The Lawfare Podcast

Graham Allison, former student and colleague of Henry Kissinger, discusses Kissinger's legacy as a statesman, his engagement with history, and his brand of realism. They also explore Kissinger's accomplishments, failures, and concerns towards the end of his life. Topics include preventing great power wars, limiting nuclear weapons states, preventing destructive applications of AI, privacy risks, realism and idealism in international relations, and the rivalry between the US and China.

Historian and former intelligence officer Mark Stout discusses the development of modern American intelligence, early steps towards peacetime US military intelligence, intelligence impact during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine insurgency, intelligence advances during World War I, German sabotage in the United States, General John Pershing and the American Expeditionary Forces' use of intelligence, growth of domestic intelligence, 'The Inquiry,' and the lack of resonance of World War I with Americans today.

Bradley Onishi, former insider of White Christian nationalism, discusses the extremist history and origins of the movement. They explore the culture wars, the myth of the Christian nation, the role of Donald Trump, the elections of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Bill Wright, an AI expert, discusses the implications of President Biden's executive order on AI for tech companies. Topics explored include collaboration in the AI space, opportunities for smaller companies, and the impact on compliance processes. The podcast also highlights the importance of government-private sector collaboration in shaping effective AI policies and the focus on transparency, privacy protection, and ethical development of AI systems.

Two courts ruled on presidential immunity related to Trump's conduct on Jan. 6. Judge Chutkan decided Trump is not immune from criminal prosecution. DC Circuit Court ruled Trump is not immune from a civil suit. Experts discuss nuances of the opinions, consistency and differences, and what each case implies about the other.

Matthew Tokson, a Professor at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, discusses government purchases of private data and how it bypasses Fourth Amendment restrictions. He explores the role of data brokers, the use of contracts to conceal surveillance techniques, and the constitutional implications. The importance of safeguarding private data and Fourth Amendment rights is highlighted, along with the lack of awareness regarding data sales. Potential solutions and the role of government agencies in protecting consumer data are also discussed.

This week on Rational Security, topics include the showdown over national security priorities, the chaos at OpenAI and the state of the AI industry, the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, and the need for regulations in AI. They also discuss Microsoft's acquisition of OpenAI and the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. In addition, they have book and video game recommendations.

In this episode, Benjamin Wittes sits down with Roger Parloff, Anna Bower, and special guest Kyle Cheney from Politico to discuss newly revealed text messages in Scott Perry's filing, issues with gag orders, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment cases, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's report, and the appeals process in state court trials. They also touch on the Colorado Supreme Court decision and potential plea deals as the trial date approaches.

Former FBI General Counsel, Jim Baker, discusses the links between counterintelligence and AI, exploring the need to protect AI assets. They delve into the threats and opportunities presented by AI, the capabilities and implications of AI, and the evolving nature of AI. They also talk about the difference between explainable AI and ethical AI, and the risks of using unexplainable AI.

Anna Bower, Legal Fellow at Lawfare and Fulton County Correspondent, critiques the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's handling of the strange events in Coffee County after the 2020 election. The discussion covers the GBI's incomplete investigation, missed leads, and significant events related to the election, including Kathy Latham's involvement with Rudy Giuliani. The chapter explores the conspiracy surrounding local officials and loyalists to the former president in Fulton County.