Best Pyongyang Podcasts (2026)

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The LOWDOWN: Venezuela Shockwaves, Iran Unrest, and Missile Signals from Pyongyang 14:54

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16h ago14:54

14:54

The United States’ seizure of Venezuela’s president reshapes the Western Hemisphere and sends immediate shockwaves through global security calculations. This episode starts with the Maduro operation—its execution, legal fallout, regional reactions, and energy implications—before tracking spillover pressures across the Americas. We then cover Iran’s…

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S3, Ep 9: Inside the Pyongyang International Film Festival 1:08:43

6d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Send us a text In this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, Justin Martell and Rowan Beard unpack their once in a lifetime experience attending the Pyongyang International Film Festival, offering rare insight into what it is actually like to travel to North Korea today. From cinema and cultural exchange to logistics, access, and how travel to the …

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Maduro Captured: Inside Operation Absolute Resolve and the Global Reactions Unfolding 30:08

1d ago30:08

30:08

Today’s LOWDOWN focuses on the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the cascading international reactions documented in open-source reporting. The episode begins with a detailed walkthrough of Operation Absolute Resolve, outlining what occurred, where and when the operation unfolded, the forces involved, and the military systems …

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Rising Pressure Across Regions: Russia’s Strained Home Front, China’s Taiwan Signaling, Iran’s Unrest, and Escalation from Venezuela to Yemen 18:06

4d ago18:06

18:06

Reporting from The Washington Post describes growing social strain inside Russia as the war nears its fourth year, with border regions facing routine drone attacks, visible air defenses, and reliance on volunteer networks, while wounded soldiers cite heavy losses and disillusionment even as wartime spending has improved conditions in some areas and…

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On the Brink: Russia’s Information War, Nuclear Signaling, and a Global Power Shift from Europe to the Caribbean 37:37

6d ago37:37

37:37

In this episode, we analyze a world on the brink as 2025 closes with high-stakes information warfare and shifting military postures. The Kremlin alleges a massive Ukrainian drone strike on President Putin’s Valdai residence, a claim widely assessed by the sources as an information operation intended to influence U.S. diplomatic narratives and harde…

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Pretexts and Pressure: Russia’s Valdai Claims, China Encircles Taiwan, Iran Signals Escalation 13:22

7d ago13:22

13:22

Russia has alleged an uncorroborated Ukrainian drone strike on President Putin’s Valdai residence, which analysts assess as a pretext to reject peace proposals and "reconsider" its position on negotiations. While the Kremlin issues inflated battlefield gains to project a collapsing Ukrainian front, it continues to pressure NATO's flank through reco…

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Justice Mission 2025: China’s Taiwan Encirclement, the Trump-Zelensky Florida Summit, and Iran’s "Full-Scale War" 12:49

15d ago12:49

12:49

Current reporting highlights escalating global tensions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the Taiwan Strait, China launched large-scale live-fire drills, "Justice Mission 2025," simulating an encirclement and blockade of Taiwan. This maneuver follows a significant U.S. weapons sale to the island. Parallel reporting suggests China may hav…

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China Stealth, Drone Ships, Russia Rejects Peace, IRGC Seizures, Syria Raids 18:15

17d ago18:15

18:15

China’s aviation reached new milestones with the flight of a third J-36 tailless fighter prototype and a “Type C” loyal wingman drone appearing on the Type 076 ship Sichuan. This highlights rapid stealth maturation and a shift toward drone-centric naval power intended to project force in the Western Pacific. In the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s Sergei…

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Strategic Brinkmanship: From China's Modular Missile Ships and the U.S. Blockade of Venezuela to Global Nuclear and Aviation Advancements 14:48

11d ago14:48

14:48

China has outfitted a cargo ship with 60 modular missile cells and radar, demonstrating a capability to convert its merchant fleet into improvised arsenal ships. In Iran, purpose-built hardened shelters for Su-35 fighters are nearing readiness at Hamadan Air Base. Reports also claim Supreme Leader Khamenei authorized developing miniaturized nuclear…

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Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025 35:44

20d ago35:44

35:44

This episode breaks down the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2025 report to Congress on People’s Republic of China, assessing how Beijing is accelerating military modernization, coercive force employment, and global power projection to support its long-term goal of national “rejuvenation” by 2049. The report highlights China’s prioritization of Taiwan…

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Caribbean GPS Jamming, Chinese ICBMs, Iran Rebuilding Missile Program, Oreshniks for Belarus, and a Look Back at Op JUST CAUSE 24:44

14d ago24:44

24:44

This episode assesses intensifying global security pressures driven by concurrent crises in the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe, with emphasis on great-power risk management under escalation. China is shown maintaining a deliberately bounded posture toward Venezuela during Operation Southern Spear—condemning U.S. actions and safegu…

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Escalation Signals: Russia’s Nuclear Posture, Taiwan Arms Surge, and U.S. Military Pressure in the Western Hemisphere 9:48

18d ago9:48

9:48

On 19 December, Ukraine reported drones from the 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade (“Black Forest”) destroyed two Russian S-400 “Triumf” launchers in Belgorod Oblast, targeting a system operated by Russia’s 568th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment. On 17–18 December, the Institute for the Study of War assessed Russian leadership claims of …

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Venezuela’s Blockade Crisis, China’s Tech Revolution, and the Reshaping of Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East 9:56

19d ago9:56

9:56

Correction: Blockade order was issued on 16 December 2025, not 17 December 2025. I. Venezuela: Blockade and Escalation The central crisis is the escalation of Operation Southern Spear, which has shifted from counter-narcotics to an overt pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro. President Trump ordered a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned …

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Blockades, Terror Labels, and Hypersonic Reach: Venezuela Oil Seizures, Russia-Ukraine Escalation, China’s New Airlift, and the Next Phase of Global Power Competition 14:12

20d ago14:12

14:12

References. https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/12/how-venezuelas-maduro-became-washingtons-most-persistent-hemispheric-adversary.php https://insightcrime.org/news/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-us-intervention-in-venezuela/ https://understandingwar.org/ https://www.twz.com/sea/this-will-be-the-navys-new-medium-landing-ship https://breakingdefense…

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Insider Killings in Syria, Ukraine Hits Russian Kilo Sub with UUV, and China’s CH-7 Stealth Drone Takes Flight 14:33

21d ago14:33

14:33

References: https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-15-2025/ https://www.38north.org/2025/12/military-airfield-modernization-expands-to-uiju/ https://theaviationist.com/2025/12/15/china-ch-7-drone-first-flight/ https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-12-15/uss-nimitz-homecoming-last-tim…

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Falling Behind the Algorithm: U.S. AI Autonomy Gaps, Space EW Escalation, SiAW Momentum, T-7 Delivery, Ukraine SITREP, and Iran's New Moral Order 17:48

22d ago17:48

17:48

This episode sponsored by Bad Intelligence. Find your new favorite work shirt at http://etsy.com/shop/BadIntelligence References https://www.sofx.com/u-s-forces-intercept-cargo-ship-carrying-missile-components-bound-for-iran/ https://defence-blog.com/u-s-marines-test-new-unmanned-amphibious-craft/ https://en.defence-ua.com/news/l3harris_delivers_fi…

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20251214 LOWDOWN 37:05

23d ago37:05

37:05

Factor reporting and analysis for 14 December 2025. Sponsored by Bad Intelligence. Find your new favorite work shirt at - https://www.etsy.com/shop/BadIntelligence References https://breakingdefense.com/2025/12/aussies-buy-seven-more-mq-28-ghost-bat-ccas-following-live-fire-demo/?_bhlid=21783972b9216a8ebb3d3aa6006802b94cd96c95 https://euromaidanpre…

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Is North Korean Denuclearization Dead? 44:30

1M ago44:30

44:30

On this episode, Dr. Victor Cha moderates a discussion with Amb. Cho Byung Jae and Dr. Jun Bong-geun on North Korea’s nuclear program and the future of diplomacy. The episode explores Pyongyang’s constitutional embrace of nuclear weapons, Seoul’s E.N.D. initiative to revive dialogue, and President Trump’s push for summitry.…

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What Does China Want? 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Zenobia Chan, and Ms. Henrietta Levin discussed whether China is a status quo power with limited global aims, or a revisionist state with goals of expanding power and reshaping the global international order, and more.By CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

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Evil Corp: 6. Fatherland 1:08:16

1M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Investigators hunting for Maksim Yakubets, allege he is working with the FSB – Russia’s security agency. They say the Evil Corp gang has stolen more than $100m from at least 300 victim organisations in 43 countries - but who is the powerful man in Moscow said to be protecting Maksim, their alleged leader? We follow his family’s journey from a humbl…

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Evil Corp: 5. Game over 45:26

2M ago45:26

45:26

As the cyber criminals reinvent themselves, FBI Special Agent Keith Mularski goes undercover to infiltrate the operation. But as kingpin Tank is finally arrested, another leader rises with the creation of a new crew: Evil Corp. The group’s alleged leader, Maksim Yakubets, would go on to steal millions using “one of the most prolific and successful …

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South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Deal: What’s Next? 37:39

2M ago37:39

37:39

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Kang Choi, and Dr. Beomchul Shin discussed the outcomes of the APEC meetings, South Korea’s nuclear submarine deal with the United States, and potential next steps.By CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

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Evil Corp: 4. The insider 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

A cyber-crime kingpin in a US prison speaks for the first time. How did he dodge the FBI when they came to his home? And how did he and his alleged crime gang steal millions of dollars from their victims? We learn that Jabber Zeus boss Tank had friends in high political places in Ukraine – and a budding young business associate in Russia. Hosted by…

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Evil Corp: 3. Agents on the doorstep 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

The net tightens on the Jabber Zeus crew. Police and intelligence services across borders are poised to synchronise raids, but cops in London are thrown a last-minute curveball that could see the whole operation implode. Meanwhile, tales of Tank’s past emerge - and his former life as club DJ Slava Rich. But as FBI agents working in Ukraine brace to…

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Evil Corp: 2. Into the storm 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

A rookie FBI agent is swept up in a case that goes from Main St, USA, to the UK, Ukraine and Russia. Cyber-crime victims are everywhere. This is way bigger than Jim Craig thought. He travels to Ukraine to meet his counterparts. Over vodka and fine food in a dacha in the Ukrainian forest, they make a plan to go after the suspected cyber hackers. Hos…

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Upcoming U.S.-ROK Summit and the Future of Inter-Korean Engagement 38:39

3M ago38:39

38:39

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Andrew Yeo, and Mr. Sydney Seiler discussed the future of inter-Korean engagement, the upcoming APEC meetings, and the upcoming summit meeting between Presidents Trump and Lee.By CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

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Evil Corp: 1. Zeus 38:40

3M ago38:40

38:40

Moscow drag racers, an opulent Russian wedding and a malware code named after the Greek god of thunder - how do they all connect? A cyber-sleuth and “dark hero of the internet” Lawrence Baldwin sees signs of an emerging underworld. As money vanishes from accounts across the US, Lawrence follows the trail, infiltrating the gang - holding out for clu…

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Evil Corp: Trailer 4:21

3M ago4:21

4:21

Accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars – Russia’s most wanted hackers. Just who are Evil Corp? In season 3 of Cyber Hack, we follow the years’ long trail with investigators as they try to track down the man alleged to be at the centre of it all, hacker Maksim Yakubets. Follow or subscribe to Cyber Hack, so you never miss an episode.…

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What to Expect? New Leadership in Japan 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. James Brady, and Mr. Tobias Harris discussed the newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanae Takaichi—who is likely to become the next prime minister following a parliamentary vote in mid-October—as well as trilateral relations among the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, foreign po…

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The Lazarus Heist S2: A message to listeners 1:05

3M ago1:05

1:05

A message from Geoff White on changes you'll see to The Lazarus Heist podcast feed, which will now be called Cyber Hack, from the BBC World Service. From this point on we're giving all series of this podcast the over-arching name of Cyber Hack. But don't worry, series 1 and 2 will remain as The Lazarus Heist, co-hosted by Geoff and Jean Lee. And th…

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President Lee's First 100 Days 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

By CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

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S3, Ep 8: General Butt Naked - From Cannibal Warlord to Preacher 48:30

3M ago48:30

48:30

Send us a text In this episode, we speak with Joshua Milton Blahyi, better known to the world as General Butt Naked, one of the most feared rebel commanders of Liberia’s brutal civil war, which ravaged the country from 1989 to 1997. Once infamous for his violent tactics and ruthless reputation, Blahyi has since turned his life toward faith, preachi…

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Trump and the Autocratic Axis 45:29

4M ago45:29

45:29

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Patricia Kim, and Dr. Thomas Wright discussed the growing cooperation among the autocratic countries of China, Russia, and North Korea as they push back against U.S. influence and the U.S.-led international order; the strategies the United States might leverage to counter this bloc; the implications for U.S. policy and its allie…

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Is China Eating Our Lunch? 35:36

4M ago35:36

35:36

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Ely Ratner, and Mr. Scott Snyder discussed two of China’s major diplomatic events—the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the Victory Day Parade—as well as the Xi-Putin-Kim meeting, Kim Ju Ae's international debut, the growing alignment of hostile actors, and what all these developments mean for the Korean Peninsu…

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S3, Ep 7: Bougainville - Culture, Conflict, and the Path to a New Nation 31:03

4M ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Recorded during our recent trip to Bougainville - a corner of the pacific some say will soon become the world’s 194th country. From WWII relics and island villages to the Tama Festival and even a visit to the Twin Kingdom of Me’ekamui and Papaala, YPT’s latest visit went deeper than ever before. In this episode, YPT co-founder Gareth…

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Are allies or autocrats managing Trump better? 28:02

4M ago28:02

28:02

This episode is a special crossover with our CSIS sister podcast, State of Play. After a busy month of U.S. diplomacy, Victor Cha and Max Bergmann join Will to discuss what East Asian and European allies are learning about summits with President Trump and what patterns are emerging about how President Trump engages with autocrats. "⁠Statesmen’s For…

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The LOWDOWN - Axis in Motion: Russia’s War, China’s Push, and Allied Readiness - 18 Aug 2025 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

This week’s LOWDOWN unpacks the shifting balance of power across multiple theaters: Russia continues grinding forward in Ukraine with drone-heavy assaults and manpower-driven tactics, betting that Western fatigue will erode support for Kyiv. China sharpens its challenge in the Indo-Pacific, revealing new naval and missile capabilities while tighten…

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The Lazarus Heist S2: Special: The biggest heist yet 55:45

5M ago55:45

55:45

$1.5 billion disappears in minutes. But what follows reveals North Korea’s expanding reach — from elite hackers to soldiers on the battlefield. The audacious attack was on the ByBit crypto exchange in February 2025. Investigators say North Korean hackers the Lazarus Group are responsible – the biggest heist in the history of crypto. With our hosts …

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The LOWDOWN: China’s Shadow Moves, Russia’s War Calculus, Iran’s Nuclear Gambit, and North Korea’s Cyber Mercenaries – Aug 5–11, 2025 14:50

5M ago14:50

14:50

Stay ahead of the week’s most critical national security developments. In this episode of The LOWDOWN, we break down the latest from August 5–11, 2025 — with a sharp focus on China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. China: Political maneuvering, military activity, and strategic influence moves across the Indo-Pacific. Russia: War updates, battlefield …

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The Trump-South Korea Trade Deal: Who Wins? 32:48

5M ago32:48

32:48

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Ms. Yoojin Kim, Dr. Philip Luck, and Mr. Bill Reinsch discussed the implications of this major trade development, including its impact on U.S.–South Korea economic ties; the outlook for allied investment in critical sectors such as semiconductors, automobiles, steel, and shipbuilding; and the broader geopolitical dy…