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 28, 2025 • 42min
FTA: What They’re Not Telling You About Signalgate
In this insightful discussion, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA case officer, unpacks the implications of Signalgate, exposing how mishandling sensitive government secrets jeopardizes national security. He critiques the erosion of trust in intelligence leadership and highlights the risks of adversaries exploiting compromised communication tools. Polymeropoulos also warns of strained relationships with allies like the Five Eyes partners, as they reconsider intelligence sharing due to U.S. incompetence. His compelling insights offer a stark look at the intersection of ethics and national security.
Dec 28, 2025 • 25min
Best of the Daily Blast: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Fresh Epstein Bombshell Should Terrify Trump
In a compelling discussion, Yassamin Ansari, a prominent Congress member from Arizona, delves into the startling implications of the recent Jeffrey Epstein files. She explains Trump's desperate efforts to block their release and Marjorie Taylor Greene's surprising prediction of Republican defections. Ansari shares harrowing accounts from Epstein's victims and discusses the institutional enablers involved, emphasizing the growing pressure on the GOP. With strategic oversight tactics in mind, she outlines potential consequences for senators and how this issue could reshape the political landscape.
Dec 27, 2025 • 35min
FTA: What're We Getting in Return for All of Trump's Gifts to Russia?
John Sipher, a former intelligence officer and national security commentator, joins the hosts to dissect the troubling dynamics between Trump and Putin. He explains how Trump's actions undermine trust in intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and disrupt global alliances like the Five Eyes. The conversation dives into Trump's persistent favoritism toward Russia and its geopolitical implications. They also explore the risks of a power-only foreign policy and question whether appeasing Putin will ever yield any benefits for the U.S.
Dec 27, 2025 • 26min
Best of the Daily Blast: Trump Explodes in Rage as Dem Governor’s Harsh Takedown Draws Blood
Political journalist Brian Beutler joins to dissect J.B. Pritzker's audacious takedown of Trump's threats to deploy military forces in Chicago. Beutler emphasizes Pritzker's unique strategy of framing Trump as a primary threat, resonating with frustrated Democrats. They delve into how Pritzker's heartfelt communication mobilizes support and critiques selective troop deployments as political maneuvers. The conversation also touches on historical parallels of political courage and the potential shifts in Democratic strategy leading up to the 2028 primaries.
Dec 26, 2025 • 32min
FTA: Emergency Podcast: The Scary Episode You Need to Hear
Joe Cirincione, a seasoned nuclear policy expert, and Jon Wolfsthal, a former White House national security official, dive deep into the alarming shift of U.S. foreign policy toward Russia. They explore how this realignment threatens global nuclear security, undermines long-standing alliances, and raises questions about NATO’s stability. The duo discusses the potential erosion of U.S. credibility, risks of European defense autonomy, and the dire implications of cutting arms control efforts. This riveting conversation warns of the precarious future of international relations.
Dec 26, 2025 • 24min
Best of the Daily Blast: Trump Accidentally Wrecks His Own Epstein Lie as Musk Goes for Jugular
Jennifer Rubin, editor-in-chief of The Contrarian and keen analyst of Republican politics, joins to dissect Trump's perplexing comments about the Epstein scandal. She argues that Trump's claims about Democrats contradict his refusal to release the Epstein files, undermining his narrative. The discussion intensifies around Elon Musk's provocative suggestion of a Maxwell pardon, highlighting vulnerabilities for Trump. Rubin emphasizes the impending political fallout, urging a Democratic victory in 2026, as whispers of leaks and disclosures loom large.
Dec 25, 2025 • 40min
FTA: Special Episode: America Attacks Iran…What’s Next?
Gen. Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army general with expertise in military strategy, Jon Wolfsthal, a former senior U.S. nonproliferation official, and Steven Cook, a Middle East policy analyst, dive deep into the implications of America's striking Iran. They discuss the operational details of the airstrikes, the uncertainties surrounding damage assessments, and the potential for regional escalation. The panel highlights the risks posed by Iranian retaliation, and the broader geopolitical dynamics with Russia and China in play, emphasizing the heightened threat of nuclear proliferation.
Dec 25, 2025 • 46min
Need to Know: We Can End the Madness
The podcast dives into the chaos of modern politics, discussing the normalization of far-right ideologies and corporate complicity with Trump. It highlights alarming trends in rhetoric that parallel historical atrocities and warns of potential consequences for democracy. The hosts reflect on Trump's cognitive decline and the implications for leadership. They also analyze electoral trends, criticizing centrism while advocating for a progressive resurgence. With insights on recent primaries, there's a call to action for mobilizing the youth and reclaiming political identity.
Dec 24, 2025 • 48min
FTA: Emergency Episode: After the Trump-Zelensky Oval Office Fiasco
Doug Lute, a retired U.S. Army general and former NATO ambassador, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer specializing in Russia, and Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown Law professor, dissect the fallout from the disastrous Trump-Zelensky meeting. They explore how the event undermines U.S. foreign policy and NATO alliances. Discussion includes the alarming implications for intelligence sharing and global perception of America as an ally. The panel warns of rising distrust among allies and the urgency for U.S. officials to preserve integrity amid waves of authoritarianism.
Dec 24, 2025 • 44min
Need to Know: The Debate Democrats Need to be Having on US-Israel Policy
Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and foreign policy expert, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the evolving U.S.-Israel relationship. They discuss the need for Democrats to engage in a candid debate about policy, especially in light of growing criticism of Israel. Shapiro warns against the dangers of cutting military aid while advocating for a moral and strategic commitment to Israel. He emphasizes the necessity of a two-state solution and the impact of generational shifts in American perceptions of Israel, pushing for a rethinking of U.S. policy.
