The Lawfare Podcast

Emily Hoge, a historian at Clemson University and contributor to Lawfare, delves into the troubling intersection of Russian organized crime and the war in Ukraine. She explains how the recruitment of violent prisoners for frontline service distorts the social contract Putin promised. Hoge highlights the rising crime as returning veterans face reintegration challenges, altering public safety perceptions. The conversation also examines the state's uneasy relationship with organized crime and the potential for renewed chaos reminiscent of the 1990s.

Michael Feinberg, a former FBI official, and Eric Columbus, a legal expert and senior editor, delve into the DOJ's contentious review of the Jeffrey Epstein files. They discuss the political ramifications of this unusual review, Congress's oversight efforts, and proposed legislation to force disclosures. Feinberg clarifies what documents might be released and their limitations, while Columbus highlights the political maneuvering surrounding the Epstein disclosure bill. The conversation raises questions about ongoing investigations and potential partisan motivations within the justice system.

In this discussion, Anna Bauer, a legal reporter specializing in prosecutions, gives a detailed update on the Georgia case against Trump, analyzing the complexities of self-appointments and prosecutorial options. Roger Parloff delves into the legality surrounding U.S. attorney appointments and critical court challenges, while Eric Columbus highlights potential implications of ongoing criminal investigations. Loren Voss examines the litigation surrounding National Guard deployments, questioning definitions of rebellion in the context of Trump's actions.

Lukas Bundonis, a Senior Privacy Engineer formerly at Netflix and an ex-Army Reserve intelligence officer, dives into the complex relationship between big tech and law enforcement. He discusses how tech companies balance user privacy with legal demands, the challenges posed by foreign government requests, and the potential implications of international negotiations on cybercrime. Lukas also highlights the risks of child safety bills and predicts the future of AI regulation, emphasizing the need for practical data protection solutions amid political pressures.

Matt Perault and Scott Babwah Brennen, researchers at the UNC Center on Technology Policy, delve into the implications of generative AI on elections. They explore the potential harms of AI-driven political ads, highlighting issues like misinformation and voter turnout. The duo analyzes whether the risks are exaggerated and examines local races' vulnerability. They also propose policy recommendations, including public-information campaigns and enforcing voting laws, as we gear up for the 2024 election cycle.

In this engaging discussion, Anton Korinek, a prominent economist from the University of Virginia, Nathan Goldschlag from the Economic Innovation Group, and Bharat Chander of Stanford tackle the complex impacts of AI on jobs and the economy. They explore how AI could outperform humans, the theories behind layoff narratives, and the necessity of scenario planning for future labor shifts. They address skepticism regarding rapid automation, propose data needs for better understanding, and caution against policies that could hinder economic dynamism.

In this discussion, Natalie Orpett, Lawfare's executive editor, provides insights on the ongoing government shutdown and its implications for Democrats. Molly Roberts analyzes Trump's recent pardons for associates linked to the 2020 election, questioning their potential impact on future elections. Eric Columbus weighs in on the political dynamics within the Senate that led to the shutdown resolution. The group also tackles the consequences of politically charged prosecutions and their chilling effects on the legal landscape.

Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist and author of "Age of Revolutions," joins for a deep dive into historical revolutions and their relevance today. He explores how past movements like the Tea Party inspire current political changes. Fareed discusses cultural backlashes spurred by technological progress and compares modern populism to late 19th-century nationalism. He highlights the complexities of Trump's global versus nationalist stances and examines the fragility of U.S. institutions in this context, offering insights into potential reforms.

Columbia Law School professor Tim Wu, an expert on technology and media, dives into his book, The Age of Extraction. He details Amazon's transition from a marketplace to an overpowering extractor of fees, highlighting the troubling distinction between normal platform fees and monopolistic charges. Wu discusses how convenience strengthens platform power, equating it to user coercion. He proposes treating platforms like utilities with neutral rules and emphasizes the need for anti-monopoly measures to foster competition, aiming for a fairer digital landscape.

Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Library at Mount Vernon and author of a book on presidential precedents, discusses John Adams's impact on executive power. She reveals how Adams navigated tension with his cabinet and rival factions, emphasizing his strategy to assert presidential authority amidst challenges. Chervinsky delves into the Quasi-War with France, Adams's unique use of the pardon power, and the norms surrounding foreign policy. Her insights illustrate the foundational role Adams played in shaping modern presidential conduct.