x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Fault Lines

National Security Institute

Fault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Deputy Executive Director Martha Miller, NSI Senior Fellows Lester Munson and Morgan Viña, and Director of the NSI CTC - Howard University Cybersecurity Clinic Jessica Jones.Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may

news politics

All Episodes

10:50

Episode 465: The ODNI Under Review

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/16

Today, Jess, Martha, Les and Jeffrey unpack comments and messaging shared by Tulsi Gabard, Director of National Intelligence. In a recent video, Gabbard warned that “warmongers and political elites” are pushing the U.S. toward nuclear war, while her congressional testimony downplayed Iran’s nuclear threat. At the same time, Gabbard has introduced a more centralized review process for intelligence reports, drawing some concern within the intelligence community.Does Gabbard’s nuclear rhetoric echo

en

10:25

Episode 464: Red Lines Crossed: Israel’s Strike, U.S....

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/13

Today, Morgan, Martha, Les, and Jess discuss Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion—a sweeping strike against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, long-range missile sites, air defenses, and senior IRGC leadership. As the U.S. pulled personnel from the region, raising questions about prior coordination, President Trump claimed he had warned Iran of the consequences of refusing a deal. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. was not involved, calling the Israeli strikes a unilateral

en

11:38

Episode 463: Gas, Gold, and Guns: Terrorism in West...

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/11

Today, Les, Matt, Jeffrey, and Joshua examine the growing instability in West Africa as jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) expands its control across Burkina Faso and the Sahel. With the U.S. and France reducing their regional footprint, local governments are struggling to respond to the spread of terrorism, and Russia—through the Africa Corps—has stepped into the vacuum left behind.How are terrorist groups like JNIM funding their operations, and what role does illicit

en

8:43

Episode 462: Hybrid Threats: Sabotage in Sweden

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/09

Today, Jess, Martha, and Les discuss the news of a sabotage campaign in Sweden, where 32 telecommunications towers along the E-22 highway were deliberately targeted—cables cut, technical equipment destroyed. The attacks fit into a broader pattern of hybrid threats sweeping the Nordic region, widely attributed to Russian intelligence operations, with rising concerns about Chinese involvement as well.Are we witnessing a new phase of grey-zone warfare or is it part of an existing pattern?As NATO

en

13:33

Episode 461: The Art of the Call

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/06

Today, Les, Morgan, Matt, and Jess unpack the high-stakes phone calls between President Trump and two of the world’s most powerful leaders: Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping. Trump’s first official call with Xi since taking office covered Taiwan, semiconductors, and student visas—but skipped over Russia, NATO, and North Korea. Meanwhile, a call earlier in the week with Putin followed Trump’s praise of Ukraine’s recent drone strike campaign, prompting warnings from Moscow and raising

en

10:52

Episode 460: Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine Strikes Back

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/04

Today, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey unpack Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine’s long-planned and massive drone strike that targeted strategic bombers across multiple Russian airfields. With over 100 drones launched and no advance notice to the U.S., the attack caught Washington off guard and it showcased Ukraine’s growing operational autonomy.What does Ukraine’s drone strike reveal about the future of asymmetric warfare? Does the Operation mark the beginning of a new phase in the conflict—one where Russia’s

en

7:55

Episode 459: Shangri-La Signals: the Future of...

Fault Lines ·

2025/06/02

Today, Morgan, Martha, and Jess unpack key takeaways from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the Indo-Pacific as a U.S. priority—but also told regional allies that they need to take more responsibility as America turns inward. Meanwhile, China continues its campaign of aggression, and Europe is slowly waking up to Beijing’s threat—with President Macron calling for alliances against “spheres of coercion.”Can the U.S. credibly claim leadership in the Indo-Pacific

en

9:46

Episode 458: Russia-Ukraine: Deadlines, Delusions,...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/30

Today, Martha, Jess, Amy, and Matt unpack the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as President Trump issues a two-week ultimatum to Vladimir Putin—raising the question: does he really mean it? With no clear movement as talks have stalled, it seems increasingly clear that Russia is stress-testing the limits of U.S. and European patience.Trump’s disillusioned tone marks a shift, but the administration still appears stuck between rhetoric and real leverage. Meanwhile, NATO’s northern allies are

en

10:06

Episode 457: Campus Crackdown: U.S. Innovation at Risk?

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/28

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Jeffrey unpack the Trump Administration’s pause on student visa interviews and its decision to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students—actions that have sparked lawsuits, global reactions, and a debate over the future of U.S. innovation and soft power. As the U.S. steps back, others step in: the EU is investing $500 million to attract top talent, and universities in places like Hong Kong are rolling out red carpets for displaced students.What are the

en

12:48

Episode 456: Crisis and Calculus—Israel, Iran, and a...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/23

Today, Morgan, Martha, Les, and Jess examine the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has launched a renewed offensive in Gaza amid mounting international pressure to end hostilities and allow humanitarian aid into the territory. Meanwhile, the murder of two young Israeli embassy employees has shocked the world and further underscored the volatility on multiple fronts.As Hamas remains active and Hezbollah and Houthi forces continue attacks—each backed by Iran—the Trump administration

en

10:56

Episode 455: Ukraine and a Diplomatic Dead End?

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/21

Today, Martha, Les, Amy, and Jess examine the latest flurry of diplomatic activity between Russia and Ukraine—amid headlines, handshakes, and very little real progress. Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul for the first time in years, while Putin refused to join. Trump’s recent refusal to endorse new sanctions on Russia– as the EU and UK ramp up pressure– is raising alarms among European allies and creating a problematic U.S.-European divide in NATO.With the new Pope offering

en

8:07

Episode 454: Weekend Ballot Results: Europe Votes...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/19

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Andy unpack weekend elections in Romania, Poland, and Portugal—where voters are navigating domestic frustrations, regional security fears, and the specter of Russian influence. In Romania, centrist Nicușor Dan defeated far-right nationalist George Simion with a pro-EU, anti-corruption message. Poland will head into a June presidential election runoff between centrist Rafal Trzaskowski and far-right challenger Karol Nawrocki, while in Portugal, a far-right party surged to

en

13:34

Episode 453: Syria's New Chapter—Sanctions, Strategy,...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/16

Today, Les, Martha, Jeffrey, and Matt break down major developments in Syria as President Trump meets with new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa—former leader of the extremist group HTS—and announces the suspension of U.S. sanctions. The Trump administration’s evolving, more direct approach to foreign policy, on display throughout his Middle East trip, raises new questions about oversight, regional alliances, and long-term strategy.Can the U.S. trust this new Syrian leadership? Could loosening

en

14:08

Episode 452: Trump’s Middle East Trip—Deals,...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/14

Today, Morgan and Andy break down President Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East—his first foreign trip of the new administration. From lifting sanctions on Syria and announcing a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia to ongoing hostage negotiations and talks on Hamas, Iran, and regional security, the trip highlights Trump’s economic-first approach to diplomacy.What are the real implications of lifting sanctions on Syria—and can the new Syrian leadership be trusted? Is the U.S

en

8:37

Fault Lines 451: Crossfire and Ceasefires: India,...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/12

Today, Martha, Morgan, and Jess unpack the volatile state of affairs between India and Pakistan following days of exchanged missiles, drones, and cross-border fire in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. A ceasefire has been declared and is tentatively holding, though reports of violations have already surfaced. While the Trump administration has claimed credit for brokering the truce, the extent of U.S. involvement remains unclear, as India continues to frame the conflict as a

en

10:05

Episode 450: Tariff Tensions—Trade Deals,...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/09

Today, Jess, Les, Matt, and Algene break down the latest developments in U.S. trade policy. A new U.S.-UK agreement lowers tariffs on select British imports to 10%, including automobiles, aluminum, and steel. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are set to meet this weekend in Geneva to jumpstart trade talks aimed at easing escalating tensions, as President Trump recently declared on social media that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right.”Is the U.S.-UK trade deal a meaningful step forward, or a

en

10:56

Episode 449: Smoke Signals – The Global Stakes of the...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/07

Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and Jess unpack the opening of the Papal Conclave, where 133 cardinals will vote to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis' death. As the Church prepares for a new era, the next pontiff will inherit a vast and diverse flock of 1.4 billion people—and a complex geopolitical role.What legacy does Pope Francis leave behind? How will the next pope shape global diplomacy, from China to Ukraine to Africa and Latin America? Will this be a time of

en

10:38

Episode 448: Ukraine Updates – Drones, Deals, and...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/05

Today, Les, Martha, Andrew, and Matt unpack the latest developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations—from a newly signed mineral deal with financial provisions for reconstruction deal to reports of Ukrainian sea drones downing Russian fighter jets with U.S. tech, and the transfer of Patriot missile systems. With these moves, the U.S. is significantly increasing its support for Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.Is this a turning point in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine? What do these shifts

en

15:34

Episode 447: Waltz Out, Rubio In: A National Security...

Fault Lines ·

2025/05/02

Today, Martha, Les, and Andrew discuss the sudden removal of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who has now been nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. While framed as a promotion, many view the shift as a demotion in both political influence and strategic significance—especially as Waltz’s hawkish stance on Russia, China, and Iran put him at odds with a more isolationist wing of the administration.Is this a sign the Trump administration is softening on

en

11:46

Episode 446: Trump 101: Promises Made; Promises Kept?

Fault Lines ·

2025/04/30

Today, Les, Martha, Morgan, and Jess take stock of President Trump’s first 101 days back in office. From sweeping global tariffs on “Liberation Day” to high-stakes negotiations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, the administration has taken an aggressive approach to foreign policy—with mixed results. Domestically, hardline immigration policies and sharp cuts to foreign aid have pleased the base, while chaos and concern continue around national security decision-making.Is the Trump administration delivering

en

536 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS NewsHour

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci