The Lawfare Podcast

Sherri Goodman, Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, discusses her career at the intersection of climate change and national security. She explains the concept of 'threat multiplier' and how it reshaped Pentagon strategies. Goodman addresses concerns about military readiness versus environmental action, emphasizes the military's role in climate leadership, and outlines four key pillars for future climate action. A fascinating look at the nexus of climate and defense!

In this discussion, Renée DiResta, an expert on influence operations, Brett Goldstein, a national security advisor, and Brett Benson, a political science professor, delve into the groundbreaking findings from the GoLaxy documents. They explore how AI has transformed influence operations, creating intricate psychological profiles for targeted messaging. The conversation reveals China's sophisticated 'Smart Propaganda System,' its ties to state intelligence, and the challenges in measuring its impact on events like the Hong Kong protests. They also tackle the implications for U.S. cybersecurity and the need for proactive strategies.

Tyler McBrien, Managing Editor at Lawfare, and Ari Tabatabai, a Public Service Fellow with a focus on global affairs, dive into critical national security topics. They analyze Trump's upcoming APEC trip, assessing the stakes of his meeting with Xi Jinping amidst trade tensions. The discussion delves into the implications of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and the pressures faced by the Maduro regime. They also address concerns over Taiwan and operational constraints on military engagements, forecasting potential risks and strategic gaps.

Quico Toro, a global opinion columnist at The Washington Post and director at the Anthropocene Institute, dives into the world of charlatans and grifters. He explains how they exploit cognitive biases and societal changes, making manipulation an urgent crisis. With vivid examples like the Mehmet Aydin Ponzi scheme and Trump University, Toro highlights the psychological traits such individuals possess. He offers practical defenses such as slow thinking and social support to help people protect their dreams from exploitation.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian foreign minister, and Vytis Jurkonis, associate professor at Vilnius University, delve into Lithuania's evolving security landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They discuss Lithuania's significant increase in defense spending and its strong commitment to NATO. Concerns about potential Russian aggression in the Baltics are explored, along with hybrid threats like cyberattacks and energy challenges. The conversation reflects on Lithuania's historical resilience and its journey to NATO and EU integration.

Sarah Powazek directs the Public Interest Cybersecurity Program at UC Berkeley, focusing on community safety nets, while Michael Razeeq is a cybersecurity attorney building volunteer ecosystems. They discuss the pressing cyber threats faced by states and the potential of cyber corps to bolster local organizations. Learn about recruitment strategies for volunteers, the importance of community cybersecurity, and how federal spending cuts impact state resources. Together, they explore innovative solutions to enhance resilience against cyber incidents in under-resourced communities.

In this engaging discussion, James Pearce, a former Lawfare Public Service Fellow and senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group, sheds light on pressing legal battles related to the Trump administration. He delves into the intricacies of U.S. attorney appointment challenges, discussing statutory frameworks and the implications of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Pearce also critiques ongoing legal strategies, including delegation theories in significant cases. The conversation is a captivating blend of legal analysis and current affairs.

In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Horowitz from the International Committee of the Red Cross, Lori Blank from the Department of Defense, and Adam Hickey from Mayer Brown delve into the intersection of the private sector and conflict. They explore the importance of pre-crisis coordination, the complexities of attribution in cyber space, and corporate decision-making during crises. Horowitz highlights ICRC's concerns about digital reliance, while Blank emphasizes the stabilizing role of international law. The panel underscores the need for clear communication and shared vocabulary for effective collaboration.

Gabe Rottman, an attorney and press-freedom expert with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, dives deep into the Justice Department's new guidelines on press subpoenas. He explores the historical evolution of these policies, from Nixon-era cases to recent shifts under the Garland administration. Rottman discusses the balance between protecting news gathering and addressing criminal activities. He also highlights the challenges freelancers and citizen journalists face, and the significant implications for press freedom and national security in today's environment.

California State Senator Scott Wiener, a key figure in AI safety legislation, dives into the intricacies of Senate Bill 53 now signed into law. He discusses the lessons learned from the controversial SB 1047 and addresses prevalent concerns from constituents about AI's impact on jobs and mental health. Wiener also elaborates on the bill's provisions, emphasizing transparency and whistleblower protections. The conversation touches on California's leadership role in tech regulation and the ongoing need for federal action in a rapidly evolving landscape.