The Lawfare Podcast

Eric Adamson, a Swedish defense policy analyst from the Atlantic Council, shares insights from the recent NATO summit. He discusses Sweden's successful resolution of its NATO accession dispute with Turkey and the implications of Ukraine's exclusion from membership. The conversation dives into Sweden's military capabilities, its strategic importance, and contrasts Eastern and Western European views on supporting Ukraine. Adamson also highlights the evolving public opinion in Sweden regarding NATO membership and the complexities of defense spending.

Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez, a Harvard PhD candidate in Political Science, delves into President Nayib Bukele's controversial crackdown on gangs in El Salvador. He discusses the delicate balance between public safety and civil liberties amidst increasing authoritarianism. The conversation highlights Bukele's rising popularity despite significant human rights abuses and explores his appeal to American right-wing politicians. Meléndez-Sánchez analyzes the long-term implications for democracy, drawing parallels with historical political dynamics in Latin America.

Delve into the intricacies of presidential authority over appropriations and foreign assistance. The discussion reveals the implications of Trump's recent rescissions request and its potential impact on bipartisan initiatives. Legal complexities surrounding the Impoundment Control Act are unraveled, showcasing the tension between Congressional intent and executive power. The podcast also explores historical contexts and ongoing legal battles, highlighting the balance of power between the branches of government and the ramifications for federal funding.

Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law professor and Lawfare co-founder, teams up with Bob Bauer, a distinguished scholar from NYU, to tackle the Insurrection Act's reform. They explore its historical use and contemporary relevance, highlighting the urgent need for clearer definitions to prevent executive overreach. The duo discusses proposed reforms for accountability, including consultations with state governors and congressionally mandated reporting. Their engaging dialogue emphasizes the importance of bipartisan efforts to protect civil liberties while ensuring public safety.

Join Tyler McBrien, Daniel Byman, and Dana Stuster as they dissect the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, sparked by Israel’s military strikes on Iran's nuclear program. They discuss Netanyahu's shocking actions and the implications for his government and U.S.-Israel relations. The conversation dives into the potential for regime change in Iran and its complex governance, and they reflect on the broader geopolitical consequences of these military actions. Insights into military strategies and shifting alliances provide a gripping overview of this tense situation.

Suzanne Maloney, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, and Joel Braunold, managing director at the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, delve into the escalating Israel-Iran tensions. They discuss Israel's recent military strikes, driven by security concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. The duo unpacks U.S. foreign policy's uncertainty, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in the region and the potential for dramatic changes in international relations. Their insights paint a complex picture of conflict and diplomacy in a fragile landscape.

In this discussion, Greg Rosen, an attorney at Rogers Joseph O’Donnell and former head of the Capitol Seeds section at the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, shares insights from his experiences prosecuting January 6-related cases. He outlines the monumental logistical challenges faced during the investigation and the significance of forming a dedicated prosecutorial section. Rosen also probes the implications of a Supreme Court ruling on obstruction charges and reflects on the evolving dynamics within the U.S. Attorney's Office under political pressures.

Join James Pearce, a Legal Fellow focused on national security, Anna Bower, a Senior Editor specializing in legal analysis, and Quinta Jurecic, another Senior Editor providing insights on national security. They dive into the legality of federalizing the California National Guard and explore implications of the Alien Enemies Act. The discussion also covers the critical pretrial hearing for Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the recent indictment of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, unraveling complex legal themes amidst ongoing political tensions.

In this engaging discussion, Cliff Sloan, a Georgetown Law Center professor and author of 'The Court at War', delves into the Supreme Court's controversial rulings during World War II. He sheds light on the personal ties between justices and President Roosevelt, and how these relationships influenced landmark decisions like Korematsu and Quirin. Sloan also addresses the court's simultaneous rights-expanding decisions amidst wartime pressures, balancing personal anecdotes with important historical insights.

Joel Simon, former Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, discusses the alarming threats journalists face at protests, especially highlighted by the George Floyd incident. Katy Glenn Bass, Research Director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, joins the discussion, emphasizing the critical role media plays in ensuring protestors' grievances are heard. They explore the historical patterns of violence against the press, the challenges posed by law enforcement, and the need for better protections to uphold press freedom in turbulent times.