Net Assessment

Net Assessment

The Stimson Center

Episodes 99
Avg. Duration 59m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.4 (449)
Since Feb 2022
Latest Episode Jun 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
92%
Hosting
netassessment.libsyn.com

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About This Podcast

Hosts Melanie Marlowe, Christopher Preble, and Zack Cooper, debate their way through some of the toughest and most contentious topics related to strategy, international relations, and the use of force. This podcast is brought to you by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.

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Recent Episodes

Mexico's Fight against the Cartels

Jun 04, 2026 58m

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a chat about how Mexico is handling the drug cartels, which continue to perpetrate terrible violence and facilitate massive corruption in the country. Can President…

A Strategy of Consolidation: Playing for Time?

May 21, 2026 58m

Chris, Melanie, and Zack debate Wess Mitchell's proposed U.S. strategy of consolidation. They discuss whether this strategy would finally realign America's objectives with its resources. They also…

Is the US a Predatory Hegemon?

May 07, 2026 56m

Do we live in a world governed only by force, one in which the United States' military and economic power alone will advance U.S. interests? Or are the Trump administration's efforts to intimidate…

Can the UN Be Reformed?

Apr 23, 2026 55m

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a discussion about whether the United Nations can and should continue in its current form. Has it outlived its original purposes? Does it serve the interests of the…

Implementing a Hellscape Strategy for Taiwan

Apr 09, 2026 58m

On this show, Melanie, Chris, and Zack consider whether the porcupine strategy that Taiwan is currently implementing is the best plan to deter or defend against China. What could Taiwan be doing…

Is There an End in Sight for the US War in Iran?

Mar 26, 2026 52m

What are the goals in the US war in Iran? Is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz manageable, or is the Iranian threat to shipping a challenge that must be confronted? And can it be resolved at an…

Will U.S. Allies Hedge? Should They?

Mar 12, 2026 1h

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a discussion about how America's allies and partners, after decades of relying on the US for security, are derisking from what they view as an increasingly unpredictable…

A Broadside Against Battleships

Feb 26, 2026 57m

Chris, Melanie, and Zack debate the wisdom of President Trump's proposal for a Golden Fleet of new American "battleships." They question the strategic logic, timelines, cost estimates, and political…

Is Resolute Global Leadership the Right Grand Strategy for the United States?

Feb 12, 2026 57m

In this episode, Chris, Melanie, and Zack, discuss a recent Council on Foreign Relations special report which explores varies grand strategies, and proposes an alternative known as "Resolute Global…

New Denial Strategy? Assessing the 2026 NDS

Jan 29, 2026 1h 5m

Zack, Melanie, and special guest Kelly Grieco take a look at the Department of War's 2026 National Defense Strategy. What does a "decent peace" with China look like? Is that what China wants? What…

Crude Awakening: Maduro's Seizure and Venezuela's Future

Jan 15, 2026 56m

Fresh off the shock of the U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, the Net Assessment team debates the merits of the operation and what it means for Venezuela's future. They also discuss why it…

Farewell 2025, Hello 2026

Jan 01, 2026 42m

In this special bonus episode, the Net Assessment crew – Chris, Melanie, and Zack - looks back on the highs (and lows) of 2025, and makes a few predictions for 2026. Thanks all around to our…

What Does the United States Want From China and Why Can't We Get It?

Dec 25, 2025 44m

In this episode, Chris, Melanie, and Zack look at U.S. policy toward China. What does the United States, that is Donald Trump, want from China? What should the Trump administration be willing to…

'Safer, Richer, Freer, Greater'? Trump's New Strategy for American Power

Dec 11, 2025 1h 8m

Chris, Zack, and Melanie take a look at the Trump administration's newly-released US National Security Strategy. Is it a coherent strategy? How will diplomacy, military might, and economic power be…

Reciprocity: The Once and Future Strategy?

Nov 26, 2025 1h

Chris, Melanie, and Zack discuss Oren Cass's recent article articulating a "Grand Strategy of Reciprocity." Cass argues that the United States should build a bloc of countries that agree to engage…

Whither Venezuela?

Nov 13, 2025 56m

Chris, Melanie, and Zack, convene for a wide-ranging discussion of U.S. current and prospective military operations against the country of Venezuela, and the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Why is the…

Are Rising Powers Over?

Oct 30, 2025 57m

Chris, Zack, and Melanie get together to talk about Michael Beckley's new article, "The Stagnant Order and the End of Rising Powers." What consequences might the decline and greying of populations…

Can Foreign Aid Be Reformed? Should It Be?

Oct 16, 2025 57m Transcript

Chris, Melanie, and Zack review Adam Tooze's recent article on the failure of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and Western-directed aid efforts generally. What should be the goals of…

Prediction is Hard, Especially about Confidence Levels

Oct 02, 2025 57m

Chris, Melanie, and Zack discuss the confidence problem among national security experts. As Jeffrey Friedman shows in a recent Texas National Security Review article, experts are often right but…

Is a Fight with Russia Worth the Risks?

Sep 18, 2025 56m

Chris, Zack, and Melanie take some time to talk about how the United States, Europe, and Russia are dealing with the Ukraine conflict. Would a Russian win in a war which is costing billions of…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Net Assessment have?

Net Assessment has published 99 episodes since February 2022, covering topics in News, Politics.

Is Net Assessment still active?

Net Assessment is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 59m.

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