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 12, 2025 • 20min
The Daily Blast: Trump Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs as Bizarre SCOTUS Rant Backfires
Alex Jacquez, a trade policy expert and former adviser under President Biden, joins the discussion on Trump's controversial tariff claims. He delves into Trump's contradictory statements about revenue, highlighting inconsistencies that undermine his legal standing. Jacquez explains the legal challenges to the tariffs, potential refunds if overturned, and the negative macroeconomic impacts these tariffs have caused. The talk emphasizes how Trump's chaotic approach to trade policies could lead to more crises, revealing the intricate relationship between politics and economic strategy.
Nov 11, 2025 • 19min
DSR Daily November 11: Judge Deals Blow to GOP Redistricting
A judge has rejected a GOP congressional map in Utah, favoring a centrist alternative that keeps a Democratic stronghold intact. The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case on mail-in ballot deadlines that could affect elections in 30 states. Tensions are rising as Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene clash over policy priorities, with Greene urging a focus on domestic issues. Meanwhile, the COP30 summit in Brazil is underway, urging nations to collaborate on climate action amidst criticisms of the US's absence.
Nov 11, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rage over Shutdown Boils Over in Rant that Should Wake Up Dems
Political journalist Brian Beutler dives into the chaos surrounding the government shutdown. He critiques the Democrats' strategic failures and explains how Trump's erratic rants reveal his political vulnerability. Beutler discusses the humanitarian impacts of the shutdown, the risks of Democrats caving on healthcare subsidies, and proposes stronger messaging strategies for leveraging political power. His insights illuminate potential paths forward for Democratic leadership as they approach the pivotal 2026 elections.
Nov 10, 2025 • 49min
NTK: How Dems Can Move On from Their Latest F*ck Up
Tara McGowan, a political strategist and founder of Courier Newsroom, and Simon Rosenberg, political analyst and founder of NDN/Hopium Chronicles, dive into the fallout from Senate Democrats' recent blunders. They analyze the anger over leadership's mistakes, the implications for future elections, and the need for a strategy shift to rebuild trust. Addressing voter motivations, they discuss the urgency of revitalizing the party's message and the importance of projecting strength to regain lost momentum against Republican challenges.
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 • 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 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 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.
