Podcast artwork thumbnail for Counterpoint

Counterpoint

Nick Danforth, Sasha Polakow-Suransky

Booking Overview

This is a debate-format foreign policy show featuring two external experts who argue opposing positions on major international affairs questions, including diplomats, academics, journalists, activists, and former government officials. Credible pitches include senior foreign policy scholars, ambassadors, experienced regional analysts, policymakers, and journalists with substantial expertise, but booking is difficult because recent guests include a former U.S. secretary of state, a senior EU diplomat, ambassadors, and prominent international relations experts.

Metrics

Episodes: 56

Frequency: Irregular

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1,000 - 10,000

Gender skew: Male

Listener location: USA

Instagram: 270.0k followers

Page updated: Nov 4, 2026 · How we check this data

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

support@foreignpolicy.com

podcasts@foreignpolicy.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Host

Nick Danforth - Deputy editor at Foreign Policy and a foreign policy journalist and analyst.

Sasha Polakow-Suransky - Foreign policy journalist and editor.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

very_high
Typical Credentials:  
Senior diplomats, former government officials, ambassadors, foreign policy academics, regional specialists, journalists, and activists with recognized expertise in international affairs and the ability to defend a clear position in a substantive debate.
Required Achievements:  
Ambassadorial or senior government service, Senior fellowships at prominent foreign policy institutions, Academic appointments and research expertise, Authorship of respected books on international affairs, Leadership or direct involvement in major diplomatic negotiations

Recent Guest Discussions

Emma Ashford - Whether NATO Expansion Has Made Europe Safer And Whether Its Growth Provoked Confrontation With Russia.

Michael McFaul - Whether NATO Expansion Has Made Europe Safer And Its Effect On Relations With Russia.

Hillary Clinton - The U.s. National Security Strategy, Congressional Performance, And The Conflicts In Gaza And Ukraine.

Kaja Kallas - Relations With Washington, Russia’s War In Ukraine, Recognition Of Palestine, And Dealing With China.

Chris Hill - Whether The Dayton Accords Were Essential To Bringing Peace And Maintaining Stability In Bosnia.

Recent Topics

Politics, International Relations, Geopolitics, Diplomacy, National Security

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Counterpoint
:

Debate: Should Democratic Foreign Policy be More Progressive?

October 29, 2026

With the U.S. midterm elections just days away, Democrats are debating what their party should stand for, not just at home, but abroad. In 2021 President Biden promised to restore American leadership through diplomacy, but his administration’s foreign policy has faced criticism, particularly over its handling of Israel’s war in Gaza. Now, as the party looks to the future, does it need more restrained foreign policy or is a traditional approach to American leadership and military power still e...

Debate: Should Republican Foreign Policy be More Restrained?

October 28, 2026

Republicans have argued for decades that U.S. military power is essential to keeping the world safe. But as the war with Iran continues to raise questions about overseas intervention, divisions are growing within the party over when the country should use its military strength and when it should hold back. Welcome to Counterpoint, where we look at one big question facing world leaders from opposing points of view. In this episode, we’re asking: Should the future of Republican foreign policy...

Debate: Has Trump’s Diplomacy Taken the United States Forward?

October 21, 2026

Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put America first and reshape the world through his deal-making instincts. From the war in Iran to tensions with traditional allies, his approach has challenged long-standing assumptions about the United States’ role in the world. Supporters say that he is securing better deals for the country, while critics contend that his tactics risk undermining the alliances and international standing that have made the United States...

Similar Podcasts

Podcast(s) similar to
Counterpoint
:

Chatham House podcast specials · High booking difficulty · 1,000 - 10,000 listeners

Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Counterpoint
:

How do I get in touch with Counterpoint?

Counterpoint is hosted by Nick Danforth and Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Its publicly listed emails are support@foreignpolicy.com and podcasts@foreignpolicy.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Counterpoint?

The publicly listed emails for Counterpoint: support@foreignpolicy.com and podcasts@foreignpolicy.com.

How many listeners does Counterpoint have?

Podseeker estimates Counterpoint reaches 1,000 to 10,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Counterpoint?

Counterpoint typically books well-known public figures. Typical guest background: Senior diplomats, former government officials, ambassadors, foreign policy academics, regional specialists, journalists, and activists with recognized expertise in international affairs and the ability to defend a clear position in a substantive debate. Common among recent guests: Ambassadorial or senior government service; Senior fellowships at prominent foreign policy institutions; Academic appointments and research expertise. Recent guests include Emma Ashford, Michael McFaul, and Hillary Clinton.

How hard is it to get booked on Counterpoint?

Very high. It mostly books well-known names.

What topics does Counterpoint cover?

Recent episodes cover Politics, International Relations, Geopolitics, Diplomacy, and National Security. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

How does Podseeker get this information?

From public sources and our own research: podcast websites, social profiles, podcast feeds, and our data team. Podcast feeds and episodes are checked daily, and details like contacts, recent guests, and booking difficulty are refreshed regularly.

I host Counterpoint. How do I correct this page?

If something here is out of date, ask us to correct it through Podseeker's contact form at podseeker.co/contact. Our research team reviews every request and updates the listing.

Publicly listed emails

support@foreignpolicy.com

podcasts@foreignpolicy.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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