The Net Assessment Podcast

Co-hosts Zack Cooper, Melanie Marlowe, and Christopher Preble debate the hard choices facing America’s national security and foreign policy communities.

In Grand Strategy Research

Every other week, Zack Cooper (AEI), Melanie Marlowe (CSIS), and Christopher Preble (Stimson), discuss some of the most challenging topics related to war, international relations, and strategy. The unique format focuses on a different article or report, with the three co-hosts calling out the high and low points and suggesting areas worthy of additional consideration. Now in its seventh year, the show has covered a very wide range of topics, from Transatlantic relations to the national security implications of a new space race, and from a possible U.S.-China war over Taiwan, to the wisdom or folly of industrial policy. Every episode also features an “airing of grievances” in the national security space, and attas (i.e. shout outs) worthy of acclaim.

The Net Assessment podcast launched in 2018 in the War on the Rocks network and transferred to the Stimson Center in 2025.

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Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew dives into the defense of Taiwan
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the consequences of war with Iran
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discuss the derisking efforts of American allies and partners
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discuss the proposed Trump-class guided missile battleships
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew evaluates a “Resolute Global Leadership” grand strategy
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew (with a special guest) unpacks the National Defense Strategy
Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper • Kelly A. Grieco
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew considers the consequences of Maduro’s capture and what it means for the future of Venezuela
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew reflects on the year and considers what may come in 2026
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment evaluates the Trump administration’s China policy
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew takes stock of the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy.
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses how to build an economic and security order fit for the 21st century.
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the U.S. pressure campaign against Venezuela, and the prospect of regime change.
Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses factors that could impact the distribution of power on the world stage.
Zack Cooper • Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the effectiveness of foreign aid.
Zack Cooper • Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the challenge of overconfidence among national security officials.
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses how the United States, Europe, and Russia are approaching the war in Ukraine.
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses how the United States should prepare for a world in which economic power and national security are merging
Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper • Melanie Marlowe
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the challenges of implementing a strategy of prioritization.
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
The Net Assessment crew discusses the future of American AI policy.
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper
Podcast Episode 🎧
A discussion on whether the war on drugs should include U.S. military operations in Mexico.
Zack Cooper • Christopher Preble • Melanie Marlowe
Podcast Episode 🎧
Nuclear threats are rising. What can be done to contain them?
Melanie Marlowe • Christopher Preble • Zack Cooper