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 29, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rants about Harvard Get Darker as He Loses a Big One in Court
Katherine Stewart, a keen writer and analyzer of right-wing politics, joins the discussion to unravel President Trump’s darker rants against Harvard. She connects these attacks to a broader assault on truth and democratic values, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric aims to instill fear and undermine trust in institutions. Stewart emphasizes the importance of acknowledging legal victories as essential reminders of the rule of law amid rising autocratic tendencies. The conversation navigates through the implications of political pressures on higher education and the resilience required to uphold democratic principles.
May 28, 2025 • 16min
The DSR Daily for May 28: Putin’s Ludicrous Peace Demands
Delve into the absurdity of Putin's peace demands and their implications on global politics. Explore the Trump administration's Supreme Court push regarding South Sudan deportations and its broader political strategy. Discover the ramifications of the U.S. halting new visa interviews for international students, raising concerns among universities. Additionally, hear about Elon Musk's critique of Republican economic policies and the chilling warnings from economists on potential risks to the federal deficit.
May 28, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Humiliated Trump’s Anger at Putin Grows as GOPers Start Breaking Ranks
Cathy Young, a staff writer at The Bulwark, delves into President Trump's frustration with Vladimir Putin's aggressive stance on Ukraine. She highlights Trump's public outbursts, revealing his embarrassment over failed peace efforts. The conversation explores the implications of Trump's miscalculations about Putin, showcasing his unsuitability as a leader in this crisis. Additionally, Young discusses the growing calls from Republicans for harsher sanctions against Russia, signaling a significant shift in party dynamics amid escalating conflict.
May 27, 2025 • 21min
The DSR Daily for May 27: Another Battle in the Campaign Against Harvard
Delve into a controversial battle over academic freedom as the Trump administration takes aim at Harvard's admissions policies. Explore the political motivations behind the FBI reopening investigations into sensitive matters like cocaine found in the White House. Learn about NPR's fight for press freedom against government funding restrictions. Finally, gain insights into the growing influence of ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council amidst global economic uncertainties.
May 27, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Odd Ramblings to Media Accidentally Wreck His Own Tariff Scam
Monica Potts, a class politics reporter at The New Republic, joins the discussion to tackle President Trump's perplexing tariff remarks and their real impact on the working class. They dissect how Trump's statements inadvertently expose flaws in his pro-jobs narrative, revealing concerns over automation replacing low-level jobs. The conversation shifts to the unrealistic nostalgia for American manufacturing jobs, questioning the GOP's approach and its consequences for worker empowerment. Ultimately, they argue for a more nuanced understanding of modern economic challenges.
May 25, 2025 • 36min
FTS: A Conversation with an Architect of the Biden's Administration's AI Strategy
Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, dives into the Biden administration's ambitious approach to artificial intelligence. She outlines the challenges of integrating AI into public services and the need for robust frameworks like the AI Bill of Rights. The conversation highlights the competitive race in AI between democratic and authoritarian systems and the importance of the U.S. maintaining its edge through strategic investments in technology and innovation, all while tackling global inequalities in AI access.
May 24, 2025 • 38min
FTA: The Road to Freedom: A Conversation with Joseph E. Stiglitz
In this engaging discussion, Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and Columbia University professor, shares insights from his new book, 'The Road to Freedom.' He explores the urgent need for progressive economics to counter the adverse effects of neoliberalism on society. Topics include the Biden administration's shift to a green economy, the Federal Reserve's handling of inflation, and the widening wealth disparities threatening democracy. Stiglitz also contrasts economic freedoms in Sweden and the U.S., highlighting the role of government in fostering equity.
May 23, 2025 • 37min
Siliconsciousness: A Successful Investor's Perspective on AI's Emerging Opportunities & Risk
Gigi Levy-Weiss, a seasoned Israeli businessman and co-founder of NFX, shares his insights on the dual nature of AI's rise. He explains how AI is revolutionizing industries like gaming and defense, while also emphasizing the ethical considerations that come with these advancements. The conversation dives into the complicated regulatory landscape surrounding AI investments, addressing challenges like data ownership and global cooperation. Gigi also discusses how smaller nations can leverage AI technologies to shift power dynamics in their favor.
May 23, 2025 • 25min
The DSR Daily for May 23: Trump’s War on Harvard Enters New Phase
The podcast dives into Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration over policies impacting international students, raising key questions about academic freedom. Tensions escalate as Trump threatens tariffs on Apple and the EU, with economic implications for national intelligence and trade relations. There's a critical examination of legislative maneuvers surrounding a contentious bill and its potential effects on low-income Americans. Lastly, ethical concerns arise with Trump’s investor dinner for his meme coin, challenging the integrity of political and financial dealings.
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.
