The Lawfare Podcast

Dan Byman, a Georgetown University professor and expert on Middle Eastern politics, joins the discussion with Lawfare colleagues. They dive into the grave implications of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death, debating whether it signals a chance for peace or intensifies conflict. The conversation shifts to the overlooked humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting its catastrophic impact amidst international inattention. Finally, they explore the diplomatic fallout between Canada and India, analyzing the broader geopolitical consequences and tensions arising from these developments.

Sam Kessler, Deputy Managing Editor for Tech and Protocols at CoinDesk, dives into the troubling infiltration of U.S. tech firms by North Korean IT workers. He reveals how these workers disguise their identities while attempting to fund their regime's nuclear ambitions. Kessler discusses the ethical challenges of employing these individuals, many of whom are victims themselves. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities in the cryptocurrency space and the evolving tactics of North Korean cybercriminals, emphasizing the importance of corporate security measures.

Mark Chinen, a Professor at Seattle University School of Law specializing in international human rights law, dives into the intersection of human rights and AI governance. He discusses the potential of international human rights law to confront AI challenges and the implications of the Council of Europe AI treaty. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for enforceable rights, global norms, and community involvement to safeguard individual freedoms against the backdrop of advancing AI technologies.

Sandy Levinson, a law professor at the University of Texas, delves into the fragility of the U.S. Constitution, urging a necessary overhaul. He discusses how skepticism towards the Constitution has evolved, especially amid current political tensions and potential contested elections. Levinson highlights the Supreme Court's limited influence on pressing societal issues, such as climate change. He advocates for a reformed legal education that emphasizes civic engagement and explores the challenges of amending the Constitution while proposing innovative approaches to spur public involvement.

Sarah Yerkes, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, and Sabina Henneberg, a Soref Fellow at the Washington Institute, dive into the troubling state of democracy in Tunisia. They discuss the recent elections where President Kais Saied claimed a staggering 91% of the vote amidst widespread skepticism. The duo highlights the erosion of civil liberties, the fractured political landscape, and the chilling consequences for democratic institutions. They also analyze the U.S. response and Tunisia's geopolitical shifts, painting a grim picture for the country's future.

Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, an independent journalist and author of "The Hidden Globe: How Wealth Hacks the World," explores unconventional jurisdictions that shape the global economy. She discusses the intriguing concept of "selling your sovereignty" and its ethical dilemmas. The conversation highlights Geneva as a unique hub of wealth, the creation of a startup court in Dubai, and the unique legal framework of Svalbard. Abrahamian also reflects on how wealth influences governance, leading to surprising ramifications for nations and economies alike.

Carol Leonnig, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at the Washington Post, dives deep into the challenges faced by the United States Secret Service. She reflects on its 'Zero Fail' motto while revealing significant operational gaps and past failures, including scandals and security breaches. Leonnig discusses potential reforms aimed at cultural transformation rather than mere financial fixes. Her insights illuminate the complex relationship between the Secret Service, the presidency, and the ethical dilemmas agents encounter in their protective roles.

Quinta Jurecic, Eugenia Lostri, Alan Rozenshtein, Kevin Frazier, and Kate Klonick delve into pressing tech policy matters as they relate to the 2024 election. They unpack former President Trump's and Vice President Harris's tech positions, tackling issues like content moderation, cybersecurity, and TikTok regulations. The conversation explores the transformative shifts in AI policy between administrations and the bipartisan approaches to antitrust laws in big tech. The potential impacts of these policies on national security and individual data privacy also take center stage.

Anastasiia Lapatina, a Lawfare Ukraine Fellow and expert on Ukrainian politics, joins Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment to dissect Zelensky’s ambitious victory plan. They explore its five key components, including NATO membership and military aid, and dissect the mixed reactions from the U.S. and international allies. The conversation delves into the plan's perceived shortcomings, examining criticisms about its actionable steps and dependency on foreign support, alongside shifting sentiments in Ukraine regarding U.S. leadership.

Join Anastasiia Lapatina, a Lawfare Senior Editor and Ukraine fellow, along with Eugenia Lostri, who offers sharp analysis on national security. They dive into Ukraine's strategies in the ongoing conflict, the implications of Israel's anticipated response to Iranian threats, and the risks posed by Chinese hackers on U.S. telecommunications. The discussion balances humor with critical insights, tackling everything from geopolitical tensions to the privacy of personal data amidst global turmoil.