The Lawfare Podcast

Beverly Ochieng, a senior security analyst at Control Risks and a non-resident expert at CSIS, explores the complex competition for influence in Africa among global powers. She discusses the impact of the second Trump administration’s policies on U.S.–Africa relations, highlighting a shift toward 'trade not aid.' The conversation dives into China's expanding digital influence, Russia's use of paramilitary forces, and the strategic roles of Turkey and the UAE. Ochieng also emphasizes the increasing agency of African regional organizations in shaping their own futures.

Anastasiia Lapatina, a Ukraine Fellow and correspondent from Kyiv, discusses Ukraine's fatigue over U.S. pressure for territorial concessions. Loren Voss, a Public Service Fellow, analyzes Trump's inconsistent approach to Ukraine, highlighting his misunderstanding of its stakes. Eric Columbus, Senior Editor, warns about the risks of making unfavorable concessions amidst political pressures. The conversation also dives into the Supreme Court's involvement in domestic military deployments and the legal concerns surrounding labeling ANTIFA as domestic terrorism.

Holly Berkley Fletcher, a former senior CIA Africa analyst, shares her deep expertise on Madagascar and Kenya's political upheavals. She analyzes the rapid coup in Madagascar, tied to weak institutions and an elite military's mutiny against President Rajoelina. The discussion also delves into Raila Odinga's legacy as a prominent opposition leader in Kenya and how his recent death could reshape the political landscape, creating a vacuum and opportunities for new leadership amidst rising youth protests.

Anna Bower, Senior Editor at Lawfare and legal reporter, shares her intriguing experience with Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. Attorney. After an unsolicited Signal message from Halligan, Anna discusses how she verified her identity through a clever challenge. The conversation revolves around Halligan's objections to Anna's tweets on grand jury matters, raising concerns about secrecy. They explore the unusual nature of a prosecutor reaching out to a reporter and the implications of off-the-record claims, leaving listeners curious about the dynamics between media and legal authorities.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Ciaramella, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Mykhailo Soldatenko, a Harvard Law scholar, dive into critical topics surrounding Ukraine's defense strategies. They explore the implications of U.S. tomahawk missile debates and the potential for armed neutrality as a negotiating tool for Ukraine. The duo also examines Trump's evolving rhetoric on Russia and how it complicates diplomatic relations, offering a nuanced perspective on the ongoing conflict and the road to peace.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the legal ramifications of the Trump administration's actions, including the indictment of John Bolton. The panel debates the controversial framing of Antifa as a coherent enterprise, while also dissecting the implications of armed assaults related to immigration enforcement. A notable legal stay regarding the National Guard's deployment in Chicago raises questions about political protests and rebellion. The intriguing complexities of espionage-related charges against Bolton add further layers to the conversation about U.S. governance and legal challenges.

Shala Gafary, Managing Attorney at Human Rights First, and Jennifer Quigley, Senior Director of Government Affairs, discuss the challenges Afghan evacuees face as they seek permanent citizenship in the U.S. They highlight the uncertainty surrounding thousands of pending asylum applications and the impact of losing immigration status. The conversation also explores the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act, its previous failures, and potential strategies for passage this year, shedding light on the urgent need for legislative solutions and continued advocacy.

Esteban Carisimo, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University, discusses Venezuela's internet crisis and digital repression. They explore the impact of internet censorship on protests following the recent elections. Carisimo highlights the deteriorating infrastructure, revealing alarming findings about service blocking and the lack of investment. He describes how governmental control simplifies censorship and suggests regional hubs could help improve connectivity. The conversation ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the potential for recovery if political normalization occurs.

Mosharaf Chowdhury, an energy optimization expert from the University of Michigan, and AI researcher Dan Zhou share insights on the energy demands of AI systems. They delve into the substantial energy costs of a single ChatGPT query and examine the surprising dominance of inference energy over training. The duo discusses how GPU inefficiencies and rising demands complicate energy use, while also exploring methods to enhance efficiency and the need for clearer public communication on AI's environmental impact.

Jake Tapper, CNN's chief correspondent and author of "Race Against Terror," dives into the gripping story of Spin Ghul, the first major international terrorist tried in a U.S. civilian court. He shares how detailed investigations by the FBI and collaboration with international partners shaped the outcome. Tapper discusses the unique challenges of prosecuting terrorism, including political resistance and the role of classified evidence. He argues that civilian trials can enhance national security and provide valuable lessons about the justice system in a post-9/11 world.