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 23, 2025 • 38min
Words Matter: In Search of Optimism About 2026
It’s been a disastrous year in American politics. Donald Trump is going around naming everything after himself and proclaiming everything is great while the economic realities for millions of Americans continue to sour. Is there anything to be optimistic about as we approach 2026? David Rothkopf and Norm Ornstein take stock of our current situation and look forward to the new year.
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Dec 23, 2025 • 25min
DSR Daily December 23: Another Trump Vanity Project Revealed
On the DSR Daily for Tuesday, we cover Trump’s announcement of a new fleet of battleships, turmoil at CBS news, a bold new move from Mike Pence, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2025 • 46min
Venezuela, NATO, Greenland, Trump Battleships & Tinker Bell: A Year End Round-Up
Join Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown Law professor and former Pentagon official, Retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling, and former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Doug Lute as they dive into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. They discuss military actions in Venezuela, the erosion of trust within NATO, and the impact of AI on decision-making in conflict. The guests also explore Europe's shifting security strategies amid Russian aggression, warning about the consequences of a lack of U.S. leadership and the urgent need for allies to reassess their defense postures.
Dec 22, 2025 • 25min
DSR Daily December 22: Trump Ratchets Up Greenland Tensions
Tensions flare as a special envoy is appointed to Greenland, stirring diplomatic ripples with Denmark. The conversation dives into the potential extension of ObamaCare subsidies, spotlighting the political implications for Senate Republicans. Meanwhile, a combative Turning Point USA convention highlights GOP fractures, with MAGA infighting and controversial endorsements taking center stage. The team also investigates a U.S. pursuit of a sanctioned tanker linked to Maduro, showcasing ongoing geopolitical strategies.
Dec 21, 2025 • 25min
DSR Weekly Wrap-up: A New Name for the Kennedy Center?
This week unveils a controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center after Trump, sparking fierce debate and ridicule. The hosts dive into TikTok's deal to stave off a US ban amid national security worries. They also discuss the EU's significant loan to Ukraine, highlighting the shifting U.S. stance on support. Other topics include a multi-state manhunt related to recent shootings and a critique of Republicans fixating on transgender issues, alongside a humorous look at Trump's obsession with naming things.
Dec 19, 2025 • 40min
Siliconsciousness: Trump, AI and the Big Choices We Face in the Very Near Future
Adam Conner, a policy expert at the Center for American Progress, joins to discuss the implications of the Trump administration's AI executive order. He argues that this order could undermine state regulations and empower big tech, posing legal and constitutional challenges. The conversation dives into the economic stakes of AI, the need for clear accountability measures, and the risks of relying too heavily on AI for decision-making. Conner also emphasizes the importance of steering AI development towards inclusive growth and fostering public debate on its future.
Dec 19, 2025 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump Press Sec Goes Full Cult as Brutal Fox News Poll Hits Him Hard
In this engaging discussion, columnist Moira Donegan delves into the bizarre announcement by press secretary Karoline Leavitt about renaming the Kennedy Center after Trump, reflecting his troubling grip on power. She analyzes the cult-like flattery surrounding him and connects his physical decline to waning political support, underscored by a grim Fox News poll. Moira also explores the implications of a fractured GOP and public opposition to his military actions, painting a picture of a leader increasingly detached from reality and his followers.
Dec 18, 2025 • 48min
Words Matter: Reflecting on Rob Reiner and his Legacy
Norm Ornstein, a renowned political scholar and commentator, joins the discussion, reflecting on the tragic legacy of Rob Reiner and his family. They explore the urgent need for reform in mental health policies, highlighting the underlying stigma and systemic failures that plague the system. Ornstein advocates for better police training in crisis situations and reveals successful treatment models like Miami's court-based program. The conversation also touches on Reiner's impactful artistic and social advocacy, emphasizing the importance of compassion in public policy.
Dec 18, 2025 • 15min
DSR Daily December 18: Trump’s Unhinged Prime-time Address
Discussing Trump's prime-time address, hosts label it as 'unhinged' and critique its tone and inaccuracies. They also spotlight the House's passing of a healthcare bill, which threatens ACA subsidies for millions. An $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan raises eyebrows, showcasing mixed signals in U.S. policy. The potential politicization of the FCC is another hot topic, alongside Australia's new hate-speech laws in response to a hate crime. The conversation is lively and layered, capturing urgent political issues.
Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Mike Johnson Rattled by New Revolt as MAGA-GOP Fury Boils: “Bullshit!”
Grace Seegers, a staff writer at The New Republic, delves into the tumultuous world of House Republicans as they face a revolt over Affordable Care Act subsidies. She discusses how infighting threatens Speaker Mike Johnson’s control, with factions clashing over strategy. Grace highlights the likely political fallout from subsidy cuts, including rising premiums and increased uninsured rates. The conversation reveals the human toll on voters and examines how health care issues are becoming crucial for upcoming elections.
