
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 14min
The DSR Daily for April 25: More Court Setbacks for Trump Admin
The podcast dives into the legal troubles facing the Trump administration, spotlighting court rulings that challenge immigration and voter registration initiatives. It discusses international tension over Crimea as Trump insists it will remain with Russia. Additionally, a significant $150 billion defense package aimed at missile defense is explored, along with the pending sentencing of former Congressman George Santos for fraud. The potential consequences of an investigation into ActBlue reveal the complexities of campaign fundraising dynamics.

Apr 25, 2025 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Surprise Admission about Putin Wrecks “Great Dealmaker” Scam
Ben Burgis, a columnist at Jacobin and podcaster, dissects Donald Trump's recent comments on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting their contradiction and the impact on Trump's 'master dealmaker' persona. Burgis critiques the oversimplification of diplomatic negotiations and underscores the complexities of international relations. He warns that Trump's dismissal of genuine concessions could lead to counterproductive outcomes and prolong the conflict, urging a more nuanced approach to peace negotiations.

5 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 56min
Lessons in Kakistocracy
In this engaging discussion, Josh Marshall, founder of Talking Points Memo and a political news veteran, shares his insights on the Trump administration's troubling policies. He delves into the alarming shifts in U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine, questioning the implications for international alliances. The conversation highlights the erosion of trust caused by Trump's approach to immigration and its impacts on democracy. Marshall also emphasizes the vital need for civic engagement in preserving democratic values amid these turbulent times.

Apr 24, 2025 • 33min
AI, Energy and Climate: Taylor Sparks and Colin McCormick: AI for Materials Innovation Part 2
Taylor Sparks, a professor at the University of Utah and host of the Materialism Podcast, joins Colin McCormick, Principal Scientist at Carbon Direct and Georgetown professor, to delve into AI's role in materials innovation for clean energy. They discuss the challenges of data limitations and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in climate solutions. The conversation also touches on the risks of AI in materials science, emphasizing sustainable practices and balancing innovation with environmental concerns. The duo wraps up with intriguing book recommendations on technology and personal growth.

Apr 24, 2025 • 13min
The DSR Daily for April 24: Russia Ramps Up Attacks on Ukraine
The podcast delves into Russia's intensified attacks on Kyiv, detailing the dire situation and its implications for international relations. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following a violent attack in Kashmir, threatening regional stability. The discussion also covers Trump's efforts to reform college accreditation and his ventures into cryptocurrency, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Finally, reflections on Trump's leadership illuminate the ongoing issues of accountability in the current political landscape.

Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
The Daily Blast: Trump Suddenly in Retreat on Many Issues as Poll Reveals Key Weakness
Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic strategist and author of The Hopium Chronicles, dives into President Trump's recent political retreats. Discussion centers on Trump's potential tariff cuts on China and mounting vulnerabilities as public sentiment shifts against him. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on Trump's weaknesses while explaining how institutions are uniting in resistance. With declining approval ratings and hints of a GOP split, the conversation navigates the changing political landscape and the need for a strengthened Democratic response.

Apr 23, 2025 • 42min
Welcome to America’s Unprecedented National Security Crisis
The discussion dives into America’s national security crisis, questioning whether dysfunction is now official policy. Experts critique the superficial U.S. diplomacy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the fallout of erratic tariff policies. There's a focus on trade tensions with China and the potential economic instability they bring. The conversation also touches on the challenges of military readiness and the skepticism around new defense initiatives, all while injecting humor about the future of political leadership.

Apr 23, 2025 • 17min
The DSR Daily for April 23: Big Changes at the State Department
Significant changes are on the horizon for the State Department, driven by a new reorganization plan aimed at reducing staff. The Supreme Court tackles a compelling case on parental rights regarding LGBT education, stirring societal debates. Legal challenges emerge against deportation practices, spotlighting due process issues and civil rights implications. Meanwhile, Elon Musk steps back from political involvement amid Tesla's declining earnings, raising questions about the tech industry's future in a shifting political landscape.

Apr 23, 2025 • 21min
The Daily Blast: “Madness”: Trump Tariff Fiasco Suddenly Worsens amid Brutal Poll Drop
On Tuesday, largely due to President Trump’s tariffs, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its projections for economic growth in a big way. Meanwhile, we’re already starting to see layoffs. All that comes as newpolls show Trump cratering on the economy. Trump is now shifting blame to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for the tariff fallout. But those attacks are only rattling markets and investors more, backfiring on Trump. We talked to one of the best economic commentators out there, Washington Post columnist Heather Long, author of a new piece on how Trump’s “tariff madness” is likely to drive us into a recession. She explains why the prognosis is so grim—and why Trump is in a bind with no easy way out.Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2025 • 18min
The DSR Daily for April 22: Harvard Sues Trump Admin
Harvard takes a bold stand by suing the Trump administration, sparking a vital discussion on academic freedom. The impact of the NIH's potential ban on DEI programs raises eyebrows about educational equity. As student loan collections restart, tension flares over the political consequences for the Republican Party. Meanwhile, global economic forecasts teeter due to escalating U.S. tariffs and trade disputes, highlighting the need for more strategic international negotiations. It's a blend of legal battles, economic dilemmas, and political fallout.