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 "Day Late and a Dollar Short" Edition
June 10, 2020 23:04 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBWho ordered what and when as police cleared peaceful protestors from Lafayette Park? Those protests and others in every state have sparked a national debate about policing. And former Trump administration officials speak out against the president, after possibly holding their tongues too long. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "America is Hurting" Edition
June 04, 2020 00:07 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBAmericans have taken to the streets in dozens of cities to protest the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and systemic racism. President Trump has focused his attention on looting and violence, which he calls “domestic terror” and insisted governors “dominate” the protestors. The gang talks about the role of the military and the Insurrection Act, the role of Bill Barr and the Justice Department, and Trump’s use of other federal forces as America heads into another day of public demonstr...
The "Blue Exclamation Point" Edition
May 27, 2020 22:58 - 55 minutes - 76 MBTwitter starts fact-checking President Trump as social media companies face calls to ramp up their election security efforts. China again encroaches on Hong Kong, this time using the pandemic as cover. And the judge in Michael Flynn’s case is told to explain his delay in granting a motion to dismiss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Pompeo in the Dog House" Edition
May 21, 2020 00:34 - 59 minutes - 81.1 MBSecretary of State Mike Pompeo is in hot water over the firing of an inspector general. A newly declassified email shows that Barack Obama wanted the Russia investigation handled “by the book.” And around the world people are slowly emerging from lockdowns and quarantines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Ask Us Anything—Live!" Edition
May 14, 2020 00:42 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week, the Rational Security gang is joined by listeners from around the world for a special live show. Unmasking, China, life after Trump/under Biden—we took listeners' questions and shared stories about how we're spending our time during the pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "You Too Can be the DNI" Edition
May 07, 2020 00:58 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MBCongressman John Ratcliffe faces questions from the Senate in his quest to become the next director of national intelligence. Americans are detained in an apparent botched invasion of Venezuela. And former national security adviser Michael Flynn claims he was set up by corrupt FBI agents. Don't forget to register to take part in next week's live taping! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Blame it on Beijing" Edition
April 30, 2020 00:30 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBDemocrats and Republicans finally have something to agree on: China deserves more scrutiny for how it has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim Jong Un is alive, maybe. And the courts take up the argument on whether Congress can sue the executive branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “A Little Government is a Dangerous Thing” Edition
April 23, 2020 00:25 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBProtests break out against states’ stay-at-home orders. China is linked to a disinformation campaign about the coronavirus. And Israel forms a unity government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Contact Tracing" Edition
April 15, 2020 23:03 - 57 minutes - 78.5 MBState officials say tracing the contacts of people infected with the coronavirus will help keep it from spreading. The Trump administration withdraws funding from the World Health Organization. And Russia takes advantage of confused U.S. policy on Libya. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Ready, Aim, Fire Everyone!” Edition
April 09, 2020 00:07 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MBPresident Trump removes two independent inspectors general, including the one at the center of his impeachment. The acting Navy Secretary is out after he removed the captain of an aircraft carrier who complained that his sailors were at risk from the coronavirus. And despite health concerns, Wisconsin goes ahead with elections, offering a test case for November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Don’t Be a Maskhole” Edition
April 02, 2020 00:21 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBState and local governments are on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus. But there’s a lot the federal government can, and arguably should, be doing. What is the pandemic showing us about the strengths of a democracy versus an autocracy? And a new report finds significant problems with applications for FISA surveillance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Flatten the Curve" Edition
March 26, 2020 00:27 - 51 minutes - 70.1 MBIt took weeks for administration officials to persuade Donald Trump that the coronavirus posed a significant threat to the United States. Did those delays hinder the fight against the virus? The coronavirus may pose a threat to democratic values, as governments deploy aggressive surveillance to combat the pandemic. And there are shakeups in the senior ranks of U.S. counterterrorism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Flatten the Curve" Edition
March 26, 2020 00:27 - 51 minutes - 70.1 MBIt took weeks for administration officials to persuade Donald Trump that the coronavirus posed a significant threat to the United States. Did those delays hinder the fight against the virus? The coronavirus may pose a threat to democratic values, as governments deploy aggressive surveillance to combat the pandemic. And there are shakeups in the senior ranks of U.S. counterterrorism.
The "Social Distancing" Edition
March 18, 2020 22:57 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBMuch of normal life has ground to a halt. We’ll reflect on the state of the pandemic and how it’s affecting us. What exactly happened to a White House office set up to respond to pandemics? And Congress kicks the can on an all-important surveillance law until the end of May. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "My Corona" Edition
March 11, 2020 23:30 - 53 minutes - 74 MBAs the coronavirus spreads, U.S. officials face a public health crisis and the threat of economic recession. The World Health Organization has officially declared coronavirus a pandemic. How are other countries responding, and what can the U.S. learn from them? And there’s tumult in Saudi Arabia amid another power grab by the crown prince and an oil war with Russia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The Second Time’s a Charm" Edition
March 05, 2020 00:37 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBPresident Trump picks Congressman John Ratcliffe—again—to be the new director of national intelligence. The United States signs a peace deal with the Taliban. And an appeals court rules that former White House Counsel Don McGahn does not have to testify to Congress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Just Quarantine Everything" Edition
February 27, 2020 00:11 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBCoronavirus is spreading, and the administration’s message has been a jumble. Intelligence reports suggest that Russia has developed a preference for Trump in the election and is trying to help Sanders. And world leaders call for action to halt a humanitarian crisis in Syria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Should He Stay or Should He Go" Edition
February 20, 2020 00:06 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBBill Barr says that Trump’s tweets make his job more difficult, and he has considered resigning over them. But Trump is still tweeting and Barr is still the attorney general, so…? Also, the U.S. charges Chinese telecom giant Huawei with conspiracy and racketeering. And European leaders are bracing for a second Trump term, and a redefined relationship with America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Lessons Learned" Edition
February 12, 2020 23:44 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBFour prosecutors step down from the Roger Stone case after the Justice Department contradicts their sentencing recommendation. The White House purges officials who testified in Trump’s impeachment trial. And the Justice Department is taking a look at Rudy Giuliani’s investigation into the Bidens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Impeached Forever" Edition
February 06, 2020 00:42 - 51 minutes - 71.4 MBThe Senate prepares to acquit Donald Trump on charges that he abused his office and obstructed Congress. We’ll take a look back at the impeachment trial and discuss what comes next. Also, governments around the world scramble to deal with the threat of coronavirus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Deus ex Bolton" Edition
January 29, 2020 23:24 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MBJohn Bolton has a story to tell about that Ukraine “drug deal.” The White House unveils its much anticipated Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. And Joe Biden envisions foreign policy after Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Pettifogging" Edition
January 22, 2020 22:44 - 58 minutes - 80.9 MBThe impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins in earnest, with a marathon session hammering out the rules and procedures. U.N. investigators say there is credible evidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia hacked Jeff Bezos’ phone. And you may have heard—Ben and Susan have published a book! We’ll talk about “Unmaking the Presidency.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Quite Common Under American Law” Edition
January 16, 2020 00:35 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBThe impeachment trial is about to begin in earnest. We’ll recap the latest. The Trump administration deals with the fallout from the strike that killed Qasem Soleimani. And in the final debate before voting starts, Democratic candidates for president have little to say about foreign policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Back from the Brink" Edition
January 09, 2020 00:14 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBPresident Trump says Iran is backing down after a missile strike on U.S. bases in retaliation for the killing of Qasem Suleimani. The crisis has calmed, but what did we learn from the administration’s tense and at times bungled handling of it? And the latest on the still pending impeachment trial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "2020 Vision" Edition
January 03, 2020 00:40 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBProtesters attack the U.S. embassy in Baghdad following an American airstrike. U.S. Cyber Command contemplates information warfare to deter Russian election interference. And we’ll talk about the themes we think will loom large in 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Sad, Somber, and Solemn" Edition
December 19, 2019 01:08 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBThe House impeaches President Trump. What will a Senate trial look like? Former U.S. officials helped the United Arab Emirates build a domestic surveillance system. And a federal judge rebukes the FBI for its surveillance of a Trump campaign adviser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Sad, Somber, and Solemn" Edition
December 19, 2019 01:08 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBThe House impeaches President Trump. What will a Senate trial look like? Former U.S. officials helped the United Arab Emirates build a domestic surveillance system. And a federal judge rebukes the FBI for its surveillance of a Trump campaign adviser.
The "Beast of Burden" Edition
December 11, 2019 22:21 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBThe Justice Department Inspector General delivers a detailed report on the origins of the Trump-Russia probe. House lawmakers unveil articles of impeachment against Trump. And The Washington Post reveals that senior officials knew the U.S. wasn’t making progress in Afghanistan, contrary to their public claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "-1" Edition
December 04, 2019 23:50 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBThe House Intelligence Committee submits its impeachment report, and the Judiciary Committee takes up the baton. Also, friend of the podcast Sophia Yan gives us an on-the-ground report from China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Lonely Amigo" Edition
November 22, 2019 01:15 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MBThe House conducts marathon impeachment hearings with key witnesses. And Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cult-like Atmosphere Edition
November 15, 2019 00:39 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBThe first witnesses testify publicly in the impeachment inquiry. A jury deliberates Roger Stone’s fate. And Turkey’s president Erdogan visits Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Wait, Did I say NO Quid Pro Quo?” Edition
November 06, 2019 23:42 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MBA key witness in the impeachment investigation changes his testimony. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is under fire for his leadership of U.S. diplomacy. And the House lays out the rules for the public phase of the impeachment process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “There’s No Whimpering in Podcasting” Edition
October 30, 2019 23:16 - 51 minutes - 70.2 MBA senior National Security Council official testifies about Trump’s phone call with the president of Ukraine. The U.S. military kills the leader of ISIS. And an investigation into the origins of the Russia probe takes a turn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Quid, Meet Quo” Edition
October 24, 2019 02:32 - 52 minutes - 72.7 MBThe top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine delivers devastating testimony about a quid pro quo. The White House chief of staff says that quid pro quo was real—then says it wasn’t. Plus the latest breaking news on the impeachment inquiry, and what to watch for next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Hand Grenades and Drug Deals" Edition
October 16, 2019 21:44 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBTestimony on Capitol Hill this week reveals that Rudy Giuliani was running a shadow foreign policy on Ukraine. The White House vows not to cooperate with the impeachment investigation. And Turkish forces move into Syria, sparking a new national security crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Hand Grenades and Drug Deals" Edition
October 16, 2019 21:44 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBTestimony on Capitol Hill this week reveals that Rudy Giuliani was running a shadow foreign policy on Ukraine. The White House vows not to cooperate with the impeachment investigation. And Turkish forces move into Syria, sparking a new national security crisis.
The “Unmatched Wisdom” Edition
October 09, 2019 00:16 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBCongress releases a series of revealing text messages that show the Trump administration pressuring Ukraine. Trump blocks a key participant in that effort from giving a deposition to Congress. And Trump’s announcement that he will withdraw U.S. troops from Syria inspires a rare Republican rebellion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Rudy Tooty Fresh and Fruity" Edition
October 02, 2019 22:28 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBSecretary of State Pompeo says he was on the call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky at the center of the House impeachment inquiry. Rudy Giuliani’s contacts with Ukraininian officials and the State Department are under scrutiny. And Attorney General Bill Barr has asked foreign officials to help investigate the Russia investigation.
The "Rudy Tooty Fresh and Fruity" Edition
October 02, 2019 22:28 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBSecretary of State Pompeo says he was on the call between Presidents Trump and Zelensky at the center of the House impeachment inquiry. Rudy Giuliani’s contacts with Ukraininian officials and the State Department are under scrutiny. And Attorney General Bill Barr has asked foreign officials to help investigate the Russia investigation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "Rubicon: Crossed?" Edition
September 25, 2019 23:51 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MBThis week, the gang talks about the explosive revelations of a whistleblower regarding a phone call that Trump had with the president of Ukraine. What's the political and legal significance? What does it mean for U.S. national security? And how is an impeachment inquiry likely to proceed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "WhistleSTOP" Edition
September 19, 2019 01:55 - 52 minutes - 72 MBThe Director of National Intelligence refuses to tell Congress about a whistleblower allegation that may involve President Trump. Israelis go to the polls as Benjamin Netanyahu fights to maintain power. And Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski gives defiant testimony to lawmakers considering whether to impeach the president. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "WhistleSTOP" Edition
September 19, 2019 01:55 - 52 minutes - 72 MBThe Director of National Intelligence refuses to tell Congress about a whistleblower allegation that may involve President Trump. Israelis go to the polls as Benjamin Netanyahu fights to maintain power. And Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski gives defiant testimony to lawmakers considering whether to impeach the president.
The “You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit!” Edition
September 12, 2019 02:11 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MBDonald Trump and John Bolton finally part ways. The CIA had a spy in the upper reaches of the Kremlin, then got him out of Russia. And Trump’s Middle East peace negotiator calls it quits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit!” Edition
September 12, 2019 02:11 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MBDonald Trump and John Bolton finally part ways. The CIA had a spy in the upper reaches of the Kremlin, then got him out of Russia. And Trump’s Middle East peace negotiator calls it quits.
The "'Surprised,' 'Stunned,' and 'Shocked'" Edition
September 04, 2019 12:32 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MBA new inspector general report faults former FBI Director Jim Comey for how he handled memos about his meetings with Donald Trump. The CIA isn’t so sure about a White House plan to expand its presence in Afghanistan. And National Security Adviser John Bolton is being cut out of big decisions in the administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The "What’s Past is Prorogue" Edition
August 28, 2019 23:01 - 59 minutes - 81.3 MBBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson suspends parliament as the Brexit deadline looms. World leaders push back—maybe?—on President Trump at the G7 summit. And Trump tells aides that he’ll pardon them if they have to break the law to build his border wall.
The "What’s Past is Prorogue" Edition
August 28, 2019 23:01 - 59 minutes - 81.3 MBBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson suspends parliament as the Brexit deadline looms. World leaders push back—maybe?—on President Trump at the G7 summit. And Trump tells aides that he’ll pardon them if they have to break the law to build his border wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “Skyfall” Edition
August 14, 2019 23:43 - 57 minutes - 78.7 MBSusan and Shane are away, so Ben and Tamara are joined by special guests Scott Anderson and Quinta Jurecic. A Russian missile test accident kills scientists and raises questions. Hong Kong and Kashmir are both in crisis, and the United States shrugs. And the House of Representatives seems to have slouched towards impeachment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “It’s the Terrorism, Stupid” Edition
August 07, 2019 23:18 - 56 minutes - 77 MBA series of shootings renews the discussion and debate around domestic terrorism. The U.S.-China trade war raises big questions about America’s role as a global power. And the United States faces a make-or-break moment in Syria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The “You Too Can Be the DNI!” Edition
July 31, 2019 23:22 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBPresident Trump said he will nominate a junior congressman and prominent Mueller critic as the next director of national intelligence. CIA Director Gina Haspel has become a bulwark between the White House and the intelligence community. And investigators probe connections between Middle East money and the White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.