and summer outlook 47:19 Unit Party Blue Wave 48:55 War Spending Inflation 49:45 Silver Demand Explained 50:40 War Powers Backroom Deals 52:12 DHS Shutdown Surveillance 55:33 Draft Fears Kids Recruiters 59:20 Bases Alliances Munitions 01:03:03 Money Printing Homefront 01:06:23 Subsidies Supply Demand 01:12:39 MAGA No New Wars 01:14:16 Massey Ana Third Way 01:20:12 Jobs Report Economy Data 01:25:49 Epstein Guard Coverup 01:28:31 Midterms Special Elections 01:37:17 Final Thoughts Sign Off

John Maytham speaks to Ian Lesser, Distinguished Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the US in Brussels, who specialises in transatlantic relations, Middle East security, and conflict analysis, to discuss the latest from the conflict in Iran. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is the late afternoon show on CapeTalk. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic, and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30 pm. CapeTalk fans call in to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when ordinary people try to build a democracy from scratch in the middle of a civil war — and what happens when it falls apart? In this episode, our host Kelly McFarland sits down with journalist and author Anand Gopal, a three-time Pulitzer finalist, to discuss his new book Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Ordinary People Forging a Revolution. The book follows six individuals in the northern Syrian city of Manbij, where residents overthrew the Assad regime in 2012 and launched a remarkable 18-month experiment in participatory democracy, before inequality, economic crisis, and the rise of ISIS tore it apart. In this conversation: How 50 protesters grew into a citywide movement that toppled a dictatorship The assemblies, newspapers, and civic organizations that emerged from 40 years of authoritarian silence Why economic inequality — not just tyranny — proved to be democracy's greatest threat How ISIS recruited ordinary, secular Syrians through populist rhetoric, not just ideology The role of women in the revolution and the double battle against both the regime and patriarchal norms What Syria's story tells us about radicalization, democratic fragility, and the long arc of revolution Lessons from comparing Syria's struggle to the French Revolution About the Guest: Anand Gopal is a journalist and author who has covered Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria for over a decade. His new book Days of Love and Rage is based on eight years of reporting and nearly 2,000 interviews. It was published on March 3rd. Produced by Freddie Mallinson and Mislav Majcan. Recorded on March 9, 2026. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @gudiplomacy  

Is there something communication-related in your own life that you're struggling with or would like advice on? If so, leave a comment stating your problem that and Phil will dedicate an episode to solving that problem!

Andrew Day and Harrison Berger talk to Arta Moeini of the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy about America's war effort, Iran's resilient political system, and the risks of nuclear escalation. Recorded March 10, 2026.

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Truesdale, a geopolitical risk adviser and former U.S. diplomat and Navy Reserve officer whose career spans diplomacy, military service, and private sector leadership.Jay traces his sense of duty back to childhood, inspired by family stories of wartime service. That early call led him into diplomacy and the Navy Reserve, with formative experiences across Russia, Ukraine, and South Asia.We talk about the craft of diplomacy in the real world: building trust with local leaders, listening far from Washington, and learning how countries actually work beneath the surface.Jay also reflects on his transition to the private sector, first helping bring political risk into the traditional business risk approach, and later leading two geopolitical risk consultancies. Drawing on frontline experience, he shares the frameworks he uses to help leaders think clearly about risk in a world where the old rules are rapidly breaking down.The book Jay mentions is The Captive Mind by Czesław Miłosz, published in 1953.Recorded on 6 March 2026.Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrtruesdale/.Instagram: @at.the.coalfaceAnd don't forget to subscribe to At the Coalface for new episodes every two weeks.Help us produce more episodes by becoming a supporter. Your subscription will go towards paying our hosting and production costs. Supporters get the opportunity to join behind the scenes during recordings, updates about the podcast, and my deep gratitude!Support the show

As the US-Israeli strikes on Iran continue and the death toll continues to rise, so too does the war of words. President Trump has described Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's choice for new supreme leader, as "unacceptable". He has also said he believes the war will be over “pretty quickly”, but it's not clear how - or when. Nate Swanson, a former State Department official who spent nearly two decades in the US government working on American policy towards Iran, answers our questions on how the next stage of the conflict is likely to unfold - and whether a negotiated peace with Iran is still an option. Producers: Chris Benderev, Cat Farnsworth and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Bridget Harney Studio managers: James Piper and Mike Regaard.Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: People walk past a banner depicting the Iran's supreme leaders since 1979. The late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini; the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; and his son, the new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters.

LATE NITE

There’s a course being taught at the University of Oregon that’s unlike any class offered there before — and possibly the first of its kind in the nation, according to UO. Now in its second year, the course on hostage diplomacy is attracting undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in journalism, public relations and advertising.    The students hear from guest speakers, including family members of current and former hostages and experts who’ve helped negotiate the release of hostages and journalists who have been wrongfully detained by foreign governments. In the spring, students travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional staffers, U.S. State Department officials and NGOs like The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and HostageUS.    The course is being co-taught by Jason Rezaian, the 2026 Eric W. Allen Faculty Fellow at UO and The Washington Post’s Director of Press Freedom Initiatives. While reporting in Tehran for The Washington Post, Rezaian was arrested by Iranian authorities in 2014 and wrongfully imprisoned for 544 days before the U.S. government secured his release in January 2016.   Rezaian joins us, along with three UO students who share their experiences with the course: Maren Fullerton, a senior double majoring in advertising and political science; Taylor Parker, a sophomore double majoring in advertising and cinema studies; and Aishiki Nag, a senior double majoring in political science and global studies.  

Lindsey Graham claims credit for pushing Donald Trump into an unauthorized war with Iran by using word association games and flattery. This conflict has escalated rapidly as the US and Israel utilize advanced artificial intelligence to pick bombing targets and assess battle damage. Despite the lack of an imminent threat or a clear exit strategy, military strikes have already resulted in the death of Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials. Iran has retaliated by targeting US radar installations across the Gulf region, successfully degrading defense systems in multiple countries. At home, American citizens face the consequences with gas prices surging toward $5 a gallon. Within the Republican party, internal friction grows as Dan Crenshaw loses his primary for being insufficiently aligned with the MAGA movement. Donald Trump now threatens to block all legislation unless the SAVE Act is passed, even as a record number of GOP members choose to retire rather than serve in the minority. While global tensions rise and Trump suggests Cuba may be the next target, the focus remains on a war that many argue was entirely avoidable. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

For review:1. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was chosen Sunday to succeed him, despite never having been elected or appointed to a government position.A secretive figure within the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the start of the war.2.  US President Donald Trump told The Times of Israel on Sunday that a decision on when to end the war with Iran will be a “mutual” one that he'll make together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.3. Israel Defense Forces chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned on Sunday that there was “no safe place” for the Iranian regime to hide.The military provided details on a strike carried out on Saturday against the newly appointed military secretary to Iran's supreme leader, Abol-hasem Babian, who was appointed last week- was confirmed killed by the IDF.4. Iranian Fars news agency reported that Israel's Saturday strikes hit four oil storage facilities and an oil production transfer center in Tehran and Alborz. Residents reported the smell of burning lingering in the air, with many saying it appeared dark even as the sun rose and rain poured on the city. 5. ·NYT Report:  Iran may be able to access and move highly enriched uranium that had been previously thought to have been buried underground by US strikes on the Isfahan nuclear facility last June.6. ·Emirati officials raged on Sunday over what they called false Israeli media reports claiming that the United Arab Emirates had carried out a military strike on Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.7. · Saudi Arabia has told Tehran that while it favors a diplomatic settlement to Iran's conflict with the United States, continued attacks on the kingdom and its energy sector could push Riyadh to respond in kind, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Saturday.

In this episode of Scam Rangers, Ayelet Biger-Levin speaks with Nils Mueller, Director of the North America Chapter of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and former USAID Foreign Service Officer.Nils shares his unique path into the world of scam prevention after spending more than two decades working in international development and governance. During his time in Southeast Asia, he witnessed the rapid rise of industrial-scale scam operations run from organized crime compounds that target victims around the world.Together, Ayelet and Nils discuss how these scam compounds emerged, the human trafficking behind many of these operations, and why online scams have become a national security issue for governments. They also explore how global cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector can help disrupt these networks and protect consumers.Topics Covered How scam compounds in Southeast Asia evolved from casino infrastructure into large-scale global fraud operations The human trafficking behind many scam operations and how workers are recruited into these compounds Why scams have become a national security and economic threat, costing billions each year The role of international collaboration, sanctions, and law enforcement in disrupting organized scam networks How the Global Anti-Scam Alliance is bringing together governments, companies, and advocates to coordinate the fight against scamsAbout the GuestNils Mueller is the Director of the North America Chapter of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and a former Foreign Service Officer with USAID. Over a 20-year career, he worked across Africa and Southeast Asia on governance, anti-corruption, and development initiatives.During his posting in Thailand, Nils became deeply involved in understanding and addressing the rise of scam compounds and the human trafficking networks connected to them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-m-mueller/About the HostAyelet Biger-Levin is the Founder and CEO of RangersAI and the host of Scam Rangers, a podcast exploring the human side of scams and the people working to protect consumers from financial and emotional harm.Through her work at RangersAI and her leadership within the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Ayelet partners with financial institutions, policymakers, and advocates to elevate scam prevention beyond controls and technology toward trust-based, customer-centric protection.Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about her additional activities in this space: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-biger-levin/RangersAI: https://www.rangersai.com/

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed that head-of-state diplomacy is the cornerstone of the country's foreign policy.

Historic RPG designer Ken St. Andre (Tunnels & Trolls, Starfaring, Monsters! Monsters!, Stormbringer, more) joins for this episode. The game that shall not be named. Is it wise to go into dungeons as an adventurer, or do you just need luck? The practicality of six-siders versus Platonic solids. The most powerful buttons in the universe. Who's tougher, the Romulans or the Klingons? Marbles were the collectible card game of their day. Diplomacy variants. Gary Gygax's first introduction to Tunnels & Trolls. Dave Arneson's contribution to Flying Buffalo Games. Ken's impressions of Dave. Ken's opinion on whether OD&D was an actual RPG. Ken told TSR's lawyers, and I quote, "go piss up a rope." Ken's advice to game designers. Clever solutions in dealing with a Balrog. What is "stunting" in an RPG? Tunnels & Trolls on the MetaArcade app. Ken and Shane's predictions about AI's effect on the RPG industry. Mata Hari. Ken was a pioneer in solo RPG adventures (which Shane feels is important). What game of Ken's does he think is better than Tunnels & Trolls? Some Elric discussion. The secret brotherhood of librarians (or lack thereof). A brief diversion into chicken psychology.  Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #288 - 3/8/2026 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https://www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays DriveThruRPG.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Ken St. Andre on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_St._Andre   Trollgodfather Press (Ken's Publishing Company) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/9559/trollgodfather-press   Tunnels & Trolls https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_%26_Trolls   Starfaring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfaring   Monsters! Monsters! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters!_Monsters!   Stormbringer RPG https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormbringer_(role-playing_game)   Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/  

### HEADLINE: GEORGE DOWNING'S 17TH-CENTURY DIPLOMACY AND ESPIONAGE IN FRANCE SUMMARY: Dennis Su details George Downing's 1655 mission to France, where he used Latin to negotiate a secret alliance with Cardinal Mazarin against Spanish influence. GUEST: Dennis Su NUMBER: 9 (9)1800 BOSTON

The headline of the week by The Indian Express

Start Close In: Diplomacy, Technology, and the Ground Beneath Our Feet In this episode of The Next Page, we talk with Anja Kaspersen — an IEEE director and former director of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva and Deputy Secretary General of the Conference on Disarmament — about having more confident discussions on technology, and how poetry, attention, and disciplined perception can guide diplomacy in an age of emerging technologies. Anja argues that the ground for engagement is not technical mastery but institutional literacy. She explains why diplomats should remain at the table, ask architectural questions, and translate between technical and policy worlds. The conversation covers science diplomacy, the changing nature of arms control and dual-use technologies, the importance of redundancy, resilience, and interoperability, and the need for anticipatory governance rather than reactive responses. Takeaways include strengthening discernment, preserving archives and institutional memory, resisting binary framings, and investing in human skills to govern technology responsibly. Resources: Ask a Librarian! David Whyte: https://davidwhyte.com/ Maria Popova: https://www.themarginalian.org/  Where to listen to this episode  Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy YouTube: https://youtu.be/w4L1S0nhCoo Content    Guest: Anja Kaspersen Hosts: Amy Smith and Wouter Schallier Production and editing: Amy Smith Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Larry talks with Dr. Robert Farley from UK's Patterson School of Diplomacy about his thoughts on the US attack on Iran and takes your calls on the firing of Kristi Noem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela hangs out in studio with Presidency Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, in a thoughtful, measured, and deeply rooted conversation about his career, family and life philosophy. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jemma and Marina who are trying to process the latest news cycle.At time of record, Donald Trump has bombed seven countries in twelve months. Super - really earning that peace prize he's after. Diplomacy with Iran was reportedly within reach just 24 hours before US–Israeli strikes began yet here we are. Still, ignorance is bliss because some Dubai influencers are mainly worried about missing meetings or a flight. The Trawl ladies look at the legality of the attacks under the US Constitution and the UN Charter, the collapse of negotiations, and the human cost, including, tragically the bombing of a girls' school and a hospital hit in Tehran. Why does the language shift depending on who the victims are? And why does nuance suddenly disappear when it comes to condemning both authoritarian regimes and reckless military escalation?They discuss the euphoria felt by some Iranians at the death of the Ayatollah and the worry about what comes next. They examine Trump's call for Iranians to “rise up” against a heavily armed regime, the historical precedent of abandoned uprisings, and the now-familiar promise that the “worst bombing is still to come.”There's nuclear hypocrisy, oil politics, Operation “Epic Fury,” and a Medal of Honor ceremony detour into ballroom interiors.If this is liberation, it's a strange way of showing it.It's chaos. It's escalation. It's The Trawl.Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastIf you've even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you'll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including:• Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on• Early access to The Trawl Meets…• Glorious ad-free episodesPlus, there's a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat.And it's your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you're not alone.Come join the fun:https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 5, 2026 ~ Van Hipp, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, discusses Iran's nuclear program with Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds. He explains why military action was the right decision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The US aircraft carrier groups were in place to threaten Iran as talks were still happening - and they helped launch the war when Donald Trump felt the negotiations were not going as he hoped. Iran's foreign minister said Trump ‘bombed the negotiating table'. So is this the new pattern in big power geopolitics? Talk, but have a big stick waiting to ensure concessions. Or is it a return to a nineteenth century imperial style of big-power domination and intimidation? Andrew Latham, Professor of Political Science at Macalester College, and Senior Washington Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, talks to Phil and Roger about the return of gunboat diplomacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Note: This episode was recorded the evening of Monday, March 2, 2026. The situation is changing quickly, so some details may have developed further since recording. A new episode is dropping this evening 3/4 with an update. How did the United States and Iran go from nuclear diplomacy to open war? In this episode of We Saw the Devil, Robin walks through the timeline that led to the 2026 US–Iran conflict. From the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) to Operation Epic Fury, she breaks down the decisions, escalations, and failed diplomacy that pushed two countries toward direct conflict. Because wars rarely start with the first bomb. They usually start years earlier.In This Episode:The roots of US–Iran tension, from the 1953 coup to the 1979 Iranian RevolutionWhat the JCPOA nuclear deal actually didWhy the US leaving the deal in 2018 changed the trajectoryIran's proxy network across the Middle EastThe 2025 protests inside Iran and the violent crackdown that followedThe diplomatic breakdown leading into 2026Operation Epic Fury and the strike campaign against IranIran's retaliation across the region, including Israel, Lebanon, and Gulf statesThe growing risk of a wider Middle East war and energy crisisKeywords: US Iran war 2026, Iran nuclear deal collapse, JCPOA explained, Operation Epic Fury, US strikes Iran 2026, Iran Israel conflict, Iran retaliation Israel, Hezbollah Israel war, Middle East war 2026, US Iran conflict timeline, why the US bombed Iran, Iran nuclear program crisis, Strait of Hormuz crisis, global oil prices war, Iran protests 2025 crackdown, Iran proxy network Hezbollah Hamas Houthis, Lebanon Israel escalation, Gulf state missile attacks Iran, US foreign policy Iran conflict, geopolitics Middle East war analysisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/we-saw-the-devil-crime-political-analysis--4433638/support.Website: http://www.wesawthedevil.comPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/wesawthedevilDiscord: https://discord.gg/X2qYXdB4Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WeSawtheDevilInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/wesawthedevilpodcast.

47 years. That is how long the U.S. and Iran have been circling each other, probing for weaknesses, and demonizing the other (in many cases for good reason). Tensions reached a tipping point on February 28, 2026 and the United States, along with Israel, initiated a new wave of strikes which has lead to chaos across the Middle East. 11 countries have been targeted by retaliatory strikes from Iran and the death toll on all sides continues to rise. How did we get here? Why was now the time to act? Where does it all end and what decisions will shape the final outcome of this latest use of military force? In this month's episode, we speak with Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, where he focuses on Iran. We review the terse relationship between these two countries since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and outline the litany of moments that have shaped the course of history. In addition, the conversation outlines how this war got started and what shape it has taken in the early days, providing key insights into possible outcomes. While much is left to be written in this story, the key moments have been set in motion. Listen to gain critical insights into this fast moving and ever changing conflict that will reverberate across the world for years to come.(Please note: This episode was recorded on February 27, one day before U.S. and Israeli airstrikes started. We have tried to capture the latest updates to the fighting, but understand this conflict has shifted rapidly in the first few days).Alex Vatanka is a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute. He specializes in Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran. He was formerly a Senior Analyst at Jane's Information Group in London. Alex is also a Senior Fellow in Middle East Studies at the US Air Force Special Operations School (USAFSOS) at Hurlburt Field and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at DISAS at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He has testified before the US Congress and lectured widely for both governmental and commercial audiences, including the US Departments of State and Defense, US intelligence agencies, and a list of international corporations.Born in Tehran, he holds a BA in Political Science (Sheffield University, UK), and an MA in International Relations (Essex University, UK), and is fluent in Farsi and Danish. He is the author of two books: The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy and Political Rivalry Since 1979 (2021) and Iran and Pakistan: Security, Diplomacy, and American Influence (2015).He has also written chapters for a number of books, including Authoritarianism Goes Global (2016); Handbook on Contemporary Pakistan (2017); Russia in the Middle East (2018), Winning the Battle, Losing the War: Addressing the Drivers Fueling Armed Non-state Actors and Extremist Groups (2020); Global, Regional and Local Dynamics in the Yemen Crisis (2020); Routledge Handbook of Counterterrorism and Irregular Warfare Operations (2021); and Understanding New Proxy Wars (2022). He is presently working on his third book, Iran's Arab Strategy: Defending the Homeland or Exporting Khomeinism?

The "Black Ships" are back on the horizon!

As Middle East War Escalates, Trump's Health & Leadership Are Under Scrutiny The conflict in the Middle East continues to expand as U.S. and allied strikes against Iranian facilities draw retaliation and regional escalation. Smoke and violence have been reported across multiple fronts, and world markets are rattled by rising oil and geopolitical instability.  Meanwhile, President Donald Trump — now 79 — has been photographed with a visible skin rash and irritation on his neck during public events, as well as past episodes of bruising and leg swelling attributed by officials to chronic venous insufficiency and routine treatments. Critics are questioning whether his physical condition and public appearances reflect weakening leadership at a moment of global tension.  With no clear end in sight to the conflict and U.S. involvement deepening, many Americans are asking: Is this a strategic campaign or an open-ended war? What will the long-term costs be — economically, politically, and for global stability? And who will hold leaders accountable? This episode breaks down the war's expansion, Trump's handling of events at home and abroad, and what it means for the future of American diplomacy. The Karel Show streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST. Watch and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel Independent commentary from Las Vegas. #MiddleEastWar, #Iran, #USPolitics, #TrumpHealth, #DonaldTrump, #GlobalConflict, #Geopolitics, #BreakingNews, #WarAnalysis, #OilPrices, #EnergyCrisis, #MilitaryAction, #InternationalRelations, #Leadership, #PoliticalCommentary, #WorldNews, #IranRetaliation, #Diplomacy, #TrumpRash, #ChronicVenousInsufficiency, #PresidentialHealth, #ConflictCoverage, #TheKarelShow, #LasVegasBroadcaster, #IndependentMedia, #NewsAnalysis, #PublicPolicy, #USForeignPolicy, #CurrentEvents https://youtube.com/live/61hucXwND08

Episode #495: Mark McDowell, a Canadian foreign service officer and former ambassador in Yangon from 2013 to 2016, traces Myanmar through a set of mismatches between how the country is narrated abroad and how it actually operates on the ground. He describes his first visit in the early 2000s as a moment when ordinary life could feel disarmingly quiet and culturally intact even as the background reality remained a military dictatorship and a long civil war. That doubleness, he argues, is part of why outsiders repeatedly misunderstand Myanmar, replacing contact and complexity with policy-as-story. Based in Bangkok in 2003 and travelling into Myanmar before Canada had an embassy, he built relationships with activists, emerging civil society groups, and political figures newly released from prison. He argues that Canadian engagement was often shaped by organizations and narratives that sat outside the country, rewarding moral certainty while discouraging long, inside-country investment. He describes the post-Nargis period as a mostly forgotten incubator for modern civil society, with relief funding and emergency programming spawning local networks that later mattered when political space began to open. During his ambassadorship, McDowell recalls the transition years as a brief window of porosity and improvisation, when Myanmar appeared hungry for information and receptive to new norms, even as the military retained structural power. His meetings with Min Aung Hlaing are remembered less for theatrical menace than for the normality of extended, history-heavy monologues and the general's self-justifying thesis, proclaiming that “the military is the glue that holds the country together.” Looking back from the coup, he names the discomfort of that ordinary room: “this is now the banality of evil.” Looking on the current reality, McDowell points to capacity that now exists in dispersion, especially the proliferation of independent organizations. “You've got this ‘one hundred flowers blooming' situation here,” he says, “and it's not a monolithic opposition to the junta anymore. You've got huge numbers of independent organizations, whether they're ethnic-based or interest-based and so on.” He treats that plurality as the defining feature of the present landscape, and a source of future leadership, even as it resists any neat story about unity.

When President Trump declared a national emergency and imposed sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), businesses challenged the move, arguing the president did not have authority under that statute to impose tariffs. The Supreme Court recently agreed.  On this episode of Stanford Legal, co-host Professor Pamela Karlan sits down with international trade expert Alan Sykes, professor of law and Warren Christopher Professor in the Practice of International Law and Diplomacy, to unpack the Court's 6–3 decision. Sykes is a leading expert on the application of economics to legal problems and the author of the book The Law and Economics of International Trade Agreements. At the heart of the case, Sykes explains, was the question of whether a statute that allows the president to “regulate importation” can be stretched to authorize taxes on imports. The majority said no, emphasizing that the Constitution assigns the taxing power to Congress, and that if Congress intended to hand that power over, it would have said so clearly. The conversation explores the statutory arguments, the role of the Major Questions Doctrine, and the unusual alignments among the justices. But the ruling raises as many questions as it answers, Sykes notes. What happens to billions in tariffs already collected? Do international trade deals struck in the shadow of these tariffs still stand? And with other statutory tools available is this really the end of the tariff saga, or just the next chapter? Links: Alan O. Sykes >>> Stanford Law page The Law and Economics of International Trade Agreements >>> Stanford Law page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Diego Zambrano >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X (00:00:00) Tariffs and IEEPA (00:10:53) Statutory text and the history of tariffs (00:13:54) “Regulate importation” and the Major Questions Doctrine (00:17:56) Liquidation Timing, finality, and the 314‑day rule (00:19:11) The Court of International Trade (00:29:53) From IEEPA to Section 122 and what's next under Section 301 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start the show on Iran. Daniel Drezner is a Distinguished Professor of International Politics and Academic Dean at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.  He gives the latest on the U.S.-led attacks on Iran and what comes next for the region under fire. Joanna Lydgate heads the States United Democracy Center, which aims to protect free and fair elections in the United States. She talks about what states can do to protect the midterms in November. Congressman Jim McGovern calls in to share his thoughts on what he's calling an "illegal war" against Iran.Throughout the show we take listener calls, asking is this another endless regime change effort by the U.S., or the right move for the region?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Spangle, Harry and Reinhold talk about when news breaks fast, like the U.S. bombing Iran, forcing them to toss their planned topics and react in real time. From there, they talk about news fatigue and attention whiplash, including how major developments can disappear from the public conversation and how hard it is to verify what is real online. They compare national coverage to alternative sources, argue that trust is shifting toward local outlets and in-person relationships, and share why many people feel overwhelmed trying to fact-check everything. The middle of the show turns to technology, including surveillance tools, license plate readers and the broader feeling of living inside a modern panopticon. They debate AI from two angles, one seeing a disorienting shift in online life, the other arguing hype and limits, then connect it to the flood of low-quality content and what it is doing to creativity and culture. In the final stretch, they walk through Iran and the nuclear deal basics, the long-running push for regime change, and how alliances and credibility shape U.S. influence abroad. They close with a sharp argument about war powers, constitutional limits and whether courts and Congress can still function as guardrails, followed by a practical reminder to build real community close to home. 0:00 Cold open and what the episode is about 1:15 Milestones, behind-the-scenes talk, and why they record the way they do 5:05 The day's big breaking-news pivot 10:20 Information overload, attention whiplash, and tuning out 12:40 Trust, verification, and why people don't believe what they see 17:35 The future of life online and why it feels disorienting 22:05 Privacy, surveillance, and how tracking is changing everyday life 26:15 AI anxiety vs AI reality and what people get wrong 29:20 The internet's content quality problem and “AI slop” 31:30 Creativity, culture, and why modern media feels derivative 38:25 Where AI actually helps and the copyright debate 39:50 Middle East context and how big-power politics shapes events 46:50 Diplomacy vs hard power and the nuclear-enrichment conversation 56:20 Trade, alliances, and U.S. credibility abroad 1:01:05 Executive power, constitutional limits, and accountability 1:02:30 Courts, enforcement, and institutional stress tests 1:08:20 What happens next: economy, community, and staying grounded 1:26:10 Closing thoughts and sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend's suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region's food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town's mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon's sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante's Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante's poetry and its lifelong influence.00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia' (restoring a house in Italy)00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence': writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more)04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar)05:17 Falling for Tuscany's Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo' the operator11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor's welcome13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished?14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project14:27 What's Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes)16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere's Colorful Guests17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015)23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization24:21 Highclere's Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita NovaYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode of Preble Hall, Tom Duffy discusses his new book, Tanker War in the Gulf: Operation Earnest Will, Diplomacy and Seapower in Practice, with Dr. John Sherwood. During the Tanker War, Duffy was a naval officer aboard the U.S.S. Cochrane (DDG-21). He later served as a diplomat with the State Department for 32 years.

How was the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel so easily predictable? How did The Secret Teachings radio show lay out the roadmap back in 2024, if not based solely on the second Trump administration's cabinet picks and allegiance to Israel? This episode combines two 2024 episodes into one singular source:Master Race to Armageddon: It takes two to Tengu (11/21/24) (4hr Special)Hexagram Handlers (11/22/24)*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.

Larry talks to Dr. Robert Farley from UK's Patterson School of Diplomacy about the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran and gives his thoughts on this year's Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees in hour 3. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"In this episode of CODEPINK Radio, hosts Marcy Winograd and Leo Flores highlight CODEPINK's peace delegation to Venezuela and CODEPINK's upcoming flotilla to break the US siege on Cuba. Our hosts also analyze why SOS Rubio embraced empire at the Munich Security Conference, and why Trump cries "fake news" when the Chair of the Joint Chiefs warns him not to attack Iran."

Listen for the latest from Bloomberg NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we break down the major takeaways from the Munich Security Conference, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a notably softer speech than last year's JD Vance address—but the underlying message remains the same. We analyze speeches from Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Scholz, and others as Europe grapples with its "vacation from history" and debates its future role on the world stage. We also discuss the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, Trump's claim that it will "look over the United Nations," and what this means for international institutions. Finally, we examine the US military buildup in the Persian Gulf as a potential strike on Iran looms—is this a negotiating tactic or the prelude to regime change?  Topics Covered: • Munich Security Conference: Rubio, Macron, Scholz & the future of Europe • Board of Peace: Gaza reconstruction or UN replacement? • Iran: Analyzing the armada and what comes next  Produced by Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on February 24, 2026. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @gudiplomacy  

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program by talking about the sharp political divide in America and President Donald Trump’s focus on achievement during the State of the Union address. He reflects on watching the speech with the sound down, arguing that the visuals alone told a powerful story about who chose to stand and applaud and who remained seated. Brett frames the moment not simply as political theater, but as a broader celebration of American ambition and accomplishment. Later Brett discusses escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba following a deadly maritime confrontation near Cuba’s northern coast. He breaks down reports that Cuban forces opened fire on a U.S.-registered speedboat after passengers allegedly shot and wounded a Cuban border officer, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Brett frames the incident as a potentially serious diplomatic flashpoint, especially as U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio, attempt delicate conversations with Cuban leadership. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, new signs suggest Moscow's battlefield momentum may be fading. Russian troop levels have plateaued for the first time since the war started, and Ukrainian forces are reclaiming ground in key sectors. Ukraine hits a diplomatic roadblock as Hungary blocks a major European Union loan package and new sanctions on Russia, exposing fractures inside the bloc at a critical moment in the war. Diplomatic efforts to avoid a war with Iran continue as U.S. envoys head to Geneva for high-stakes talks — even as the threat of American strikes remains firmly on the table. In today's Back of the Brief — the fallout from the killing of cartel boss El Mencho spreads across Mexico. Americans in Puerto Vallarta are urged to shelter in place as unrest, road blockades, and flight disruptions ripple through tourist hubs. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB  American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde connects three fast-moving global signals from Feb 16–22, 2026: as coercive diplomacy returns to center stage, legitimacy battles shift into courts and security perimeters, and "basic systems" (water, climate resilience, and public health) show dangerous strain. Why are high-stakes negotiations increasingly paired with escalation? When politics becomes a legal and security contest, who decides what's dissent versus threat? And what happens when sewage leaks, floods and fires, and vaccine gaps all hit the trust economy at once? Bidemi closes with a practical question for leaders and citizens alike: which "pump handles" matter most before the next surge arrives, and who's accountable for pulling them?Quick question: when you buy something handmade, do you ever wonder who made it, and where your money really goes? Lembrih is building a marketplace where you can shop Black and African-owned brands and learn the story behind the craft. And the impact is built in: buyers can support vendors directly, and Lembrih also gives back through African-led charities, including $1 per purchase. They're crowdfunding on Kickstarter now. Back Lembrih at lembrih.com, or search “Lembrih” on Kickstarter.Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from Promeed, bringing "Silk Luxury for All." If you're building big dreams, don't sleep on your sleep. Promeed makes 100% mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding that feel incredibly soft, stay breathable, and are naturally gentle on hair and skin: less friction, fewer sleep creases, and a smoother morning. Their silk is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, too. Upgrade your bedtime routine at promeed.com.Support the show

So, is this the time to make battleships great again?I would be hard-pressed to think of a better guest to help us explore that question than returning guest, Rob Farley. A starting point for our conversation will be his article from December, The Trump-Class Battleship Summed Up In 1 Word.Show LinksThe Battleship Book, by Robert Farley'sPatterson School of Diplomacy and International CommerceLawyers, Guns, and Money Dr. Robert Farley's X ProfileDr. Robert Farley's Blue Sky ProfileMy thoughts on SLCM-NSummaryIn this episode, Dr. Robert Farley discusses the concept of battleships, their historical significance, and the strategic considerations for modern naval warfare. The conversation covers technological challenges, political implications, and future force structure planning.Chapters00:00: Introduction to the Battleship Debate02:31: Historical Context and Modern Relevance of Battleships07:44: Survivability and Modern Warfare Challenges13:11: The Role of Nuclear Capabilities in Battleships20:11: Political and Strategic Implications of Battleship Armament23:15: Technological Innovations and Future of Naval Warfare32:36: Design Philosophy and Size of Modern Warships39:32: Historical Lessons and Future Capabilities46:03: Political Implications of Naval Procurement52:30 Shipbuilding Challenges and Future DirectionsDr. Robert Farley has taught security and diplomacy courses at the Patterson School since 2005. He received his BS from the University of Oregon in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2004. In addition to the book of the moment, The Battleship Book (Wildside, 2016), Dr. Farley is the author of Grounded: The Case for Abolishing the United States Air Force (University Press of Kentucky, 2014), and Patents for Power: Intellectual Property Law and the Diffusion of Military Technology (University of Chicago, 2020). He has contributed extensively to a number of journals and magazines, including the National Interest, the Diplomat: APAC, World Politics Review, and the American Prospect. Dr. Farley is also a founder and senior editor of Lawyers, Guns and Money.

Britain carries the Opium War to Beijing's unready doorstep with steam and iron, moving the crisis from the border frontiers to the heart of the imperial court itself. As imperial defenses strain and diplomacy replaces defiance, the two empires probe each other's resolve – and discover that both of their understandings of the other have been built on little more than smoke. Time Period Covered:July 1840 – March 1841 Major Historical Figures:The Qing Empire:The Daoguang Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Minning) [r. 1820–1850]Lin Zexu, Imperial Commissioner [1785–1850]Qishan, Imperial Commissioner and Governor-General of Zhili [d. 1854]Yiliang, Governor-General of Liangguang [fl. 1840s]The British Empire:Queen Victoria [r. 1837–1901]Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, Foreign Secretary [1784–1865]Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China [1801–1875]Sir Henry Pottinger, Plenipotentiary to China [1789–1856]Sir James Bremer, Royal Navy commander [1786–1850] Major Sources Cited:Platt, Stephen R. Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age.Lovell, Julia. The Opium War: Drugs, Dreams and the Making of China.Wakeman, Frederic Jr. Strangers at the Gate: Social Disorder in South China, 1839–1861.Fairbank, John K. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1730, seven Cherokee leaders traveled from their Appalachian home to the heart of London. Hand-picked by a Scottish adventurer named Alexander Cumming, they were presented to King George II as "Kings" of a new empire. Today we tell the story of that voyage and how these Native Americans navigated their way through the streets of the city at the center of the British Empire, all while securing an alliance on their own terms. It's another one of the Stories of Appalachia.If you like our stories of Appalachian history and folklore, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a comment, too. You can also help support the Stories podcast by becoming a supporter at spreaker.com. There you'll find extra content and an ad-free version of the podcast!Thanks for listening.

The National Security Hour with Brandon Weichert – Here's the uncomfortable truth: secrecy is built into power. Intelligence agencies need it. Diplomacy depends on it. Negotiations require it. The challenge isn't eliminating secrets — it's preventing them from becoming private chains on public decision-makers. Because once leaders are ruled by what they're afraid might come out, they're no longer serving the...