The Lawfare Podcast

Vanda Felbab-Brown, an expert on non-state armed actors and Russian mercenaries at the Brookings Institution, joins the discussion about the Wagner Group's evolution after Prigozhin's death. They dive into the recent conflicts in Mali, exploring the group's dual role supporting the junta while facing insurgent attacks. The conversation sheds light on Moscow's tightening grip on private military contractors and the implications for Russian influence in Africa. Felbab-Brown also unpacks the intertwining of organized crime and military operations, creating a complex picture of power dynamics.

Peter E. Harrell, an expert in national security policy at the Center for a New American Security, joins Kevin Frazier to dissect the U.S. government's 10% stake in Intel. They discuss the implications for competition and national security, questioning the legality of such government interventions in the tech sector. The conversation also delves into the complexities of the Defense Production Act and the Government Corporation Control Act, addressing transparency and favoritism concerns in semiconductor investments.

Eric Ciaramella, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, delves into the complexities of U.S. security commitments during a captivating discussion. He compares historical defense treaties, like those with Japan and Israel, to Ukraine's current security needs. Ciaramella highlights how Ukraine could learn from Israel's security strategies while navigating ambiguous NATO commitments. The conversation underscores the importance of clear diplomatic language and congressional support in shaping effective security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly in the context of Russian aggression.

Renée DiResta, a Lawfare contributing editor and disinformation expert, and Michael Feinberg, an incoming public service fellow and former FBI agent, dive into the intricate world of national security. They discuss the recent FBI raid on John Bolton, exploring its implications for Trump’s critics and the legal landscape. The conversation also touches on security clearance revocations and the political dynamics surrounding them. With humor and insight, they navigate the complex interplay between politics, law enforcement, and social media's role in shaping public perception.

Matthew Ford, an Associate Professor at the Swedish Defence University and author of “War in the Smartphone Age,” shares insights on how smartphones revolutionize warfare. He discusses the impact of social media in distorting war narratives and the role of open-source intelligence in modern conflicts. The conversation highlights how tech changes military logistics and enables participatory warfare, especially in crises like Ukraine. Ford emphasizes the need for critical evaluation in consuming war-related content online.

Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former Ukrainian Defence Minister, discuss Ukraine's defense strategies amid the absence of NATO support. They explore innovative military tactics, including advancements in drone warfare and the importance of functional defeat. The conversation also highlights the historical context of military strategies, particularly lessons from the Winter War, and emphasizes the need for a robust defense posture while considering Ukraine's fight for independence from Russian aggression.

James Pearce, a Lawfare contributor and counsel at the Washington Litigation Group, joins Benjamin Wittes and others to dive into the current legal labyrinth surrounding the Trump administration. They dissect the FBI's controversial search of John Bolton's home and the implications for national security. The discussion moves to a judge's ruling against Alina Habba's appointment and a Supreme Court ruling impacting grant terminations. Listeners are treated to insightful analysis on selective prosecution and the evolving nature of political appointments amid ongoing legal challenges.

Marcel Plichta, a Fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance, and former U.S. Department of Defense analyst, discusses Ukraine's innovative drone campaign against Russia. He highlights Ukraine's strategic target choices, including deep strikes into Russian territory, and the psychological impact on Russian military morale. The conversation also explores the evolution of drone technology and its implications for global warfare, particularly contrasting Ukraine's decentralized production model with Russia's centralized approach.

Joseph Lengyel, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Craig McKinley, the 26th Chief of the Guard, join notable officials like Allyson Solomon and Daryl Bohac to discuss the evolving role of the National Guard in domestic affairs. They explore unconventional deployments, particularly during the 2024 election year, highlighting legal complexities and implications for democracy. The conversation touches on the importance of civil control, potential legislative reforms, and the challenges of maintaining an apolitical stance in the Guard's increasingly diverse missions.

Asaf Lubin, a contributing editor at Lawfare and a law professor at Indiana University, and Deborah Housen-Couriel from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, delve into the European Court of Human Rights' recent ruling affecting digital rights in war. They analyze implications for privacy amidst conflicts, the challenges posed by Russia’s non-participation in legal cases, and the impact of data collection on civilians in Ukraine. Their insights highlight the evolving landscape of warfare and the urgent need for international legal standards on digital privacy.