

Steven Cook
Senior Fellow for Middle East & Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, offering analysis on Iran, regional diplomacy, and strategic implications for freedom of navigation.
Top 10 podcasts with Steven Cook
Ranked by the Snipd community

12 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 17min
Bloomberg Surveillance TV: March 24th, 2026
Emily Roland, Co-Chief Investment Strategist at Manulife IM, outlines portfolio moves, bonds, and quality stocks amid volatility. Steven Cook, CFR Middle East & Africa expert, analyzes Iran, regional diplomacy, and navigation risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Vikas Dwivedi, Macquarie oil economist, discusses Brent price scenarios, supply/demand dynamics, and mitigation options. Multiple short takes on geopolitics, markets, and energy risks.

11 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 58min
Lawfare Archive: The End of U.S. Ambition in the Middle East with Steven Cook
Steven Cook, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of 'The End of Ambition', dives deep into America's complex history in the Middle East. He discusses the intricate dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, revealing how oil and alliances shape decisions. Cook critiques attempts at promoting democracy and highlights the repercussions of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also addresses the lingering instability in Gaza and calls for a pragmatic approach to U.S. engagement, emphasizing the region's pivotal role in global politics.

10 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 25min
Bloomberg Surveillance TV: February 20th, 2026
Jitania Kandhari, Morgan Stanley MD and deputy CIO, on how Middle East tensions, oil shocks and regional supply chains could sway markets and inflation. Alicia Reese, Wedbush SVP in equity research, on the Netflix–Warner talks, theatrical windowing and streaming advertising opportunities. Steven Cook, CFR senior fellow, on Iran, likely retaliation, regional military moves and diplomatic signaling.

8 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 39min
Bloomberg Surveillance: Keys for Investors in 2024
Kristina Hooper advises investors to be well-diversified in 2024, while Gerard Cassidy suggests a risk-on investment strategy. Steven Cook discusses the US's defensive approach to recent escalations in the Red Sea, and Nadia Martin Wiggen examines the impacts of geopolitical conflicts on the global oil market. Sel Hardy predicts a gradual recovery in the healthcare sector next year.

Sep 3, 2024 • 34min
A Wider Middle East War, With Steven Cook
In a compelling discussion, Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow at CFR, explores the escalating military tensions in the Middle East. He analyzes Iran's delayed response to provocations and the implications of U.S. military presence in the region. Cook dives into Israel’s military strategies against Hezbollah, highlighting their arsenal and the complexities of targeting leadership. The conversation also unpacks the intricate relationships between Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel, raising questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential outcomes for regional stability.

Feb 25, 2026 • 43min
The President of the Board of Peace Seems to Be Bored of Peace
Steven Cook, CFR foreign policy analyst on Iran military strategy. Ed Luce, Financial Times columnist on U.S. leadership psychology. Kim Ghattas, Beirut-based journalist and Middle East expert. They dissect Trump’s State of the Union rhetoric, the naval buildup near Iran, regional expectations of conflict, domestic political drivers, military risks, Israel’s calculations, and the likely human cost of escalation.

Dec 25, 2025 • 40min
FTA: Special Episode: America Attacks Iran…What’s Next?
Gen. Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army general with expertise in military strategy, Jon Wolfsthal, a former senior U.S. nonproliferation official, and Steven Cook, a Middle East policy analyst, dive deep into the implications of America's striking Iran. They discuss the operational details of the airstrikes, the uncertainties surrounding damage assessments, and the potential for regional escalation. The panel highlights the risks posed by Iranian retaliation, and the broader geopolitical dynamics with Russia and China in play, emphasizing the heightened threat of nuclear proliferation.

Oct 9, 2025 • 37min
Celebrate the Gaza Ceasefire—Now for the Hard Part
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, offers insights into Israeli politics, while Steven Cook, a Middle East analyst, shares his expertise on regional dynamics. They discuss the implications of the newly reached Gaza ceasefire, including the political maneuvering of Trump and Netanyahu. The guests delve into the tough hurdles of achieving lasting peace, such as disarmament and governance challenges. They also consider potential fallout if the agreement falters, painting a stark picture of the future and the political landscape in Israel.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Political Gabfest - Let’s Plunge, New York
Ruth Marcus, a contributor to The New Yorker and author of 'Supreme Ambition,' joins Yale professor James Forman, known for 'Locking Up Our Own,' and Steven Cook from the Council on Foreign Relations. They dive into Trump’s controversial bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, exploring its complex geopolitical implications. The discussion shifts to Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York’s Democratic primary, highlighting grassroots strategies and voter demands for authenticity. They also touch on ethical concerns in judicial practices, bringing light to significant legal challenges.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Political Gabfest - Let’s Plunge, New York
Steven Cook, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into President Trump's controversial bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, discussing its geopolitical implications and the necessity for diplomacy. The conversation also touches on Zohran Mamdani's stunning victory in the NYC mayoral primary, showcasing the shifting political landscape. Additionally, revelations from a whistleblower expose misconduct related to deportation orders during the Trump administration, raising serious ethical concerns within the Justice Department.


