Rational Security: The “Out of the Twenty-Twenty-Fourno, Into the Fire” Edition

7 snips

Jan 1, 2025

This year's end-of-year reflection dives into the implications of the Assad regime's collapse and its impact on Syria's future. The conversation also tackles the enforceability of a TikTok ban and explores the risks of cryptocurrency regulations. Key topics include the underreported national security threats and the potential consequences of BRIC nations forming their own reserve currency. Additionally, the hosts recommend insightful indie video games and compelling media that frame discussions around national security in creative ways.

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INSIGHT

Syria's Future

A unified Syria could help balance US alliances with Turkey, Kurdistan, and Israel.
However, a fractured Syria, which is the current reality, might raise concerns among these countries.

INSIGHT

TikTok Ban Mechanics

The TikTok ban targets app stores and cloud providers, not individual users.
It aims to degrade user experience and encourage switching to competitors like YouTube Shorts.

ADVICE

Climate Change as National Security

Pay attention to climate change's growing impact on national security.
Consider policy and technological advancements alongside concerning political trends.

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For the podcast’s annual end-of-year episode, Scott sat down with co-hosts emeritus Alan Rozenshtein and Quinta Jurecic to talk over listener-submitted topics and object lessons, including:

How will the collapse of the Assad regime impact the region? And can the United States help create a secular, democratic Syria?
How is the pending TikTok ban even enforceable (if it is)?
What national security story from 2024 deserved more attention?
Won’t the Fifth Circuit’s recent Tornado Cash opinion simply lead the Treasury Department to sanction the cryptocurrency Ethereum as a whole?
What are the most underrated threats to U.S. national security in the last half of this decade?
What will be the Trump administration’s first major national security misstep?
How worried should the United States be about the BRIC countries’ recent discussions of forming their own reserve currency?

For object lessons, Trevor recommended insightful indie video games for our three hosts based on their interests: “Bury Me, My Love” for Scott; “We. The Revolution” for Alan; and “Not for Broadcast” for Quinta. Thomas endorsed the podcast and associated media company “Popular Front” on uncovered conflict issues. Keith threw his support behind the podcast “It Did Happen Here” about Portland’s anti-racist skinhead movement. Connor recommended the books “The Queen of Cuba,” by Peter Lapp, and “The President’s Book of Secrets,” by Lawfare alum David Priess, as well as the docuseries “FBI True.” Keenan followed up with another book recommendation, Daniel Immewahr’s “How to Hide an Empire.” And Liz endorsed Gayle Tzemach Lemmon’s “Ashley’s War,” about women who deployed to Afghanistan as cultural support teams for special operations units.

And that’s it for 2024! But don’t worry, Rational Security and the whole Lawfare team will be back with you in the new year to help make sense of what’s to come in national security in 2025—now back at our old release day and time, at midday on Wednesdays (D.C.-time) every week!

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