Spencer Ackerman

Spencer Ackerman, journalist and author of Reign of Terror and Forever Wars, brings expertise on the war on terror and U.S. military policy. He traces Iran conflict roots to 1953 and post‑9/11 power shifts. He explores diverging U.S.-Israel aims, naval and logistical strains, regional economic vulnerabilities, and why Iran might move toward nuclearization.

Spencer Ackerman, journalist and author who covers national security and the Forever Wars, walks through decades of U.S. intervention and rising conflict with Iran. He maps the historical roots from 1953 to recent strikes. He discusses regional alliances, sanctions, Iran’s missile and drone tactics, and why key infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz matter.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Spencer Ackerman, known for his newsletter Forever Wars and book Reign of Terror, dives into the complex legacy of Dick Cheney. They explore Cheney's pivotal role in shaping the War on Terror and its profound human costs. Ackerman also unpacks Cheney's controversial views on executive power and his unique co-presidency with George W. Bush. From his political origins to his reaction against post-Watergate reforms, this conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of Cheney's decisions on American politics.

Spencer Ackerman, Pulitzer Prize–winning national security reporter and author of Reign of Terror, explores how post‑9/11 law and institutions reshaped U.S. power. He traces ICE’s rise, the politicized use of “terrorist” rhetoric, militarization of policing, surveillance expansion, and what dismantling that infrastructure might require. Short, sharp takes on how counterterror frames moved from abroad to American streets.

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of a new Iron Man comic, joins Dave Gonzales, co-author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. They delve into how Iron Man became a symbol of military might with Pentagon influence in film. Ackerman discusses his critical take on the military-industrial complex through his comic series, reshaping the narrative of wealth and power. The conversation also touches on how pop culture, particularly post-9/11, intertwines with politics and the freedom of storytelling in comics versus film.

In this discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Spencer Ackerman delves into the grim realities of warfare in Gaza and the role of technology in these conflicts. He unpacks the chilling innovations in drone and surveillance tech and their implications for civilian safety. Highlighting the ethics of military advancements, he contrasts global responses to crises and sheds light on America’s involvement in shaping modern warfare. Ackerman also discusses the troubling links between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, questioning the future of tech in warfare.

Spencer Ackerman, investigative journalist and author focused on national security, joins to unpack Anthropic’s clash with the U.S. Department of Defense and AI’s role in modern warfare. They discuss how Claude was still used by the Pentagon, ethical and contractual tensions, and the risks of AI-enabled targeting and surveillance. The conversation situates tech decisions within broader geopolitical and military contexts.

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning national security journalist and author of *Reign of Terror*, delves into the lasting impacts of 9/11 on American society. He discusses how the War on Terror replaced civic solidarity with violence and shaped political landscapes. Ackerman critiques the media's role in normalizing state-sanctioned violence and traces the troubling legacy of institutions like ICE. He also touches on his work in comics to explore these themes and previews his forthcoming book on Majid Khan's harrowing experience in black sites.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Spencer Ackerman, known for his insightful analysis on warfare policies, as he delves into the complexities of the recent Israel-Gaza ceasefire. He critiques Western media's portrayal of Palestinians, spotlighting the need for better representation. Spencer discusses the devastating consequences of the conflict, urging for Palestinian freedom as a key to lasting peace. The hosts also reflect on the emotional impact of losing cultural icons like Diane Keaton, alongside a new segment exploring cultural vibes.

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and writer of the Forever Wars newsletter, dives deep into the influence of Elon Musk within the political arena. They discuss how Musk's actions foreshadow a troubling future under Trump's administration. Ackerman highlights the potential shifts in U.S. Middle East policy and critiques the disconnect between billionaires and everyday Americans, while also reflecting on the evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party. Tensions between progressive voices and the establishment are explored, raising pressing questions about accountability and governance.