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
Jul 24, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: “Furious” Trump Vents at Epstein Mess as Allies Admit He’s Vulnerable
Media strategist Tara McGowan, publisher of the anti-MAGA Courier Newsroom, joins to unpack Trump's fury over the Epstein scandal. They discuss how this situation unveils Trump's struggle to control media narratives and poses a real vulnerability for him. McGowan emphasizes the need for Democrats to seize this moment, treat the scandal seriously, and unite against corruption. The conversation also reveals the internal chaos within Trump's administration and the disconnect Democrats face with voters on crucial moral issues.
Jul 23, 2025 • 29min
Our Ship of State is a Ship of Fools...and That's Not a Good Thing
The discussion kicks off by dissecting the chaotic leadership at the Pentagon and the high turnover crises it faces. Speakers highlight the troubling politicization of national security and intelligence. A lively analysis likens the current political climate to a 'ship of fools,' questioning the coherence of foreign policy. They also weigh in on the challenges political appointees face adapting to unpredictable messaging from the White House. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on the implications of this tumultuous state of affairs.
Jul 23, 2025 • 25min
The DSR Daily for July 23: US and Japan Reach Trade Deal
A new trade deal between the US and Japan takes center stage, featuring significant tariff cuts on automotive imports. The hosts analyze its impact on global trade dynamics and market reactions. Tensions surrounding judicial authority and presidential powers raise eyebrows, especially with recent prosecutor firings. The UN's groundbreaking ruling on climate obligations emphasizes the urgency for global cooperation, particularly for vulnerable nations. Meanwhile, the GOP navigates internal conflicts as Ukraine peace talks remain complicated and unresolved.
Jul 23, 2025 • 32min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rage at Obama Explodes, Unnerving Experts: “We’re in Trouble”
Ryan Enos, a Harvard professor specializing in government and authoritarianism, joins to discuss the alarming rise of threats to democracy posed by Trump’s recent rhetoric. He highlights how Trump's charged accusations against Obama and others reflect a dangerous manipulation of political power. Enos compares Trump’s actions to global authoritarian trends, emphasizing that the choice now lies between combating this shift or accepting it as America’s future. The conversation also touches on the impact of political rhetoric on public trust and democratic norms.
Jul 22, 2025 • 37min
Siliconsciousness: How AI Has Become a Central Element of Geopolitics Today
Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, formerly led the Emirates Mars mission. He discusses how AI has shifted into the spotlight of global geopolitics. Sharaf highlights the UAE's strategic embrace of AI as crucial for its economic future, likening it to past reliance on oil. The conversation addresses the need for international cooperation and ethical governance in technology. Sharaf also touches on the complexities of navigating global tech regulations and the importance of inclusive AI initiatives to prevent inequalities.
Jul 22, 2025 • 19min
The DSR Daily for July 22: White House/WSJ Feud Intensifies
A heated feud brews between the White House and The Wall Street Journal, raising questions about press freedom. The sentencing of a former officer in the Breonna Taylor case sparks outrage over a minimal prison term. Meanwhile, tensions rise as the Trump administration shifts away from SpaceX in missile defense discussions, with potential distractions arising from newly released MLK assassination documents. The landscape of political challenges continues to evolve, emphasizing the need for audience engagement in today's unpredictable media climate.
Jul 22, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Throws FBI Under Bus amid Brutal New Epstein Poll Drop
G. Elliott Morris, a data analyst and author known for his insights on polling data, joins the discussion to tackle the fallout from the Epstein scandal on Trump's approval ratings. He reveals how Trump’s low numbers are connected to public perception of the scandal and the shifting accountability narrative being pushed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Morris emphasizes the unique challenges this presents for Trump and examines the growing skepticism among young voters regarding political transparency.
Jul 21, 2025 • 20min
The DSR Daily for July 21: Harvard and Trump Court Showdown
The legal showdown between Harvard and the Trump administration over $2.5 billion in research funding raises questions about academic freedom. The EPA's shutdown of its research office amidst staffing cuts sparks concerns for public health and the environment. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Eshiba faces political turbulence despite a coalition loss, reflecting rising populism. The discussion also highlights AI bots spreading pro-Trump narratives and critiques cultural distractions in politics, emphasizing the clash between serious issues and trivial debates.
Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Ugly New Attack on Stephen Colbert Reveals Dark Side of Firing
In this discussion, Michael Sozan, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, dives deep into the controversial firing of Stephen Colbert by CBS, connected to a hefty $16 million settlement with Trump. Sozan critiques this settlement as a troubling capitulation to Trump's bullying. The conversation explores how Trump's aggressive media tactics mirror authoritarian regimes, raising concerns about journalistic integrity and censorship. Sozan emphasizes the importance of resisting such pressures to safeguard democratic values in media.
Jul 20, 2025 • 17min
The DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: The MAGA Epstein Rift Deepens
Political tensions rise as Democrats resist Trump nominees while exploring the potential fallout from Trump's push to release grand jury testimony in the Epstein case. The podcast also uncovers the controversy surrounding the possible cancellation of a popular late-night show, linking it to broader themes of censorship and free speech. Insights into recent government reshuffles highlight their impact on international relations. Tune in for engaging discussions on the intersection of media, politics, and public sentiment!
