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
Jan 29, 2025 • 29min
The DSR Daily for January 29: Judge Halts Aid Freeze
A federal judge has halted a controversial freeze on federal aid, sparking debate on its effects on critical services. The Trump administration's offer of buyouts to federal workers raises concerns about government efficiency. Tensions mount over nominations, particularly those with anti-vaccine views, as worries grow about their qualifications. There’s also a fascinating look at Trump's rebranding efforts through geographic name changes, with potential impacts on foreign policy. Plus, a humorous anecdote adds a personal touch to discussions about government functionality.
Jan 29, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Aide Karoline Leavitt’s Ugly New Attack on Biden Is a Bad Omen
Amanda Marcotte, a savvy Salon writer skilled in unpacking MAGA politics, dives into recent provocative comments from Karoline Leavitt during her White House briefing. They discuss Leavitt's attack on Biden’s age and her evasive responses regarding rising food prices under Trump. Marcotte highlights the troubling normalization of aggressive MAGA rhetoric in politics and explores the psychology behind these tactics, shedding light on how they manipulate public sentiment and contribute to a divisive political landscape.
Jan 28, 2025 • 21min
The DSR Daily for January 28: Trump Pauses Federal Grants and Loans
The White House has temporarily paused federal grants and financial assistance, raising concerns about its implications for essential services. A new directive cuts ties with the WHO, potentially affecting global health funding. The discussion also highlights recent changes in military policy regarding transgender troops, revealing tensions between defense needs and domestic issues. In lighter moments, the hosts reflect on the decline of a controversial political figure, blending serious analysis with humor.
Jan 28, 2025 • 20min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Anger Inside WH, Leaked to Media, Hints at a Darker Obsession
Deborah Fleischacker, a former senior official at ICE and Homeland Security expert, discusses the Trump administration's intense pressure on immigration enforcement. She reveals how Trump's fixation on deportation numbers led to quotas that prioritize quantity over public safety. Fleischacker contrasts this with past administrations, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by ICE agents. She critiques the narrative of Trump’s strength against immigration, shedding light on how these policies disproportionately affect non-criminal immigrants and undermine effective law enforcement.
Jan 27, 2025 • 40min
Siliconsciousness: DeepShock: Tech & Political Disruptions Changing Our Views of AI in Real Time
David Danks, a data science and philosophy expert from UC San Diego, dives into the impact of the AI app DeepSeek on global tech dynamics. He discusses the challenges to U.S. AI dominance posed by international competition and the contrasting approaches toward AI development by various nations. Danks emphasizes the urgent need for philosophical engagement in AI, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations and accountability as technology evolves. The conversation navigates the intersection of policy, innovation, and societal values in the AI landscape.
Jan 27, 2025 • 26min
The DSR Daily for January 27: Colombia Agrees to Accept Deportation Flights
Colombia's new agreement to accept U.S. deportation flights raises questions about international relations. In Gaza, residents are returning as crossing points reopen amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. The emergence of DeepSeq, a Chinese AI disruptor, is reshaping markets with its cost-effective technology. Political alignments with far-right movements trigger concerns over Holocaust remembrance and democratic integrity. Finally, a deep dive into the stark realities of genocide and ethnic cleansing reveals their lasting impacts and the importance of personal narratives.
Jan 27, 2025 • 24min
The Daily Blast: Trump Just Made His Illegal Late-Night Firing Spree Look Even Worse
Jennifer Rubin, co-founder of The Contrarian and a keen political analyst, discusses Trump's recent firings of 15 independent inspectors general, labeling it as illegal and a significant threat to governance. She critiques Trump's attempt to normalize his actions and highlights the troubling reactions from Senate Republicans. Rubin emphasizes the critical role of inspectors general in maintaining government integrity and calls for Democrats to mobilize against these dangerous trends, urging accountability in a precarious political landscape.
Jan 26, 2025 • 56min
FTS: Words Matter - The Impending Border Battle
The discussion dives into the political chess game surrounding the border crisis, with dire consequences for immigrants. With Abbott's standoff against the Supreme Court, they address the urgent need for a compassionate immigration strategy. The speakers also tackle misconceptions in media narratives and reflect humorously on past drug distribution patterns in the White House. Furthermore, they analyze impending Supreme Court rulings that may reshape immigration laws, while emphasizing the importance of proactive voter engagement ahead of upcoming elections.
Jan 25, 2025 • 45min
FTA: What Do You Do With A Problem Like Bibi?
Original air date: January 19, 2024Benjamin Netanyahu just can’t help but make trouble for the US. Netanyahu’s recent statements rejecting the idea of a two-state solution lead us all wonder what endgame Israel envisions for Gaza. Alon Pinkas, Kori Schake, Rosa Brooks, and David Rothkopf break down how the administration can deal with Bibi to avoid calamity in the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 24, 2025 • 27min
WAGD: Trump's Impact on the Global Nuclear Stage with Jeffrey Lewis
This week’s episode of We’re All Going to Die Radio features a discussion with Jeffrey Lewis, longtime friend and Director of the East Asia program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Jon and Jeff discuss the impact of Donald Trump on the nuclear state of affairs around the world, including Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, and even the United States itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
