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
Jul 10, 2025 • 47min
Words Matter: A Prescription for Saving the Country
Norm Ornstein, a renowned political scientist and journalist, joins David Rothkopf to discuss the urgent need to restore democracy in the U.S. They dive into the erosion of democratic norms, highlighting Congress's failures and media complicity in accountability. Ornstein critiques the Republican Party's internal conflicts under controversial leadership and calls for radical reforms from Democrats to engage voters. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for bold actions to combat rising authoritarianism and reclaim democratic integrity.
Jul 10, 2025 • 19min
The DSR Daily for July 10: Supreme Court Rejects Florida Immigration Crackdown
The Supreme Court recently blocked a controversial Florida immigration law, raising important questions about federal authority. The hosts dive into the US sanctioning a UN human rights investigator, linking it to the broader themes of accountability. They also discuss Trump's shockingly high 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, dissecting its potential economic impact. Finally, the conversation shifts to proposed regulations on artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with necessary safety measures amid a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Jul 10, 2025 • 28min
The Daily Blast: Angry Trump Shocked to Discover Putin Has Humiliated Him: “Bullshit!”
Mona Charen, policy editor at The Bulwark, dives into the complex dynamics between Trump and Putin. She highlights Trump's growing frustration as he realizes his promises for a quick resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war are crumbling. Charen explains how Putin has effectively played Trump, leaving him feeling humiliated. They discuss the political repercussions of this relationship within the GOP and how it shapes U.S. military support for Ukraine. With internal conflicts brewing, they ponder the unpredictable future of Trump's influence and the ongoing war.
Jul 9, 2025 • 47min
Trump Foreign Policy 2.0: Making China Great Again
Max Boot, a foreign policy expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, Ed Luce from the Financial Times, and Rosa Brooks, a law professor at Georgetown, dive into the chaotic realm of Trump's foreign policy. They discuss how inconsistency in U.S. actions has inadvertently elevated China’s global standing. The trio analyzes the implications of tariffs, shifting support for allies, and the broader impact on international relations, suggesting that U.S. unpredictability may be benefiting its greatest rival while reshaping the global dynamics.
Jul 9, 2025 • 24min
The DSR Daily for July 9: Court Clears the Way for Federal Firings
Recent Supreme Court rulings could pave the way for mass federal layoffs, raising concerns about public service. The stalled ceasefire talks in Gaza reveal significant disagreements over troop withdrawals and aid distribution. Additionally, the IRS's new stance allows churches to endorse political candidates, merging religion with politics. Complications arise over U.S.-Venezuela negotiations for a prisoner swap, highlighting chaotic diplomatic efforts and their impact on families involved.
Jul 9, 2025 • 22min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec’s Fury at Media over Texas Flood Exposes Worst of MAGA
Kate Aronoff, a staff writer at The New Republic, dives deep into the devastating Texas floods that have claimed over 100 lives, including at a girls' summer camp. She discusses White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's fierce backlash against media scrutiny regarding the Trump administration's role in the disaster. Aronoff highlights the hypocrisy within MAGA's solidarity claims and critiques the political disconnect in addressing climate change and disaster relief, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability and support.
Jul 8, 2025 • 15min
The DSR Daily for July 8: Netanyahu Visits the White House
Netanyahu's recent White House visit sparks discussions on U.S.-Iran relations and Palestinian issues. A federal judge's ruling allows Planned Parenthood to keep Medicaid funding, while concerns about AI impersonation highlight security risks. The show also addresses the devastating floods in Texas, advocating for better disaster response amidst climate change challenges.
Jul 8, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump Accidentally Reveals a Big Weakness on ICE Fiasco, Angering MAGA
Garrett Graff, a journalist and historian, dives into President Trump's controversial remarks on suspending deportations for migrant workers, igniting ire from far-right supporters. He discusses the emerging rift within the MAGA coalition, with influencers demanding strict immigration policies. Graff highlights the dangers of a rapidly expanding ICE and the implications of a significant budget increase for the agency. He also examines how Trump's attempt to soften his stance on deportations exposes critical political vulnerabilities that could threaten his support.
Jul 7, 2025 • 18min
The DSR Daily for July 7: The New Battle Between Trump and Musk
The ongoing rivalry between Trump and Musk takes center stage as Musk announces his own political party, stirring up tensions in both political and business realms. Insights on how this affects investor sentiment and skepticism toward Trump’s policies are discussed. The podcast also highlights alarming events, including Israel's airstrikes and the devastating floods in Texas, linking these to broader geopolitical tensions and climate change concerns. Additionally, legal controversies over migrant deportations raise significant human rights questions.
7 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: "Shocking": Trump's Use of Secret Police Is About to Get Much Darker
In this discussion, Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist and author of The Hopium Chronicles, voices concerns about the recent budget bill signed by Trump. He highlights the explosion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its grim implications for immigrant communities. Rosenberg also addresses the significant health care cuts and wealth redistribution that accompany the bill. He warns of impending civil conflict, urging Democrats to campaign against the alarming consequences of Trump's policies.
