The Lawfare Podcast

Join Peter Harrell, a former senior official at the White House, Janet Egan, an expert on technology and national security, and Sam Winter-Levy from Carnegie in a riveting discussion about the recent decision permitting Nvidia and AMD to export advanced AI semiconductors to China. They delve into the strategic risks of this deal, the implications for U.S.-China relations, and the challenging legal landscape surrounding export controls, raising concerns about national security and the future of global technological competition.

Anna Bower, a senior editor at Lawfare, Chris Mirasola, a legal expert, and Mykhailo Soldatenko, a Harvard scholar focusing on Ukraine and Russia, delve into pressing national security topics. They analyze the recent high-stakes diplomacy involving President Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, discussing the complexities of negotiating peace in the Ukraine conflict. The trio also explores federal law enforcement's controversial role in D.C. and the legal intricacies of military deployment, alongside intriguing insights into the Epstein files and their political ramifications.

Adam Chan, National Security Counsel at the FCC, offers insights into new regulations on submarine cables aimed at enhancing national security. He discusses the vital role these cables play in global communication, handling 99% of high-speed internet traffic. The conversation delves into requirements for cybersecurity certifications from license applicants and strategies to limit Chinese influence on U.S. infrastructure. Chan highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and industry to address emerging threats in the telecommunications landscape.

This discussion features Eric Ciaramella, a Carnegie Senior Fellow specializing in foreign policy, along with Anastasiia Lapatina and Mykhailo Soldatenko, experts in Ukrainian affairs and legal issues. They dissect the recent Alaska Summit between Trump and Putin, exploring the implications for U.S.-Russia relations amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. The conversation highlights the complexities of diplomacy, the role of European leaders in supporting Ukraine, and the challenges of asserting security commitments while navigating international negotiations.

Chris Mirasola, a Lawfare contributor specializing in domestic deployments, dives into the legal confrontations Washington D.C. has lodged against the Trump administration. They discuss the implications of attempts to control the Metropolitan Police and the complexities involved in recent federal funding litigation. Mirasola sheds light on legal ambiguities surrounding National Guard mobilization, examining court decisions and their impacts. The conversation also highlights the tussle between military and civilian law, especially in light of the Posse Comitatus Act.

Steven Cook, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of 'The End of Ambition', dives deep into America's complex history in the Middle East. He discusses the intricate dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, revealing how oil and alliances shape decisions. Cook critiques attempts at promoting democracy and highlights the repercussions of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also addresses the lingering instability in Gaza and calls for a pragmatic approach to U.S. engagement, emphasizing the region's pivotal role in global politics.

In this discussion, Anastasiia Lapatina, Lawfare's Ukraine Fellow and expert on Ukrainian politics, is joined by Eric Ciaramella from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on security and foreign policy. They delve into Ukraine's surprising military incursion into Russia, exploring strategic objectives, shifting frontlines, and the implications for U.S. policy. The conversation touches on the evolving morale among Ukrainians and Russia's chaotic response, highlighting the critical interplay of military and political narratives in the ongoing conflict.

Dean Ball, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation and former Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the White House, shares captivating insights from his time shaping AI policy during the Trump administration. He discusses the complexities of navigating federal AI regulations and the balance between personal skill and bureaucratic challenges. The conversation also delves into societal impacts of AI, the need for cohesive national strategies, and reflections on recent technological developments like ChatGPT-5.

Anastasiia Radina, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption work, shares a revealing perspective on Ukraine’s recent turmoil. She discusses how governmental actions threaten independent anti-corruption agencies, leading to nationwide protests. Radina highlights legislative changes that centralize control over corruption investigations, revealing political challenges and the implications for democracy. This tumult intertwines with the evolving role of Western partners in supporting Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, shaping the path toward European integration.

Benjamin Wittes, Editor-in-Chief at Lawfare, joins Daniel Byman, a CSIS Scholar and Georgetown Professor, and Kate Klonick, a law professor and tech expert, to tackle pressing national security issues. They dissect Israel's controversial plans to occupy Gaza City amidst international pushback, exploring the political ramifications. The trio also delves into the U.S. deal allowing chip exports to China, raising eyebrows about its legal and security implications. Their discussions blend serious analysis with lighthearted commentary on workplace fashion trends.