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
May 23, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Angry New Attack on Harvard Is Already Blowing Up in His Face
Jonathan Friedman, a commentator on free speech and academic issues from PEN America, dives into President Trump's aggressive move against Harvard University, threatening its ability to enroll foreign students. He discusses how this backfired, sparking unity among universities and public support for higher education. The conversation highlights the potential legal actions by Harvard and emphasizes the broader implications of governmental pressure on academic freedom, stressing the critical role of international students in enriching American universities.
May 22, 2025 • 36min
A Bad Week for Norms (Except Our Norm)
Political scientist Norm Ornstein, a prominent expert on Congress and campaign finance, joins David Rothkopf to analyze Trump's controversial domestic policy bill. They discuss how this legislative proposal could spell disaster for the Republican Party while negatively impacting social welfare programs. Ornstein highlights the bill's potential to shift governance norms and political dynamics as the nation approaches the 2026 elections. Expect sharp insights on the Republican Party’s ideological shifts and the critical implications for vulnerable communities.
May 22, 2025 • 22min
The DSR Daily for May 22: The Neither Big Nor Beautiful Bill Saga Continues
The hosts engage in playful banter about their podcast's identity before diving into serious topics. They analyze a controversial tax bill, critiquing its impact on the vulnerable and rising national deficit. The complexities of the Air Force One jet deal and the ethics of ownership take center stage. A tragic shooting linked to escalating anti-Semitism sparks a discussion on human rights and the need for accountability in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Finally, they explore significant shifts in police reform under the Trump administration.
May 22, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Unravels in Crazed Rants to Media as Poll Reveals Fresh Weakness
Michael Podhorzer, a veteran labor strategist and author, joins the discussion as tensions rise around Trump’s recent erratic media performance. They delve into Trump’s heated exchanges over controversial policies, including his refugee resettlement strategy favoring white South Africans. With a new Marquette poll indicating significant disapproval of Trump’s immigration stance, Podhorzer highlights how Trump's own actions may be reviving an anti-MAGA majority, reshaping the political landscape ahead of the elections.
May 21, 2025 • 32min
Is There an Upside to Trump's Narcissistic Reality Show Foreign Policy?
The discussion navigates the chaotic and ego-driven nature of a leader's foreign policy, revealing how personal whims overshadow strategic thought. It critiques the absurdity of treating international diplomacy like a reality show, underscoring the misinterpretation of entertainment as effective leadership. The complexities of navigating diplomacy under this unconventional style are explored, highlighting the challenges for diplomats and the need for a balanced U.S. foreign policy that avoids excessive intervention and withdrawal.
May 21, 2025 • 21min
The DSR Daily for May 21: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Discover the tumultuous journey of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as House Republicans clash over tax reforms. Explore how budget cuts impact vulnerable communities and the intricate ties between social welfare and immigration policy. Dive into the shifting landscape of COVID-19 vaccine strategies and the pressures that shape scientific discourse. Finally, unpack a Senate hearing's mix-up about constitutional rights, revealing the implications of political miscommunications in our current climate.
May 21, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: “Chilling”: Trump’s Fury at Bruce Springsteen Just Got Much Darker
Asawin Suebsaeng, a writer for Rolling Stone, dives into President Trump's chilling feud with Bruce Springsteen. He discusses Trump's strategic use of governmental power to target political adversaries, highlighting how the GOP is enabling this dangerous trend. The conversation also touches on free speech implications and the authoritarian responses to dissent, showcasing how Trump's actions signal a troubling shift in American politics. Suebsaeng’s insights reveal the deepening complexities of political rivalries in the current landscape.
May 20, 2025 • 22min
The DSR Daily for May 20: Supreme Court’s Disastrous Ruling for Venezuelans
The podcast delves into the Supreme Court's controversial ruling that strips 350,000 Venezuelans of their temporary protected status, raising fears of deportation amid brutal conditions in their home country. It critiques Israel's blockade of Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and minimal aid relief. The discussion also touches on political charges against Rep. McIver and explores the implications of new initiatives affecting academic freedom, particularly around DEI policies. Lastly, it scrutinizes the challenges posed by AI and deep fakes in our pursuit of truth.
May 20, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Angry Walmart Tirade Backfires, Wrecking His Own Tariff Scam
Lindsay Owens, an economist and executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, joins the discussion to unpack Trump's recent spat with Walmart over tariffs. She expertly illustrates how Trump's threats to the retail giant reveal the contradictions in his tariff claims. The conversation dives into how Walmart's price hikes impact consumers and smaller businesses alike. Owens highlights the alarming political implications of these tariffs, suggesting they reflect Trump's weakening grip on economic issues. A fascinating dissection of politics and economics!
May 19, 2025 • 18min
The DSR Daily for May 19: Joe Biden Receives Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis raises questions about transparency and its implications for leadership. Meanwhile, JD Vance and Marco Rubio's meeting with Pope Leo aims to enhance U.S.-Vatican relations, focusing on global peace and immigration issues. The podcast also addresses the controversial Trump tax cut bill and its potential threats to economic stability. Lastly, discussions surrounding the Ukraine conflict highlight Trump's negotiations with Russia and the new UK-EU agreement post-Brexit.
