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Spencer Ackerman

Investigative reporter and author, Pulitzer Prize and National Magazine Award winner, who covers national security and the legacy of the war on terror.

Top 10 podcasts with Spencer Ackerman

Ranked by the Snipd community
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5 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 11min

Special - Dick Cheney (Preview)

In this insightful discussion, journalist Spencer Ackerman, known for his newsletter Forever Wars and book Reign of Terror, dives into the complex legacy of Dick Cheney. They explore Cheney's pivotal role in shaping the War on Terror and its profound human costs. Ackerman also unpacks Cheney's controversial views on executive power and his unique co-presidency with George W. Bush. From his political origins to his reaction against post-Watergate reforms, this conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of Cheney's decisions on American politics.
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Dec 20, 2024 • 32min

How Marvel Helped Sell Us Forever Wars

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of a new Iron Man comic, joins Dave Gonzales, co-author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. They delve into how Iron Man became a symbol of military might with Pentagon influence in film. Ackerman discusses his critical take on the military-industrial complex through his comic series, reshaping the narrative of wealth and power. The conversation also touches on how pop culture, particularly post-9/11, intertwines with politics and the freedom of storytelling in comics versus film.
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Oct 10, 2024 • 55min

Gaza Is a Laboratory for Future Warfare w/ Spencer Ackerman

In this discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Spencer Ackerman delves into the grim realities of warfare in Gaza and the role of technology in these conflicts. He unpacks the chilling innovations in drone and surveillance tech and their implications for civilian safety. Highlighting the ethics of military advancements, he contrasts global responses to crises and sheds light on America’s involvement in shaping modern warfare. Ackerman also discusses the troubling links between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, questioning the future of tech in warfare.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 32min

Reign of Terror w/ Spencer Ackerman

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning national security journalist and author of *Reign of Terror*, delves into the lasting impacts of 9/11 on American society. He discusses how the War on Terror replaced civic solidarity with violence and shaped political landscapes. Ackerman critiques the media's role in normalizing state-sanctioned violence and traces the troubling legacy of institutions like ICE. He also touches on his work in comics to explore these themes and previews his forthcoming book on Majid Khan's harrowing experience in black sites.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 56min

Let’s All Hold Hands featuring Spencer Ackerman

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Spencer Ackerman, known for his insightful analysis on warfare policies, as he delves into the complexities of the recent Israel-Gaza ceasefire. He critiques Western media's portrayal of Palestinians, spotlighting the need for better representation. Spencer discusses the devastating consequences of the conflict, urging for Palestinian freedom as a key to lasting peace. The hosts also reflect on the emotional impact of losing cultural icons like Diane Keaton, alongside a new segment exploring cultural vibes.
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Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 6min

Elon Musk Is the Billionaire Grinch That Ruined Christmas

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and writer of the Forever Wars newsletter, dives deep into the influence of Elon Musk within the political arena. They discuss how Musk's actions foreshadow a troubling future under Trump's administration. Ackerman highlights the potential shifts in U.S. Middle East policy and critiques the disconnect between billionaires and everyday Americans, while also reflecting on the evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party. Tensions between progressive voices and the establishment are explored, raising pressing questions about accountability and governance.
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Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 14min

Bipartisan Empire: Foreign Policy, Regional War, and the 2024 Election

Join historian Stephen Wertheim, Arab American Institute's Maya Berry, and national security reporter Spencer Ackerman as they dissect the foreign policy visions of Trump and Harris ahead of the 2024 election. They delve into how recent events in Gaza are reshaping voter sentiments, particularly among Arab and Muslim Americans. The trio also examines the bipartisan consensus on military dominance, the electoral implications of U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting dynamics in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel and Palestine.
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Jul 30, 2024 • 44min

Why Biden Needs to End the So-Called ‘War on Terror’

Spencer Ackerman, a political commentator and writer, joins Keith Boykin, a film producer and author, to discuss the urgent need for Biden to end the War on Terror. They analyze the intersection of race, gender, and political dynamics in light of Kamala Harris's rise as a nominee. The conversation also touches on the lasting impacts of surveillance practices, challenges women face in menopause, and the potential for a stronger Democratic representation amid the shifting political landscape.
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Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 8min

Trump’s Recent Rhetoric Is Just as Scary as It Seems

Guests Spencer Ackerman and Deepa Iyer discuss the issues surrounding Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the visualizing of social movements as ecosystems. They also delve into Trump's recent rhetoric, the implications of AI technology, and the work of the Building Movement Project in community building.
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Aug 31, 2021 • 1h 12min

‘Reign of Terror’ with Spencer Ackerman

Jack Goldsmith sat down with national security reporter Spencer Ackerman, the author of the new book, “Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump.” The two discussed the book and the consequences of twenty years of the War on Terror. With the recent developments in Afghanistan, the conversation touches on the complicated history of the United States and the Middle East, a conflict that has now spanned four presidencies, Ackerman argues that America's response to 9/11 paved the way for the rise of political figures like Donald Trump.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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