The DSR Network
The DSR Network
This podcast will take you on a smart, direct, sometimes scary, sometimes profane, sometimes hilarious tour of the inner workings of American power and of the impact of our leaders and their policies on our standing in the world. Hosted by noted author and commentator David Rothkopf and featuring regulars Rosa Brooks of Georgetown Law School, Kori Schake of AEI, and Ed Luce of the Financial Times, the program will be the lively, smart dinner table conversation on the big issues of the day that you wish you were having...without the calories. Sometimes special guests will join the conversation and always the emphasis will be on providing the unvarnished perspectives others shy away from. Deep State Radio is the insider perspective on American national security and foreign policy that you can't find anywhere else.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider becoming a member by visiting thedsrnetwork.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 23, 2026 • 27min
DSR Daily March 23: US and Iran Send Conflicting Signals on End to War
They unpack conflicting signals between US and Iran about negotiations to end the war. They examine a deadly LaGuardia collision and failures in transportation staffing. They explore ICE agents being sent to airports to assist TSA and the political motives behind the move. They discuss rising extremist settler violence in the West Bank and its impact on prospects for peace.
Mar 23, 2026 • 28min
The Daily Blast: Trump’s Angry Tirade at Media Goes Haywire, Exposing a Dark MAGA Truth
Matt Ford, New Republic staff writer who covers law and politics, offers sharp analysis. He breaks down Brendan Carr's license threats and why they likely fail. He explains how Trump’s praise signals a push to weaponize regulators. The conversation highlights MAGA’s challenge to constitutional norms and what accountability might look like afterward.
6 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 39min
NTK: How Much Worse Can Trump’s Iran War Get? Don’t Ask.
Alon Pinkas, former Israeli diplomat turned Tel Aviv-based commentator, offers on-the-ground perspective about Israel and regional security. He describes life under sirens and why the Iran war may drag on. He critiques Netanyahu’s long push for confrontation and explores risks of wider regional escalation and shifting global alliances.
Mar 22, 2026 • 21min
Weekly Wrap-Up: Trump Swallows Own Foot in Embarrassing Meeting with Japan’s PM
They rewind a cringe diplomatic meeting where a US leader compared attacks to Pearl Harbor and made an awkward impression on Japan’s prime minister. They unpack talk of sending more troops to the Middle East and the specter of past wars. They flag disruptions to energy routes, spikes in fuel and fertilizer prices, and looming economic fallout.
Mar 20, 2026 • 37min
Siliconsciousness: Everything You See on the Internet is a Lie—Except for This
Tal Hagin, an OSINT and disinformation analyst, breaks down how AI has supercharged fake content online. He explores why AI fakes are more persuasive, shows how they appear in conflict coverage, and explains why social feeds make verification harder. Practical tips and the limits of detection tools are discussed in clear, punchy segments.
Mar 20, 2026 • 27min
The Daily Blast: Trump War Takes Darker Turn as Unnerving Leaks Hint at Big Escalation
Adam Smith, U.S. Congressman and ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, brings defense oversight and military policy experience. He discusses leaked plans suggesting large troop deployments and a possible $200 billion Pentagon request. He explains why regime change is unrealistic and warns about escalation risks and congressional authority.
Mar 19, 2026 • 42min
Words Matter: A Fiasco Wrapped In A Disaster Inside a Catastrophe
Norm Ornstein, political scholar and longtime commentator on U.S. politics. He dissects a string of diplomatic blunders and risky Iran policy. He highlights intelligence gaps, regional escalation and economic fallout. He also warns about domestic security risks and the erosion of congressional and judicial checks.
Mar 19, 2026 • 19min
DSR Daily March 19: Iran and Israel Exchange Blows as Oil Prices Skyrocket
They discuss Iran and Israel trading strikes and the sudden surge in oil prices. They cover coordination failures among allies that could widen the conflict. There is heated debate over a contentious confirmation hearing and questions about military credentials. They examine Japan's cautious stance and visa bond policies affecting international visitors.
Mar 18, 2026 • 42min
Why is this Trump War Different From All Other Trump Wars?
Rosa Brooks, Georgetown law professor and national security commentator. Ed Luce, FT columnist on geopolitics and transatlantic ties. David Sanger, NYT national security reporter and author. They debate Trump’s Iran campaign, allied fallout, intelligence and nuclear risks. They weigh regional instability, economic shockwaves, and whether political optics will drive strategy.
Mar 18, 2026 • 21min
DSR Daily March 18: Iran Strikes Tel Aviv as Retaliation Escalates
A fast-paced rundown of Iran's missile strike on Tel Aviv and the wider regional escalation. A look at potential airport closures as TSA staff shortages grow during a DHS shutdown. Preview of a high-stakes confirmation hearing for DHS leadership. Discussion of economic risks tied to disrupted oil and food supplies.
