Is our grid capable of supporting our energy needs? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Jonathan Snodgrass of Texas A&M to break down what the electric grid is, who maintains it, and how its vulnerabilities could impact national security. From critical military systems to daily necessities like transportation and groceries, t…

China’s growing presence in African port development is shifting global power dynamics. This week, Elisa is joined by Paul Nantulya of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies to examine China’s growing influence across the continent’s maritime infrastructure. Drawing from his recent study, they discuss how port investments tie into China’s long-ter…

As misinformation fuels mistrust, the challenge ahead is restoring shared civic ground. In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa is joined by Barbara McQuade, Professor at the University of Michigan Law School and former U.S. Attorney, to examine the legal, cultural, and educational solutions that could help strengthen democratic stability. Drawing f…

Changes in how we share and receive information are reshaping democratic stability. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa sits down with Barbara McQuade, Professor at the University of Michigan Law School and former U.S. Attorney, to examine how disinformation, digital echo chambers, and the decline of civic infrastructure are reshaping public …

A growing number of teenage boys in the U.S. are being targeted by large-scale financial sextortion schemes. This week, Elisa sits down with cybercrime expert Paul Raffile to uncover the scale and tactics behind this global blackmail operation, how social media platforms are enabling it, and what it means for the future of America’s workforce. From…

Tariffs have been shaping American policy since 1792, but the legal framework behind them is anything but settled. This week, Elisa is joined by Professor Kathleen Claussen of Georgetown Law to unpack the constitutional authority for imposing tariffs, how presidents have used emergency powers to reshape trade policy, and why legal challenges contin…

(Part 2 of 2) This week, Elisa and Mark Mills explore the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure, and why hydrocarbons remain central to global energy forecasts. They examine the intersection of technology, defense readiness, and long-term energy strategy in an era defined by rising demand and complex supply chains. Mark Mills is founder …

Behind every battery lies a complex web of minerals, mining, and global politics. In Part 1 of this two-part discussion, Elisa is joined by Mark Mills, founder and executive director of the National Center for Energy Analytics, to explore how—and why—America’s mining and processing capabilities have fallen behind. Together, they break down which mi…

As energy needs skyrocket and climate pressure mounts, the conversation around nuclear is shifting—from fear to feasibility. In Part 2 of their discussion, Elisa and Dr. Jeff Waksman dive into the historical baggage, policy bottlenecks, and environmental considerations shaping nuclear’s future. They explore common misconceptions about reactor safet…

Nuclear energy is back in the spotlight as policymakers and innovators look for faster, cleaner, and more reliable energy solutions. This week, Elisa is joined by Dr. Jeff Waksman, Program Manager at the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office, to explore Project Pele—an initiative designed to fast-track the development of mobile nucl…

As AI continues to evolve, what must be done to balance innovation with security and sustainability? In Part 2 of their discussion, Elisa and Dr. Vijay Janapa Reddi dive into the growing energy demands of AI systems, their role in national security, and the challenges of ensuring responsible development. They discuss how AI’s reliance on vast amoun…

The AI revolution is just beginning, and its future depends on how we shape its systems, data, and ethics today. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa sits down with Dr. Vijay Janapa Reddi, Harvard professor and AI systems expert, to break down the three core categories of AI systems—generative, predictive, and prescriptive—and how they functio…

(Part 2 of 2) As global demand for AI, battery technology, and clean energy surges, critical minerals have become essential to powering innovation and protecting national security. To kick off our new series exploring the global race for these vital resources, Elisa sits down with Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Partner…

As global demand for AI, battery technology, and clean energy surges, critical minerals have become essential to powering innovation and protecting national security. To kick off our new series exploring the global race for these vital resources, Elisa sits down with Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Partner at WilmerHale…

This week, Elisa highlights a few of the latest national security headlines, and sets the stage for our upcoming series on the energy grid and the critical minerals essential for AI development. References Check out the Standing Committee on Law and National Security’s latest video series, Strengthening Democracy: A Civics Education Series for Mili…

With the confirmations process well underway, we're taking a fresh look at how it all works. Revisiting a conversation from this past December, Elisa sits down with retired Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro, a veteran of Capitol Hill and author of If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security Process. Together, they explore the th…

As 2025 unfolds, the new administration faces its first major national security challenges: preserving a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East and addressing the contentious TikTok legal battle. In this week’s double episode, Elisa first speaks with Brian Egan, former Legal Adviser at the Department of State, to unpack the Gaza ceasefire, the role o…

The Supreme Court has heard the case that could decide TikTok’s fate in the U.S. This week, Glenn Gerstell returns with Elisa Poteat to discuss the national security concerns that sparked the legal challenge and the broader implications of the hearing. Together, they examine ByteDance’s key arguments, the government’s case, and how a ruling could r…

As the new year unfolds, how have 2024’s defining national security moments set the stage for what’s ahead? This week, Elisa Poteat is joined by Harvey Rishikof, former chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security, for a big-picture review of the past year. Together, they discuss emerging challenges in geopolitics, AI’s growing …

How does a centuries-old constitutional power continue to influence the modern balance of government? This week, Elisa speaks with Neil Eggleston, former White House Counsel to President Obama, to delve into the history and controversies surrounding recess appointments. Together, they explore the historical roots of this executive power, landmark c…

TikTok’s growing influence and its connections to national security remain hot topics in Washington. This week, Elisa sits down with Glenn Gerstell, former General Counsel of the National Security Agency, to examine the legal battles surrounding TikTok, including a recent D.C. Circuit Court ruling. Together, they unpack the implications of foreign …

(Part 2 of 2) The nominations and confirmations process is a cornerstone of American governance, but how does it actually work? Continuing our discussion on the confirmation process, Elisa sits down with retired Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro, a veteran of Capitol Hill and author of If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security…

The nominations and confirmations process is a cornerstone of American governance, but how does it actually work? Continuing our discussion on the confirmation process, Elisa sits down with retired Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro, a veteran of Capitol Hill and author of If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security Process. Toge…

From vetting nominees to navigating Senate committees, the process of appointing leaders in the Executive Branch is both intricate and essential. This week, Elisa Poteat welcomes Erik Swabb, Partner at WilmerHale and former General Counsel of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to demystify the confirmation process. Together, they explore how nomi…

This week, Elisa revisits her conversation with longtime former Pardon Attorney, Helen Bollwerk, to unpack the presidential pardoning process. Together, they explore the procedural regulations, judicial precedents, past controversies, and the pressing question of whether a president-elect can pardon himself. Helen Bollwerk served as a pardon attorn…

While the U.S. presidential election takes center stage, global events continue to unfold. This week, Elisa delves into the latest national security headlines, covering key takeaways from the BRICS summit, Chinese espionage tactics, a recent data breach exposing millions of Americans' healthcare information, and more. References: Upcoming ABA Event…

On October 15th, the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security hosted a luncheon event featuring remarks by Ambassador John Sullivan, former US ambassador to the Russian Federation from 2019 to 2022, and author of Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir From the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West. Ambassador Sullivan shares his firsthand e…

(Part 2 of 2) - The rapid development of AI presents a unique challenge: how do we balance innovation with regulation? This week, Elisa is joined by Samir Jain, Vice President of Policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, and Margaret Hu, Professor of Law and Director of the Digital Democracy Lab at William & Mary Law School. Together, they d…

The rapid development of AI presents a unique challenge: how do we balance innovation with regulation? This week, Elisa is joined by Samir Jain, Vice President of Policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, and Margaret Hu, Professor of Law and Director of the Digital Democracy Lab at William & Mary Law School. Together, they delve into the co…

As the world imposes economic sanctions on Russia, the effectiveness of these measures comes under scrutiny. This week, Elisa sits down with Bloomberg journalist Stephanie Baker to discuss her latest book, Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia. Together, they explore how Russia's oligarchs have managed to evade sancti…

This week, join the ABA Standing Committee for a discussion with David Cattler, Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the government's premier provider of integrated security services. DCSA blends industrial security, counterintelligence support, personnel vetting and security training to advance and preserve Ameri…

(Part 2 of 2) As AI advances and data privacy laws fall behind, the U.S. faces a major national security threat: the unchecked exploitation of personal data.This week, Elisa is joined by Margaret Hu, Professor of Law at William & Mary, and Davi Ottenheimer, Vice President of Trust and Digital Ethics at Inrupt, to explore the vulnerabilities in our …

As AI advances and data privacy laws fall behind, the U.S. faces a major national security threat: the unchecked exploitation of personal data.This week, Elisa is joined by Margaret Hu, Professor of Law at William & Mary, and Davi Ottenheimer, Vice President of Trust and Digital Ethics at Inrupt, to explore the vulnerabilities in our digital footpr…

(Part 2 of 2) Lobbying has long been a powerful force in Washington, shaping policies and influencing decisions behind closed doors. But how deep does this influence go, and what are the consequences for national security? This week, host Elisa sits down with Brody Mullins, co-author of The Wolves of K Street, to discuss the murky world of lobbying…

Lobbying has long been a powerful force in Washington, shaping policies and influencing decisions behind closed doors. But how deep does this influence go, and what are the consequences for national security? This week, host Elisa sits down with Brody Mullins, co-author of The Wolves of K Street, to discuss the murky world of lobbying, its historic…

Part 2 of 2 – Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Houthis have launched attacks on merchant vessels, disrupting global trade and raising crucial questions about maritime law. This week, Elisa sits down with Professor Magne Frostad of UiT the Arctic University of Norway to explore the legal frameworks that govern maritime security, the …

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Houthis have launched attacks on merchant vessels, disrupting global trade and raising crucial questions about maritime law. This week, Elisa sits down with Professor Magne Frostad of UiT the Arctic University of Norway to explore the legal frameworks that govern maritime security, the impact of thes…

(Part 2 of 2) – As national security challenges evolve, so too does the scope of executive power in addressing them. This week, host Elisa is joined by Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law and former dean of Yale Law School, to discuss his book, "The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century." Together, they explore t…

As national security challenges evolve, so too does the scope of executive power in addressing them. This week, host Elisa is joined by Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law and former dean of Yale Law School, to discuss his book, "The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century." Together, they explore the evolution of …

As the U.S. gears up for another presidential election this Fall, it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of how Americans elect their leaders. What is the electoral college? And what happens if there is a contested election? This week, we're revisiting a past conversation with Professor Edward Foley, Director of Election Law at Ohio State Univ…

This week in Washington, leadership from NATO's 32 member nations convene for the annual NATO summit, marking the alliance's 75th anniversary. On the docket are contemporary challenges and controversies, all of which will influence the future direction of NATO. In honor of the summit we're re-airing two previous conversations, featuring NATO expert…

This week, Elisa tackles hot-button issues in national security law: threats to the SWIFT system, Taiwan's semiconductor industry, and the uncertain future of NATO as we inch our way towards the U.S. presidential election this fall. References: NSLT Ep. 217, "Crackdown on Russia's Dirty Money with Brian Egan" NSLT Ep. 325, "Security Lessons from Sc…

Like a vast haystack of digital information, bulk data conceals critical needles—sensitive details that, if found and exploited, can pose severe risks to national security. This week, Elisa is joined by Eric Johnson, the Principal Deputy Chief of the Foreign Investment Review Section at the DOJ's National Security Division. Together they discuss th…

Could the personal data of millions of Americans be our country's greatest national security treasure? This week, host Elisa is joined by Brandon Pugh, Policy Director and Resident Senior Fellow for the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats team at the R Street Institute. Together, they discuss the silent behemoth that is online personal data collecti…

On May 29th, the Standing Committee on Law and National Security hosted a luncheon featuring Jonathan Meyer, General Counsel for the DHS. Moderated by committee member Harvey Rishikof, Jonathan shared some of the department's key insights from the 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment, highlighting threats like foreign and domestic terrorism, immigration…

(Part 2 of 2) Continuing our series on the intersection of sci-fi and national security, host Elisa is joined by Sunita Patel, Senior Assistant General Counsel for Product Security at Micron. Together they unpack the 1990's film, Total Recall, exploring themes of memory, identity, and reality. What can sci-fi tales like Total Recall teach us about …

Continuing our series on the intersection of sci-fi and national security, host Elisa is joined by Sunita Patel, Senior Assistant General Counsel for Product Security at Micron. Together they unpack the 1990's film, Total Recall, exploring themes of memory, identity, and reality. What can sci-fi tales like Total Recall teach us about real "brain-co…

This week, Elisa dives straight in with a quick national security news update, spotlighting the recent death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as the ICC announcement of war crime charges against both Israel and Hamas leaders in relation to the Oct. 7th attacks and aftermath. Following the news update, Elisa revisits a previously aired di…

Looking for the latest national security news? This week, Elisa breaks down recent national security related headlines, including Russia's advancement in Ukraine, major U.S. leaps in quantum computing, and a preview of next week's episode covering how your personal data, including DNA data, are quietly being bought and sold. References: "Russia int…

This week, Elisa is back with Tracy Reynolds and Harvey Rishikof to discuss the second book in Octavia Butler's popular Parable series, Parable of the Talents. Together they discuss its real-world connections, ironic cultural and religious references, and its cautionary connections to today's national security law issues. Elisa opens the episode by…