Noah Rothman on Breaking Battlegrounds
Few guests have joined Breaking Battlegrounds as often as Noah Rothman. Over five appearances, the National Review senior writer has given hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone his views on foreign policy, the Middle East, campus politics, artificial intelligence, and the history of political violence in America.
This page collects every Noah Rothman interview on Breaking Battlegrounds, with summaries of what he discussed, so you can find the conversation you’re looking for or listen to all of them in order.
Who Is Noah Rothman?
Noah Rothman is a writer, editor, author, and former MSNBC commentator. He became a senior writer at National Review in February 2023, after working as an MSNBC contributor and as associate editor of Commentary magazine.
He started in radio. He joined WABC in New York in 2002 as a research analyst and producer for The John Batchelor Show, then became an editor at Campaigns and Elections in 2010, moved to Ology.com in 2011, wrote for Mediaite starting in 2012, and joined Hot Air in 2014.
He has written several books, including Unjust: Social Justice and the Unmaking of America (Regnery, 2019) and The Rise of the New Puritans: Fighting Back Against Progressives’ War on Fun (2022). He studied Russian studies and political science at Drew University and earned a graduate degree in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University. His newest book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was the subject of his 2026 appearances on the show.
Noah Rothman's Appearances on Breaking Battlegrounds
Podcast 319: AI Data Centers, China, and Trump's Iran Strategy (August 2026)
In his most recent appearance, Rothman examined the political backlash against AI data centers and argued that fear of rapid change is driving much of the debate. He described the growing fight over computing power and energy, and America’s race with China to lead in AI. He also covered Trump’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, the economic pressure on Iran, and the possibility of growing instability inside the regime.
The episode also features Emmy-winning journalist Myrka Dellanos, author Jack Cheevers, and financial analyst Gary Gygi.
Podcast 304: Blood and Progress and the History of Left-Wing Violence (May 2026)
Rothman came on to discuss Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence and explained why he believes left-wing political violence has often been downplayed, excused, or mischaracterized in American discourse. In a clip from the interview, he argued that the common thread running through many radical movements is anti-Westernism, combined with a willingness to justify violence for political ends.
In the same episode, Congressman Dusty Johnson discussed U.S.-China trade and his campaign for governor, and Chuck Flint discussed IRS reform.
→ Read the full episode notes · Watch the clip on Substack · Watch on YouTube
Around the same time, Rothman also joined the show to discuss the New York Times report on the October 7 atrocities: what it found, the evidence it reviewed, and why he argues the world can’t look away. → Watch on Substack
Podcast 188: Noah Rothman and Congressman Darrell Issa: Campus Protests and Iran's Attack on Israel (2024)
Rothman discussed his article arguing that Iran’s attack on Israel was a political sea change, the pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, USC’s decision to cancel graduation ceremonies, and whether “peak wokeism” had passed. Later in the episode, Congressman Darrell Issa talked about Republican veterans marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day by parachuting from original World War II transport planes.
Podcast 205: Jason Willick, Henry Olsen & Noah Rothman (2024)
A panel with Washington Post columnist Jason Willick and elections analyst Henry Olsen, breaking down the politics of the 2024 campaign.
Podcast 164: Noah Rothman: Navigating Global Turmoil (November 2023)
In his first appearance, Rothman analyzed the Israel-Hamas conflict and the complicated choices facing U.S. foreign policy. Reporter Corinne Murdock joined later in the episode to discuss her investigation into a viral social media post by an Arizona State University law professor.
What Noah Rothman Argues: Key Themes
- Political violence and how it’s explained. Rothman argues that violence from the radical left is often treated as an understandable reaction rather than condemned outright. That argument runs through Blood and Progress.
- Israel, Iran, and the Middle East. From the October 7 attacks to Iran’s pressure on Israel and the Strait of Hormuz, Rothman views the region through the lens of deterrence and American strength.
- Culture and the new puritanism. His earlier books argue that parts of the progressive movement have become moralistic and restrictive.
- Technology and fear of change. In 2026 he applied the same lens to AI, arguing that the backlash against data centers reflects a broader fear of rapid change.
Related Episodes and Explainers
- Henry Olsen on Breaking Battlegrounds, with whom Rothman shared a 2024 panel
- Asylum vs. Refugee: What’s the Difference?
- What Is Populism?
- Explore all Breaking Battlegrounds episodes
Follow Noah Rothman
- National Review: Noah Rothman’s articles
- X: @NoahCRothman
- Background: Noah Rothman on Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Noah Rothman?
A senior writer at National Review, a former MSNBC contributor, and the author of books including Unjust and The Rise of the New Puritans.
What is Noah Rothman's latest book?
Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence. He discusses it in Podcast 304.
What has Noah Rothman said about Iran?
In Podcast 319 he discussed Trump’s Strait of Hormuz strategy, the economic pressure on Iran, and the potential for instability inside the regime.
How many times has Noah Rothman been on Breaking Battlegrounds?
Five full episodes, plus additional clips and segments.
