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
Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
The DSR Daily for February 10: CFPB Ordered to Stop Work
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau faces a halt in operations due to budgetary constraints, raising questions about consumer rights. Decisions to stop penny production highlight economic concerns, while a court blocks the deportation of Venezuelans to Guantanamo Bay. Insights on the chilling effects of foreign aid freezes on accountability in Ukraine signal deeper political implications. The Super Bowl's halftime show garners mixed reactions, with critiques on the lack of political statements from artists amidst pressing social issues.
Feb 10, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: Elon Musk’s Threats Get Darker as Trump Legal Losses Trigger MAGA Fury
Norman Eisen, Chair of Democracy Defenders Action and a prominent litigator against Trump, joins the conversation to dissect the escalating threats from Trump allies and Elon Musk. They discuss Musk's alarming suggestion to defy court rulings and analyze the implications of political backlash against recent judicial decisions. Eisen shares insights on successful legal strategies defending democracy and the hopeful resilience emerging from ongoing litigation. The dialogue highlights the pivotal role of the courts amid rising authoritarian tactics.
Feb 7, 2025 • 27min
The DSR Daily for February 7: Trump Sanctions ICC
The hosts dive into the implications of Trump's sanctions on the ICC, stirring up debates on international justice and U.S. foreign policy. They dissect the severe humanitarian crisis stemming from cuts in foreign aid, particularly in famine relief efforts. Legal challenges surrounding workforce reductions further complicate the political landscape, as does the Senate's confirmation of a key budget director. They lighten the mood by introducing 'Cat's Night,' a quirky new tradition to celebrate the absurdity of the movie 'Cats' with friends.
Feb 7, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Angry Rant at USAID Instantly Undercut by Surprise Rubio Video
Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior USAID official and current president of Refugees International, dives into President Trump's recent tirade against USAID and the ensuing clash with Marco Rubio's supportive stance. He discusses the worrying implications of misinformation on vital global health initiatives, including HIV vaccine trials, and the humanitarian crises in places like Darfur. Konyndyk underscores the critical role of USAID in U.S. foreign aid and its impact on global stability, warning that political shifts could jeopardize humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Feb 6, 2025 • 38min
Screw Your Feelings, Time to Figure Out How to Fix This Mess
Norm Ornstein, a leading expert on Congress and American politics, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the current political chaos. They tackle how Trump's influence and misinformation are destabilizing traditional governance, while Democrats seem to be inactive. The conversation also navigates the Senate's procedural challenges, revealing Republican obstruction tactics and discussing how the opposition can effectively respond. Additionally, they highlight how everyday issues, like rising egg prices, illustrate the impact of political decisions on daily life.
Feb 6, 2025 • 26min
The DSR Daily for February 6: Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Transgender Women From Women’s Sports
The discussion kicks off with President Trump's executive order banning transgender women from women’s sports, raising questions about its political motivations. The hosts then explore the controversial plan for relocating Palestinians from Gaza and its humanitarian impact. Legal battles surrounding birthright citizenship are also examined, alongside the effects of government restructuring on marginalized communities. Finally, the conversation shifts to Panama's rejection of U.S. fee demands related to the Panama Canal, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Feb 6, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Scam on Tariffs Wrecked in Surprise Moment from Stephen Miller
Adam Isacson, an expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, discusses the surprising internal concerns of Stephen Miller regarding Trump's tariff strategies on Mexico. He reveals that these tariffs threatened to hamper Mexico's actions to control migration, challenging Trump's narrative of coercion. Isacson explains Mexico's proactive measures regarding immigration, highlighting how Biden’s diplomatic efforts have reshaped U.S.-Mexico relations and undercut the previous administration's claims.
Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
A Look at the "Sudden Disassembly in Flight" of the US Government
Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown Law professor and expert on US politics, teams up with Kori Schake, a Stanford research fellow focused on foreign policy, to unpack the government's rapid disassembly under the Trump administration. They delve into the chaos within institutions like USAID and the CIA, and discuss the implications for national security. With a call for civic engagement, they emphasize the importance of grassroots advocacy and reform to counter the erosion of democracy and ensure robust political discourse in America.
Feb 5, 2025 • 29min
The DSR Daily for February 5: Trump Proposes Gaza Strip Takeover
In a fiery discussion, the hosts delve into Trump's controversial proposal to take over the Gaza Strip, igniting debates about its global implications. They also examine the latest round of USAID staff layoffs and the potential fallout for international aid. The show highlights the first deportation flight to India and the moral dilemmas posed by strict immigration policies. Listeners are encouraged to engage in civic action as they navigate the challenges posed by government budget cuts on crucial services.
Feb 5, 2025 • 25min
The Daily Blast: Jamie Raskin’s Brutal Takedown of Elon Musk Shows Dems Are Waking Up
Andy Craig, an election law expert and fellow at the Institute for Humane Studies, dives into the urgent concerns over Elon Musk's influence on government operations. He discusses Representative Jamie Raskin's bold challenge to Musk regarding financial disclosures and conflict-of-interest rules. Craig highlights the alarming lack of accountability and ethical governance associated with Musk's role. He emphasizes the importance of public resistance against such power grabs and how lawmakers can effectively advocate for transparency and uphold constitutional principles.
