The Lawfare Podcast

Natan Sachs, a Brookings Institution fellow specializing in Middle Eastern politics, joins Dan Byman, a Georgetown professor focused on terrorism, Joel Braunold, an expert in Middle East negotiations, and Dana El-Kurd, a conflict resolution professor. They delve into the recent Gaza ceasefire, discussing its terms, future implications, and the complex politics driving it. The panel explores regional dynamics, U.S. foreign policy challenges, and the crucial role of external verifiers, while shedding light on the reconstruction efforts led by the Emiratis and the evolving Palestinian leadership.

Kevin Frazier, Lawfare’s Tarbell Fellow in Artificial Intelligence and expert on undersea cables, discusses recent disruptions impacting global connectivity. He highlights significant incidents linked to maritime security, including potential sabotage and their legal implications. The conversation also delves into geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia and China’s actions, and the need for international cooperation to safeguard these critical infrastructures. Frazier emphasizes innovative technologies to enhance cable resilience and maintain internet stability.

Zac Gershberg, a professor of journalism and media studies, and Sean Illing, host of Vox Conversations, discuss their book on the complexities of democracy. They explore the distinction between democracy and liberal democracy, emphasizing how media technology shapes these systems. Notably, they examine the historical impact of television and the current influence of social media, including the dangers of algorithmic manipulation. The conversation also touches on the importance of active citizen engagement and the paradoxes inherent in maintaining democratic ideals.

Norm Eisen, an ethics expert and former counsel for President Obama, dives deep into the Emoluments Clause and its implications during Trump's presidency. He discusses the ethical stakes and national security risks posed by Trump's business ties. Eisen reveals the legal challenges they've mounted to hold Trump accountable and emphasizes the necessity for rigorous adherence to this constitutional provision. The conversation also explores the complexities of distinguishing personal and corporate benefits, underscoring the urgent need for integrity in governance.

Matt Tait, a former GCHQ information security specialist, joins Susan Hennessey to dive into the 2016 U.S. presidential election's Russian interference. They dissect Trump's claims of a "political witch hunt" and examine concrete evidence of Russian hacking. Tait offers deep insights into APT28, the notorious group behind cyberattacks, and the challenges of attributing responsibility in cyberspace. The discussion also reveals the complexities facing the U.S. intelligence community and the broader implications for national security and political accountability.

Janet Egan, a Senior Fellow at CNAS, and Lennart Heim, an AI researcher at RAND, dive into the recent interim final rule on AI diffusion. They unpack its potential impact on global AI development and the delicate balance of national security amid rising competition with China. The guest speakers highlight the tiered export control system, the complexities of technology supply chains, and bipartisan concerns over AI export policies. They also discuss the ongoing U.S.-China AI race, shedding light on strategic choices for stakeholders in this fast-evolving landscape.

Dive into the charged atmosphere of recent confirmation hearings for key political nominees like Pam Bondi, John Ratcliffe, and Marco Rubio. Witness Rubio's surprising bipartisanship amidst tensions and probing questions from both parties. Explore concerns surrounding Ratcliffe's loyalty and the implications for national security. Bondi's hearing raises eyebrows with her evasive responses on pivotal issues like the 2020 election. The podcast offers a sharp analysis of these events and the potential impact on the political landscape.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles and their potential impact on presidential accountability. Shifting gears, the speakers explore how tech companies like Meta are modifying their policies amidst political pressures, igniting debate on content moderation and free speech. They also analyze the alarming yet provocative statements from the former president regarding U.S. territorial ambitions, raising eyebrows internationally. Throughout, the complexities of national security intertwine with tech and governance, offering a nuanced perspective.

Anna Bower, a Senior Editor at Lawfare and an expert in national security and legal policy, dives into the heated confirmation hearing of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. She discusses the unique challenges he faced, including protests and accusations regarding military actions. The conversation highlights the political dynamics at play, such as the nominee's confrontational stance on 'wokeness' and the implications of military terminology in the context of modern challenges. Bower also analyzes the lack of Democratic engagement and its potential impact.

Jennifer Gellie, Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the DOJ, shares her expertise on the proposed new regulations for the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). She discusses how FARA's role has evolved over the decades and the importance of transparency in foreign influence on domestic politics. Gellie outlines the key changes the new regulations introduce, the challenges of compliance, and the Justice Department's priorities moving into 2025, emphasizing the delicate balance between transparency and civil liberties.