The Lawfare Podcast

Anastasiia Lapatina, an expert on Ukraine, and Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace dive into the intense situation in Ukraine. They discuss the recent devastating bombings affecting major cities and the ongoing military strategies amid rising casualties. The complexity of Ukraine's military operations is highlighted, alongside political tensions and a recent cabinet reshuffle. They also explore international responses and Ukraine's territorial gains, offering a comprehensive view of the war's current dynamics.

Gharun Lacy, head of cybersecurity at the State Department, shares his insights on safeguarding diplomats' communications in challenging environments. He discusses the complexities of integrating cybersecurity with foreign policy in an evolving threat landscape. Lacy highlights the unique blend of digital and personal security threats faced by diplomats today. He also addresses the cultural shift needed within the State Department to prioritize cybersecurity and the ongoing initiatives aimed at counteracting sophisticated global risks.

Evan Perkoski, a cybersecurity and international relations contributor, and Michael Poznansky, a cyber threat analyst, explore the complexities of deterring Russian cyber intrusions. They discuss evidence of Kremlin meddling in the 2016 election and the need for effective responses. The duo emphasizes the importance of attribution in enhancing deterrence while navigating secrecy challenges. They analyze the balance between retaliation and deterrence, highlighting the crucial role of bipartisan support in addressing foreign interference.

In this lively discussion, Scott R. Anderson, a Brookings Fellow, Dmitri Alperovitch, Co-Founder of Silverado Policy Accelerator, Kori Schake from the American Enterprise Institute, and Natan Sachs, Director of the Center for Middle East Policy, dive into critical national security issues as they relate to the 2024 election. They dissect Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's differing foreign policies, especially regarding Ukraine, Israel, and NATO. The panel also explores the implications of these approaches on future U.S. aid and global alliances.

Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown's CSET, and Zach Arnold, Analytic Lead also at CSET, dive into the rift between AI ethicists and doomsayers. They highlight the pressing need for a unified approach to AI governance amid rising stakes. The duo discuss the potential for bipartisan cooperation in legislation and the critical role of third-party audits to ensure transparency. They also touch on personal data privacy challenges and the necessity for continuous dialogue on AI’s societal implications, exploring pathways for a safer technological future.

Join Kevin Frazier, Eugenia Lostri, and Benjamin Wittes as they dive into vital national security discussions. They unpack the 2024 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and its implications for national security. The trio analyzes recent justice department actions against Russian misinformation efforts. As they reflect on the legacy of 9/11, they weave in personal anecdotes and explore the evolving landscape of foreign influence in elections and the pressing need for data privacy protection.

Brian Finucane, an expert on war powers, and Matt Waxman, a national security law scholar, delve into the complexities of U.S. military authority. They discuss the Biden administration's justifications for military actions in the Middle East without new congressional approval. The pair highlights the historical context of these actions, the ongoing tension between executive and legislative powers, and the urgent need for congressional reform to clarify war powers. Additionally, they explore the implications of this dynamic for future military engagements.

On Aug. 8, the international community concluded its final negotiations at the United Nations over an international cybercrime treaty. The negotiation—a Russian proposal—was intended to harmonize global efforts to combat transnational cybercrime. However, the treaty has come under intense criticism from civil society, human rights advocates, and industry. Lawfare Fellow in Technology Policy and Law Eugenia Lostri sits down with Nick Ashton-Hart, Senior Director for Digital Economy Policy for APCO Worldwide. Ashton-Hart is the former head of delegation to the UN cybercrime treaty negotiations for the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. They discuss the different concerns the treaty raises, how it compares to alternatives for law enforcement cooperation, and what comes next, as the treaty goes to a vote before the UN General Assembly.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/c/trumptrials.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Boot, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Washington Post columnist, discusses his comprehensive biography of Ronald Reagan. He reveals Reagan's transformation from a New Deal Democrat to a conservative icon, shaped by his Hollywood experiences and public speaking mastery. Boot explores Reagan's complex leadership style, highlighting his pragmatism and reluctance to engage in conflict. The conversation also touches on Reagan's nuanced foreign policy, particularly his cooperation with Gorbachev, which contrasts with his public image, illustrating the layered legacy of a multifaceted figure.

Andrew Miller, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, provides an insider's view on U.S. foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses how the recent Gaza war reshapes Biden's diplomatic strategy amidst complex international pressures. The conversation highlights challenges in ensuring civilian safety during military operations and the importance of navigating shifts in Israeli politics that could impact U.S. relations and future peace efforts.