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
Dec 18, 2024 • 31min
DSR Year-End Special: A Look Back at 2024
David Sanger, a seasoned journalist from The New York Times and a national security expert, joins the discussion to reflect on 2024. He shares insights on President Biden's foreign policy, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings while offering grades on his leadership. The conversation dives into U.S.-China relations and the fluctuating fates of global leaders like Netanyahu and Putin. With a mix of humor and critical analysis, the guests assess the role of luck in politics and ponder the challenges that lie ahead.
Dec 18, 2024 • 13min
The DSR Daily for December 18: Congress Introduces Bill to Avert Shutdown
Congress is on the brink of averting a partial government shutdown with a new stopgap funding bill, focusing on disaster and military provisions. Meanwhile, France has symbolically raised its flag in Syria, hinting at a diplomatic thaw. The discussion takes a turn toward Trump's legal challenges against a polling firm, which raises significant questions about press freedom. Finally, concerns about ethical governance emerge, particularly regarding potential misuse of insider information by Congress members in stock trading.
Dec 18, 2024 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump Rages over Hush-Money Case as Lara Trump Signals Revenge to Come
Political expert Josh Marshall, founder of Talking Points Memo, dives into Donald Trump’s explosive reactions to his legal woes. They discuss Trump’s confrontational lawsuit against a pollster and Lara Trump’s hints at revenge against opponents. The conversation highlights the need for targeted allies to unite against intimidation tactics. Marshall emphasizes the psychological warfare in politics and the urgent call for Democrats to confront aggressive messaging effectively.
Dec 17, 2024 • 30min
Words Matter: 2024 Ends, Another Trump Term Begins
As 2024 closes, the looming prospect of Trump's second term raises concerns for the future. The unsettling dynamics of media power are explored, particularly how corporate interests are reshaping journalism. Amid political chaos, the importance of mental health support is emphasized, especially during the holidays. Reflecting on potential political transformations, grassroots activism shines as a beacon of hope. Key foreign policy issues and the health challenges faced by elder statesmen leave us contemplating resilience as we move forward.
Dec 17, 2024 • 12min
The DSR Daily for December 17: High-Ranking Russian Official Assassinated
The assassination of a high-ranking Russian official by Ukrainian intelligence reveals deepening conflicts and potential geopolitical shifts. Bashar al-Assad’s surprising departure from Syria amid chaos raises questions about his regime's future. Trump faces legal hurdles regarding hush money payments that could affect his political life. Meanwhile, President Biden's strong support for Israel sparks debate over his strategy following recent attacks, alongside Canada’s political turmoil due to a minister's resignation and ongoing tariff tensions.
Dec 17, 2024 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Reveals a Surprise Weakness in Unhinged New Vaccine Ramblings
In this engaging discussion, Anne Shoup, a senior advisor for Protect Our Care, dives into Donald Trump's recent contradictory remarks on vaccines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial candidacy. They dissect Trump's political vulnerability amid his attempts to appeal to both vaccine skeptics and traditional supporters. The talk explores the strategic advertising campaign against RFK and highlights pressing concerns about vaccine mandates in schools, the rise of misinformation, and the need for a unified Democratic response to Trump’s contentious nominees.
Dec 16, 2024 • 32min
AAI: "It's All About the Cable" - A Chat on the Arab Spring and Espionage Novels with Best-Selling Author I.S. Berry
Ilana Berry, best-selling author of "The Peacock and the Sparrow" and former CIA operations officer, shares her gripping experiences during the Arab Spring in Bahrain and Syria. She offers insights into the complexities of revolution and the importance of understanding local dynamics over imposing Western ideals. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by female intelligence operatives, the intricate motivations behind asset recruitment, and personal anecdotes reflecting on the intelligence community's evolving culture.
Dec 16, 2024 • 16min
The DSR Daily for December 16: Israel’s Plans for Golan Heights
Israel's plans to boost its population in the Golan Heights raise eyebrows, provoking discussions about its historical context and regional ramifications. Meanwhile, Germany faces potential upheaval with a looming no-confidence vote as coalition tensions rise. On the East Coast, drone sightings create a stir, highlighting air traffic regulation challenges. Lastly, over 120 House Democrats are rallying for the Equal Rights Amendment, pushing for constitutional gender equality, amidst ongoing political dynamics.
Dec 16, 2024 • 27min
The Daily Blast: ABC News’ Sudden Surrender to Trump’s Rage Stuns Experts: “Disturbing”
Anne Applebaum, author of Autocracy, Inc. and a contributor to The Atlantic, dives deep into ABC News' surprising $15 million settlement with Donald Trump. She critiques how this capitulation signals a disturbing trend in media control and authoritarian rule. Applebaum discusses the implications of Trump's tactics on journalistic integrity and the alarming erosion of democracy. With media under increasing pressure, she warns about the public's growing acceptance of self-censorship, leaving the future of independent reporting hanging in the balance.
Dec 13, 2024 • 31min
The AI Copyright Conundrum: Who Owns the Words That Make Your AI Chatbot So Smart?
Matt Topic, a partner at Lovi & Lovi, specializes in media and intellectual property law, representing clients in high-profile copyright disputes. He dives into the complexities surrounding who owns the data that powers AI like ChatGPT. The discussion touches on the ethical dilemmas of using original works without permission, the reliability crisis of AI-generated content, and the urgent need for clearer copyright regulations. Topic also contrasts U.S. and EU approaches, highlighting innovative solutions like blockchain for protecting creator rights.
