The podcast episodes provided discuss the critical importance of maritime trade and freedom of navigation for the global economy and international order.

The episodes explore historical events like the construction of the Suez Canal Construction Begins on the Suez Canal that revolutionized maritime trade, as well as contemporary challenges such as the threat of piracy and militant groups to commercial shipping How the Navy came to protect cargo ships.

The episodes also highlight the geopolitical tensions and rivalries, such as the Russia-China axis, that are emerging over control and access to key maritime chokepoints and trade routes Munk Dialogue with Sarah Paine: the rise of the Russia-China axis.