The DSR Network

Stories Cited in the Episode: Ukraine says its air defences shoot down 15 Russian missiles Hundreds evacuated from Sudan as fighting enters third week Days after House GOP bill is approved, debt ceiling deadlock continues Regulators seize ailing First Republic Bank, sell remains to JPMorgan Erdogan says Turkey has killed suspected ISIL leader Eastern EU countries strike deal with Commission to clear Ukrainian grain glut Paraguay's conservatives score big election win, defusing Taiwan fears Parrots learn to make video calls to chat with other parrots, then develop friendships, Northeastern University researchers say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Democrats should not be trying to eke out a narrow win in 2024. Given recent results in statewide elections, the Republicans active desire to embrace policies that are opposed by a supermajority of Americans, their seeming impulse to hitch their wagon to a star that is in deep legal trouble and the great record of the Biden Administration, a bigger win is possible. In fact, according to our discussion with guests Simon Rosenberg and David Corn and host David Rothkopf, the Democrats goal should be nothing less than delivering the blow that puts MAGA out of business. That's because it's doable and because given the pace MAGA is trying to game our electoral system, this may be the country's last chance to so. It's an important episode. Don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, as Kavita so eloquently put it, there are so many issues to discuss. Norm and Kavita tackle the debt ceiling, touch on the Disney/DeSantis dispute and in the members only section, discuss the Biden 2024 announcement. Don't miss this timely discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-Seveth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Sudan crisis: Ceasefire extended but fighting continues Pence Appears Before Grand Jury on Trump’s Efforts to Retain Power Russia kills at least 12 in biggest Ukraine air strikes for nearly two months Attack on Burkina Faso military post kills at least 33 soldiers Revealed: Senate investigation into Brett Kavanaugh assault claims contained serious omissions 2 US Army helicopters crash in Alaska, killing 3 soldiers U.S. unveils new immigration measures ahead of Title 42's expiration Michigan 7th grader safely brings full school bus to a stop after driver loses consciousness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-Sixth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Ukraine gains an edge in Kherson as counteroffensive nears Kevin McCarthy Got His Debt Limit Win—Now Comes the Hard Part US and South Korea agree key nuclear weapons deal Airman Accused of Leak Has History of Racist and Violent Remarks, Filing Says Buildup resumed at suspected Chinese military site in UAE, leak says Sound of air strikes echoes in Khartoum as US pushes for longer truce What is the latest on Netanyahu’s corruption trial? 'I thought I was buggin': Roaming peacock bites Bronx man's leg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world faces the prospect that US foreign policy could once again change on a dime if, as could happen, Donald Trump is again elected president of the United States. How do our allies deal with this? Our enemies? Ukraine? Putin? China? We discuss this as well as President Xi's call with President Zelensky, South Korea's president's meeting with Joe Biden and really bad tv shows and movies about DC. Don't miss this great episode with Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake and Ed Luce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-fifth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: US-South Korea summit: Taiwan, semiconductors on agenda between Joe Biden and Yoon Suk-yeol Why the Seoul-Tokyo Détente Is Crucial to U.S. Strategy South Korean President Yoon opens U.S. visit with spotlight on space, mega deals With Biden’s 2024 Bid, Kamala Harris Will Be Under More Scrutiny McCarthy's debt-ceiling bill tests unity of U.S. House Republicans U.S. is concerned about rivals’ space threats, leaked documents show Taliban kill IS leader behind Kabul airport bombing Attempts to silence journalists increase in Europe: CPJ EU warns Rishi Sunak against plan to bypass human rights courts New Orleans student accepted to 125 schools, receives $9M in scholarship offers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-Fourth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Sudan crisis: Ceasefire between army and RSF appears to hold Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News after Dominion lawsuit disclosures Biden to launch ’24 bid, betting record will top age worries Ukraine’s allies denounce ‘cynical’ Russian meeting at UN Guatemala president pledges strong support for 'Republic of Taiwan' Jury selection to begin in Donald Trump’s civil rape trial India to pass China this week as world's most populous nation: UN Family of bears bounce on trampoline in Connecticut yard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In anticipation of Biden's expected 2024 announcement, we're bringing you this episode from our archive. Enjoy! There is no question that the Trump Administration has been a dramatic departure from past US Administrations on issues like democracy promotion, human rights and protecting press freedoms. Autocrats have been embraced. Press freedoms and free speech have been under siege here in the U.S. What would change if Joe Biden took office next January? In the second of our Agenda 2021 series, Amb. Derek Mitchell, President of the National Democratic Institute, Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America and author of the forthcoming Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All (HarperCollins, July 2020) and Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch discuss global trends, and policy shifts they expect and that they would like to see. Don’t miss this important discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-Third Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Foreigners evacuated as factions battle in Sudan’s Khartoum Wall Street starts to fear a debt limit crisis ‘What?!’ Orbán throws cold water on Ukraine’s NATO hopes Europe’s disunity over China deepens Exclusive: Czech Republic looks to supply Vietnam more aircraft, radars At U.S. behest, Ukraine held off anniversary attacks on Russia Journalists who have worked in Moscow call for release of Evan Gershkovich Littlest intruder: Toddler crawls through White House fence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-Second Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Ukraine defended Bakhmut despite U.S. warnings in leaked documents UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigns after bullying probe Sudan clashes continue despite RSF paramilitaries agreeing to Eid ceasefire Russia accidentally bombs own city near Ukraine Top EU diplomats head to the English seaside for secret Brexit away day Supreme Court set to decide on access to abortion pill SpaceX’s Starship ‘Learning Experience’ Ends in Explosion Dead birds are flying again — this time, as drones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two veterans of the Central Intelligence Agency, Marc Polymeropoulos and John Sipher discuss issues from the recent intel leak to new reports of Russian spies trying to manipulate U.S. political outcomes to identify looming risks and what needs to be done about them. The wide ranging and fascinating discussion takes us from Afghanistan to a diner in Vienna, Virginia to give you a perspective on the real world of spies and spying you won't get anywhere else. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventy-First Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: U.S. Sends More Weapons to Ukraine Ahead of Expected Counteroffensive NATO chief makes first wartime visit to Kyiv Dozens killed in crush at Ramadan charity event in Yemen Supreme Court Delays Decision on Abortion Pill, Preserving Access for Now SpaceX takes second shot at launching biggest rocket US authorizes a new round of Covid-19 boosters Exclusive: Pakistan buys its first cargo of discounted Russian crude oil Rare baby blue spiral in Alaska skies leaves Northern Lights enthusiasts 'bewildered' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of DSR, we discuss three immense stories making headlines this week, all of which have major Main Street consequences and global ramifications. First we look at the state of the economy following meetings in DC of the worlds finance and economic leaders. Then, we discuss the consequences of India passing China to be the world's most populous nation. Finally, a look at China's push to become a nuclear weapons superpower and what that may mean both globally and in terms of China's own internal growth and stability. A great conversation with David Sanger of the New York Times and Ed Luce of the Financial Times. Don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Seventieth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Thousands flee Sudan capital as clashes rage despite truce Exclusive: South Korea's Yoon opens door for possible military aid to Ukraine U.S. Defense Secretary Heads to Europe for Meetings on Aid to Ukraine Poland agrees to let Ukrainian food shipments resume across its territory Fox Will Pay $787.5 Million to Settle Defamation Suit China readies supersonic spy drone unit, leaked document says WHO warns Covid-19 pandemic still volatile 101 skydivers over the age of sixty break world record in California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of the recent intelligence documents leaks, we bring you this episode from the DSR archive. The summer may be winding down but the legal pressure on Trump continues to be mounting. The Affidavit for the Search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago was released and his lawyers continue to act erratically. David Rothkopf talks with Mark Zaid of Mark Zaid PC, Rosa Brooks of Georgetown University, and David Sanger of the New York Times to make sense of these developments and what they mean for the future of pursuing justice against Donald Trump. What more do we know about what was seized by the police? Can Trump's lawyers actually defend him? Is this the last straw from Trump? Find out in this thoughtful discussion. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Sixty-Ninth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Blinken warns Sudan’s rivals as US diplomatic convoy comes under fire Putin Traveled to Kherson Region, Close to the Fighting, Kremlin Says Egypt nearly supplied rockets to Russia, agreed to arm Ukraine instead, leak shows Eastern Europeans face Brussels backlash over Ukraine grain bans China’s economic recovery speeds up but global headwinds point to bumpy outlook Elon Musk says he will launch rival to Microsoft-backed ChatGPT U.S. officials have examined whether alleged doc leaker had foreign links Rat ambassadors try to counter bad press amid NYC’s rat war Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Sixty-Eighth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Battles for Control of Sudan Stretch Into a Third Day Ukraine seeks re-opening of grain transit via Poland as 'first step' Lavrov’s Brazil visit highlights Lula’s neutral foreign policy despite US dismay Russians boasted that just 1% of fake social profiles are caught, leak shows 2023’s most important election: Turkey US warship sails through Taiwan Strait following China war games Judge delays trial over Fox News and 2020 election lies Spanish athlete emerges from cave after 500 days underground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of this week's conversations around the Supreme Court, we bring you this episode from last year in our "From the Silo Series." This week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling making it easier to carry a firearm in public, which broke during the taping of this episode. And since we taped, Roe versus Wade was officially overturned. Norm Ornstein and Dr. Kavita Patel try to make sense of it all on the latest episode of Words Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of Words Matter, Norm and Kavita discuss a number of judiciary issues, including reproductive health. In a special extended bonus section, Norm and Kavita tackle Clarence Thomas and Diane Feinstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Sixty-Seventh Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: F.B.I. Arrests National Guardsman in Leak of Classified Documents Jack Teixeira: What we know about Pentagon leak suspect What we know about 21-year-old accused of leaking top-secret documents DeSantis signs Florida bill banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy North Korea tests first ever solid fuel ICBM, Hwasong-18 Russia’s commando units gutted by Ukraine war, U.S. leak shows Europe presses tough Taiwan stance after backlash against Macron comments Biden casts US and Ireland as allies in quest for shared values Legal veto threatens Macron’s pension reform. Is that good news for him? DeMar DeRozan's daughter distracts Raptors with screams in Bulls game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is bad enough the Supreme Court has been transformed from the central pillar of our justice system into a mood ring reflective the shifting views of the extreme right. But the damage that has been done to our legal system and our democracy at large now is visible at every level of the courts, state legislatures and in our Congress. We don't often connect the dots to see how serious the decay has been...but in this special one-on-one conversation with Dahlia Lithwick that's exactly what we do. It is a must-listen episode of Deep State Radio. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Two Hundred Sixty-Sixth Episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Leaker of U.S. secret documents worked on military base, friend says US intelligence leak complicates summit with South Korea Police investigating security breach around President Biden’s Northern Ireland visit after sensitive documents found in street North Korea launches new type of ballistic missile, South says Germany aims to ‘set the record straight’ on China after Macron’s Taiwan comments Qatar and Bahrain to restore ties, end years-long dispute WHO monitoring new Covid-19 subvariant Arcturus, which is driving surge of cases in India New York City appoints first-ever 'rat czar' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

France's President Macron goes to China and succumbs to the charms of Xi Jinping. He leaves spouting Chinese talking points and seeking to split Europe's China stance away from that of the US. Is this a harbinger of things to come in the global competition between China and the US? How can Washington remain attractive to the world? Also: A discussion of the recent secret documents leak and what it means. Join David Sanger, Rosa Brooks and David Rothkopf for this latest episode of DSR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixty-fifth episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: Exclusive: Leaked US intel document claims Serbia agreed to arm Ukraine Iran in secret talks with China, Russia to acquire sanctioned missile fuel Mexican immigration agency chief to be charged in fatal fire Biden to meet UK's Sunak in Belfast at start of Irish tour Myanmar junta says military carried out deadly air strikes that killed dozens Bragg sues House Republicans over ‘campaign of harassment’ amid Trump probe Russia moves to tighten conscription law, pressing more men to fight Chinese man sets world record for four-finger pushups with claps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixty-fourth episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: U.S. in crisis mode with allies after Ukraine intel leak Leaked US intel: Russia operatives claimed new ties with UAE Egypt secretly planned to supply rockets to Russia, leaked U.S. document says Chinese navy ships remain around Taiwan after drills end Dozens killed and wounded in Myanmar military air attacks UN chief Guterres arrives in Mogadishu for brief visit to Somalia China hawks tell Macron: You don’t speak for Europe Florida dog named world's shortest at the height of 3.59 inches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week was a significant one for the House Impeachment Inquiry. On Thursday the House of Representatives voted 232-196 to approve rules and move forward with the impeachment inquiry into President Trump’s conduct. The vote was mostly along party lines with all the Republicans voting against joined by two Democrats from districts Trump won in 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of the recent indictment of Donald Trump, we're bringing you this special episode from the archive about his impeachment. On this special episode of Deep State Radio, coinciding with the official beginning of the House Judiciary Committee's Impeachment Hearings, we discuss the case against Trump in the context of history. Our guests are impeachment historian Frank Bowman of the University of Missouri and Ryan Goodman, NYU Law School professor and co-editor at "Just Security." Are the Democrats making a mistake by focusing on bribery? Did the GOP make any good points in their counter-arguments as the hearings kicked off. Where do we go from here? Can Chief Justice Roberts keep the Senate trial from being a kangaroo court or do Senate rules hamstring him and is the outcome inevitable? It's a lively, vital discussion that is not to be missed. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: This podcast was taped prior to the announced indictments of Donald Trump. The absence of real indictments against Donald Trump allows him to set the narrative. That's not a good thing. So maybe prosecutors should consider drinking a little more Red Bull, having a few more cups of coffee. This is getting ridiculous. We discuss with Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf. We also discuss who will be the GOP candidate for president when Trump and DeSantis flame out. And we consider the imponderable: Why is George Santos still a member of Congress. Join us for answers to all the most pressing political questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All friends are not allies and all allies are not friends. Sometimes countries that start out as allies stop behaving in an ally like way. And sometimes allies become annoying because their prime minister is too good looking. We list some of America's most annoying allies...and discuss why we're a pretty annoying ally ourselves. Join Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake, Ed Luce and David Sanger for this lively, timely discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Michael Weiss sits down with Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings College, London and author of a new book, “Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine,” to discuss the latest in the Ukraine War. Sir Lawrence has written numerous articles about war strategy in general and his commentary and analysis on the war in Ukraine has been highly sought after. Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has been indicted, though the details of the case won’t likely be known until Tuesday of next week when Trump is scheduled to appear in court. Host David Rothkopf is joined by Edward Luce of the Financial Times and Allison Gill of the Daily Beans Podcast to discuss what we know and what we think could happen. Don’t miss this special episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of yet another tragic mass shooting--and we're averaging two per day this year in the US--Americans are again asking the question what can be done. The response of the GOP: "Nothing." That's their plan and it has worked so far to make the U.S. a very dangerous place. So what can we do to help combat this national gun pathology? On this episode of "Words Matter" Dr. Kavita Patel, Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf discuss. Don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrating democracy seems like a good idea. Further, President Biden and his team have been actively supporting democracy worldwide since they took office. But that doesn't mean hosting a democracy summit is a great idea. Because a lot of difficult questions are raised. Like who thinks they're a democracy but really isn't? What do you do with wannabe authoritarians like Netanyahu, Modi & Lopez Obrador? And what long term results can come from these summits. We discuss with Kori Schake, Rosa Brooks and Ed Luce. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of DSR, we speak with Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass) about a wide range of recent events. From the shooting in Nashville and why Congress remains inert in its response to the gun threat to his views on continuing U.S. security concerns in the Middle East in light of his service during the Iraq War as a U.S. Marine officer. We also discuss China and how we can address the threats it poses while avoiding a new Cold War. Don't miss this thoughtful and timely discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of DSR, former diplomat and advisor to Israeli leaders Alon Pinkas provides an insight from Israel into that country's current democracy crisis. He provides insights into the state of affairs at the moment and why the crisis that has brought hundreds of thousands of Israelis into the streets is far from over. He also discusses why this unprecedented Israeli drama is so directly relevant to the United States. Join Pinkas and host David Rothkopf for this in-depth and timely conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally Aired: August 18, 2022 The legal woes are mounting for Trump and his associates around the country. To analyze the latest legal news and its impact on the political landscape, David talks with Steve Vladeck of the University of Texas and Mara Rudman of the Center for American Progress. What can we expect now that the search of Mar-a-Lago is in the rearview mirror? Is Fulton County the most likely place for justice to find Donald Trump? Do voters care about any of this? David, Steve, and Mara discuss during this jam-packed episode. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally Aired: July 22, 2022 The last January 6th committee hearing of the summer was held last night. David and Kavita brokedown what the hearing said and what work the committee has left to do in order to fulfill their mission with an all-star group of guests including E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post, Norm Eisen of the Brookings Institution, and former U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal. What surprised them about the hearing? What are the gaps that the committee still needs to fill? What could future hearings look like? Find out in this vital conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixty-third episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: Grant says goodbye for now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump promised that he would get arrested this week but that hasn't happened (yet). David talked with Dahlia Lithwick of Slate and Allison Gill of The Daily Beans about the status of the various cases against Trump. Is Trump headed to jail soon? Are we talking about all the cases wrong? Find out the answers to these questions and the future of justice during this engaging conversation. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Weiss discusses the strategic importance of Bakhmut and the large Ukrainian military strategy with Mykola Bielieskov, Research Fellow at National Institute for Strategic Studies under UA President/senior analyst at Come Back Alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixty-second episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: Israel ratifies law limiting conditions for a Netanyahu removal Anger at Macron mounts as French unions hold new protests Rahul Gandhi: India's Congress leader sentenced to jail for Modi 'thieves' remark Spain's PM Sanchez survives no-confidence vote Canada lawmaker resigns from government over China charge Ethiopian Parliament removes rebel Tigray party from terror list End to Taiwan ties nears as Honduras foreign minister goes to China 2 escape jail and go to IHOP, where patrons report them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hope you enjoy this episode from our friends at the None of the Above Podcast We recently marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Many are wondering: how does this seemingly intractable conflict end? On Friday, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin’s arrest. On Monday, Putin and Xi Jinping met to discuss China’s peace proposal for Ukraine. The United States and its allies in Europe continue to support Ukraine’s defense with military assistance and aid. Will any of this finally put an end to the war? This week, the Eurasia Group Foundation’s Mark Hannah sits down with perhaps the best positioned person to answer this question: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. They dive into the causes of and potential ways to end the war, and also discuss: the prospect of US-China conflict, the technology shaping the future of war, and the national security risk posed by sharks. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixty-first episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: UN warns against 'vampiric' global water use Ukraine, IMF agree on $15.6 billion loan package Uganda's parliament passes tough new anti-LGBTQ bill Algerian president says Morocco ties reach ‘point of no return’ Mexican president calls U.S. State Department 'liars' after rights report UK inflation makes unexpected comeback, jumps to 10.4 percent US to announce more sanctions against Myanmar junta: State Department official Mysterious Minion sculptures appearing in small Australian town Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Grant and Zoe talk with Charles Dunst about his new book "Defeating The Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail In The Age Of The Strongman". Can democracies actually learn something from dictators? Are people more interested in economic well being or social ax-grinding? Find out during this exciting conversation. In our final segment Charles recommends The Cairo Trilogy: Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street, Grant rants about the breakability of stress balls, and Zoe discusses the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. 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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred sixtieth episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: Putin praised by China's Xi on visit to Moscow US denounces as cover for war crimes Ukraine updates: EU agrees €2 billion ammo plan for Kyiv Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes surprise visit to Ukraine Zhao Weiguo: Chinese regulator accuses chip tycoon of corruption Macron narrowly survives crucial no-confidence votes in parliament Blinken, days after visit, finds 'war crimes' in Ethiopia Venezuela’s powerful oil tsar resigns amid corruption inquiry Man uses Times Square billboard to propose to his girlfriend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two hundred fifty-ninth episode of the DSR Daily Brief. Stories Cited in the Episode: Putin to host ally Xi in Russia as Ukraine war rages Central banks take swift action to keep cash flowing amid investor fears Court cancels Imran Khan’s arrest warrant after clashes in Pakistan capital 20 years on, was removing Saddam Hussein worth the war in Iraq? Credit Suisse, UBS shares plunge after takeover announcement Australia: Rush to clear millions of dead fish jamming river Tear gas, arrests as Kenya opposition stages protests Louisiana works out deal for family to keep pet nutria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally Aired: February 21, 2018 America's problems extend far beyond Russiagate. In fact, they extend far beyond porn stars and having half the cabinet under investigation, failures in Puerto Rico and near nuclear war with North Korea. They include unprecedented levels of overt corruption in the White House...but perhaps worse for a system that depends on checks and balances, they go further to the fact that no one in Congress seeks to call out or stop that corruption. Or gun violence. Or the war on science. Or financial recklessness. Or any of the other ills that currently plague the U.S. How did we get here? Who's to blame? What's to be done? Tune in to find out. Or at least for therapeutic purposes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices