The Lawfare Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Edward Fishman, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and expert in economic statecraft, shares insights from his book on American power amid economic warfare. He reveals the importance of 'choke points' and how U.S. legal leverage surpasses traditional naval blockades. Fishman explores the evolution of sanctions from the Cold War era to their modern usage and stresses the need for strategic multilateralism and effective domestic communication. He also warns of de-risking risks and discusses the implications of digital currency on U.S. economic dominance.

In the first weeks of the second Trump administration, the Office of Management and Budget abruptly froze trillions of dollars in federal funds—sparking a crisis over impoundment, the executive branch’s assertion of authority to refuse to distribute money appropriated by Congress. Since then, the administration has attempted to withhold further funds disbursed by specific agencies and attempted to dismantle some agencies altogether. Many of these efforts have been blocked by courts. But Congress—the branch of government whose constitutional authority is being usurped—has remained strikingly quiet.To discuss the state of play on impoundment, Lawfare Senior Editor Quinta Jurecic caught up with Eloise Pasachoff, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, and Brookings Senior Fellow and Lawfare Senior Editor Molly Reynolds. They talked about how things have developed since January, how the courts and Congress are handling the crisis, and how it might shape congressional negotiations to avoid a government shutdown as soon as March 15. Note: This podcast was recorded on March 4, before the Supreme Court’s March 5 ruling denying the Trump administration’s request to continue a freeze on billions of dollars in foreign aid and sending the case back down to the district court for further litigation.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A heated exchange marked the tense meeting between President Zelenskyy and U.S. leaders, shaking U.S. support for Ukraine. The fallout raises questions about Trump's influence on foreign policy. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Mike Johnson's budget victory stirs concerns about future midterm elections and party unity. The podcast dives into the impact of tech billionaires on media and political dynamics, alongside reflections on nostalgia in literature and the importance of engaging with local communities.

For today's episode, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with Joel Braunold, the Managing Director for the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace and a Contributing Editor at Lawfare, to discuss the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and other recent developments relating to the Arab-Israeli conflict.Together, they discussed how the terms of the ceasefire were changing, recent tensions between Israel and the new Syrian regime over threats to Druze communities, and how the Trump administration is trying to navigate it all. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Fist, Director of Emerging Technology Policy, and Arnab Datta, Director of Infrastructure Policy, delve into the critical challenges facing AI infrastructure in the U.S. They discuss the alarming increase in electricity demands driven by AI advancements and the need for specialized chips and data centers. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical stakes of AI, barriers like energy generation and supply chain issues, and the implications of current federal policies. Their insights highlight America's race to enhance AI capabilities against global competition.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Mirasol, an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, dives into the complex legal issues surrounding the Trump administration. He explores the intricacies of Guantanamo Bay detentions and the ethical questions they raise, as well as recent legal battles over foreign aid and governmental powers. The conversation also touches on the implications of court rulings affecting citizenship and independent agencies, illustrating the ongoing struggle for accountability and the evolving landscape of U.S. law.

Geneviève Nadeau and Erica Newland, authors of the Authoritarian Playbook for 2025 report, unpack crucial threats to American democracy. They highlight historical tactics used by authoritarians and the potential implications of a second-term Trump presidency. The discussion includes strategies to combat evolving political dangers and emphasizes the importance of uniting pro-democracy coalitions. With insights on political accountability and safeguarding democratic norms, Nadeau and Newland call for vigilance and proactive measures against rising authoritarianism.

Célia Belin, a Brookings fellow and former French foreign affairs official, and Constanze Stelzenmüller, a German security policy expert, dive into the seismic shifts in European security sparked by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They discuss Germany's break from its historical pacifism, including increased defense spending and energy policy changes. The conversation also covers the EU and NATO's evolving strategies, the implications for European identity, and how Ukraine's crisis is reshaping regional alliances and future defense approaches.

Rachel Chason, West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, and John Lechner, a freelance journalist and author focusing on the Sahel, delve into the turmoil of the region. Chason shares insights from her series "Crossroads of Conflict," which profiles key actors, from Islamist militants to Russian mercenaries. Lechner discusses motivations behind mercenary actions and the intricate legacy of foreign military presence, particularly the declining French influence, shaping local perceptions. They explore the challenges faced by the press and local communities in a landscape fraught with conflict and distrust.

Kathleen Claussen, a Georgetown law professor specializing in international economic law, joins Peter Harrell, a contributing editor and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, to navigate the tumultuous world of presidential tariffs. They delve into the legal frameworks that underlie Trump’s tariff strategies, particularly the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The discussion highlights shifts in U.S. trade policy, potential judicial challenges, and the implications for global relations, making it clear that the future of American trade is anything but certain.