The Truth of the Matter
A weekly analysis of the complex policy issues driving the news.
Latest episodes
Feb 28, 2024 • 34min
The State of the Global Semiconductor Competition
Discussion on the CHIPS Act, changes in the semiconductor landscape, challenges of U.S. export controls, and updates on the Chinese semiconductor industry. Exploring the complexities of increasing chip manufacturing in the U.S., recent industry shifts, and the strategic importance of semiconductor technology in global competition.
Feb 14, 2024 • 23min
World’s Coolest Dictator
CSIS’s Ryan Berg joins the podcast to discuss the reelection of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, the Central American leader who calls himself “the world’s coolest dictator.”
Feb 9, 2024 • 30min
U.S. Targets Baghdad
CSIS’ Norman Roule joins the podcast to discuss the recent U.S. strike in Baghdad and what U.S. policy is seeking to achieve in the Middle East in combating Iranian proxies.
Feb 6, 2024 • 32min
U.S. Strikes Back
CSIS’ Seth Jones joins the podcast to discuss U.S. strikes on targets in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. In addition, Dr. Jones discusses his recent trip to Israel and meetings with senior officials there.
Jan 26, 2024 • 22min
LNG Terminal Pause
CSIS’ Joseph Majkut and Ben Cahill join the podcast to discuss the Biden Administration’s decision to pause the permitting process for new liquified natural gas export facilities in order to analyze their impact on climate change, the economy and national security.
Jan 26, 2024 • 36min
AI 2023 Year in Review
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Gregory C. Allen, director of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies and discuss 2023 AI biggest developments, newest policies, and our responses to it all. This episode is a crossover with the AI Policy Podcast, a podcast by CSIS' Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies.
Jan 18, 2024 • 30min
The Houthis and U.S. Options
CSIS’ Eliot Cohen joins the podcast to discuss how the United States should respond to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, plus, Dr. Cohen describes what he saw and experienced during his recent visit to Israel.
Jan 9, 2024 • 36min
Wider War in Mideast
Former national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, CIA senior official and current CSIS senior adviser Norman Roule joins the podcast to discuss the war in Gaza against Hamas and how Iran and its proxies are provoking a potentially expanded Mideast war.
Jan 5, 2024 • 32min
Grateful Dead’s Influence on Modern Media and Culture
Jonathan Shank, CEO of Terrapin Station Entertainment joins the podcast to discuss live music, immersive entertainment and the impact of the Grateful Dead on social media and the future of rock and roll.
Dec 21, 2023 • 21min
Israel’s Hard Choices
CSIS’ Daniel Byman, who just returned from Israel where he met with senior military officials, joins the podcast to discuss how the war in Gaza is progressing, why the Israeli campaign has been so destructive and what success looks like for Israel and for Hamas.
