The Lawfare Podcast

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.

An intriguing discussion unfolds around the Justice Department's choice to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the lawsuits stemming from the Trump administration's policies. Topics include the complexities of presidential firings and their legal implications, as well as ongoing legal battles concerning the ban on transgender military service members. The conversation also touches on the unique legal challenges posed by recent court cases involving government actions and the balance of judicial authority in today's political landscape.

Henry Farrell, a political scientist and co-author of "Underground Empire," joins forces with fellow scholar Abe Newman to unpack economic warfare. They discuss how technological advancements have transformed economic statecraft and its merging with U.S. national security objectives. The duo reveals how the U.S. has weaponized global markets, influenced by corporations and historical precedents. With insights into the complexities of legal frameworks and economic coercion, they delve into the unintended consequences on global stability, especially in the context of relations with China.

Daniel Richman and Sarah Seo, professors at Columbia Law School, dive into the intricacies of federal and state oversight of local police. They discuss the historical dynamics that shaped law enforcement's federal oversight role, especially in light of recent legislative changes. The conversation highlights challenges in achieving police accountability and the importance of collaborative reform strategies. Richman and Seo also reflect on how local departments rely on federal support and the implications of initiatives like the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act.

Wendy Edelberg and Jacob Leibenluft discuss a recent scandal involving the Bureau of the Fiscal Service in the Treasury Department. They delve into the alarming implications of political actors accessing sensitive financial systems, particularly under the influence of Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. The conversation highlights concerns about the integrity of federal payment processes and the potential risks to financial markets stemming from such meddling. They also underscore the importance of trust and accountability in government operations to protect vulnerable populations.

Claire Meynial, U.S. correspondent for Le Point, dives into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-European relations, sparked by Vice President J.D. Vance's controversial remarks at the Munich Security Conference. She discusses the implications of the Trump administration's approach to international alliances and the challenges Europe faces with security threats from Russia. The conversation also tackles the recent resignation of DOJ attorneys under political pressure and the ongoing legal battle over transgender military service, highlighting significant shifts in the political landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Chris Mirasola, an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston Law Center, unpacks the legal quagmire surrounding President Trump's controversial decision to detain migrants at Guantanamo Bay. He delves into the implications of the Posse Comitatus Act and the lack of legal clarity for military involvement in domestic immigration policies. Mirasola also explains the complex dynamics between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, raising critical questions about national security and civil rights.

Eric Ciaramella, an expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, shares deep insights into Ukraine's complex political landscape. He discusses the mixed signals from American officials and the precarious situation within Ukraine’s own governance. The impacts of rising far-right politics in Europe and their influence on traditional foreign policy are explored. Ciaramella also touches on NATO's role amid ongoing conflicts and the balance Ukraine needs to strike between external pressures and internal stability.