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
May 14, 2025 • 36min
Special Episode: Ed Luce's Masterful New Biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski
Ed Luce, a Financial Times columnist and author of "Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet," dives deep into the life of the influential foreign policy strategist. He elaborates on why Brzezinski's legacy is crucial for understanding today's geopolitical landscape. The discussion reveals insights from Brzezinski’s diaries and highlights his foresight on America's global role, including the concept of the 'Alliance of the Aggrieved.' Luce also reflects on pivotal historical moments that shaped national security discourse.
May 14, 2025 • 15min
The DSR Daily for May 14: FBI Prioritizing Immigration Over White Collar Crime?
The podcast dives into the FBI's controversial shift towards prioritizing immigration enforcement and its potential neglect of white-collar crimes. It also dissects Trump’s diplomatic meeting with Syria's interim president, highlighting its international implications. Additionally, the discussion covers contentious House Republican proposals on tax cuts and Medicaid, sparking significant Democratic pushback. Lastly, concerns about government crackdowns on whistleblowers and transparency are raised, setting the stage for debates on academic freedom and accountability.
May 14, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump Tariff Fiasco Worsens as Brutal New Reports Reveal a Fresh Scam
Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, joins the discussion to delve into the serious legal dilemmas surrounding Trump's tariffs on China. He highlights recent reports that reveal the tariffs as a massive scam, causing global economic turmoil without achieving meaningful concessions. Somin explains the weak legal foundation of these tariffs and the brewing lawsuits set to challenge them. The conversation also critiques the dangers of unilateral presidential tariff authority and its implications for the economy.
May 13, 2025 • 29min
The DSR Daily for May 13: Trump’s Gulf Tour Begins
President Trump's recent trip to Saudi Arabia reveals complicated ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and business interests. The discussion takes a sharp turn to the ethical concerns surrounding his controversial refugee policy for white South Africans. The hosts dissect proposed reforms to SNAP, highlighting the widening gap between the wealthy and low-income Americans. Additionally, Trump's executive order on drug prices is scrutinized for its practicality. Through witty commentary, the hosts balance the serious and the absurd in today’s political landscape.
May 13, 2025 • 29min
The Daily Blast: Jamie Raskin’s Harsh Takedown of Trump’s Qatar Plane Scam Draws Blood
In this discussion, Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Representative and law professor, dives into President Trump's controversial acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar. He argues that this act raises serious constitutional concerns, potentially violating the Emoluments Clause. Raskin highlights the unprecedented scale of corruption linked to Trump's foreign business dealings and explains the need for Congressional accountability. He also calls for new legislation to ensure transparency in presidential financial interactions, emphasizing the vital link between governance and public integrity.
6 snips
May 12, 2025 • 28min
AI, Energy and Climate: Damilola Ogunbiyi: AI, Energy Access and the Digital Divide
Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and a key UN figure recognized by Time Magazine, shares valuable insights on tackling energy poverty. She highlights the dire situation of over a billion people lacking access to electricity. The conversation dives into AI’s potential to bridge the energy access divide, while also cautioning against the risk of a new digital divide. Ogunbiyi advocates for decentralized energy solutions and emphasizes the need for equitable policies to ensure gains in AI also benefit the Global South.
May 12, 2025 • 17min
The DSR Daily for May 12: US and China Reach Tariff Agreement
A temporary agreement on tariffs between the U.S. and China takes center stage, highlighting the ongoing trade tensions. The Trump administration's controversial proposal to suspend habeas corpus sparks legal debates. Meanwhile, U.S. diplomacy struggles in the India-Pakistan conflict and the Ukraine war, raising questions about leadership efficacy. The podcast also discusses the uproar over Qatar's potential luxury gift to the presidency, scrutinizing the constitutional implications and the political fallout.
May 12, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec’s Fawning over Him to Media Takes Scary, Cultlike Turn
Amanda Marcotte, a Salon columnist adept at dissecting MAGA pathologies, delves into the curious worship of Trump by his press secretary, comparing it to a North Korean spectacle. She explores the stark contrast between Trump’s perceived strength and his actual chaotic behavior, illustrating how exaggerated flattery feeds political outrage. Further, Marcotte critiques the performative aspects of the MAGA aesthetic and examines the psychological impact of Trump’s narcissism on both policy decisions and societal engagement, revealing a disturbing trend in political discourse.
May 9, 2025 • 34min
Siliconsciousness: The AI Con: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Hanna and Dr. Emily Bender
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Alex Hanna, a sociologist and director at the Distributed AI Research Institute, teams up with Dr. Emily Bender, a professor of linguistics at the University of Washington. They delve into the hype surrounding AI, questioning whether it's fueling inequality. The conversation takes on the complexities of AI terminology, warning against oversimplification that can obscure risks. They also tackle how biases in technology reinforce systemic issues and critique big tech’s influence over policy, urging a rethinking of the future we want.
May 9, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: MAGA Rage Erupts as New Pope’s Views of Trump Prove Unexpectedly Harsh
Matt McManus, a political theorist raised in the Catholic Church and author of "The Political Right and Equality," dives into the uproar among MAGA supporters following the election of Pope Leo XIV. He analyzes the Pope's critical stance on Trump and immigration, contrasting it with MAGA narratives. McManus discusses the clash between Catholic ethics and Trumpism, exploring themes of compassion and the moral responsibilities that transcend political divides. His insights reveal a refusal among contemporary right-wing figures to confront the ethical implications of their beliefs.
