The Lawfare Podcast

Sherri Goodman, the first Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security, shares her extensive experience in navigating climate change and military strategy. She discusses the evolution of military responsibilities concerning environmental security, emphasizing climate change as a significant threat multiplier. Goodman reveals the U.S. military's role in disaster response and its changing training practices. She also reflects on bipartisan cooperation in national security and the challenges of managing environmental waste at nuclear facilities.

In this discussion, Charles Lister, a senior fellow and expert on Syria at the Middle East Institute, delves into the renewed intensity of the Syrian Civil War. He highlights the ongoing military offensives driven by opposition forces and the complex realities of the Assad regime's capabilities. Lister also examines the role of key players like Russia and Iran, the evolution of rebel group HTS, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the international community regarding intervention. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for a united global response to the crisis.

Claire Meynial, U.S. correspondent for Le Point and author of "La Guerre des Amériques," dives into America's political divides. She shares insights from hundreds of interviews, revealing voter sentiment shifts in battleground states. The conversation touches on January 6th narratives and how familial ties were tested by differing beliefs. Meynial also discusses the French perspective on American events, the cultural clash over religion and state, and the implications of ongoing legal battles involving Trump and the Proud Boys.

In this discussion, Paul Rosenzweig, a former policy guru at DHS, and Carrie Cordero, an immigration policy expert, dive into the heated 'Abolish ICE' debate. They assess the impact of ICE’s operations on communities and whether the movement represents a genuine policy shift or a mere rebranding. The conversation also highlights the evolution of immigration enforcement post-9/11 and critiques aggressive tactics used by ICE. Ultimately, they advocate for substantial reforms that prioritize humane treatment and targeted legislation.

Michael Anton, a former national security official in the Trump administration and research fellow at Hillsdale College, discusses the 'Trump Doctrine' in foreign policy. He outlines the successes and failures of the administration, specifically its unconventional approach to NATO and international norms. The conversation delves into Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the implications for U.S. interests. Anton also critiques the 'America First' rhetoric, balancing national interests with global relations, particularly with China and Russia.

Join Eric Ciaramella, an expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Anastasiia Lapatina, Lawfare's Ukraine Fellow, as they discuss the evolving conflict in Ukraine. Despite recent missile escalations, Ukrainian optimism shines through the uncertainty surrounding U.S. political changes. The duo analyzes the complexities of military strategies and the effects of foreign policy, including challenges in Kursk and Donetsk. They also explore the potential for strengthening Ukraine's defense production by drawing lessons from Israel’s military model.

In this discussion, Andrew Coan, a law professor at the University of Arizona and author of "Prosecuting the President," delves into the history of special prosecutors in the U.S. He explores the notorious Teapot Dome and Whiskey Ring scandals, highlighting their significance in shaping executive accountability. The conversation also touches on the constitutional dilemmas of prosecuting a sitting president and the evolving political dynamics that affect these crucial investigations. Coan offers insights into the legacy and future of special counsel roles in American politics.

Mike Stern, a congressional law expert and former Senior Counsel to the U.S. House, joins Donald Sherman, Executive Director at CREW, to discuss the Senate confirmation process amid changing political tides. They delve into how Senate Democrats can wield their influence for key nominations and the importance of thorough oversight. The conversation also explores the intricacies of recess appointments and the constitutional debates surrounding them, highlighting the balance of power between the President and Congress.

Rachel Shelden, an Associate Professor of History at Penn State and expert on 19th-century US political history, dives into the chaotic presidential election of 1876. She discusses how the political system managed to prevent widespread violence and navigate electoral disputes. Key topics include Abraham Lincoln's influence on youth in Illinois, the role of Reconstruction, and the controversial outcomes involving Hayes and Tilden. Shelden emphasizes the lessons from this tumultuous period, especially regarding election security and the importance of public trust in democracy.

In this discussion, Chris Mirasola, an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, delves into the legal intricacies of deploying military forces at the U.S. southern border. He explores the ramifications of declaring a national emergency for immigration enforcement and the controversial use of the National Guard in law enforcement roles. Mirasola emphasizes the historical context and legal frameworks surrounding military involvement, while raising concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the potential normalization of military actions in domestic affairs.