The DSR Network

The three-hundred-fifth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: In Hosting Modi, Biden Pushes Democracy Concerns to the Background Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 483 Ukraine war: Zelensky admits slow progress but says offensive is not a movie China lashes back as Biden labels Xi a 'dictator' Titan sub: What happens next after sounds detected in search Honduras: Ga...

The three-hundred-fourth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Russia attacks Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in overnight air strike Blinken has "robust conversation" with China's Xi Jinping in Beijing France resolves to support Ukraine's NATO membership EU looks to ban companies from making sensitive tech in China Indian Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Washington Is His Mos...

During the so-called Global War on Terror, the US developed legal mechanisms to help support efforts to fight "the bad guys." Some of these were said by critics on the left and right to violate the privacy rights of Americans. Now these mechanisms are up for renewal. Should we continue to embrace them. Co-hosts Marc Polymeropoulos and David Rothkopf discuss this vital issue with former CIA lawyer...

Michael’s guest this week is Pekka Kallioniemi, a postdoctoral researcher working in the field of human-computer interaction at Tampere University. He is the creator and author of Vatnik Soup, a Twitter thread series (and a hashtag!) where he introduces pro-Russian actors and propagandists from around the world, be they so-called "independent journalists", politicians, military personnel or just r...

There have been glimmers of sanity from a Supreme Court that seemed hopelessly radicalized. The former president of the United States has begun to be held accountable and America has not rioted in the streets in response. We are far from out of the woods and Donald Trump has promised that the first thing he would do were he to be reelected is to turn the country into a banana republic. But what ar...

The lies and deflections from Republicans defending Trump have spun up the ire of "Words Matter" co-host Norm Ornstein. So in this episode he not only explains why but guest co-host David Rothkopf tries unsuccessfully to defuse his anger. Instead, both recount the facts surrounding the case for which Trump was arraigned this week and the likely cases to come and frankly, the outrage only grows. Jo...

The long awaited Spring offensive has become a Summer offensive. But we are just in the first phases. Key Ukrainian units have been held back. What lies ahead will be brutal. But can Ukraine make a breakthrough? Could they take some or all of Crimea? Are militia units making a difference in Russia? We discuss with an expert, General Mark Hertling, and our expert panel including former US Defense D...

This week Zoe and Natalya are joined by Aaron Schwartzbaum, a 2023 Templeton Fellow with the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute to discuss Kremlinology, Great Power competition, and the war in Ukraine. Aaron currently hosts FPRI's Bear Market Brief, The Continent, and Report in Short podcasts. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fil...

Harvard's Calder Walton has written an important new history espionage called Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West. We draw upon his insights to discuss the Trump case, what another Trump Administration might mean for our intelligence community and how the history of the past 100 years of global intel rivalries can prepare us for the evolving contest with China. Co-hosts Marc Pol...

The three-hundred-third episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Key Ukrainian dam blown up, Kyiv blames Russia Mike Pence Formally Enters 2024 Race, Challenging Trump After dangerous encounters, US accuses China of military ‘aggressiveness’ Robert Hanssen: Convicted US spy found dead in Colorado prison Kuwait votes in parliamentary polls in hopes of ending deadlock US sues Bin...

Michael’s guest this week is James Rushton, a journalist at Yahoo News who is covering the Ukraine-Russia war from his home in Kyiv. He’s been reporting amidst air raid sirens and other challenges and is extremely well-placed on the front lines of the war to tell you what is happening in the country. His experience and perspective on all things Ukraine is not to be missed. Tune In. Learn more abou...

The three-hundred-second episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Ukraine war: Russia says it thwarted major Ukrainian offensive India train disaster: signal fault identified as cause, says minister As oil prices stagnate, OPEC Plus opts to extend production cuts China’s new defense chief ghosts the US, but meets with Europeans  Fighter jets chase small plane in Washington area...

Norm and Kavita discuss the passing of the debt ceiling deal in the House of Representatives. Since taping, the bill also passed the Senate and is expected to be signed as early as Friday, June 2, 2023 by President Biden. In the members-only section, they discuss the recent alleged recordings of former President Trump stating that he knew that documents in his possession were classified. Tune In!...

The three-hundred-first episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Congress approves debt deal, averting a US default Zelenskyy’s plea exposes Europe’s divisions Kyiv defenses thwart Russia’s 6th air assault in 6 days against Ukraine capital India opposition leader Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Modi over China in US visit Exclusive: US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artill...

Every day it seems new revelations suggest Donald Trump is in greater legal jeopardy. And, with each new revelation, comes a chorus of accusations and threats from the GOP led by Trump himself that it is time to shut down the Department of Justice and the FBI, time to fire those who are involved in investigating him, time to purge the government of everyone disloyal to the MAGA movement. It is a p...

The three-hundredth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: House Passes Debt Limit Bill in Bipartisan Vote to Avert Default Latest Russian missile bombardment of Ukraine’s capital kills at least 3 people, including a child Sudan: 19 killed in shelling of market in poor area south of Khartoum Europe’s leaders meet in Russia’s shadow Zelenskiy joins European leaders at summit i...

America did not choose to blow up the world economy. The lunatic caucus in Congress did not prevail. An experienced president helped strike a deal that preserved critical U.S. programs and priorities. The world can stop thinking we've lost our minds. Or can they? With 2024 looming we discuss whether the trends are encouraging or discouraging or downright frightening both at tome and in terms of U....

The two hundred-ninety-ninth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: G.O.P. Revolts Over Debt Limit Deal as Bill Moves Toward a House Vote Moscow drone attack exposes Russia’s vulnerabilities, fuels criticism of military ‘Time is now’ for Sweden to join NATO, Blinken says North Korea says spy satellite launch crashed into sea Exclusive: Qatar prime minister, Taliban chief hold...

This week Zoe and Natalya are joined by CEO of Reality Defender Ben Colman, to discuss the power of synthetic media and the risks it poses to geopolitics and democracy. They discuss a recent deepfake of an attack at the Pentagon, as well as potential regulatory solutions. If you are under 40 and interested in being featured on the podcast, be sure to fill out this form. Learn more about your ad ch...

Michael’s guest this week is Jennifer Cafarella, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Jennifer and her team of analysts have been providing detailed reports and interactive maps each day since the war began on both Russian and Ukrainian positions. If you’re interested in what’s really happening in Ukraine, don’t miss this conversation. Learn more about...

The two hundred ninety-eigthh episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Debt Limit Bill Heads to Key Committee in First Test of G.O.P. Support Turkish election victory for Erdogan leaves nation divided Ukraine war comes to Moscow as both capitals hit by drones Spanish PM Sánchez calls snap general election after disastrous local polls Iran journalist faces trial over charges tie...

Around the world and here at home, the US faces a new array of threats. They are far different from those that were the focus of our intelligence community for the past several decades. They include a rising China, a malevolent Russia, the beginning of a new technological era and profound threats from domestic extremists. On this important episode of DSR's Spy Show, we are joined by CIA and Specia...

The two hundred ninety-seventh episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: White House and G.O.P. Close In on Deal to Raise Debt Limit and Cut Spending Russian rocket hits Ukraine medical clinic US, Chinese commerce chiefs raise complaints on trade, investment, export policies Turkey election: What do Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu have to offer? More than 13,000 people in England denie...

Norm and Kavita are both traveling, but that doesn’t stop them from discussing the issues. This week, in this abbreviated version of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss Ron DeSantis’s presidential bid announcement, the Surgeon General’s annoucement on the impact of social media on adolescents and the Nebraska Abortion Case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent election results are giving hope to many thoughtful analysts that Democrats might not just be able to eke out a victory in 2024, they might be able to win by substantial margins in the presidential election and in key Senate and House races. On this episode of DSR Politics, we talk to Missouri Senate Candidate Lucas Kunce and Democratic analyst and advisor Simon Rosenberg about how Kunce ca...