The Lawfare Podcast

Joseph Kellner, an assistant professor of history at the University of Georgia, explores the chaotic quest for meaning during the Soviet collapse. He dives into the diverse spiritual movements that emerged, including astrologers and Hare Krishnas, as people grappled with identity and authority. Kellner discusses how these eclectic searches gave way to Putinism, reshaping Russia’s historical narrative. He even draws parallels between the past and today's political movements, pondering whether modern technology could reignite similar crises of belief.

This week, Benjamin Wittes, a veteran national security commentator, Alan Z. Rozenshtein, a legal expert, and Kate Klonick, an authority on internet law, delve into a fascinating mix of topics. They explore the fallout from the Heritage Foundation's controversial support for Tucker Carlson, addressing anti-Semitism and the political implications. The trio also discusses the stalled TikTok deal and its broader legal ramifications, alongside the dangerous re-emergence of wartime rhetoric in domestic policies. Their insights reveal deep intersections of politics, technology, and societal values.

In this engaging discussion, Francis Farrell, a frontline reporter from the Kyiv Independent, shares his experiences in the heated battles of eastern Ukraine. He provides gripping insights into the imminent fall of Pokrovsk, driven by logistical failures and Russian infiltrations. Farrell also highlights the transformation of warfare with drone technology reshaping the battlefield. He explains the strategic significance of Donbas, emphasizing why Ukraine is unwilling to concede territory. Learn about the challenges ahead as winter approaches and the crucial lessons from recent military engagements.

In a compelling discussion, Rick Pildes, a constitutional law professor at NYU, dives into the intricate relationship between social media and democracy. He compares the current impact of social media to historical media shifts, highlighting its unique capacity to polarize political discourse and disrupt traditional governance. Pildes explores how small-donor campaigns are reshaping political dynamics, while the loss of gatekeepers contributes to a fragmented information landscape. Ultimately, he raises critical questions about the future of democracy in the age of digital communication.

Marty Lederman, a Lawfare contributor and former DOJ official with expertise in constitutional law, joins the discussion. Lederman dives into the Supreme Court's handling of National Guard federalization and the implications of 10 U.S.C. §12406 on military deployments. The team debates James Comey’s motions to dismiss his indictment, alongside ongoing politicization within the DOJ. They also analyze the legality of SNAP benefit suspensions during government shutdowns and discuss the constitutional dynamics at play in these high-stakes litigations.

Michael Beckley, an expert on great-power competition, and Arne Westad, a historian of international relations, dive deep into the U.S.-China relationship. Beckley stresses the importance of prioritizing security competition to avert conflict, while Westad likens the current tensions to pre-World War I dynamics. They explore the risks of economic interdependence fueling rivalry, the complexities of U.S. outreach amid Chinese mistrust, and the critical need for strategic communication. Their discussion unveils how diplomacy can serve as a tool to buy time and mitigate risks.

Sherri Goodman, Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, discusses her career at the intersection of climate change and national security. She explains the concept of 'threat multiplier' and how it reshaped Pentagon strategies. Goodman addresses concerns about military readiness versus environmental action, emphasizes the military's role in climate leadership, and outlines four key pillars for future climate action. A fascinating look at the nexus of climate and defense!

In this discussion, Renée DiResta, an expert on influence operations, Brett Goldstein, a national security advisor, and Brett Benson, a political science professor, delve into the groundbreaking findings from the GoLaxy documents. They explore how AI has transformed influence operations, creating intricate psychological profiles for targeted messaging. The conversation reveals China's sophisticated 'Smart Propaganda System,' its ties to state intelligence, and the challenges in measuring its impact on events like the Hong Kong protests. They also tackle the implications for U.S. cybersecurity and the need for proactive strategies.

Tyler McBrien, Managing Editor at Lawfare, and Ari Tabatabai, a Public Service Fellow with a focus on global affairs, dive into critical national security topics. They analyze Trump's upcoming APEC trip, assessing the stakes of his meeting with Xi Jinping amidst trade tensions. The discussion delves into the implications of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and the pressures faced by the Maduro regime. They also address concerns over Taiwan and operational constraints on military engagements, forecasting potential risks and strategic gaps.

Quico Toro, a global opinion columnist at The Washington Post and director at the Anthropocene Institute, dives into the world of charlatans and grifters. He explains how they exploit cognitive biases and societal changes, making manipulation an urgent crisis. With vivid examples like the Mehmet Aydin Ponzi scheme and Trump University, Toro highlights the psychological traits such individuals possess. He offers practical defenses such as slow thinking and social support to help people protect their dreams from exploitation.