The Lawfare Podcast

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.

Kenneth L. Wainstein, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the DHS, and Jameel Jaffer, Executive Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, along with Quinta Jurecic, Senior Editor at Lawfare, delve into the complexities of government surveillance on open-source social media. They discuss the tension between national security and civil liberties, highlighting intelligence failures from January 6th and the need for legal reforms. The conversation raises critical questions about privacy, free speech, and the ethical considerations surrounding online monitoring.

Saleha Mohsin, Bloomberg reporter and author of "Paper Soldiers," discusses the dollar's evolution into a weapon of U.S. foreign policy since WWII. She highlights the ramifications of economic sanctions and the ongoing geopolitical shifts that affect global power dynamics. Mohsin explores the complexities of a strong dollar on the U.S. economy, its contrast with China’s long-term strategies, and how the weaponization of currency impacts American democracy and international economic relations.

Hillary Hartley, former Chief Digital Officer of Ontario, and David Eaves, Associate Professor of Digital Government, dive deep into the rise and fall of 18F, a pioneering digital services team within the U.S. federal government. They explore its critical role in modernizing technology during crises like the healthcare.gov launch and reflect on the lessons learned from its closure. The duo discusses the importance of in-house talent and user-centered design, advocating for reforms to revitalize government operations and enhance citizen engagement.

Discover the intricate history of U.S.-Ukrainian relations and the powerful impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War. A Ukrainian journalist shares their poignant experience in liberated Bucha, revealing war's toll on civilians. Explore Ukraine's declaration of independence and the complex dynamics of American foreign policy. Delve into the historical trauma that shapes contemporary conflicts and the delicate balance of diplomatic ties amidst rising tensions with Russia. Uncover how geopolitical realities have evolved and their implications for global safety.

The discussion kicks off with a humorous parenting hack featuring the Muppets, perfect for family bonding. Tensions surrounding the Ukraine crisis are explored, with a focus on Russia's military strategy and the stalled ceasefire negotiations. The vice president's controversial visit to Greenland hints at diplomatic tensions with Denmark and the U.S. push for control over the island. Legal debates swirl around Trump’s potential third term, revealing complexities in presidential succession. Lastly, enjoy a playful chat about e-bikes and city adventures.

Atul Gawande, a surgeon and public health expert, formerly led global health initiatives at USAID. In this discussion, he explores how recent cuts to USAID threaten national security by jeopardizing effective public health strategies. Gawande emphasizes the crucial link between health and stability, especially post-COVID-19. He redefines soft power as 'pragmatic power,' arguing for improved health systems globally. The conversation also highlights legal issues stemming from aid freezes and advocates for transparency and accountability in health programs.