The Lawfare Podcast

Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI researcher and Executive Director of the AI Futures Project, along with Eli Lifland, a researcher in the same project, delve into the AI 2027 report predicting superhuman AI development within the next decade. They discuss the potential impacts of AI on various sectors and the ethical considerations that arise. The report has sparked a lively dialogue on social media, addressing both excitement and skepticism among audiences. They emphasize the urgency of preparing for advanced AI and its societal implications.

Bob Bauer, a contributing editor at Lawfare and a distinguished legal scholar, joins a panel of experts to dissect the complex legal landscape surrounding litigation against Trump’s administration. They explore significant Supreme Court rulings impacting executive actions and immigration cases. The conversation highlights courtroom drama, the challenges law firms face, and the delicate balance between executive power and judicial authority. They also delve into recent developments concerning press freedoms and ethical dilemmas within the tumultuous legal environment.

Stephen Vladeck, the Charles Alan Wright Chair in Federal Courts at the University of Texas School of Law, dives into the controversial Supreme Court 'shadow docket.' He explores its origins linked to 1973 emergency orders and its rise in importance today. Vladeck discusses how these stealth rulings impact key issues like immigration and abortion, revealing the complexities and criticisms surrounding this opaque judicial process. He suggests potential reforms to enhance transparency and limit its unchecked power.

Byron Tau, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, dives into the unsettling alliance between tech companies and the U.S. government in his discussion. He reveals how the government acquires personal data from private sources with minimal legal oversight. The conversation highlights the implications for privacy and civil liberties, as well as the pressing need for reform. Tau also challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of data usage and the balance between national security and individual rights in the digital age.

Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, dives into the Golden Dome Missile Defense Program initiated during the Trump administration. He discusses its goals to counter missile threats and the complexities of integration into existing defense strategies. Karako highlights the potential reactions from global powers like China and Russia, while addressing the challenges of cost and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the need for strategic stability and the legal implications of missile defense in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

This week, James Pearce, a Senior Legal Fellow at Lawfare and expert in law, joins the discussion on pressing national security issues. The group analyzes a pivotal Supreme Court ruling affecting the Trump administration's immigration policies, emphasizing the due process rights of detainees. They also dive into the complex implications of the 'Humphrey's Executor' case on executive authority, questioning the future independence of federal agencies. Throughout, a mix of humor and serious legal insights keeps the conversation engaging.

Tara Varma, a Fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert in French politics, joins to discuss shifting political tides in France. She highlights Marine Le Pen's recent embezzlement conviction and its surprising impact on the 2027 presidential race. Varma explains how President Macron is navigating European defense amid rising transatlantic tensions and Trump’s tariffs. Their conversation delves into the challenges posed by far-right movements and the urgent need for European unity in the face of these political dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Sikorsky, Director of the Center for Climate Security, delves into climate change as a pressing national security issue. She highlights the surprising omission of climate risks in the Annual Threat Assessment during the Trump administration. Sikorsky discusses the negative implications of neglecting climate security for military readiness and international collaborations. She emphasizes how natural disasters challenge troop morale and the importance of integrating climate considerations into U.S. defense policies for future resilience.

Peter Harrell, a Lawfare Contributing Editor and former Senior Director for International Economics on the National Security Council, teams up with Jennifer Hillman, a Georgetown Law professor and ex-WTO appellate body member. They dive into Trump's recently imposed global tariffs, discussing their unprecedented nature and the legal battles ahead. The conversation highlights the tariffs' potential to distort trade and the implications of using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, raising questions about judicial scrutiny and authority.

James Pearce, a Lawfare Legal Fellow, and Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown professor, dive into the intricate legal battles surrounding the Trump administration. They unpack the ongoing civil litigation involving immigration actions, like the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. The discussion also highlights ethical concerns leading to prosecutor resignations and critical updates on Supreme Court cases affecting birthright citizenship. Their conversation reveals the complex interplay of law, politics, and implications for business and governance.