The Last Line of Defense

Host Seth Jones sits down with the Honorable Kathleen Hicks, the 35th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and former director of the International Security Program at CSIS, to discuss how industrial production shapes U.S. military readiness across multiple theaters. Hicks examines the challenge China's unprecedented military modernization poses to U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, the case for a high-low mix of munitions and platforms, and the Pentagon's ongoing integration of autonomy and artificial intelligence. 

Host Dr. Seth Jones sits down with Dr. Dan Byman, director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at CSIS and professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Drawing on his experience in the U.S. intelligence community, the 9/11 Commission, and the Joint 9/11 Inquiry Staff of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, Dr. Byman offers his reflections on the attacks, the United States' response in Afghanistan and the global war on terror, evolving threats to the homeland today, and the lessons that Americans should draw to improve national resilience and prepare for future crises. 

Host Seth Jones sat down with Dr. Bonny Lin, CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the China Power Project, to explore Beijing’s view of the U.S.-Iran war, including its own role, the China-Pakistan peace plan, and potential takeaways.

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 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 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 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 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.