Face-Off Podcast Season 3 Returns: Exploring Explosive US–China Tensions | Hosted by Jane Perlez & Rana Mitter
The global balance of power has rarely felt this fragile. As the United States and China jostle for supremacy on political, economic, and technological fronts, one acclaimed podcast returns to decode it all.
The award-winning “Face-Off” podcast is back with a brand-new season, shining a spotlight on the ever-evolving relationship between the world’s two superpowers — and how their rivalry is shaping the future of global order.
A Deep Dive into the Power Struggle Between the US and China
Hosted by Jane Perlez, a Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and former New York Times Beijing Bureau Chief, alongside Professor Rana Mitter, a leading historian of modern China, the series offers a front-row seat to the unfolding drama between Washington and Beijing.
Season three of Face-Off promises sharper insights, deeper context, and compelling storytelling as it unpacks one of the most consequential geopolitical rivalries of the 21st century.
“We’re thrilled to launch a new season of Face-Off: US vs China. It feels like we’re at a completely different point in the relationship — more tumultuous than ever, more wide-ranging, and more consequential,” says Jane Perlez.
What Makes the New Season Stand Out
The third season builds upon the success of its previous runs, which won:
🏆 The Gracie Award for Best Education Podcast
🏆 Two Signal Awards for Documentary Excellence
This season expands the conversation beyond traditional geopolitics, delving into:
Soft power and cultural influence
Technological competition in AI and robotics
Military posturing and nuclear deterrence
Shifting global alliances
Youth disillusionment and ideological divides
Inside Season Three: What to Expect
The latest season doesn’t just retell headlines — it humanizes them. Through a mix of expert interviews, dramatic narration, and investigative depth, Face-Off examines how two leaders — Donald Trump and Xi Jinping — are shaping today’s volatile world order.
Upcoming Episode Highlights:
“Trump vs. Xi: The Leadership Divide” – Exploring the contrasting political philosophies of two dominant figures.
“Race to the Future: AI, Chips, and Cyber Supremacy” – A look into the tech race defining global power.
“Silent Seas: The Arms Build-Up in the Pacific” – How naval expansion is reshaping security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
“Generation Disillusioned” – Why young people in both nations are growing skeptical of their political systems.
“Digital Influence Wars” – Dissecting propaganda, algorithms, and the battle for online dominance.
Powerful Voices, Global Perspectives
Face-Off continues to feature world-class guests, each offering nuanced perspectives on global affairs:
Jake Sullivan – Former US National Security Adviser
Alberto Moel – Robotics scientist and expert in industrial automation
Zhou Bo – Retired Chinese general and current senior fellow at Tsinghua University
Chang Che – Chinese American writer exploring cultural identity and political transformation
Each conversation reveals not just political maneuvering, but the underlying social and emotional forces driving the world’s most pivotal rivalry.
Critical Acclaim and Academic Impact
The Face-Off podcast has been praised by both listeners and scholars for its intellectual rigor and storytelling style.
“The Face-Off podcast had a riveting effect on professors and students. Its deep analysis and dramatic narrative kept listeners engaged and eager for more,” says Len Apcar, Professor at Louisiana State University.
The series’ blend of investigative journalism and historical insight makes it a must-listen for academics, policy analysts, journalists, and anyone curious about the future of international relations.
A Podcast That Bridges Understanding Amid Rising Tensions
In 2025, with the global order in flux, Face-Off offers context and clarity. As diplomatic relations strain and trade wars reignite, the series challenges listeners to understand not just what’s happening — but why.
The hosts’ contrasting experiences — Perlez as a seasoned foreign correspondent and Mitter as an academic — bring balance, making the show accessible yet intellectually rich.
Together, they analyze how the world’s most powerful nations are redefining democracy, technology, and identity — and what that means for the rest of us.
The Bigger Picture: Why the US–China Rivalry Matters
The battle for global influence between Washington and Beijing is no longer confined to trade or diplomacy. It’s a multifaceted contest encompassing:
Economic strategy: Competing trade blocs and currency dominance
Technology: The race for AI leadership and semiconductor control
Defense: Military modernization and territorial assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific
Culture & ideology: Competing narratives of freedom, stability, and governance
This is not just a power struggle — it’s a contest over the future blueprint of the modern world.
Produced with Excellence
Face-Off is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions, known for its premium-quality documentary storytelling.
The production team combines journalistic precision with cinematic audio design — creating an immersive listening experience that feels as compelling as it is informative.
Release Date and Availability
Season three of Face-Off premieres November 18, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly on all major podcast platforms including:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
BBC Sounds
audioXi
Listeners can subscribe now to stay updated as new episodes release.
Why You Should Tune In
If you’re fascinated by:
Global politics and diplomacy
Economic power shifts
Modern Chinese history
The future of US foreign policy
The human stories behind global news
Then Face-Off offers the perfect blend of storytelling and substance. Each episode is crafted to educate, provoke thought, and inspire critical discussion about the world we’re inheriting.
Final Thoughts
At a time when the relationship between the United States and China seems more unstable than ever, Face-Off delivers clarity through conversation.
This season promises to be its most ambitious yet — bringing together the past, present, and future of two nations locked in a complex, high-stakes duel that affects every corner of the globe.
