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1556 David Rothkopf + News and Clips

Mar 18, 2026

Guest

David Rothkopf

David Rothkopf, CEO of The Rothkopf Group and foreign policy commentator, discusses the Iran escalation, why strikes prompted predictable retaliation, and how U.S. missteps empower Russia and China. He critiques Trump’s incoherent strategy, the costs to American lives and influence, and the political fallout over funding and leverage. He also touches on culture and media projects.

01:26:16

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ANECDOTE

Why Rothkopf Dislikes St Patrick's Day

David Rothkopf describes hating St. Patrick's Day because of chaotic bar scenes in New York and Georgetown.
He contrasts that with preferring quieter holidays and mentions National Butterfly Day as a favorite.

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INSIGHT

Why Air Power Won't Topple Iran

Air strikes on Iran cannot decisively change regime behavior.
David Rothkopf explains Iran can close the Strait of Hormuz with small attacks or mines, giving Tehran asymmetric economic leverage despite leadership losses.

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ADVICE

Plan For A Short Declared Victory

Expect Trump to declare victory and exit when politically convenient.
Rothkopf advises anticipating a short publicized end while underlying issues like Iran's regime and nuclear program remain unresolved.

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

David Rothkopf Joins to Discuss Iran War

31:07 • 5min

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Reaction to Joe Kent's Resignation

36:02 • 5min

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Israel's Role and U.S. Responsibility

40:35 • 19sec

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Predictable Consequences of Bombing Iran

40:54 • 5min

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Assessing Trump's Coherent Strategy

45:39 • 2min

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Global Leaders' Reluctance to Support Trump

47:51 • 2min

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Russian and Chinese Gains from U.S. Missteps

49:56 • 18sec

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Russia Sharing Intelligence with Iran

50:14 • 3min

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Costs: American Lives, Economy, and Global Influence

53:07 • 3min

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Will the War Weaken Iran or Strengthen It?

55:55 • 3min

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What Democrats Should Do About Funding

59:08 • 2min

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Trump's Rhetoric on Taking Cuba and Megalomania

01:01:06 • 1min

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Using Aid as Leverage: Zambia Case

01:02:23 • 3min

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Lighter Topics: Movies, Awards, and Culture

01:05:16 • 7min

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Celebrity Speech and Political Courage

01:12:00 • 4min

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Closing Foreign Policy Critique and Podcast Plugs

David Rothkopf's 'Power, Inc.' investigates the rise of corporate power and how private interests increasingly shape international affairs. The book traces the mechanisms through which businesses and wealthy individuals influence policy, diplomacy, and public opinion. Rothkopf examines case studies that reveal the intertwining of corporate and state agendas, raising questions about accountability and governance. He argues that the privatization of power presents both opportunities and risks for global stability and equity. The book invites readers to consider reforms to ensure public interest in an era of corporate ascendancy.

Traitor

A History of Betraying America from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump

David J. Rothkopf

In 'Traitor,' David Rothkopf traces episodes of betrayal throughout U.S. history, from Revolutionary times to contemporary politics. He analyzes the motives, contexts, and ramifications of individuals who have acted against national interests. The narrative explores how betrayal is perceived politically and culturally, and how it shapes public trust and institutions. Rothkopf situates modern controversies within a broader historical pattern, offering insights into recurring themes and consequences. The book provides a lens to understand loyalty, accountability, and political fallout across eras.

The Great Questions of Tomorrow

David Rothkopf

‘Great Questions of Tomorrow’ gathers essays and interviews addressing the critical choices that will shape the coming decades. Rothkopf (as author/editor) frames debates around technology, environment, geopolitics, and societal change, inviting experts to weigh in. The book aims to provoke thought about plausible futures and the policy choices required to navigate them. It emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives to understand complex, interconnected challenges. Overall, it serves as a primer for readers seeking to engage with long-term strategic questions.

National Insecurity

David J. Rothkopf

In 'National Insecurity,' David Rothkopf offers a critical examination of U.S. national security strategy, institutions, and decision-making processes. He assesses failures and blind spots that jeopardize effective responses to emerging threats, from terrorism to transnational challenges. Rothkopf combines historical context with case studies to argue for reforms that enhance adaptability, accountability, and strategic clarity. The book highlights how political incentives and institutional inertia can undermine security outcomes. It proposes policy recommendations aimed at restoring coherence and effectiveness to America's security apparatus.

Superclass

The Global Power Elite and the World They Are Making

The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power

David Rothkopf

In Running the World, David Rothkopf pulls back the curtain on the shadowy world of the National Security Council, exploring its inner workings, key people, relationships, contributions, and failures. Drawing on over 130 insider interviews with figures like Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Henry Kissinger, the book traces the NSC's evolution from World War II to post-Cold War global terror challenges, highlighting triumphs, human dramas, and recent breakdowns. It offers insights into necessary changes for America to maintain global leadership.

My conversation with Rothkopf starts at about 31 minutes in to today's show after headlines and clips

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David Rothkopf is CEO of The Rothkopf Group, a media company that produces podcasts including Deep State Radio, hosted by Rothkopf. TRG also produces custom podcasts for clients including the United Arab Emirates. He is also the author of many books including Running the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power, Superclass, Power, Inc., National Insecurity, Great Questions of Tomorrow, and Traitor: A History of Betraying America from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump.

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