The Lawfare Podcast

Shala Gafary, Managing Attorney at Human Rights First, and Jennifer Quigley, Senior Director of Government Affairs, discuss the challenges Afghan evacuees face as they seek permanent citizenship in the U.S. They highlight the uncertainty surrounding thousands of pending asylum applications and the impact of losing immigration status. The conversation also explores the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act, its previous failures, and potential strategies for passage this year, shedding light on the urgent need for legislative solutions and continued advocacy.

Esteban Carisimo, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University, discusses Venezuela's internet crisis and digital repression. They explore the impact of internet censorship on protests following the recent elections. Carisimo highlights the deteriorating infrastructure, revealing alarming findings about service blocking and the lack of investment. He describes how governmental control simplifies censorship and suggests regional hubs could help improve connectivity. The conversation ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the potential for recovery if political normalization occurs.

Mosharaf Chowdhury, an energy optimization expert from the University of Michigan, and AI researcher Dan Zhou share insights on the energy demands of AI systems. They delve into the substantial energy costs of a single ChatGPT query and examine the surprising dominance of inference energy over training. The duo discusses how GPU inefficiencies and rising demands complicate energy use, while also exploring methods to enhance efficiency and the need for clearer public communication on AI's environmental impact.

Jake Tapper, CNN's chief correspondent and author of "Race Against Terror," dives into the gripping story of Spin Ghul, the first major international terrorist tried in a U.S. civilian court. He shares how detailed investigations by the FBI and collaboration with international partners shaped the outcome. Tapper discusses the unique challenges of prosecuting terrorism, including political resistance and the role of classified evidence. He argues that civilian trials can enhance national security and provide valuable lessons about the justice system in a post-9/11 world.

Molly Roberts, a newly minted senior editor at Lawfare, joins the discussion alongside Benjamin Wittes and Kate Klonick. They delve into the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan, exploring its implications and the ongoing conflict's fragility. They also tackle hot topics like the unprecedented political messaging during the government shutdown and its legal ramifications under the Hatch Act. Finally, the panel examines China's new export controls and their strategic impact on global supply chains, particularly in the tech sector.

Serhii Plokhii, a Harvard history professor and an expert on the Cold War and Ukraine, delves into the intricacies of nuclear proliferation in this enlightening discussion. He explores how fear and prestige drive nations to pursue nuclear arms, sharing insights on the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Plokhii also examines Ukraine's decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, the implications of the Budapest Memorandum, and warns of the dangers posed by Russian aggression to global non-proliferation efforts.

Laura Edelson, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and former DOJ chief technologist, joins Erie Meyer, a Senior Fellow at Georgetown Law, to discuss the vital role of technologists in regulatory agencies. They explore how technical expertise can uncover insights within regulatory frameworks and improve casework. The duo emphasizes effective communication between tech and legal teams and addresses the challenges of recruiting tech talent. They also highlight the urgent need for regulators to adapt to AI developments and suggest actionable strategies for better tech integration in government.

Roger Parloff, a veteran legal journalist, joins the discussion about the habeas release evidentiary hearing for Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the government’s challenges in identifying removal destinations. The team also delves into the implications of various legal issues regarding National Guard deployments in Portland and Chicago. They dissect the dynamics of the ongoing Letitia James indictment and its contextual relationship to the James Comey case. Expect insights into potential future indictments and the complexities of vindictive prosecution claims.

Justin Sherman, Founder and CEO of Global Cyber Strategies and expert in privacy and national security, delves into the FTC's landmark settlement with X-Mode. He explains how X-Mode gathers location data, raising privacy concerns from its apps. Sherman discusses the implications of the FTC's sensitive locations list and the need for comprehensive privacy legislation. He also addresses the challenges of enforcement and the likelihood of future FTC actions against data brokers, highlighting the crucial conversations around consumer privacy and legislative action.

Noah Efron, a professor at Bar-Ilan University and host of The Promised Podcast, shares insights on the aftermath of the October 7 attacks in Israel. He vividly recounts the eerie calm following the violence, highlighting a temporary unity among citizens despite deep political divisions. Efron discusses the complexities of the hostage situation, the anticipated military response, and growing public anger towards leadership. He wrestles with the moral implications of civilian casualties and the long-term trauma affecting future peace efforts.