The DSR Network
The DSR Network
This podcast will take you on a smart, direct, sometimes scary, sometimes profane, sometimes hilarious tour of the inner workings of American power and of the impact of our leaders and their policies on our standing in the world. Hosted by noted author and commentator David Rothkopf and featuring regulars Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School, Kori Schake of AEI, and Ed Luce of the Financial Times, the program will be the lively, smart dinner table conversation on the big issues of the day that you wish you were having...without the calories. Sometimes special guests will join the conversation and always the emphasis will be on providing the unvarnished perspectives others shy away from. Deep State Radio is the insider perspective on American national security and foreign policy that you can't find anywhere else.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider becoming a member by visiting thedsrnetwork.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 26, 2025 • 36min
This Year We're Thankful for Courage and Resistance
Max Boot, a foreign policy analyst and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins law professor Rosa Brooks for a lively discussion. They dissect the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. Boot laments the erosion of trust among allies, while Brooks highlights the courage of Ukrainians and domestic resistance efforts in the U.S. Their dialogue explores the silver linings amidst chaos, emphasizing gratitude for those who stand firm in defending democracy and navigating through turbulent times.
Nov 26, 2025 • 24min
DSR Daily November 26: Witkoff/Russia Audio Leaks
On the DSR Daily for Wednesday, we discuss a leaked recording of Steve Witkoff, 20 states suing the administration over cuts to homeless housing funding, Trump backing Patel over reports on his potential ousting, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 26, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Erupts in Frantic Tirade over 2026 as GOP Slips into Fresh Panic
Monica Potts, a staff writer at The New Republic, joins to discuss the GOP's ongoing troubles with the Affordable Care Act. She explains the implications of subsidy expirations and reveals how premium increases could lead to a crisis for many. The conversation delves into the roots of Republican hostility towards Obamacare and their reliance on gerrymandering. Additionally, they analyze the dismal morale within the party and how Trump's recent tirade reflects deeper issues, highlighting a clash between their plutocratic agenda and voters' needs.
Nov 26, 2025 • 39min
Words Matter: A Curmudgeon's Guide to What to Be Thankful For
As Thanksgiving approaches, the hosts explore the flickering hope amidst chaos. They discuss Trump's declining influence and the pushback from Democratic leaders. Sharp critiques of GOP fractures and the fallout from controversial military orders add tension. They highlight promising younger Democrats poised for change, all while showcasing the surprising stability of the current administration. It’s a blend of dark humor, political analysis, and a bit of gratitude for the resilience in unpredictable times.
Nov 25, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily November 25: Comey and James Prosecutions DISMISSED
The dismissal of high-profile prosecutions against James Comey and Letitia James raises questions about political motives. Ukraine's acceptance of U.S.-brokered peace terms highlights ongoing tensions, as concerns about negotiating with Russia linger. The Pentagon's probe into Senator Mark Kelly sparks debate over the politicization of military matters. The U.S. also designates a Venezuelan-linked group as terrorists, which could point to future military actions. These topics reveal the complex interplay of law, politics, and international relations.
Nov 25, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Raging Trump Spirals Further as Push to Jail Enemies Backfires Badly
David Kurtz, a legal journalist and editor at Talking Points Memo, joins to unpack Trump’s chaotic legal woes. They discuss the recent ruling that invalidated Trump's corrupt prosecutions of Comey and Letitia James, revealing how his attempts to target enemies backfired spectacularly. Kurtz explores the implications of a Pentagon investigation into Senator Mark Kelly and connects Trump’s corruption to a broader need for systemic reform. Their conversation dives into the dangers of weaponizing institutions for personal vendettas and hints at a potential post-Watergate-style reform movement.
Nov 24, 2025 • 37min
Siliconsciousness: AI and Government: The Success Stories You Need to Hear About
Robyn Scott, co-founder of Apolitical and entrepreneur focused on governance, shares insights on AI's transformative potential in the Global South. She highlights how countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia are using local AI solutions to enhance healthcare and streamline government processes. The discussion includes the trust gap in AI across cultures, local success stories from Ukraine and the UAE, and the importance of data sovereignty. Robyn emphasizes the need for public servants to gain confidence in AI leadership to harness its full potential.
Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
DSR Daily November 24: Mamdani Charms Trump at White House
A strange yet charming meeting unfolds as Trump connects with Mayor-elect Mamdani at the White House. Marjorie Taylor Greene's surprise resignation creates ripples in the House majority. Discussions heat up around the U.S. peace framework for Ukraine and the pushback from Europe. Meanwhile, the G20 highlights South Africa’s diplomatic success, emphasizing multilateralism. The focus on affordability emerges as a central political issue, with Mamdani encouraged to achieve early wins.
Nov 24, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Is a Weak, Failing President, and the Media Is Finally Saying So
In this discussion, Amanda Marcotte, a progressive political writer from Salon known for her analyses of MAGA politics, explores the recently shifting media narrative on Donald Trump's unpopularity. She highlights how Republicans are starting to look beyond Trump, as evidenced by recent polling showing a dramatic decline in his approval ratings. Amanda dives into the internal MAGA divisions and the backlash against the culture wars, particularly in school board races, revealing how these dynamics could signal a diminishing grip for Trump and his supporters.
Nov 23, 2025 • 24min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: A Smorgasbord of Bad Decisions from the Trump Admin
This week, hosts dive into the Trump administration's controversial decision to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, stirring significant backlash. They also discuss a surprising tariff reversal and a contentious policy regarding Coast Guard tattoos. In California, Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign begins sparking excitement. The conversation takes a serious turn with scrutiny of US pressure on Ukraine regarding a peace framework and concerns about Israel’s actions in the West Bank. Amidst the chaos, the hosts seek hope and gratitude.
