In this engaging discussion, co-hosts emeritus Benjamin Wittes, Shane Harris, Quinta Jurecic, and Alan Z. Rozenshtein dive into the impact of online subcultures on political violence, examining the dynamics behind radicalization. They analyze Russia's recent drone incursions into NATO territories and the implications for alliance security. The group also critiques the TikTok divestment law and its effects on the rule of law. To lighten the mood, they recommend compelling books and TV shows, including Shane's shout-out to the Emmy-winning 'Somebody Somewhere'.
01:46:52
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Internet Subcultures Shape Violence
Many modern shooters are shaped more by chronic online subcultures than by coherent political ideology.
Understanding motive requires reading Discord/TikTok meme culture, irony, and performative trolling as drivers of violence.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Comparing Shooters To Teixeira
Shane compared the alleged Utah shooter to the Discord leaker Jack Teixeira based on online behavior patterns.
He described online teens who prioritize impressing peers and performative acts over conventional political motives.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Investigate Online Meme Signals
Law enforcement should analyze attackers' online communities and meme language to understand motives.
Treat some violent acts as performative within in‑group cultures rather than purely ideological crimes.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
For this week's very special episode on Rational Security's 10th anniversary, Scott sat down with a slew of co-hosts emeritus, each of whom brought their own topic to discuss.
Shane Harris flagged the connections between online radicalization and the young men behind many recent public acts of gun violence, including the alleged perpetrator of the Charlie Kirk killing;
Benjamin Wittes insisted we are STILL not talking enough about Russian drone incursions and other forms of gray zone warfare in Eastern Europe;
Quinta Jurecic brought some statistics about the success (or not) of the Trump administration's federalization of law enforcement in D.C. (and elsewhere) that are worth contemplating; and
Alan Rozenshtein asked how it can still be true that no one but him seems to care about the Trump administration blatantly disregarding the TikTok ban.
In object lessons, Shane is basking in the glory of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere”—partly because his buddy Jeff Hiller just won an Emmy for his role in it. Ben praises Adam Boehler—and even Donald Trump—for helping secure Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release. Alan is definitely not using this opportunity to use Pacific Rim for his object lesson—really—instead recommending fantasy mystery “The Tainted Cup,” by Robert Jackson Bennett. Scott takes us into orbit with Samantha Harvey’s “Orbital,” a lyrical meditation on life and reflection in space. And Quinta dives into the future with “Empire of AI,” by Karen Hao, a deeply reported look at OpenAI and its role in shaping the technology’s trajectory
Last call to help us celebrate Lawfare’s 15th anniversary! Get your tickets now to join us this Friday, 9/19, to hear from some of your favorite Lawfare people past and present, take a look back on the key moments that have shaped our first 15 years, and get a sneak peek into what’s coming next.
The Lawfare Podcast 
