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
Oct 10, 2025 • 34min
NTK: Can the Rule of Law in America Be Saved?
Barbara McQuade, a law professor and former federal prosecutor, joins to dissect the challenges facing the rule of law in America. She highlights the erosion of DOJ independence and alarming trends in domestic policing. Students across the political spectrum are expressing concern over norm-breaking behaviors. McQuade also discusses the implications of politicized prosecutions and critiques the Supreme Court's emerging doctrines that expand presidential power. Her insights spark a crucial conversation about safeguarding democracy.
Oct 10, 2025 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump ICE Raids Take Scarier Turn as Pritzker Issues Bombshell Warning
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker joins the discussion, shedding light on the alarming federal actions in Chicago. He describes chilling details of militarized ICE raids, like children being pulled from homes and a priest shot during chaos. Pritzker emphasizes the erosion of democracy and challenges misinformation from officials, urging a united stand against rising authoritarianism. His frustrations over inadequate federal communication are palpable, raising concerns about Trump's mental state and the increasing climate of political violence.
Oct 9, 2025 • 37min
Celebrate the Gaza Ceasefire—Now for the Hard Part
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, offers insights into Israeli politics, while Steven Cook, a Middle East analyst, shares his expertise on regional dynamics. They discuss the implications of the newly reached Gaza ceasefire, including the political maneuvering of Trump and Netanyahu. The guests delve into the tough hurdles of achieving lasting peace, such as disarmament and governance challenges. They also consider potential fallout if the agreement falters, painting a stark picture of the future and the political landscape in Israel.
Oct 9, 2025 • 40min
NTK: Breaking News: A Senior Congressional Dem With a Clear Plan to Win at Home and Abroad
Representative Adam Smith, a key figure on the House Armed Services Committee, joins host David Rothkopf to delve into pressing global issues. They discuss the recent Gaza ceasefire and its implications, regional power dynamics in the Middle East, and the U.S. strategic focus on China and Taiwan. Smith warns against the militarization of domestic issues and the rise of authoritarianism, advocating for a bipartisan approach to national security. He outlines a strategy for Democrats to connect with voters by addressing their concerns while warning about the dangers of authoritarianism.
Oct 9, 2025 • 17min
DSR Daily October 9: Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes center stage, highlighting the complexities of post-war governance. James Comey enters a not guilty plea, raising questions about political motivations. Concerns grow as FBI agents are reassigned to immigration enforcement. Tensions escalate with U.S. strikes on Caribbean vessels, drawing criticism from Colombia and raising congressional eyebrows. Additionally, the push for redistricting in Indiana ignites debates among Republicans amidst Trump's influence.
Oct 9, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Threats to Jail Foes Take Darker Turn amid Damning New DOJ Leaks
In a compelling discussion, former federal prosecutor Kristy Parker, now at Protect Democracy, unpacks the alarming trends in Trump's legal threats against perceived enemies. She reveals insider doubts about the prosecution of James Comey and resistance within the DOJ regarding weak cases against figures like Letitia James. Kristy emphasizes the normalization of authoritarian threats and how professional ethics in law can serve as a vital check against politically motivated prosecutions, shedding light on the deepening concerns of lawlessness.
Oct 8, 2025 • 37min
Trump's Military Make-Over Has Experts Worried and Enemies Celebrating
Rosa Brooks, a law professor at Georgetown University with expertise in civil-military relations, and David Sanger, a national security reporter for The New York Times, delve into alarming military shifts under Trump. They highlight the risks of using military rhetoric domestically and potentially authoritarian tactics. Discussions on global implications reveal that unpredictability may embolden rivals like China. The pair also caution about the impact on alliances and the need for future legal reforms to curb military power abuses.
Oct 8, 2025 • 54min
Words Matter: The Big Reason Trump and MAGA Must Be Held to Account
David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein tackle the Democrats' need for a more aggressive stance against Republican tactics. They dissect the failures of Senate oversight and call for accountability in the face of rising healthcare costs and economic challenges. The discussion also warns of potential voter intimidation tactics and the impact of Trump's actions on U.S. credibility. The hosts propose leveraging the current political landscape to hold Republicans accountable and exploit vulnerabilities in healthcare policies for strategic gains.
Oct 8, 2025 • 20min
DSR Daily October 8: Pam Bondi’s Fiery Hearing
A fiery Senate hearing features Pam Bondi refusing to answer questions about serious probes. Local politicians clash with the administration over National Guard deployments, raising concerns about voter intimidation. Meanwhile, Israel intercepts another Gaza-bound flotilla, sparking debates over humanitarian issues. Plus, flight delays are on the rise due to air traffic controller shortages linked to the government shutdown. The Pope also calls on U.S. bishops to address the treatment of immigrants, emphasizing the pressing need for compassion.
Oct 8, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Marjorie Taylor Greene Just Wrecked Trump’s Entire Shutdown Strategy
In this discussion, veteran congressional scholar Norman Ornstein offers sharp insights on the political fallout from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's explosive tweet. Her criticism of the GOP's lack of a plan for expiring ACA subsidies exposes deep fractures within the MAGA coalition. Ornstein highlights how this disruption undermines Trump’s narrative and shifts blame dynamics. The conversation also delves into how Democrats can leverage this turmoil to strengthen their healthcare messaging and capitalize on Republican disarray.
