The Lawfare Podcast

In this discussion, Mike Rothschild, an author specializing in conspiracy theories, reveals the allure and historical roots of anti-Semitic myths about the Rothschild family. The conversation highlights how these theories originated during societal upheavals and their portrayal in popular culture, including references to Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut." Rothschild also delves into modern manifestations of these conspiracies, especially in political discourse, illustrating their absurdity and the pressing need to challenge such narratives.

Robert Mahari, a joint JD-PhD candidate at MIT Media Lab and Harvard Law School, delves into the intriguing relationship between humans and AI. He discusses how addictive AI interactions could lead to digital attachment disorders, raising ethical concerns about our dependency on technology. Mahari also explores the societal implications of loneliness and the evolving desire for AI companionship. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful regulation to address the complexities of AI ethics and its impact on human connections.

New York Mayor Eric Adams, currently facing indictment for alleged involvement in a foreign influence scheme with Turkey, joins experts Benjamin Wittes, Tyler McBrien, Quinta Jurecic, and Brandon Van Grack. They dive into the intricate web of foreign interference in U.S. politics, shedding light on the implications of foreign money in elections and the ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance laws. The discussion reveals how such foreign influences challenge democratic integrity and the accountability measures being enacted to safeguard the political system.

Thomas Barrack, former advisor to the Trump campaign, faces a criminal trial for allegedly acting as a foreign agent of the UAE. Natalie Orpett, executive editor of Lawfare, joins to unpack the legal implications surrounding this high-profile case. They delve into the connections between UAE influence and U.S. policy decisions, including cabinet appointments and immigration. The discussion highlights vital legal frameworks like FARA, the dangers of foreign interference, and what Barrack's trial could mean for future national security efforts.

Join Senior Editors Scott R. Anderson, Molly Reynolds, Quinta Jurecic, Anna Bower, and law expert Nate Persily as they dive into the national security landscape and electoral integrity leading up to 2024. They analyze the impact of the Electoral Count Reform Act and the ongoing efforts to combat election misinformation. The conversation also highlights how lessons from 2020 have shaped state preparations, the rising challenges for election officials, and the critical role of social media in managing public trust amidst emerging threats.

Geoff Schaefer, Head of Responsible AI at Booz Allen Hamilton, and Alyssa Lefaivre Škopac, an independent responsible AI strategist, discuss essential practices for ethical AI adoption. They detail the Responsible AI Top-20 Controls, bridging the gap between principles and actionable steps. The conversation highlights the need for adaptable frameworks tailored to different organizational maturity levels. They also tackle the challenge of fostering genuine ethical commitment as AI evolves, emphasizing the alignment with corporate values.

Join Natalie Orpett, an expert in national security, Anna Bower, a savvy political commentator, and Matt Gluck, a contemporary national security analyst, as they dissect pivotal themes impacting our world. They analyze President Biden's speech at the U.N., reflecting on foreign policy legacies amidst ongoing crises. Georgia's election rule changes spark debates on election integrity and potential manipulations ahead of 2024. Delve into the interplay between political pressures and public trust in democracy as the discussion unfolds.

Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, delves into his latest work focused on Saddam Hussein and the convoluted U.S.-Iraq relationship. He reveals how Saddam’s belief in America's omnipotence led to his downfall when his fictitious WMD program became a justification for invasion. The discussion dives into the complexities of intelligence ties, highlighting how the CIA’s early support played a role in building Saddam's paranoia. Coll emphasizes the importance of understanding historical perspectives to avoid repeating past mistakes in U.S. foreign policy.

Itsiq Benizri, a legal counsel at WilmerHale’s Brussels office, shares insights on the significant resignation of EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. They discuss Breton's confrontational strategies toward US tech firms and the fallout from his departure. The conversation highlights shifting political dynamics in the EU, particularly France's response to this change and its implications for digital policy. Benizri examines how this resignation could reshape regulatory enforcement and influence international relations within the EU.

Journalist Adam Higginbotham, author of "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space," discusses the preventable tragedy of the Challenger disaster. He reveals how early warnings from engineers were ignored due to political pressure and highlights the dangers of groupthink in the space program. The conversation touches on the historic launch of educator Krista McAuliffe, the engineering flaws in the shuttle, and lessons learned from both the Challenger and Columbia disasters, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in aerospace safety.