The Un-Diplomatic Podcast

Global power politics, for the people. Hosted by Van Jackson, Julia Gledhill, and Matt Duss. The views expressed are theirs alone (not those of any institution or employer).

Last refreshed: July 6th, 2025 at 5:30 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

China Can't Take a Joke, Kurds Betrayed, Strategic South Park, and John Cusack | Ep. 8

In this episode, Van and the crew discuss the world, from China to pop culture to endless war in the Middle East. What does China’s battle with the NBA signal for the future? Why is only South Park getting China right? Should western companies start divesting from China? And why did Trump announce a troop withdrawal from Syria? Non-sequiter: Superstar John Cusack tweeted and messaged Van! Van’s predictions: 1. Brexit will not occur before the 31st of October. 2. The PLA will deploy to Hong Kong,...

Oct 13, 2019•34 min•Ep. 8

Corruption, Eminem Playing Eminem, or Conspiracy Theory? How to Understand US Foreign Policy Now | Ep. 7

In this episode, Van explores Trump inadvertently brainwashing himself into believing conspiracy theories simply by repeating them. He gets into it over a piece by Mike Fuchs on the real price of corrupt foreign policy and why we should all be worried about Trump meeting with foreign leaders. Also, why cyber is the new go-to for policymakers who feel the need to "do something." What foreign policy has to do with professional wrestling. The one thing Eminem and Trump have in common (not whiteness...

Oct 07, 2019•39 min•Ep. 7

It's Kim Jong Un's World, and Trump's Just Living in It | Raw Uncut Ep. 6

Why did US-North Korea working level nuclear talks fall apart...in less than a day? Van Jackson explains why the moral hazard of reality-show summitry is ultimately to blame. Music: "Van is Meta" by Tre' Hester Van's prescription for a stabilizing North Korea policy: https://warontherocks.com/2019/09/confronting-reality-the-bitter-medicine-that-north-korea-policy-needs-now/

Oct 06, 2019•7 min•Ep. 6

Progressive versus Libertarian Foreign Policy: Irreconcilable, or Allies of Convenience? | Ep. 5

In this episode, Van digs into the varieties of progressive foreign policy thought, and confesses to evolutions about his own thinking. Why Joe and Hunter Biden--who did no wrong here--remind us that foreign money corrupts the politics of democracies everywhere. What is the "Washington Post test?" And how is journalism itself complicit in empowering Trump? Also in this episode, why government memos are sanitized versions of history. Ask Me Anything: Which democratic presidential candidates does ...

Oct 02, 2019•47 min•Ep. 5

American Civil War 2, Electric Boogaloo? The Unreality of a President Threatening His Country | Raw Uncut Ep. 4

Weighing all the things that affect the likelihood of the once unthinkable: a second American civil war. It's a joke, it's incredible, but it's also not implausible. Here's why. Trump civil war tweet: https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1178477539653771264 Ben Collins tweet: https://twitter.com/oneunderscore__/status/1178701411594522624 The Oath Movie: https://www.youtube.com/?v=4I8x79pgqok Music: "Van is Meta" by Tre' Hester...

Sep 30, 2019•8 min•Ep. 4

Korean Peace: How to Deal with Trump's Diversionary North Korea Policy | Raw Uncut Ep. 3

What would happen if Trump decides to end the Korean War? Why might he do it? And, if you're a peace-loving anti-Trumper, how should you react? Show host Van Jackson cuts to the heart of these questions in this Raw Uncut episode of the Un-Diplomatic podcast. Notes and Sources: New report from the Center for a New American Security on arms control with North Korea: https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/risk-realism Latest indication of Trump's willingness to declare an end to the Korean War: ...

Sep 30, 2019•9 min•Ep. 3

Foreign Policy Civil War in the GOP? Wu-Tang Clan, Marianne Williamson, China, and Getting Out of Afghanistan | Ep. 2

In this episode, Van weighs in on whether the GOP will ever confront Trump over foreign policy. He explains why you can't believe what China says, and insists that the Hong Kong protests are unique. Van and Pete let New Zealand's political opposition embarrass itself with obsequious brown-nosing of China and Xi Jinping. Van also highlights tensions between Marianne Williamson's views of peace-building and war planning. Also this episode, from The Ambassador's Brief: Why the HOW of getting out of...

Sep 25, 2019•37 min•Ep. 2

Iran-sanity: The Battle of Ted Cruz versus Nuke Expert Who Knows Things | Raw Uncut Ep. 1

This Raw Uncut episode does a quick and dirty dive into a Senator Ted Cruz op-ed calling for sanctions on Iran and claiming Obama caused Iran to attack Saudi Arabia (?). Dartmouth professor Nick Miller puts Cruz on blast. Cruz Oped: https://nypost.com/2019/09/20/time-for-trump-to-trigger-the-un-snapback-on-iran/amp/ Twitter Back and Forth: https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/1175507351652241408 Theme Song: "Van is Meta" by Tre' Hester Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/undiplomatic...

Sep 22, 2019•7 min•Ep. 1

The Virtue of Being Undiplomatic

In this opening trailer, show host Van Jackson previews his philosophy behind being undiplomatic, and why the next generation of foreign policy wonks in particular should tune in. Want a question featured on future episodes? Hit us up at askmeanything@undiplomaticpodcast.com For updates: www.undiplomaticpodcast.com Show Twitter: @UnDiplomaticPod Van's Twitter: @WonkVJ Support the Show: buymeacoffee.com/undiplomatic Theme song: Tre' Hester

Sep 17, 2019•4 min

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android