The Lawfare Podcast

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.

John Speed Meyers, head of Chainguard Labs and expert in technology policy, joins Paul Gibert, a research scientist specializing in open source software security, to discuss the pressing challenges of securing open source software. They delve into the risks posed by vulnerabilities and the far-reaching impacts of incidents like Log4J. The conversation emphasizes the need for robust security measures, the evolving liability debate, and the importance of collaboration among developers to enhance software safety. Together, they advocate for transitioning to safer programming practices.

Scott R. Anderson, a national security law expert, and Susan Hennessey, a legal scholar in national security, discuss shocking instances of foreign interference in U.S. elections. They elaborate on claims of Iranian and Russian efforts to sway the electoral process, including a disinformation campaign with fake emails threatening Democratic voters. The duo analyzes the complexities surrounding the intentions and capabilities of foreign actors, emphasizing the pressing need for public trust and robust defenses against electoral manipulation.

Anna Bower and Roger Parloff, Senior Editors at Lawfare, dive deep into the ever-evolving legal saga surrounding Donald Trump. They discuss the latest courtroom developments, including Judge Chutkan's decisions and Trump's ongoing battles in New York. The duo analyzes the complex legal strategies being employed, such as arguments over immunity and the implications of judicial rulings. They also highlight the public's fascination with this legal drama, setting the stage for how these cases could influence the upcoming election.

In this discussion, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, reveals tensions in his recent letter to Congress about content moderation. Pavel Durov shares his woes post-arrest in France, shedding light on platform misuse. Elon Musk dives into his battle with Brazilian courts over Twitter, raising questions about compliance and free speech. The trio highlights the rocky relationship between tech giants and governments, addressing the challenges of governance, the fight against harmful content, and the complexities of political speech across borders.

Molly Reynolds, an insightful analyst at Lawfare, joins team members Natalie Orpett and Tyler McBrien for a lively discussion. They dive into hot takes on judicial ethics and the potential implications of open borders. The trio humorously evaluates the treatment of AI, comparing it to wild animals in terms of accountability. The conversation also critiques modern journalism and its sensationalism while reflecting on the need for coherence in narratives. Listeners can expect thought-provoking insights and some lighthearted banter as they celebrate three years of engaging discussions.

Michael Hirsh, a Foreign Policy columnist and expert on U.S. foreign policy, joins to dissect the evolving vision of the Democratic Party under Vice President Kamala Harris. They explore the potential frameworks for a Harris Doctrine amid tensions with Russia and China. Hirsh reviews insights from top foreign policy advisors and reflects on the balance between progressive internationalism and realism. The discussion emphasizes a shift towards a more pragmatic approach in U.S. foreign relations, highlighting the complexities of navigating today's geopolitical landscape.

Duncan McLaren, a Climate Intervention Fellow in Environmental Law and Policy at UCLA, dives deep into the intricate world of geoengineering. He discusses the history and various techniques of climate intervention, including the controversial SCoPEx project. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas and opportunity costs tied to these initiatives, emphasizing the need for robust governance and communication. They explore how public perceptions differ globally and stress the importance of prioritizing emission reductions alongside geoengineering research.

Walt Hickey, Deputy Editor for Data and Analysis at Insider News and author of 'You Are What You Watch,' teams up with Eugenia Lostri, a Fellow in Technology Policy and Law. They delve into how media shapes societal values and personal aspirations. Discussion highlights include the collaboration between Hollywood and institutions like the military and CIA, and how films influence public perception and policy. They also explore the cultural reflections of vampire myths and the role of media in shaping narratives around space exploration.

Kevin Frazier, Assistant Professor of Law at St. Thomas University College of Law and Co-Director of the Center for Law and AI Risk, discusses his paper advocating for prioritizing AI research over regulation. He highlights the early state of AI regulation and the need for targeted research to understand specific AI risks. Drawing parallels to automotive safety, Frazier calls for international cooperation in AI governance, contrasting successful models like CERN and IPCC to propose a robust framework for global research efforts.