DSR: Foreign Policy and National Security

The pager explosions throughout Lebanon shocked the region and the world. As more details come to light, it’s clear that the attack was the result of an extensive and unprecedented Israeli intelligence operation. So how did they do it, and what comes next? Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos and regional expert Kim Ghattas join Kori Schake, Ed Luce, and David Rothkopf to answer these questions and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election misinformation reached a new low with Donald Trump peddling a fake story that immigrants are eating pets in Ohio on the debate stage. But how does this kind of fake news come about? How much can we attribute to foreign interference, and how much is homegrown bullshit? Social media disinformation expert Renée DiResta joins David Rothkopf and Rosa Brooks to discuss where these lies come from, how they spread, and what you can do to separate fact from fiction.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To put it plainly, the Biden administration’s Israel policy hasn’t been bold. As we near the anniversary of the October 7th attacks, Israel continues to pound Gaza with little pushback from the administration. Alon Pinkas, Kori Schake, and Rosa Brooks join David Rothkopf for a discussion on how the administration can take a stronger stance with Israel — and why it’s necessary.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreign policy and national security featured heavily in the final day of the DNC. So how much of a role can we really expect them to play in the final stretch of the election. Rosa Brooks, Ed Luce, and David Sanger join David Rothkopf to break down how Harris can distinguish herself from Biden’s track record and whether or not voters will care about foreign policy this time around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes have been on Iran as the world waits a potential retaliatory strike on Israel. But what form will the strike take, and will it even happen? Regional experts Aaron David Miller and Barbara Slavin join Kori Schake and David Rothkopf to analyze the potential fallout of an Israeli/Iranian conflict and what the future holds for the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Governor Walz has joined the Democratic ticket, the race for the White House is set. What does the inclusion of Walz foretell about the policies of a Harris administration? Rosa Brooks and Kori Schake are joined by a former Homeland Security Advisor to VP Pence and current Republicans for Harris member, Olivia Troye, to discuss all this and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the presidential race has changed dramatically in recent weeks, it still pays to be prepared for the worst. Rosa Brooks, Pete Strzok, Kori Schake, and Ed Luce join the show to discuss recent simulations hosted by The Brennan Center that gamed out the havoc an authoritarian presidency would create for our democracy, and what could be done to stop it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netanyahu’s much dreaded speech before Congress has come and gone. So what happened? Rosa Brooks, Alon Pinkas, David Sanger, and Ed Luce join David Rothkopf to discuss the key takeaways from the speech and why a Harris presidency could shake-up the US/Israel relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Republican National Convention in full-swing, all eyes are on Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance. What do the decadent celebrations of the RNC tell us about Trump’s appeal? How will a pro-Putin running mate in JD Vance affect Trump’s foreign policy? David Rothkopf is joined by Rosa Brooks, Ed Luce, and Tom Nichols to analyze the current state of the Trump campaign and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes are on the NATO summit in Washington DC. What decisions will the alliance make with regards to Ukraine? How will President Biden perform? Former NATO ambassadors Ivo Daalder and Gen. Doug Lute join Kori Schake, Ed Luce, Rosa Brooks, and David Rothkopf to analyze what NATO’s leaders are looking to achieve — and what’s at stake.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes have been on Gaza for months, but trouble is brewing on Israel’s northern border. Tensions with Hezbollah and other militant groups are heating up and fears are mounting of a broader regional conflict. Alon Pinkas, Rosa Brooks, and David Sanger join David Rothkopf to break down the likelihood of a wider conflict, what it means for the US/Israel relationship, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With consequential elections coming up in Britain, France, and the US, monumental change is on the horizon . In a special two-part episode, Clive Priddle and Ed Luce join David Rothkopf to forecast the upcoming elections while members will hear from Kori Schake and Rosa Brooks on the most impactful headlines from around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The western world hailed President Zelenskyy as a protector of democracy at the 80th anniversary of Normandy. But will we give Ukraine the support it needs to defend itself? Ivo Daalder, Nate Mook, and Kori Schake join David Rothkopf to illustrate why were are at a critical moment in Ukraine and what the US and the West need to do to win.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modi has claimed victory in the Indian elections, but the reality isn’t so rosy for the BJP. For the first time in his tenure, Modi has failed to secure the majority. Journalist Rana Ayyub joins David Rothkopf alongside Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake, and Ed Luce to break down why this election could be a turning point for India and how Modi lost his touch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is certainly no shortage of news to make us stressed, anxious, and depressed. Thankfully Rosa Brooks joins David Rothkopf for an episode that is sure to make us all feel better, right? Rosa and David break down the ever-looming threat posed by Trump, the current status of Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza conundrum, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Israel’s operation in Rafah underway, the Benjamin Netanyahu continues to be at odds with the Biden administration. But what does the withholding of US bombs really mean for the souring relationship between the US and Israel? Noga Tarnopolsky, Alon Pinkas, and Kori Schake join David Rothkopf to assess the current state of Israeli politics, and how Netanyahu continues to hold on to power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaker Johnson has finally done the right thing for Ukraine. In passing Ukraine aid, the self-destructive Republican Party has inflamed the war with itself. Ed Luce and David Rothkopf break down what the aid package really means for Ukraine and how the GOP’s circular firing squad will impact the party’s chances in November and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the tumult in Israel and Ukraine to widespread challenges across Africa, the world is at a turning point. Senator Chris Coons, a leading voice in the US Senate on international affairs, joins David Rothkopf on a special episode of DSR to share his perspective on the most critical foreign policy issues today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been several days since Iran’s failed attack on Israel, and the world is still waiting to see how Israel will respond. Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake, and David Rothkopf take up the unenviable task of putting themselves in Netanyahu’s shoes to chart the best path forward — both for Israel, and the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump presents an existential threat to the US. And Ukraine. And NATO. Should we go on? It’s time to get serious about defeating Trump in November, and there are a million reasons why. Ed Luce and Rosa Brooks join David Rothkopf to share a few of those reasons and the ways we can send MAGA packing come Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israel’s shocking strike on World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza has amplified calls for the Biden administration to step in. Yet a big question remains: What can President Biden actually do to stop the bloodshed? Noga Tarnopolsky, Rosa Brooks, and Ed Luce join David Rothkopf to analyze what the Biden administration has done so far and how it needs to respond at this critical point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though US efforts to help Ukraine have been stymied by political infighting, thousands of individuals and organizations continue to provide much-needed aid. One such individual is Nate Mook, former CEO of World Central Kitchen and now active in several humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine since 2022. Nate joins David Rothkopf to share his work in Ukraine, the ways in which we can all lend a hand, and why Ukrainian resolve remains unbroken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mehdi Hasan, founder of the new media company Zeteo, joins Ed Luce, Kori Schake, and David Rothkopf to break down he ever-present threat of a global authoritarian-right alliance, continued destruction in Gaza and Ukraine, and the disturbingly real possibility of a Trump second term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the state of the union is ordinarily focused on domestic policy, nothing about this year has been ordinary. On the eve of the State of the Union address, Kori Schake, Ed Luce, and Alon Pinkas join David Rothkopf to predict how large of a role that foreign policy will play in President Biden’s speech.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends don’t let friends drive drunk, and friends don’t let friends support Russia. The increasingly erratic Republican Party has the US’s allies in Europe worried, especially as Russia gains momentum in its assault on Ukraine and Election Day draws near. Rosa Brooks, David Sanger, and Ed Luce join David Rothkopf to break it all down.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unimaginable human cost of Israel’s invasion of Gaza may be about to rise to unprecedented levels. International organizations agree that a famine is looming as Israel continues to impede foreign aid from entering the area. President of Refugees International Jeremy Konyndyk joins David Rothkopf, Ed Luce, and Rosa Brooks to shed light on the coming crisis, and what can be done to prevent disaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Johnson and the MAGA Republicans are sacrificing Ukraine at the altar of Trump. The Republicans’ use of Ukraine aid as a political tool has worsened an already dire situation, with only Putin and MAGA standing to benefit. On the heels of his trip to Ukraine, Max Boot joins Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake, Ed Luce, and David Rothkopf to share his first-hand account of the devastation of Russia’s assault — and the incredible bravery of Ukrainians.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congressional Republicans are sacrificing Ukraine for the sake of sticking it to Biden. But failing to provide aid to a key ally would do more than just harm the Biden administration. Kori Schake, Ed Luce, and Rosa Brooks join David Rothkopf for a look at the cost of failure in Ukraine for US global leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Moscow this week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. David sat down with Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute, and Angela Stent of the Brookings Institution to discuss what this means for the war in Ukraine. What is the relationship like between China and Russia? How are other countries in East Asia responding? What should we expect moving forward? Find out the answers to these and other pressing issues during this timely discussion. Don't miss it!

America's politicians have become more hawkish on China but is that the only path forward? David Rothkopf debates this issue with Dmitri Alperovitch of the Silverado Policy Accelerator and Josh Rogin of the Washington Post. Is China willing to compete and cooperate? How does Taiwan play into all of this? Can America not tilt completely into a militaristic framing of the competition? Find out during this argumentative conversation.

There are a panoply of threats facing the United States and our allies from around the globe. In this episode, we focus on two of them. In the first segment, David talks with Charles Edel of CSIS about AUKUS and broad U.S.-Australia issues.  What actually is the AUKUS deal? Will it have an impact on the security situation in the Indo-pacific? Is Australia a more important ally than the United Kingdom? All these questions and more answered in this vital conversation. Members get treated to a second one-on-one between David and Michael Weiss of Yahoo News and the latest DSR Network Podcast "Foreign Office" about the Russian plot against Moldova. Become a member today to get access to that conversation.

There is never a dull period for the Middle East. David and Rosa are joined by Alon Pinkus of Haaretz to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia resuming diplomatic ties and the ongoing crisis in Israel. Do we anticipate big changes in the Middle East following this announcement? What does this say about America's role in the region? Is Israel in an (unwritten) constitutional crisis? All of this and more during this thoughtful discussion. Members get a bonus segment where David and Kim Ghattas, author of Black Wave, continue the conversation about the Saudi-Iran relationship.

Sanctions and the cost of the war in Ukraine have had a major impact on the Russian economy. David, Rosa, and Ed are joined by Jeff Sonnenfeld of Yale to discuss his research and how bad the Russian economy really is. How much money is Russia losing on oil? Why is the IMF a bad actor when it comes to Russia? Is Russia's economy on the brink of collapse? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions during this insightful episode. Members get a bonus segment about the China and how the conversation about it within the beltway is moving in the wrong direction.

The United States faces a wide variety of foreign policy challenges two months into 2023. David is joined by DSR regulars Ed Luce, David Sanger, and Kori Schake to discuss these threats and how the United States should respond. Is the U.S.-Israeli relationship broken? Will Iran get a nuclear weapon? What is going on in North Korea? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions during this thoughtful episode. Don't miss it!

Russia has suspended their participation in New START but are we actually at a greater risk of nuclear war? David discusses with Jon Wolfsthal of Global Zero and Dr. Emma Belcher of the Ploughshares Fund. Is nuclear war imminent? Does the U.S. still have visibility on Russia's nukes? What comes next? Find out during this expert discussion.

Biden made a surprise trip to Kyiv and the war in Ukraine grinds on. David is joined by DSR regulars Rosa Brooks and Ed Luce to discuss what is going on in Europe. What should we make of Biden's speech in Kyiv? Is Poland becoming the political center of Europe? Why is the far left meeting the far right in the US around the war in Ukraine? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions during this thoughtful episode. Members get a bonus conversation about Jimmy Carter's legacy. Join us!

The war in Ukraine is almost a year old but continues to hold surprises. David talks about what has shocked the experts most with Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, Joe Cirincione, and Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute. Are nuclear weapons more likely to be used now? Will the conflict continue to ratchet up or is it frozen? How much more does the United States have to give to Ukraine? Find out the answer to these and other pressing questions during this expert discussion.

Uncover the truth behind the Balloon Madness that has taken the nation by storm! David sits down with with Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, David Sanger of the New York Times, and Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute to discuss the national security risks posed by the balloon, the response, and what it all means. How concerned should we be about Chinese surveillance? What Secretary Blinken right to cancel his visit to China? What legal issues does this raise? Find out the answer to these and other pressing questions during this thoughtful conversation. Join us!

Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to a very different Israel than one might have expected a year ago. Benjamin Netanyahu is back in power with a more hard right government and an Israeli raid in the West Bank and a shooting in Jerusalem have raised the the temperature of Israel-Palestinian tensions. David discusses Blinken's visit and the larger relationship between the U.S. and Israel with Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute, and Alon Pinkas of Haaretz. What did Secretary Blinken say and do in Israel? How should the U.S. work with a hard right Israeli government? What do this mean for the future revival chances of the JCPOA? Find out during this insightful conversation. Don't miss it!

If you don't understand what is happening in Asia, you are missing some of the most impactful stories of the century. For this episode, David is joined by Anna Fifield of the Washington Post and Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University to talk about the major stories and trends going on in Asia. Why did Jacinda Ardern retire from her job as Prime Minister of New Zealand? How is China coping with the quick change from Zero-COVID to completely open? Why is it so hard to report on China and North Korea? Find out during this fascinating episode. Don't miss it!

Davos may attract some of the world's wealthiest people but DSR continues to attract the best foreign policy and national security thinkers and analysis. David Rothkopf talks with David Sanger of the New York Times and Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University about Kissinger's remarks at Davos and other foreign policy issues cropping up around the world. Should Ukraine join NATO? Will Sweden and Finland actually join NATO? How should the U.S. handle the new (old) government in Israel? Find out in this wide-ranging conversation. Don't miss it.

While there is chaos in the U.S. House of Representatives, there are real threats looming in the background. David Rothkopf talks about those threats with Max Boot of the Washington Post and Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University. How should the U.S. support Taiwan in the coming months? Is China likely to invade? What connects the riots in Brazil to January 6th? Find out during this enlightening conversation.

For the first episode of the new year, David Rothkopf sits down with Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, David Sanger of the New York Times, and Kori Schake to discuss their foreign policy and national security predictions for 2023. Will Ukraine retake Crimea? What will President Biden spend his time on? Will anything good happen this year? Find out the answers to these questions and more during this timely discussion.