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
Sep 28, 2025 • 13min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: James Comey Charged
Discussing the significant charges against former FBI Director James Comey, the hosts delve into the political fallout and implications. They examine Trump's executive order concerning TikTok, highlighting concerns over censorship and privacy. The impact of new tariffs on pharmaceuticals raises questions about drug prices and consumer effects. Additionally, revelations about a Senate probe into Tom Homan are explored, alongside the controversial shutdown of the Global Trends Report that aimed to address climate warnings.
Sep 27, 2025 • 33min
FTA: Watching and Waiting: Israel, Iran, War and Ceasefire
Aaron David Miller, a seasoned U.S. State Department analyst, and Barbara Slavin, an expert on Iran and Middle East policy, dissect the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. They explore the implications of a potential Iranian retaliation and speculate on the outcomes of ongoing Doha ceasefire talks. Miller highlights U.S. leverage over Israel, while Slavin discusses the intricate dynamics of U.S. politics influencing Israeli decisions. Both provide intriguing predictions on the likelihood of a ceasefire or military action in the near future.
Sep 26, 2025 • 46min
Siliconsciousness: What Washington (and Plenty of Other Folks) are Getting Wrong About AI
Russell Brandom, AI editor at TechCrunch, joins David Rothkopf to untangle the AI hype surrounding Washington. They discuss why framing AI as a national security issue is misguided, and how treating AI as a monolithic challenge ignores its diverse applications. Russell sheds light on the impact of open-source models on U.S. competitiveness and the complicated relationship between big tech and politics. He warns about over-reliance on AI in critical areas, raising important questions about the future of human-machine interaction.
Sep 26, 2025 • 35min
NTK: How Do We Save Free Speech in America?
Suzanne Nossel, former CEO of PEN America and author of 'Dare to Speak', dives into the alarming state of free speech in America. She discusses the significance of incidents like Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and the historical patterns of censorship. Nossel emphasizes the unique targeting of comedians by autocrats and warns of a dangerous authoritarian playbook that is emerging in the U.S. She advocates for strong coalitions and legal strategies to combat these threats while examining the dual nature of new media in the fight for free expression.
Sep 26, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Push to Jail James Comey Badly Undercut by Damning New Report
David Kurtz, Editor-at-large at Talking Points Memo, dives into the controversial indictment push against James Comey by Trump's DOJ. He reveals that career prosecutors found no evidence for such an indictment, highlighting the political motivations behind this maneuver. The conversation covers Trump's public comments that indicate pressure on the DOJ, the chilling effects of politicized prosecutions on civic discourse, and the necessary reframing of journalistic coverage to address the corruption intertwined with these actions.
Sep 25, 2025 • 36min
Words Matter: “Budgets? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Budgets!”
Norm Ornstein, a renowned congressional scholar, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the looming government shutdown influenced by the Trump administration. They explore the implications of the OMB firing memo and debate whether Democrats will effectively counter GOP maneuvers. Ornstein highlights the erosion of Congress's budget authority, defining the situation as a constitutional crisis. They also discuss the media's failure to cover corruption and the dangers of national security decisions intertwined with political profit motives, amplifying the urgent need for accountability.
Sep 25, 2025 • 16min
The DSR Daily For September 25: Government Shutdown, Government Layoffs
The discussion dives into the looming threat of a government shutdown, with agencies preparing for potential mass layoffs. There’s also a focus on Israel's closure of the Allenby Bridge, affecting Palestinian movement. The hosts analyze a court ruling that blocks conditional disaster aid linked to immigration enforcement. Additionally, speculation surrounds the possible indictment of former FBI director James Comey, raising questions about timing and evidence. The podcast is packed with insights into critical global and political issues.
Sep 25, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Trump Just Accidentally Wrecked Fox’s Dumb New Lie about Jimmy Kimmel
Mona Charen, a columnist at The Bulwark, shares insights into the authoritarian pressures on media in light of Trump’s volatile reaction to Jimmy Kimmel's return. They discuss how Trump’s threats inadvertently expose the validity of Kimmel's civic message about free speech. Charen draws historical parallels between Trump's tactics and those of dictators, warning about the erosion of norms against speech suppression. Ultimately, they highlight the cultural pushback against Trump's narrative and the optimism surrounding civil society's response.
Sep 24, 2025 • 26min
If Genocide is Not Enough to Change US & EU Israel-Palestine Policies, Will Anything?
Now, more than ever, there is significant public criticism of Israel in their war against Palestine. Israel has continued to act with little regard for international norms, and President Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy has done little to stop the humanitarian crisis. What is the future of the US-Israel relationship? How is our foreign policy failing to stop Israel’s genocide and where do we go from here? Tune in as Rula Jebreal and Shibley Telhami join Rosa Brooks and David Rothkopf to discuss all this and more.
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Sep 24, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily September 24: Trump’s Wild UN Speech
On the DSR Daily for Wednesday, we break down President Trump’s speech to the UN General Assembly, Trump’s extraordinary shift on Ukraine, Brendan Carr’s plans to go after media, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
