The Lawfare Podcast

Brian Fuller, a key member of OpenAI's Product Policy Team, delves into the intricacies of AI regulation and safety. He discusses the challenges and responsibilities faced by policy teams in balancing technological advancement with public interest. The conversation highlights the importance of diverse perspectives to prevent dystopian outcomes and advocates for robust safeguards against serious AI risks. Fuller also reflects on the necessity of global engagement and ethical considerations in the development process, emphasizing the evolving landscape of AI governance.

Sam Bresnick, a Research Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, delves into the complex ties between U.S. tech firms and Taiwan. He discusses his report on the geopolitical risks of these relationships amid rising tensions with China. Topics include the challenges of ‘de-risking’ supply chains and the impact of AI on labor markets. Bresnick also highlights Taiwan's critical role in semiconductor production and the need for better collaboration between tech companies and government regarding military strategies.

In this engaging conversation, Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law Professor and the President-elect of the American Society of International Law, discusses the alarming erosion of norms against military force in today's world. She highlights how recent U.S. policies and actions, especially regarding Iran, challenge established international law. Hathaway stresses the dangers of this trend, particularly concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and emphasizes the need for diplomacy and adherence to international norms to ensure global stability.

Minna Ålander, an associate fellow at Chatham House, and Max Bergmann, director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, dive into NATO's new 5% defense spending target. They question whether simply increasing budgets will boost military effectiveness and discuss the significant challenges facing European cooperation in defense. The conversation touches on the need for modernizing military equipment and reassessing defense strategies to counter threats from Russia, stressing the importance of cohesive, innovative approaches in a changing geopolitical landscape.

In this lively discussion, former special agent Michael Feinberg, soon-to-be Lawfare Public Service Fellow, joins Renee DiResta, a contributor focused on online propaganda. They tackle the politicization of the Justice Department and issues surrounding judicial integrity during the Trump era. Key topics include the impact of a misconduct complaint against Judge Boasberg and legal battles over immigration and sanctuary cities. The conversation also reflects on the complexities of U.S. attorney appointments and recent agreements between universities and the federal government.

In this engaging discussion, Gabor Rona, a Professor of Practice at Cardozo Law specializing in international humanitarian law, and Natalie Orpett, Executive Editor at Lawfare with expertise in national security law, dissect the complex intersection of armed conflict laws and the Genocide Convention. They explore whether legal compliance can defend against genocide accusations, particularly in light of Israel's actions in Gaza. The conversation delves into the nuances of military necessity, the role of AI in accountability, and the pressing implications for future legal accountability in wartime conduct.

Amanda Tyler, Shannon Cecil Turner Professor of Law at UC Berkeley, joins for a riveting discussion on the Supreme Court case United States v. Rahimi. She argues that Founding-era disarmament laws for loyalists serve as critical historical analogues relevant to contemporary debates over domestic violence and gun possession. Their conversation dives into the nature of loyalty in the Revolutionary Era, how it influences modern legal interpretations, and the implications for Second Amendment rights today, blending history with pressing legal issues.

Renée DiResta, an Associate Research Professor at Georgetown focusing on disinformation, and Alan Rozenshtein, an AI law expert at Minnesota, dive into the Trump Administration's 'Woke AI' executive order. They discuss the intricate challenges of ensuring ideological neutrality in AI systems and the clash between federal procurement and First Amendment rights. The conversation also highlights potential biases in AI, the regulatory landscape, and how current policies could shape future developments in the AI sector, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Joel Braunold, Managing Director of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, offers critical insights into the famine ravaging Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. He discusses the interplay between military operations and the humanitarian crisis, stressing the need for urgent action. The conversation also highlights international pressure on Israel to address the situation, including shifting U.S. policies. Braunold explores the complexities of ceasefire negotiations and the challenge of delivering humanitarian aid, revealing the broader geopolitical implications of the crisis.

A tense discussion unfolds on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the world finally reacting to the dire situation. The speakers analyze the implications of the Trump administration's newly released AI action plan amid concerns over culture wars. They also tackle media disparities in covering the Gaza crisis and the sensitive portrayal of suffering. The turmoil within military commissions stemming from a plea deal brings to light complex legal challenges, while a literary exploration adds a reflective note to the conversation.