The Lawfare Podcast

Chimène Keitner, a Professor of Law at UC Davis and former U.S. State Department counselor on international law, discusses the ICC's recent arrest warrants against senior Hamas leaders and Israeli officials. She delves into the nature of the allegations, including crimes against humanity and the complexities of jurisdiction regarding Gaza. The conversation highlights the emotional impact on victims' families and the challenges of holding powerful leaders accountable. They also cover the legal nuances surrounding the use of starvation in warfare and the implications for international justice.

Josh Batson, a research scientist at Anthropic, joins Kevin Frazier to dive into the mechanics of AI. They unpack two key research papers that illuminate how generative AI models function. The conversation touches on AI's 'black box' nature and the pressing need for transparency in its decision-making. Batson humorously contrasts AI's math skills with traditional methods, discusses ethical dilemmas in AI learning, and emphasizes the importance of interpretability for fostering public trust. A fascinating exploration of AI's role in society!

The podcast delves into the tumultuous history of U.S.-Ukrainian relations during the late 1990s, highlighting Russia's slide into corruption and its effects on Ukraine. The tragic story of journalist Georgi Gangadze exposes the perils of challenging the corrupt status quo. It also traces Vladimir Putin's rise to power, marked by deception and controversy. As geopolitical tensions rise, the complexities around Ukraine's electoral turmoil reveal the ongoing struggle for democracy amid corruption, setting the stage for the enduring U.S.-Ukraine dynamic.

Minna Ålander, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, delves into the pressing geopolitical tensions surrounding Finland and its new NATO membership amid Russian military activities. She discusses Finland's historical context with Russia and its strategic military readiness, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other Nordic and Baltic states. The conversation also explores NATO's need to adapt to the inclusion of Finland and Sweden and the essential role of the U.S. in safeguarding European security against potential Russian threats.

This week, Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor focused on AI and cybersecurity, and Kevin Frazier, an expert in technology policy, delve into the latest developments in AI regulation. They discuss Trump's repeal of strict limits on AI technology diffusion and its implications for U.S. global strategy. The duo also tackle the federal preemption of state AI legislation and its potential risks to public accountability. With humor, they reflect on personal experiences with technology and the broader societal impact of AI on children.

Jonah Bromwich, a New York Times reporter and author of "Dragon on Centre Street," dives into the aftermath of Donald Trump’s trial and conviction on felony counts. He discusses the historical significance and public indifference towards the verdict. The conversation explores the challenges of translating courtroom events to the media narrative and the chaotic dynamics of Trump’s legal battles. Bromwich also highlights missed opportunities during the trial and potential arguments in Trump’s looming appellate process concerning due process and presidential immunity.

The podcast dives into the high-stakes diplomatic drama surrounding Ukraine's nuclear disarmament. It explores the legacy of the Budapest Memorandum and the nuanced perceptions of security guarantees from the U.S. and Western nations. The discussions highlight the tensions of Ukraine’s independence amid Russian threats and the difficult negotiations it faced for protection. Additionally, it addresses the historical corruption issues during Leonid Kuchma's presidency and how they continue to affect Ukraine's geopolitical standing.

John Keller, a partner at Walden, Macht & Haran and former Chief of the Public Integrity Section at the DOJ, shares his insights on pressing legal matters. He discusses proposed changes to the Public Integrity Section that could undermine fair corruption investigations. Keller analyzes the complexities of criminal threats related to social media, especially concerning former FBI Director Jim Comey. They also delve into criminal contempt, distinguishing it from civil contempt and exploring its implications in upholding judicial authority.

Join Generals Joseph Lengyel and Craig McKinley, along with Brigadier General Allyson Solomon and Major General Daryl Bohac, as they explore the evolving roles of the National Guard in domestic deployments. They discuss the implications of using Guardsmen for unconventional tasks like education and immigration enforcement. Concerns about election integrity and the potential misuse of military presence are also highlighted. Additionally, hear about state-federal dynamics, mental health challenges for guardsmen, and the need for clear guidelines to preserve democracy.

Matthew Tokson, a privacy expert and law professor at the University of Utah, dives deep into the controversial practice of government purchasing private data. He critiques how this trend potentially circumvents Fourth Amendment protections. Tokson explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding location data collection, emphasizing issues raised by landmark cases like Carpenter v. United States. He also discusses necessary legal reforms to bolster privacy rights and calls for more transparency in government surveillance tactics, highlighting the urgent need for updated regulations.