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 10, 2025 • 49min
NTK: Social Democracy is a Great American Tradition That's Making an Overdue Comeback
EJ Dionne, a seasoned political commentator and columnist for the New York Times, joins to discuss the implications of Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking victory. They examine how Mamdani's rise signals a resurgence of social democracy in America. EJ highlights voter desire for change, the importance of authenticity in campaigns, and how cultural issues played into Democratic strategies. They also delve into the legacy of 'sewer socialism' and the lessons learned from historical patterns in politics.
Nov 10, 2025 • 22min
DSR Daily November 10: 8 Democrats Abandon Ship
Eight Democratic senators break ranks to join Republicans on a crucial vote, raising questions about accountability. Trump makes headlines by pardoning 77 allies linked to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, potentially emboldening future unlawful actions. The growing outrage over cuts to SNAP benefits highlights the political fallout from these decisions. Meanwhile, the BBC faces leadership changes over a controversial edit involving Trump, and the Supreme Court upholds same-sex marriage rights, ensuring protections remain intact.
Nov 10, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Angry Trump Snaps at Media as Brutal New Data Shows Size of GOP Losses
Joe Perticone, a Congress reporter for The Bulwark, joins to dissect the latest GOP losses and Trump's fiery reactions to media questioning. He delves into the flawed narratives around inflation and affordability, highlighting Trump's claim about Walmart's Thanksgiving dinner as misleading. Perticone reveals the fragility of the MAGA coalition, explaining how Democrats are regaining support among Hispanic and working-class voters, and how Republicans are privately grappling with Trump’s unpopularity while publicly remaining in denial.
Nov 9, 2025 • 13min
DSR Weekly Wrap-Up: Supreme Court Considering Appeal on Same-Sex Marriage
This week, the discussion centers on the Supreme Court potentially revisiting the landmark same-sex marriage ruling, raising concerns about future rights. A judge has mandated the release of full SNAP benefits, highlighting ongoing food security issues. In a controversial move, Elon Musk's enormous performance-based pay at Tesla sparks debates about corporate inequality. Additionally, the fallout from Nancy Pelosi's retirement and its impact on the housing crisis in San Francisco adds a local twist to the national conversation.
Nov 9, 2025 • 55min
FTS: From the Election to the End of the World with Joe Cirincione
Join Joe Cirincione, a nuclear policy expert and author, as he delves into the implications of a second Trump term on national security. He discusses the unsettling plans of Project 2025 for nuclear modernization and the risks of giving more nuclear options to an unstable leader. Joe highlights potential regional nuclear expansions by countries like Japan and Germany if U.S. security guarantees fade. The conversation navigates through the dangers of an outdated launch authority and the erosion of arms control treaties, painting a dire picture of the new nuclear age.
Nov 8, 2025 • 36min
FTA: Economic Lessons and Implications of Trump’s Victory
Felicia Wong, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute, joins David Rothkopf to dive into the economic terrain following Trump’s return. She compares Trump's influence with FDR's, highlighting their contrasting electoral mandates. Wong argues that neoliberalism is waning and discusses inflation, attributing its rise to supply shocks rather than pandemic spending. The conversation turns to the need for progressives to build cultural strategies and leverage new media for outreach, emphasizing the importance of understanding audience over mere messaging.
Nov 7, 2025 • 33min
Siliconsciousness: Facing Up to Opportunities and Challenges Linked to Video Recognition AI
Jeff Boehm, COO of Wicket and a veteran in applied AI, dives into the fascinating world of facial recognition technology. He discusses the ethical implications and privacy concerns surrounding AI integration in daily life. Boehm emphasizes the importance of accuracy and consumer trust, highlighting Wicket’s opt-in model. With real-world examples, he contrasts responsible use in events against surveillance strategies. The conversation also touches on the potential for facial recognition to reshape payments and access, ultimately aiming for a seamless user experience.
Nov 7, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Unraveling Trump Accidentally Blurts Out Secret Plan to Rig 2026
Jessica Post, a seasoned campaign consultant and Democratic operative, dives deep into Trump's recent call to end the filibuster and his intentions behind restricting voting. She highlights how these moves aim to solidify Republican control ahead of the 2026 midterms. Jessica shares eye-opening examples of new barriers to voting, the underlying philosophies driving these policies, and potential Democratic counterstrategies. Furthermore, she discusses the implications of aggressive gerrymandering and why it could surprisingly backfire on the GOP.
Nov 6, 2025 • 27min
Words Matter: We Moved a Step Closer to the End of MAGA This Week
This week, the hosts celebrate significant Democratic victories in recent elections, exploring their potential impact on American politics. They reflect on Nancy Pelosi’s retirement and her substantial legacy in the Democratic Party. Key discussions include the implications of election outcomes on health care and potential Republican voter suppression strategies. The rise of women veterans in politics is highlighted, as well as the challenges new mayors will face regarding public safety and governance.
Nov 6, 2025 • 21min
DSR Daily November 6: Nancy Pelosi Will Not Seek Re-Election
Nancy Pelosi has announced she will not seek re-election, prompting discussions about her impact on the Democratic Party. There’s also a significant 10% reduction in flights at major airports due to staffing shortages amid a government shutdown. Economic indicators suggest rising job losses and falling housing prices, signaling a potential recession. Plus, the Supreme Court is examining the legality of Trump's tariffs, while tensions rise over nuclear test discussions between the U.S. and Russia.
