Rational Security: The “Inadequate Chicken Moved to Inferior Location” Special End-of-Year Edition

Dec 30, 2025

This year-end discussion dives into the complex sphere of Western Europe's influence, with the hosts debating its shifting dynamics. They analyze Trump's controversial lawsuit against the BBC as a new front in his battles with the media. Merrick Garland's performance as Attorney General is scrutinized, revealing the friction between legal timelines and political pressures. The hosts also reflect on military actions against drug traffickers and their implications for checks and balances. Finally, humor and insights abound as they explore a Ukrainian sumo wrestler and recommend intriguing books and podcasts.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Europe Has Real Agency

Scott R. Anderson emphasized European agency and parity in economic and regulatory power.
He cautioned that asserting U.S. spheres risks losing European allies and diminishing U.S. influence.

ADVICE

Expect Media Lawsuits To Pressure Outlets

Tyler McBrien said the Trump-era lawsuit against the BBC fits a broader campaign to pressure media with suits.
He advised that media organizations may settle to avoid protracted, high-pressure fights even if suits lack merit.

INSIGHT

Garland's Record Hinges On The Court

Scott said Merrick Garland's legacy is tied to how the Supreme Court resolves immunity and related issues.
He noted many investigative steps and legal battles occurred behind the scenes and shaped timing.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

For the podcast’s annual end-of-year episode, Scott sat down with co-host emeritus Benjamin Wittes, Senior Editor Anna Bower, and Managing Editor Tyler McBrien to talk over listener-submitted topics and object lessons, including:

Which sphere of influence is Western Europe in today?
What should we make of President Trump's lawsuit against BBC?
After nearly a year of the Trump Administration, how do you view the record of Attorney General Merrick Garland?
What does the military campaign against alleged narcotics traffickers tell us about checks and balances within the U.S. system around the use of military force (or lack thereof)?
With the escalating rhetoric in the Caribbean, what lessons should we be keeping in mind from the lead-up to the Iraq War?
What can be done to reverse Americans' tolerance for the slide towards illiberal democracy?
And importantly, is Ben's martial arts challenge to Putin still on?

For object lessons, our listeners really came through! Blake recommends a couple of coffee table books right up Tyler’s alley: “Building Stories” by Alastair Philip Wiper and "Closure: The Final Days of the Waterford Bicycle Factory" by Tucker and Anna Schwinn. Keenan points out a good companion listen to this podcast in NPR’s Sources and Methods. Liz really embraces the variety show that is “object lessons,” introducing us to Danylo Yavhusishyn—a.k.a., Aonishiki—a Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler, hyping Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as her Game of the Year, waxing poetic about The Sun Eater book series, and log-rolling her work on the Final Fantasy TCG. Speaking of variety shows, Lisa spotlights the Live from New York: The Lorne Michaels Collection exhibition at UT Austin’s Harry Ransom Center. And Riley asks the crew about their top fiction recommendations for 2026. Tune in to find out what they are!

And thank goodness, that’s it for 2025! But don’t worry, Rational Security and the whole Lawfare team will be back with you in the new year to help make sense of what’s to come in national security in 2026!

To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.