The Birth of a Curiosity-Driven Podcast

This week on a special edition of Babel, Will Todman speaks with Jon Alterman, the creator of Babel and the show’s host since it began in 2019. They discuss Jon’s reflections on 22 years directing the CSIS Middle East Program, his analysis of how the Middle East policy ecosystem has changed during that time, and his advice to those entering the field. Jon and Will cap off the conversation by discussing the lessons Jon will take to his new CSIS role as the Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy.

• Transcript: "⁠Babel Special: Jon Alterman's Next Chapter⁠⁠," CSIS, May 22, 2025.
• Jon's latest work:⁠ "Scenarios That Could Define 2035⁠," CSIS, May 14, 2025.
• Jon's career advice: ⁠"Advice for Job Seekers in Middle East Policy⁠," CSIS.