The Lawfare Podcast

For today's episode, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with Joel Braunold, the Managing Director for the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace and a Contributing Editor at Lawfare, to discuss the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and other recent developments relating to the Arab-Israeli conflict.Together, they discussed how the terms of the ceasefire were changing, recent tensions between Israel and the new Syrian regime over threats to Druze communities, and how the Trump administration is trying to navigate it all. 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/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Fist, Director of Emerging Technology Policy, and Arnab Datta, Director of Infrastructure Policy, delve into the critical challenges facing AI infrastructure in the U.S. They discuss the alarming increase in electricity demands driven by AI advancements and the need for specialized chips and data centers. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical stakes of AI, barriers like energy generation and supply chain issues, and the implications of current federal policies. Their insights highlight America's race to enhance AI capabilities against global competition.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Mirasol, an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, dives into the complex legal issues surrounding the Trump administration. He explores the intricacies of Guantanamo Bay detentions and the ethical questions they raise, as well as recent legal battles over foreign aid and governmental powers. The conversation also touches on the implications of court rulings affecting citizenship and independent agencies, illustrating the ongoing struggle for accountability and the evolving landscape of U.S. law.

Geneviève Nadeau and Erica Newland, authors of the Authoritarian Playbook for 2025 report, unpack crucial threats to American democracy. They highlight historical tactics used by authoritarians and the potential implications of a second-term Trump presidency. The discussion includes strategies to combat evolving political dangers and emphasizes the importance of uniting pro-democracy coalitions. With insights on political accountability and safeguarding democratic norms, Nadeau and Newland call for vigilance and proactive measures against rising authoritarianism.

Célia Belin, a Brookings fellow and former French foreign affairs official, and Constanze Stelzenmüller, a German security policy expert, dive into the seismic shifts in European security sparked by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They discuss Germany's break from its historical pacifism, including increased defense spending and energy policy changes. The conversation also covers the EU and NATO's evolving strategies, the implications for European identity, and how Ukraine's crisis is reshaping regional alliances and future defense approaches.

Rachel Chason, West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, and John Lechner, a freelance journalist and author focusing on the Sahel, delve into the turmoil of the region. Chason shares insights from her series "Crossroads of Conflict," which profiles key actors, from Islamist militants to Russian mercenaries. Lechner discusses motivations behind mercenary actions and the intricate legacy of foreign military presence, particularly the declining French influence, shaping local perceptions. They explore the challenges faced by the press and local communities in a landscape fraught with conflict and distrust.

Kathleen Claussen, a Georgetown law professor specializing in international economic law, joins Peter Harrell, a contributing editor and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, to navigate the tumultuous world of presidential tariffs. They delve into the legal frameworks that underlie Trump’s tariff strategies, particularly the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The discussion highlights shifts in U.S. trade policy, potential judicial challenges, and the implications for global relations, making it clear that the future of American trade is anything but certain.

Anastasiia Lapatina, a Ukraine fellow at Lawfare, shares her insights on the complexities of U.S.-Ukraine negotiations amidst a turbulent political landscape. She discusses the Trump administration's approach to peace settlements in Ukraine and its implications for national security. Lapatina also highlights Germany's recent political shifts toward independence from the U.S. and the potential for European nations to take a more active military role in Ukraine. Their conversation navigates the ethical concerns surrounding foreign policy and the pursuit of Ukraine's economic opportunities.

Fiona Hill is a Senior Fellow specializing in foreign policy, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine, while Constanze Stelzenmüller focuses on transatlantic relations as the Director at the Center on the United States and Europe. Anastasiia Lapatina brings the Ukrainian perspective as an expert fellow. They discuss the historical context of Ukraine's struggles, the shifting U.S.-Ukraine relations, and the resilience of Ukrainians amid ongoing conflict. Their lively conversation highlights urgent geopolitical challenges and the need for a united defense strategy in Europe.

Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, Courtney Lang, AI policy expert at ITI, and Nema Milaninia, AI legal specialist at King & Spalding, dive into the pivotal Paris AI Summit. They discuss the significant shift from AI safety to AI security and the implications for global governance. The conversation highlights the challenges raised by the non-signatory status of the UK, the abstention from key declarations by the US and UK, and the need for robust frameworks amidst escalating discussions on AI regulation and ethical considerations.