Rational Security
544 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.9K ratingsA weekly discussion of national security and foreign policy matters featuring Lawfare senior editors Scott R. Anderson, Quinta Jurecic, and Alan Rozenshtein.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
The "Oops! Rudy Did It Again" Edition
April 28, 2021 23:06 - 54 minutes - 74.4 MBFederal investigators search Rudy Giuliani’s New York apartment, in an escalation of a criminal investigation into the former president’s lawyer. Covid-19 ravages India, with a record-breaking number of daily infections reported, and the Biden administration pledges assistance. And two tech companies are facing off in a dispute over surveillance, privacy and security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 'Collusion Was Not an Illusion' Edition
April 21, 2021 22:28 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MBThe Treasury Department says an associate of disgraced Trump ally Paul Manafort gave campaign data to “Russian Intelligence,” leading us to ask, why are we only hearing this now? A former senior Trump aide was up to even more shenanigans than we knew. And top intelligence officials testify about global threats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Longest War is Ending" Edition
April 14, 2021 21:43 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBPresident Biden announces that all U.S. military forces will be out of Afghanistan by Sept. 11. A blackout at an Iranian nuclear facility is widely attributed to Israeli sabotage, complicating negotiations over a new nuclear deal. And we finally know the company that helped the FBI hack a notorious shooter’s phone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Scoop d’etat" Edition
April 08, 2021 13:30 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MBJordanian authorities mount arrests and detain a member of the royal family in what authorities called a threat to “security and stability” in the country, a key U.S. ally. An attack on the Capitol in Washington raises more questions about long-term security of that building. And the Biden administration seeks a way back to the negotiating table with Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Vaccines are the New Masks" Edition
March 31, 2021 23:32 - 56 minutes - 77.2 MBThe debate heats up over “vaccine passports.” Google exposes a hacking operation that turns out to have been a government counterterrorism mission. And the World Health Organization's director says his agency needs to further investigate whether the coronavirus outbreak originated with a lab in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Chilly in Alaska" Edition
March 24, 2021 22:10 - 53 minutes - 60.7 MBU.S. and Chinese officials clash during tense meetings in Alaska. The race to vaccinate the world is becoming a geopolitical problem. And Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future is uncertain after his party fails to win an outright majority in Israel’s parliamentary elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "It Was Always Russia" Edition
March 17, 2021 22:54 - 59 minutes - 82 MBA weekly discussion of national security and foreign policy matters hosted by Shane Harris of the Washington Post and featuring Brookings senior fellows Susan Hennessey, Tamara Cofman Wittes, and Benjamin Wittes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Happy Birthday, Remote Jungle Studio” Edition
March 17, 2021 04:39 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBThe Biden administration is reviewing the policy on drone strikes. At the same time, it grapples with how to respond to aggressive cyber threats from Russia and China. And one year after much of the United States went into a virtual lockdown, the origins of the coronavirus remain unknown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Did I Say ‘Pariah?’” Edition
March 03, 2021 22:30 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBA newly released intelligence report officially blames Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. FBI Director Chris Wray says domestic extremism is a “metastasizing” threat. And President Biden launches airstrikes in Syria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Confirm and Deny" Edition
February 24, 2021 22:43 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBPresident Biden’s nominees for attorney general and CIA director mostly sail through their confirmation hearings. The administration kickstarts policy on Iran, with an eye towards salvaging a nuclear deal. And the Supreme Court rules that a New York grand jury can see Donald Trump’s tax returns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Confirm and Deny" Edition
February 24, 2021 22:43 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBPresident Biden’s nominees for attorney general and CIA director mostly sail through their confirmation hearings. The administration kickstarts policy on Iran, with an eye towards salvaging a nuclear deal. And the Supreme Court rules that a New York grand jury can see Donald Trump’s tax returns.
The "Not Guilty but Sort of Guilty" Edition
February 17, 2021 22:45 - 54 minutes - 74.4 MBIt's our 300th episode! The Senate acquits Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. Rolling blackouts in Texas offer a glimpse of climate insecurity to come. And the Pentagon delayed promoting two female generals to four-star commands over fears of Trump’s reaction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer Does Impeachment" Edition
February 10, 2021 21:55 - 53 minutes - 73.9 MBPresident Trump’s impeachment trial begins in the Senate as a prosecutor in Georgia investigates efforts to overturn the election. President Biden sets out to “revitalize” national security and foreign policy in his administration. And the U.S. is (cautiously) rejoining world bodies it left under Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Impeachment: Part Two" Edition
February 03, 2021 23:21 - 58 minutes - 79.7 MBThe Senate prepares to try former President Trump on charges of inciting a riot at the Capitol. A military coup in Myanmar deals a potentially crushing blow to democracy. And how do you solve a problem like Marjorie Taylor Greene? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Domestic in the Extreme" Edition
January 27, 2021 22:50 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBThe storming of the Capitol on January 6 has exposed the long-simmering threat of domestic extremism in the United States. How will the Biden administration combat it? Protests break out across Russia as a prominent dissident returns home. And can we just skip impeachment and get to the 14th Amendment? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Let’s Never Do That Again" Edition
January 21, 2021 00:32 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBJoe Biden takes the oath of office to become the 46th President of the United States. We’ll look at how Donald Trump spent his last day in office and how Biden is spending his first. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Let’s Never Do That Again" Edition
January 21, 2021 00:32 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBJoe Biden takes the oath of office to become the 46th President of the United States. We’ll look at how Donald Trump spent his last day in office and how Biden is spending his first.
The "So Not-Nice They Impeached Him Twice" Edition
January 13, 2021 23:36 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBThe House impeaches President Trump—again—for his role in stoking an attack on the Capitol. President-elect Biden announces more national security appointments, including his nominee to lead the CIA. And Mike Pompeo breaks some diplomatic furniture on the way out the door. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Peaceless Transition of Power" Edition
January 06, 2021 23:50 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBA normally procedural session of Congress dissolves as protestors descend on Washington and occupy the Capitol. A new crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong will complicate the incoming Biden administration’s approach to China. And how will a (barely) Democrat-controlled Senate affect Biden’s national security agenda? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "F--- This Year" Edition
December 31, 2020 00:55 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBPresident Trump issues another round of pardons, raising expectations that his family members and maybe Trump himself will be next. As 2020 comes to a merciful close, we’ll take a look back at the big national security stories that didn’t get enough attention. And we’ll talk about what we’ve got our eyes on for 2021, besides a triumphant return to the actual Jungle Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Disbarred" Edition
December 17, 2020 01:23 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBAttorney General Bill Barr exits the stage. Did he leave before Trump could fire him? A massive computer hack attributed to Russian intelligence may have exposed dozens of companies and government agencies. And in the face of that and other Russian threats, how is a Biden administration likely to change U.S. policy towards Moscow? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Stocking the Cabinet" Edition
December 10, 2020 00:15 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBPresident-elect Biden continues building his Cabinet, but his pick for defense secretary leaves some supporters cold. Administration officials drag their feet on the transition as Trump’s lawyers mount increasingly absurd and dangerous efforts to overturn the election. And the White House tries to rally support for a controversial weapons sale to the United Arab Emirates as the Gulf Arab states look ahead to a Biden administration that may be more skeptical of close ties. Hosted on Acast. S...
The "You Get a Pardon and You Get a Pardon!” Edition
December 03, 2020 01:44 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBA top Iranian nuclear scientist is assassinated. Everyone gets pardons this Christmas! And the attorney general takes steps to ensure the investigation of the Russia probe continues in the Biden administration. Plus, the gang welcomes special guest Noah Efron of "The Promised Podcast."
The "You Get a Pardon and You Get a Pardon!” Edition
December 03, 2020 01:44 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBA top Iranian nuclear scientist is assassinated. Everyone gets pardons this Christmas! And the attorney general takes steps to ensure the investigation of the Russia probe continues in the Biden administration. Plus, the gang welcomes special guest Noah Efron of "The Promised Podcast." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives (Revisited)" Edition
November 25, 2020 12:00 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBWe're off this week for Thanksgiving, but we're bringing you back four years ago to reflect on the day after the 2016 election. What national security themes drove Donald Trump's supporters? What challenges did we anticipate Trump would face in forming a government? And what did we get right? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Firings Will Continue Until Morale Improves" Edition
November 18, 2020 23:48 - 50 minutes - 69.2 MBPresident Trump fires the country’s top election security official because he won’t go along with his lies about a stolen election. Promising news about coronavirus vaccines raises important questions about who should get it first, and where. And President Trump prepares to draw down troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Peaceful(ish) Transfer of Power" Edition
November 12, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 91 MBJoe Biden is elected president, but Donald Trump refuses to concede, and the transition to a new administration is rocky. Attorney General Bill Barr authorizes federal prosecutors to investigate potential voter fraud. And the gang takes questions from our live audience! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Still Counting" Edition
November 04, 2020 23:21 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBPresident Trump falsely declares victory and asserts the election was fraudulent. What havoc could he raise as states continue to count ballots? Some of the most dreaded threats of foreign interference didn’t materialize, but other danger may lie ahead. And Trump may be defeated, but Trumpism may be alive and kicking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Buckle Your Seatbelts” Edition
October 28, 2020 23:44 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBAmericans head to the polls in the face of a virus and potential disruptions at polling places and beyond. Whoever wins next Tuesday, the period between Election Day and the inauguration is bound to be rocky. And we’ll take a big picture look at the national security challenges that the next president will face, whoever he is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Buckle Your Seatbelts” Edition
October 28, 2020 23:44 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBAmericans head to the polls in the face of a virus and potential disruptions at polling places and beyond. Whoever wins next Tuesday, the period between Election Day and the inauguration is bound to be rocky. And we’ll take a big picture look at the national security challenges that the next president will face, whoever he is.
The “That’s Rudy!” Edition
October 21, 2020 22:33 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MBRudy Giuliani finds himself at the center of a misbegotten effort to interfere in the 2020 election. American diplomats and intelligence officers complain they’re being left in the cold after mysterious attacks. And the Trump administration sends an unusual envoy to Syria to discuss U.S. hostages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “That’s Rudy!” Edition
October 21, 2020 22:33 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MBRudy Giuliani finds himself at the center of a misbegotten effort to interfere in the 2020 election. American diplomats and intelligence officers complain they’re being left in the cold after mysterious attacks. And the Trump administration sends an unusual envoy to Syria to discuss U.S. hostages.
The "Unmasked at Last" Edition
October 14, 2020 22:55 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBA Justice Department investigation into whether Obama-era officials improperly requested the identities of individuals from intelligence reports ends with a whimper. An investigation into the shooting of a protestor in Portland raises questions about the federal government’s use of force. And CyberCommand takes down a Russian botnet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Don’t Let it Dominate You” Edition
October 07, 2020 23:26 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MBPresident Trump tests positive for the coronavirus and the White House becomes a hot zone. Justice Department officials were “a driving force” behind an immigration policy that separated families at the border with Mexico. And two ISIS militants are charged in the murder of American hostages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Don’t Let it Dominate You” Edition
October 07, 2020 23:26 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MBPresident Trump tests positive for the coronavirus and the White House becomes a hot zone. Justice Department officials were “a driving force” behind an immigration policy that separated families at the border with Mexico. And two ISIS militants are charged in the murder of American hostages.
The "Sh*t Show" Edition
September 30, 2020 23:27 - 58 minutes - 79.6 MBTrump tells a white nationalist group to “stand by” as he further tries to erode confidence in the November elections, this time from the presidential debate stage. Election officials are bracing for a wave of litigation and shenanigans when Americans head for the polls. And new information about Trump’s taxes reveal he’s massively in debt, adding to long-standing fears that his finances make him vulnerable to manipulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Could Have Done More” Edition
September 23, 2020 22:55 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MBA top member of the Mueller team says the special counsel “could have done more” to hold Trump accountable. A career government official accuses the White House of improperly trying to stop John Bolton from publishing his memoir. And the CIA is clamping down on intelligence about Russia, according to a new report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Trump Trolls" Edition
September 17, 2020 00:11 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBA Trump-aligned political organization is accused of running a troll farm. The No. 2 on the team investigating the origins of the Russia probe quits, reportedly over concerns that the investigation is being politicized. And Israel signs an historic accord with two Arab states, as a fight over weapons sales to the UAE looms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Summer is Definitely Over" Edition
September 09, 2020 23:58 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MBMultiple news organizations report that Trump has disparaged combat veterans, calling them “losers” and “suckers.” A senior Homeland Security official says he was told to stand down on the threat of Russian election interference. And the legal battle continues over whether a former White House counsel must testify before Congress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Cruel Summer" Edition
September 02, 2020 23:50 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBShootings in Kenosha and Portland raise new concerns about violent protests in the U.S. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn is not yet free of the justice system. And a prominent Russian opposition leader has been poisoned with a nerve agent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Near Abroad" Edition
August 19, 2020 23:57 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBThe Senate Intelligence Committee issues its long-awaited—and very long—report on Russian electoral interference in 2016 and the counterintelligence risks in the Trump campaign. The GAO determines that the leadership is serving illegally. And Belarussians have taken to the streets in protest against another stolen election by long-time strongman Alexander Lukashenko. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Russia and Running Mates" Edition
August 12, 2020 23:20 - 58 minutes - 80.8 MBRussia wants to “denigrate” Joe Biden and China would prefer Trump lose in November, viewing him as “unpredictable,” the nation’s top election security official says. An investigation by The New York Times raises questions about whether intelligence officials are softening their views on Russia to avoid upsetting Trump. And Biden picks Kamala Harris as his running mate. We look at her national security positions and how those issues will or won’t influence the 2020 campaign. Hosted on Acast...
The "Dangerous Tweets" Edition
August 05, 2020 22:57 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBThe Homeland Security Department compiles “intelligence reports” on protestors and journalists—including the tweets of our own Ben Wittes. Massive explosions in Beirut compound that country’s political and economic crises. And officials are increasingly warning about foreign interference in November’s election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Barr, Portland, Pompeo, Camera, TV" Edition
July 29, 2020 23:31 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MBAttorney General Bill Barr testifies before Congress—about a lot. State and federal officials negotiate how to remove federal forces from Portland amid continuing protests. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo faces his own day on the Hill after a blistering report on State Department dysfunction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Not-So-Secret Police" Edition
July 22, 2020 23:04 - 55 minutes - 76.9 MBFederal officers descend on protestors in Portland, over the objections of state and local officials. Why did Trump choose this city, and what does he hope to gain from this expanding campaign of federal authority? And the U.S. hits back at Chinese spies, indicting two hackers and shuttering a consulate in Houston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Tick Tock for TikTok" Edition
July 16, 2020 00:09 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MBChinese tech giants once again find themselves in the crosshairs of Western governments. The CIA has expanded its operations in cyberspace. And intelligence veterans warn that repairing the U.S. relationship with Russia is a fool’s errand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Blob Bloblob" Edition
July 08, 2020 23:42 - 56 minutes - 78 MBThe Trump administration issues new restrictions on immigration in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A major witness in the impeachment hearings retires amid concerns the White House might try to block his military promotion. And progressives mount an effort to shape the future of national security—sometimes to the dismay of the Biden campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Bounty Hunters" Edition
July 01, 2020 23:25 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBTrump’s aides say they never briefed him about a Russian plot to kill U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Former aides say the president has been “delusional” in his dealing with foreign leaders. And as the coronavirus continues spreading, some federal workers are being furloughed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Very Low Barr" Edition
June 24, 2020 23:14 - 55 minutes - 76 MBBill Barr's Justice Department is accused of politicizing law enforcement across an astonishing array of subject matters. A federal appeals court orders the judge in the Michael Flynn case to dismiss charges against the former national security advisor—at Barr’s request. And Israel is getting ready to annex Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Stache Strikes Back" Edition
June 18, 2020 00:03 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBJohn Bolton is finally publishing his tell-all book, and the White House is fighting back. A CIA investigation blames “woefully lax” computer security for the biggest leak in the agency’s history. And experts weigh in on how to change U.S. national security to prepare for the next pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.