

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

Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
The DSR Daily for June 24: To Ceasefire or Not to Ceasefire?
On the DSR Daily for Tuesday, we break down the confusing ceasefire with Iran, the Supreme Court’s disastrous ruling on deportation, a close mayoral primary in New York, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24, 2025 • 26min
The Daily Blast: Trump Erupts in Fury at Journos over Iran—and Reveals a Big Weakness
On Monday, President Donald Trump exploded in fury at reporters and news outlets for asking hard questions about whether the strikes really destroyed Iran’s nuclear program completely, as he has proclaimed. And the questions are indeed mounting: There was clearly a lack of intelligence indicating that Iran’s nuclear program posed an imminent threat. And reports have highlighted serious uncertainty about the whereabouts of Iran’s enriched uranium. Trump thought he could bluff his way through this saga and count on Republicans to prevent any hard questions from being asked, but his rage at independent truth-seeking on the matter shows he knows he has a problem here. We talked to Democratic Congressman Sean Casten, who has forcefully argued that Trump committed impeachable offenses by bombing without congressional authorization. Casten goes deep on why Trump’s unilateral action is so indefensible, why Trump is vulnerable to what the intelligence really shows, and why Congress has an urgent responsibility to step up.
Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 46min
Special Episode: Are Iran and the US Looking for a Golden Bridge Out of This War?
In this compelling discussion, David Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent for The New York Times, Joe Cirincione, a top nuclear weapons expert, and Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, dive into the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations post-bombing. They explore Iran's retaliation and its nuclear ambitions, assess military strategies, and discuss the potential for a 'Golden Bridge' toward coexistence. The conversation also reflects on the geopolitical ramifications of Israeli actions and the international landscape surrounding these tensions.

Jun 23, 2025 • 45min
Need to Know: American Capitalism Killed American Democracy. Time to Fight to Restore It.
Trump is a big problem, but he’s not the only problem America faces. While Trump is the avatar of many of americas woes, it’s critical to remember that many of our biggest challenges go back decades. But the time to fix it is now. Wajahat Ali joins David Rothkopf to diagnose America’s ailments and remind us of the golden rule: don’t be a fascist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 29min
The DSR Daily for June 23: Trump Suggest Regime Change in Iran
On the DSR Daily for Monday, we discuss Trump considering regime change in Iran, the NATO summit in The Hague, the Supreme Court nearing the end of its term, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Threats to Unleash Troops in Cities Darken as Brutal Poll Hits
Emboldened by a partial court victory over his use of troops amid immigration protests in Los Angeles, President Trump is now threatening to expand deployment to other cities. This is unnerving, given that his manufacturing of fake rationales for “emergency” decisions like these is getting worse. Yet it comes as striking new polling shows that Trump’s use of troops in California is deeply underwater with voters. Importantly, he’s faring even worse on this with independents. In short, Trump recognizes zero constraints at this point, either from the law or, critically, from public opinion. We talked to Brian Beutler, author of the excellent Off Message Substack. He explains why Trump is losing the voters on two issues that pundits foolishly predicted he’d win on—the domestic deployment of troops and immigration—and how Democrats should respond by fighting a better information war than they currently seem capable of waging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 22, 2025 • 40min
Special Episode: America Attacks Iran…What’s Next?
The moment has finally arrived: America has bombed Iran. As the dust settles, we’re left with more questions than answers about what the attack achieved and what comes next. Thankfully, Jon Wolfsthal, Gen. Mark Hertling, and Steven Cook join David Rothkopf to provide clarity on what this unprecedented moment means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 22, 2025 • 32min
The DSR Weekly Round-Up for June 20: Trump’s Military Conundrums Continue
On the DSR Weekly Round-Up, we cover the court decision to let Trump keep control of the California National Guard, Trump’s hopes for diplomatic negotiations with Iran, a bipartisan crypto bill passing in the Senate, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 39min
Siliconsciousness: How the World is Changing The Way It Thinks About AI
Join Mat Honan, Editor in Chief at MIT Technology Review, as he engages in a lively discussion about the shifting perceptions of AI and its implications. They tackle pressing ethical debates around resource extraction, job displacement, and the unsettling concept of an 'accountability cliff.' The conversation dives into the role of AI in journalism, revealing how it can enhance creativity and productivity. Honan also shares insights on balancing optimism and skepticism regarding AI’s future impact on society and business.

Jun 20, 2025 • 52min
Trump's Violent Cult and What to Do About It
The recent attacks in Minnesota are part of clear and troubling rise in political violence in the U.S. At the same time, President Trump and MAGA continue to normalize violence in political discourse. How do the events of the past week reflect a changing political climate? What does the discourse around political violence tell us? And what is the connection between MAGA and American gun culture? Tune in as David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein address all this and more.
Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices