Rational Security

Latest Episodes:

The "Almaty Too Hotty" Edition Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by three-peat guest Lawfare executive editor Natalie Orpett! They talked through some of the week's biggest national security news, including:

“What’s Almaty You, Eh?” Russia recently deployed forces to nearby Kazakhstan to aid an allied government in putting down a popular uprising. Will this have ramifications for the possible conflict over Ukraine? And what does it say about Russia’s regional strategy?
“He’s Talking About Voldemort, Right?” Last week, President Biden commemorated the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection with some strong words for his predecessor, without ever actually naming him. Does this signal a strategic shift in how Democrats are taking on threats to American democracy—and is it a good one?
“Faceboo(galoo).” The sister of a police officer killed by a member of the far-right “boogaloo boys” is suing Meta, the newly renamed parent company of Facebook, for promoting the group’s content and connecting potential members through its content algorithms. Could this represent a way around Section 230 protections? And what would the ramifications be for other social media platforms?

For object lessons, Quinta called out Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch for recently declining to wear a mask at oral arguments. Alan drew the listeners' attention to a recent story of imperfect revenge: a shop owner who is now facing charges of retaliation for dumping 91,500 pennies covered in oil on the driveway of a former employee who claimed not to have received his final paycheck. Scott celebrated the fact that his prayers for a caffeinated cocktail had been answered but pointed towards what he finds to be an even better solution: coffee and Averna. And finally, Natalie noted the new metaphors for climate change that she'd discovered on recently re-reading the children's classic, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs."

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

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The "Snowmicron" Edition Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

This week, Quinta and Scott were joined by RatSec 1.0 co-host and Lawfare editor-in-chief Benjamin Wittes! They sat down to discuss the week's national security news, including:

“Merrick’s Briefing.” This week, Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to give a speech about the Justice Department’s efforts to hold the perpetrators of the January 6 insurrection accountable. What do we expect him to say—and what should he say?
“The Company You Keep.” Former President Trump recently endorsed increasingly authoritarian Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban for re-election. What does this endorsement tell us about Trump—and what may it mean for Orban?
“It’s a New Extradition, Hot and Fresh Out the Kitchen.” The Justice Department recently secured the extradition of Kremlin insider Vladislav Klyushin, who may have information on a range of Russian intelligence activities, including 2016 election interference. What does this move tell us about how Russian and U.S. law enforcement activities intersect with their intelligence capabilities?

For object lessons, Quinta recommended Katie Kitamura's new book, “Intimacies.” Scott urged parents of sick children everywhere to try to turn to the back catalog of the original The Muppet Show, now available streaming online. And Ben gave a double-header endorsement of both Ben Macintyre's classic history of the Kim Philby spy saga,“A Spy Among Friends,”and Lawfare's own forthcoming podcast miniseries on accountability for the January 6 insurrection, entitled The Aftermath.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

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The "Miracle on Massachusetts Avenue" Edition Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott celebrated the impending New Year by answering some questions and sharing some object lessons submitted by Rational Security listeners. They discussed:

If you could only have one paid news subscription, which would it be?
How do you think the U.S. will respond if Israeli policies towards Palestinians continue to deteriorate?
Why does former President Trump's direction to his former associates not to cooperate with the January 6 committee not constitute witness tampering?
Why are Tweets not subject to prepublication review?
What are the United States' greatest vulnerabilities?
What are the odds of a major nuclear incident in the next 70 years?
What is the January 6 committee investigating other than the actions of former President Trump and his associates?
Do you think the courts or Congress will rein in the executive branch's control over classified information?
How will Finland's purchase of U.S. F-35s change the regional security calculus?
What do you do to sound good on podcasts?
And most importantly: which holiday movie is most relevant to the current state of international relations?

As for object lessons, listeners: recommended the "Fat Leonard" and "Orientalist Express" podcasts; endorsed the book "Shorting the Grid" by Meredith Angwin; noted the existence of the iPhone game "Free Assange" by none other than RT (i.e., Russia Today); corrected Scott's mistake regarding what's happening with the long lost musical sequence from "The Muppet Christmas Carol"; recommended adding bourbon to Quinta's easy pie dough recipe; seconded Alan's earlier endorsement of the spaetzle maker; and shouted out Purdue University for the civic education program they recently implemented for all incoming students.

Rational Security 2.0 will be back in 2022, but until then be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

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The "Party at Nakatomi Plaza" Edition Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by military law expert and Lawfare contributor Michel Paradis! They sat down to discuss the week's national security news, including:

“You Want the Boost? You Can’t HANDLE the Boost!” Several states’ governors are refusing to direct their national guards to comply with the Defense Department’s vaccination mandate. Can the federal government make them comply?
“If Optimus Prime is Wrong, I Don’t Want to Be Right.” Last week, a U.N. body debated whether to pursue a treaty banning the development and use of automated war machines. Is there merit to this proposal or good reason to be skeptical?
“I’m Rubber, You’re Sued.” Donald Trump and his associates are using the courts to strike back against both the January 6 committee and New York state officials seeking to investigate them. Are there merits to their arguments or is something else afoot?

For object lessons, Alan endorsed his local distillery, Studio Distilling, and urged everyone to seek out their local distilleries everywhere. Quinta remarked upon finding the worst baby attire ever. Scott passed his new favorite eggnog recipe. And Michel recommended two new documentaries on Leonardo DaVinci's lost painting, Salvator Mundi.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed (which is now back up and working! we promise!) by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Whole Damn System is Out of Order" Edition Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by their fellow Lawfare senior editor and Brookings Institution fellow Molly Reynolds! They sat down to discuss the week's national security news, including:

“Winners Use Google Slides.” The January 6 committee has revealed some of the texts and emails handed over by former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, including a notorious powerpoint presentation laying out apparent plans for a coup. What do these revelations tell us about what happened on January 6—and what our expectations should be of the committee?

“The Smog of War.” A top secret cell of elite U.S. soldiers is accused of manufacturing ambiguity on the battlefield in order to evade legal and policy limits on the targeting of civilians. What do these allegations mean for the way America fights its wars?

“8 Simple Rules for Legislating in an Age of Disorder.” Progressive Democrats have urged their leadership to overrule the Senate parliamentarian’s determination that bills passed through the filibuster-proof budget reconciliation process can’t include certain types of immigration reforms. Do these demands threaten the operation of the Senate? Or is something entirely different at stake?

For object lessons, Quinta passed along a fool-proof holiday cookie recipe. Alan noted a list of blockbusters he was looking forward to enjoying over Chinese food this Christmas. Molly recommended a somewhat unlikely legislative procedure-themed holiday movie, "Operation Christmas Drop." And Scott urged listeners to watch the holiday classic, "The Muppet Christmas Carol," which Disney+ has only recently restored to its full glory.

Also, Rational Security is hoping to close out the year with a mailbag episode! So if you have any burning questions you want the RatSec crew to answer, wild hypotheticals you want them to suss out, or object lessons you want to share, no matter how serious or how frivolous, be sure to email them to rationalsecurity@lawfareblog.com before December 22.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed (which is now back up and working! we promise!) by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Bad Vlad" Edition Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by Lawfare contributor and University of Kentucky law professor Jonathan Shaub! They sat down to discuss the week's national security news, including:

“Not So Quiet on the Eastern Front”: President Biden and President Putin recently sat down for a one-on-one meeting, in an effort to curb tensions brought on by Russia’s apparent preparations for an invasion of Ukraine. Are Russia and the United States headed towards conflict?
“January 6th Pleads the Fifth”: The January 6th committee’s subpoenas are beginning to bear fruit, as a number of associates of former President Trump have either agreed to cooperate, refused and face possible civil and criminal penalties, or have invoked their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. What, if anything, is the committee likely to get from their testimony?
“Apple Bites Back”: Apple has now joined WhatsApp in suing the Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO Group for hacking its devices and networks on behalf of foreign regimes, including to spy on U.S. diplomats. What might this mean for the future of private sector hackers?

For object lessons, Quinta gave a touching tribute to her former boss, the late Fred Hiatt of the Washington Post. Alan gave a shout out to Minnesota's first snowfall of the season. Scott endorsed what is, in his view, perhaps the best holiday music album ever: Atlantic Records' 1968 compilation "Soul Christmas.” And Jonathan endorsed a number of celestial objects that it's worth getting outside to (tele) scope out over the next few nights.

Also, Rational Security is hoping to close out the year with a mailbag episode! So, if you have any burning questions you want the RatSec crew to answer, wild hypotheticals you want them to suss out, or object lessons you want to share, no matter how serious or how frivolous, be sure to email them to rationalsecurity@lawfareblog.com before December 22.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Holiday Hangover" Edition Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott go guestless as they sat down to discuss the week's national security news, including:

“Show Me Your Omicron Face”: Scientists have identified a virulent new strain of the coronavirus, leading governments to enact travel bans and other restrictions. What does this tell us about our future living with the virus?
“Iran Aground in Vienna?”: A new round of talks seeking to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement kicked off this week. Are the parties stuck or is there hope for progress?
“Did You Know That 1 in 5 Former Federal Employees Suffers from Premature Publication?”: A new lawsuit asks the Supreme Court: are the prepublication review requirements imposed on former federal employees consistent with free speech?

For object lessons, Quinta endorsed Colson Whitehead's latest book, “Harlem Shuffle.” Alan continued the literary trend by recommending J.B. Libscomb's philosophical history, “The Women Are Up to Something.” And Scott urged listeners to check out The Lazarus Heist, a podcast series from BBC World on North Korean cybercrime.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Nothing To Be Thankful For" Edition Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by special guest, Quinta's co-host of the Arbiters of Truth series on the Lawfare podcast feed Evelyn Douek! They sat down to discuss:

—“Getting Rittenhoused”: A jury recently acquitted 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse of murder charges for shooting two men in what he claimed was self-defense during last summer’s unrest. What does his trial and its aftermath tell us about the intersection of politics with our criminal justice system?

— “Now That’s a Power Serve”: A global pressure campaign by professional tennis players has forced Chinese officials to disclose the location of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who disappeared after publicly accusing a former senior official of sexual assault. Is this a new model for dealing with Chinese human rights abuses?

— “Duck Say Quack and Fish Go Blub—But What Did Fox Say?”: Two prominent conservative commentators have resigned from Fox News over its release of a Tucker Carlson film that they say spreads misinformation and promotes violence. Will this be enough to force the network to curb its behavior?

For object lessons, Quinta endorsed her favorite pie dough recipe. Alan in turn made an unorthodox recommendation of what to put in that dough: sweet potato pie. Scott encouraged listeners to follow up that big meal with a cup of coffee, made on his beloved Aeropress with a Prismo filter attachment. And if that doesn't work, Evelyn suggested folks tuck in for a nap with her favorite weighted blanket from Bearaby.

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawfare Presents: Chatter, a new podcast from Shane Harris and David Priess Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

Introducing Chatter, a brand new podcast from Lawfare. Weekly long-form conversations with fascinating people at the creative edges of national security. Unscripted. Informal. Always fresh.

Chatterguests roll with the punches to describe artistic endeavors related to national security and jump into cutting-edge thinking at the frontiers where defense and foreign policy overlap with technology, intelligence, climate change, history, sports, culture and beyond. Each week, listeners get a no-holds-barred dialogue at an intersection between Lawfare's core issue areas and something from Hollywood to history, science to spy fiction.

On this, the debut episode of Chatter, Shane Harris interviews a great American: the creator of "The Americans," Joe Weisberg. Joe shares his journey from the agency to Hollywood, his work as a lifelong student of Russia, and his new book Russia Upside Down: An Exit Strategy for the Second Cold War.

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The “SPAAACE LAAAW” Edition Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

This week, Alan, Quinta and Scott were joined by special guest, Lawfare chief operating officer David Priess! They sat down to discuss:

“In Byelorussia, Everything . . . Everything is Just Awful”: In an effort to hit back over sanctions, the authoritarian regime in Belarus is deliberately admitting refugees only to channel them across its borders with the European Union. How should Europe respond?
“Taking ‘Tourist Trap’ Too Literally”: In recent years, foreign governments have taken an unprecedented number of U.S. nationals as effective hostages. Is this a failure of U.S. deterrence? Or something else entirely?
“Space: The Littered Frontier”: A Russian test of an anti-satellite weapon has scattered refuse across outer space, threatening the safety of astronauts and potentially complicating space travel in the future.

For object lessons, Scott made a PSA about Lawfare's upcoming online info session for law students interested in becoming student contributors, taking place this Thursday! Quinta brought attention to a recent article on former Washington Post reporter Felicia Somnez and her disturbing treatment after coming forward with her experience being sexually assaulted. Alan endorsed the Bonne Maman jam-based advent calendar he is using (and abusing). Scott urged listeners to check out the upcoming season of "The Expanse"and to keep an eye out for new about the forthcoming film adaptation of "Hyperion." And David encouraged RatSec fans to check out the latest Lawfare podcast offering, Chatter, a long form interview podcast exploring the fringes of national security and culture, which he is co-hosting along with former RatSec host Shane Harris!

Be sure to visit our show page at www.lawfareblog.com and to follow us on Twitter at @RatlSecurity.

And Rational Security listeners can now get a committed ad-free feed by becoming a Lawfare material supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.