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
Feb 3, 2025 • 20min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Rage at Canada Gets Darker as GOPers Admit to Rising “Anxiety”
Cathy Young, a staff writer at The Bulwark, brings sharp insights into the fallout from Trump's recent tariffs, particularly towards Canada. She discusses how Trump's unhinged behavior raises panic among GOP members, who face daunting political and economic repercussions. Young delves into the unsettling climate of resentment affecting U.S.-Canada relations, while also dissecting the troubling 'America First' mentality's impact on corporate America. The conversation unpacks the precarious position Republican leaders find themselves in amid rising anxieties.
Feb 2, 2025 • 42min
FTS: Which U.S. Allies Aren't Really Allies?
In this engaging discussion, David Sanger, a renowned New York Times journalist specializing in foreign policy, delves into the current state of U.S. alliances. The conversation tackles pressing issues like Ukraine's potential NATO membership amid the Russian invasion and the complexities of NATO expansion involving Sweden and Finland. Sanger also analyzes the intricacies of Turkey's role and the challenges posed by Israel's current government. The dialogue highlights the shifting nature of international alliances and the growing distrust between former allies.
Feb 1, 2025 • 47min
FTA: Global Risks in the Time of Speaker McCarthy
Max Boot, a prominent columnist at the Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses how the U.S. might bolster Taiwan amidst rising threats from China, and whether an invasion is imminent. Boot draws connections between Brazil's recent riots and the January 6th insurrection, highlighting the fragility of democracies worldwide. The conversation also touches on the implications of U.S.-China tensions and the significance of strategic alliances in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Jan 31, 2025 • 48min
WAGD: One Second Closer to Midnight
Steven Miller, Director of the International Security Program at Harvard, and Daniel Holz, a physics professor at the University of Chicago, dive into the alarming 89 seconds to midnight on the Doomsday Clock. They discuss the existential risks posed by nuclear proliferation and climate change, urging for urgent global action. The duo examines AI's dual role in both enhancing and threatening nuclear security, emphasizing the critical need for human oversight in military decision-making. Their insights challenge public perceptions and call for heightened awareness regarding these imminent dangers.
Jan 31, 2025 • 33min
The DSR Daily for January 31: The Patel and Gabbard Hearings
A deep dive into the hearings of Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard reveals intense political maneuvering and the implications for national security. The hosts analyze the recent drop in Trump's approval ratings, linking it to immigration and economic issues. They also discuss proposed tariffs on imports and their potential fallout, alongside critiques of political appointments. Personal anecdotes add humor, contrasting with serious discussions on accountability and the need for effective governance in the wake of tragic events.
Jan 31, 2025 • 28min
The Daily Blast: Angry Trump Snaps at Journos who Harshly Expose his Plane Crash Drivel
In this discussion, Juliette Kayyem, a former senior Department of Homeland Security official and crisis management expert, dissects President Trump's alarming response after a tragic aviation collision. She highlights his tendency to deflect blame onto Democrats and DEI amid a crisis, emphasizing the dangers of such rhetoric. Kayyem argues that Trump's angry reaction to scrutiny reflects a troubling attitude for a leader during sensitive situations. The conversation also critiques the intersection of political narratives and public safety in times of disaster.
Jan 30, 2025 • 38min
Why is the Media So F*cked Up?
Dan Froomkin, an accountability-focused journalist and editor of Press Watch, teams up with Jeff Jarvis, a media critic and professor, to dissect the media's current failings. They delve into the superficial coverage of political events, highlighting the media's political blindspots regarding authoritarianism and racism. The duo also discusses the intentional chaos in government operations, illustrating how misinformation is used as a tactic. They argue for strengthening accountability and critical engagement in an era where traditional media struggles to maintain relevance.
Jan 30, 2025 • 35min
The DSR Daily for January 30: White House Pulls Back Spending Freeze
Chris Cotnoir, a regular commentator known for his sharp political insights, joins to discuss the White House's unexpected reversal on its spending freeze. The conversation shifts to the alarming midair collision near Washington D.C. that tragically claimed lives, raising aviation safety concerns. Cotnoir doesn't hold back with his rants about the deficiencies in Democratic leadership amidst GOP tactics, calling for more coherent and proactive strategies. His perspectives offer a candid view of current political frustrations and pressing national issues.
Jan 30, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: “A Weak President”: Trump’s Chaos Strategy Implodes in Epic OMB Fiasco
Timothy Noah, author of 'A Good New Peace' and contributing writer for The New Republic, delves into the chaos of the Trump administration. He discusses the recent rescinding of a funding freeze and Trump's bizarre claim about condom spending for Hamas, highlighting the dangers of misinformation. Noah argues that Trump's approach reflects a weakness in leadership rather than strength. The conversation further explores the consequences of chaotic governance and its impact on public life, calling for decency and new political alternatives.
Jan 29, 2025 • 37min
This Week, the World Got a Whole Heckuva Lot More Dangerous
Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International and former high-level official at USAID, discusses the dire implications of recent U.S. foreign aid policy shifts. He highlights how the Trump administration's cuts put both global health and diplomatic power at risk. The conversation addresses the harm of funding freezes on essential programs and the fragile state of international partnerships. Konyndyk also delves into the constitutional balance of power and the impact of U.S. decisions on allies, stressing the broader dangers posed by these changes.
