More left-of-center conventional commentary with little actual analysis and a lot of “sort of”s and buzzword churn.

I really like the content and, despite the audio getting better over the years, it is still impossible to understand, especially listening in a vehicle.

The content is interesting, but the host is barely audible as he swallows the end of his sentences. I don’t have the problem with any guest speakers.

Its been building but the most recent podcast on Shangri-la pushed me over the edge. It’s pure Beltway take on pretty much every issue. That’s fine, I guess, but the hosts’ inability to understand or even recognize other perspectives without ridicule is disappointing. Case in point here, our host dismissed Singapore’s Defense Chief’s remarks as something along the line that that’s what you would expect from Singapore without even examining the remarks in detail.

This is a very informative podcast, but it is often hard to hear Ankit. Katy comes in loud and clear, but Ankit tends to speak in a lower tone, and his volume often trails off about a third of the way through a sentence or thought. It makes it difficult to listen in the car, and it contrasts with Katy and other guests, who I can hear just fine. Perhaps a better microphone?

Pakistan flooding illustrates weather. It says nothing about climate. I would suggest you find a college that educates students.

Excellent podcast. Thank you for the discussion topics, especially topics regarding Oceania. Any future coverage or discussion planned on the announcement by VPOTUS at the Ocean’s Conference in Fiji of the US Embassy to be established in Tonga and Kiribati?

The content is terrific. However, one of the hosts has an unconscious habit of sharply intaking a breath after each of her sentences. It’s somewhat maddening to listen to since it sounds like a gasp when played at 1.1/4 or1.5 speed. But aside from that, wonderful analysis and terrific content…

There is something wrong with the female panelist’s microphone in the IPEF episode. It should have been edited. Please keep quality control.

The Diplomat podcast explores issues not often covered in US media, and the hosts’ insights help answer the “why” lurking behind so many confrontations and conflicts. The audio quality is not consistent (sounds like one of the hosts is slurping ramen throughout the shows), but this may be due to pandemic-related remote work. If you geek out on international politics like I do, subscribe to this enjoyable show.

Overall, your topics are great. I have been listening to most if not all of them. You seem to talk a lot about China. However, I can’t really recall you ever invited a China voice and opinion into the China matter. This is not what anyone would call a balanced approach. What a disappointment!

This podcast is fantastic and the presenter is excellent. However, Mr. Panda constantly swallows his words, drifting off and mumbling to himself, which unfortunately makes major parts of the podcast unlistenable. When he has a co-host, her volume is normal, while he ranges from a whisper to a regular volume. I wish the Diplomat would offer him a soundboard or something where he could watch his levels, because he has so much wonderful content to share! Your words are worth hearing - please speak into the microphone!

This Why i subscribed to the pod and magazine: high class analysis from people living in the region

Generally good content, with cognizant elucidation of the myriad factors driving the tides of South East Asia.

Very informative. Always look forward to next episode.

At a time when knowledge about Asia is more essential Ankit and his guests provide the information and analysis that we need.

I love this podcast! I consider their analysis on par with CSIS China Power and Sinica. The only reason I can’t give it 5 stars is the audio quality is below par! In volume and fidelity I sometimes struggle to hear what the host or guest is saying. Please improve it!

This podcast has the right topics, but strengthens the established stereotypes, so it does sound music to people’s ears. However, far too many comments and opinions are biased and/or detached from facts. If it is just a show of echo chamber to reinforce existing stereotypical views on many parts of Asia or serve as a propaganda purpose, fine. Just stop self-promoting as the best political podcast on Asia. You are not.

This really isn’t a general-interest podcast. I don’t mean that as a criticism, just a fact. If you’re someone who has a professional interest in geopolitics in Asia, but isn’t already a deep expert in the region, this is a podcast you will find worthwhile. It delves deep into topics that most media sources would either not cover at all, or cover only superficially. It’s a good way to stay current on events in the region, from a perspective that goes much deeper into the details than typical media sources. It also covers a lot of topics that most media ignore, assuming (correctly in most cases) that general audiences wouldn’t care. If you’ve a casual listener interested in learning more about international politics and security, I suspect you will find this podcast too dry, and too far into the details of issues you’ve barely heard of. You’ll definitely learn a lot if you’re willing to stick around, but it’ll take some determination. While the hosts do provide some context and background for their discussions, the delivery style is not one that tries to convince you to be interested in the subject matter. It assumes that if you weren’t interested already, you wouldn’t be listening.

Utter BS. Idiots too afraid to speak the truth. The host is even worse.

The best podcast on foreign policy, and international actors and issues in Asia. This should be required listening for any government, NGO or military officials working on issues germane to East Asia, Southeast Asia, and national security.

I’m a Georgetown boy, so this podcast is right up my alley. It does an incredible job of concisely summarizing very topical issues, anyone interested in IR simply MUST have a listen.

Best podcast to understand Asian dynamics!

I’ve been listening to this for over a year and the quality of the topics they’ve discussed on here are just top notch. I like short sessions and they do just that while squeezing in as much information as they possibly can in the time being. The experts they hosted here are able to tell complex issues in layman’s term.

A+

This is a good podcast. It is anchored by Paris native Ankit Panda and bolstered by analysis from Prasanth Parameswaran.

Informative and unbiased coverage. Necessary in every way. Keep up the good work.

As a student of IR I consider The Diplomat’s podcasts (and articles) must read material for understanding Asia as a whole and not just China or Korea focused. Keep it up and keep them coming! Update 9/17/19: definitely like the two-topic podcast. Asia is massive, lots going on and I’m glad to hear more stories on the topic.

Great quality program that continues to bring up new issues I never would have heard myself. It’s a great companion to reading the diplomat itself!

This is an informative podcast. It is “ just right “ - not too academic and high brow and not too simple.

One of the few podcasts that treats the listener like an adult and assumes some working-level geopolitical knowledge rather than trudging through undergraduate-level basics.

Any day that The Diplomat has a new episode is a good day. Ankit is a wellspring of knowledge and insight - this podcast is a must for anyone looking for crucial assessments of the Asia-Pacific region.

See above.

Latest podcast featured detailed discussion about the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue security and defense summit

I used to listen to this podcast regularly. Like the website, it covered the entire continent of Asia with depth. But I’ve been really turned off by Ankit’s monologues. His cohost is just as smart, but Ankit seems to talk to himself at length, like a robot out of control. He sounds like Dustin Hoffman from Rain Man. Ankit’s domination of the show just makes it unlistenable. The format of this podcast is a two-person conversation. When one person speaks 80% of the time, no matter how knowledgeable they are, it turns off listeners.

It is very encouraging to know that some publication out there is publishing pristine and neutral contemporary affairs. Looking for to more such podcasts. Cheers!

I wanted to believe that his is a trustworthy publication, but a recent story changed that perception. There was an aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan following a VBIED explosion in the disputed region of Kashmir. Pakistan allegedly used F-16s in the dogfight (Pakistani armed forces did confirm that F-16s were airborne during the dogfight). This use of F-16s against India is forbidden per an end-user agreement that Pakistan signed. Since then, there has been a huge media frenzy regarding Pakistan’s alleged use of F-16 The Diplomat ran a story quoting unknown US department of defense officials, stating that all of Pakistan’s F-16s were accounted for - but this was rebutted a few days later by Pentagon officials. No such accounting of Pakistani F-16s had been done as per US DoD’s rebuttal. This shook my faith in “The Diplomat” quite a bit.

Grew at show! Covers all the central points to every topic and goes into great details that are subtle for those who aren’t international relations experts. Especially love the guest starts often being younger and giving a fresh perspective. Keep up the good work!

Informative and timely, hosts do a good job. I need to check out the print version as well!

Fantastic podcast for anyone interested in Asia! The analysis is always insightful and informative. I always look forward to the next episode. The only negative point is that the quality of the audio isn't always great. Keep up the good work!

Great podcast for key political, economic and defense related topics points across Asia and neighboring regions. Extremely helpful for finance professionals, policy enthusiasts and/or anyone interested in the region. Thanks guys for doing this pod, extremely helpful for people focused on different subject matters who need to catch up on Asia topics over the week.

One of my favorite podcasts for in-depth current events, historical and cultural background, and nuanced analysis. thanks so much! you guys are awesome!

If you’re interested in Asia geopolitics and enjoy learning by audio, there’s no better source that in aware of

detail and thoughtful ideas.

Have listened for years and really enjoy the comprehensive Asia-Pacific, or should I say Indo-Pacific?, coverage. Only complaint is that there could be new shows a little more often.

Great, timely, and illuminative. Could use an upgrade on sound quality for those Skyping/calling in though. I'd recommend buying a nice mic for regular guests/co-hosts.

The content is timely, but the commentary is so overtly left-sided that I question the contributors' ability to analyze and assess objectively. It's like listening to an anti-Trump echo chamber.

I've been following for a little over a year now and I find it to be a great source for information on current events. I wish these guys had more staff to enable more frequent updates.

Super smart and informed. It’s kinda geeky on details (which I love) but I’m an ordinary, middle-ages mom and I can follow fine :). Think Ezra Klein’s show “The Weeds” on Asian geo-politics.

If you’re looking for an informative and unbiased look on the events and trends driving the news and geopolitical realities in Asia, this podcast is a must. The hosts, Ankit Panda and Vipin Narang are terrific, and do a superb job of providing their listeners with a detailed view of the players and events in today’s Asia. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the region in the 18 months or so that I’ve been a listener and recommend pairing it with a subscription to the Diplomat. I give it five stars. It’s my favorite podcast.