Power, Paranoia, and the People's Liberation Army

Power, Paranoia, and the People's Liberation Army

Author: Ryan Evans February 19, 2026 Duration: 59:06

China's top military leadership has been shaken by a new round of purges at the highest level, raising urgent questions about loyalty, corruption, and combat readiness. What do these removals, and especially the purge of Zhang Youxia, signal about Xi Jinping's grip on power, the health of the People's Liberation Army, and Beijing's appetite for risk abroad? We are joined by four seasoned analysts of China and its military, three of whom worked at the Central Intelligence Agency, to parse these questions and more.

 
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Hosted by Ryan Evans, War on the Rocks feels less like a formal briefing and more like pulling up a chair at a bar where the most consequential global issues are being debated. The conversations, often accompanied by the clink of a glass, dive into the gritty realities of security, defense, and foreign policy with the people who shape and study them. You’ll hear from a wide range of insiders and experts-from seasoned diplomats and military officers to sharp-eyed academics and journalists-who break down complex topics without the usual jargon. This podcast thrives on candid analysis and spirited discussion, exploring not just the "what" of current events, but the underlying "why" and "how" of international power dynamics. Each episode is designed to give you a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the forces shaping our world, moving beyond headlines to examine strategy, history, and the human decisions behind the news. It’s the original series from the platform, offering listeners a direct line to thoughtful, often provocative, perspectives that are usually reserved for closed-door meetings. Tuning in provides a consistently engaging and informative look at the challenges and intrigues defining global affairs today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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