The Lawfare Podcast

Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author on disaster management, discusses the tragic Baltimore Bridge collapse caused by a cargo ship collision, which resulted in the loss of six lives. She analyzes the immediate responses and economic ramifications, stressing the importance of proactive crisis management. The conversation highlights strategies for resilience, comparing prevention with response efforts and the necessity for effective communication. Kayyem underscores the responsibilities of both government and industry in safeguarding critical infrastructure against future crises.

Join John Keller, a partner at Walden, Macht, Haran, & Williams and former chief of the Public Integrity Section at the DOJ, as he delves into the intricacies of bribery law. He explores whether certain actions during Trump's second administration could be seen as bribery, including a lucrative settlement and pro bono legal services. Keller breaks down concepts like 'quid pro quo' and emphasizes the challenges of proving corrupt intent, particularly in high-stakes political negotiations. A thought-provoking discussion on ethics, accountability, and the legal landscape unfolds!

Legal experts dissect the complexities surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia's recent hearing, with key discussions on jurisdiction and mootness. The challenges of U.S. custody laws intertwine with current immigration issues, especially concerning Venezuelans abroad. Tensions rise as a judge questions the government's approach to handling allegations of torture. This engaging dialogue emphasizes the critical need for clarity in legal proceedings and the evolving landscape of due process.

Ethan Mollick, a Professor of Management and author of the “One Useful Thing” Substack, joins Kevin Frazier and Alan Rozenshtein to delve into the dynamics of AI adoption. They explore AI’s potential in education, highlighting the ethical challenges and the importance of maintaining human interaction in assessments. The conversation also covers the critical issues of data privacy and the need for responsive regulations, as well as the role of AI in enhancing efficiency across various sectors like medicine and law.

Dive into a whirlwind of national security updates, including a crucial bill that reshapes Trump’s immigration agenda. Hear fascinating insights on the Justice Department’s legal dance regarding TikTok's enforcement issues. Explore the complexities of immigration policies and the impact of AI regulations on civil liberties. The Supreme Court also makes waves with decisions on citizenship and class actions. Amid serious discussions, enjoy entertaining anecdotes on family travel and pop culture gems.

Ashley Deeks, the Class of 1948 Professor of Scholarly Research in Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, discusses her new book about the intersection of national security and artificial intelligence. She introduces the concept of a 'double black box,' where the secrecy of national security and the opacity of AI decision-making collide. Deeks tackles the challenges of oversight from Congress and the courts, the ethical tensions of AI in military contexts, and compares international AI regulation to the complexities of cyber norms.

Michael Feinberg, a former senior FBI counterintelligence agent focused on China, shares his unexpected resignation after being scrutinized for a friendship with a fired official. He discusses the emotional and professional toll of loyalty tests and the pressures within the Bureau. Feinberg reflects on his commitment to integrity, the challenges of navigating personal relationships in a politically charged environment, and his dedication to public service following his departure from the FBI.

Winnona Bernsen, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative and founder of DistrictCon, dives into the complex world of the offensive cyber industry. She discusses the staggering billion-dollar market for zero-day vulnerabilities and the procurement challenges faced by contractors. The conversation also highlights the contrasting cybersecurity strategies of the U.S. and China, revealing how national values impact hacking culture. With an eye towards the future, Winnona emphasizes the need for international collaboration and talent recognition in cybersecurity.

A lively discussion dives into the Trump administration's ongoing legal battles, focusing on notable immigration cases like Abrego Garcia. The implications of recent legislative changes, including protections for officials from contempt, are explored. The conversation critiques the politicization of the Justice Department and the impact of judicial decisions on asylum policies. Amid serious topics, there's a quirky celebration of Independence Day, complete with humorous reflections on a unique fireworks viewing room, highlighting the blend of law and lightheartedness.

Itsiq Benizri, a counsel at WilmerHale Brussels, dives into the recently agreed EU AI Act and its global implications. They discuss how domestic politics influenced the final legislation and the significance of its risk-based classification of AI systems. Benizri highlights the challenges in implementing the Act and the balance between fostering innovation and setting minimum standards. The conversation also touches on the regulatory approach to deep fakes, emphasizing the need for transparency amidst the rapidly evolving AI landscape.