National Security Law Today

National Security Law Today
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National Security Law Today brings legal experts discussing the hot topics and current issues in the world of national security law right to your phone. Get information and advice for lawyers, law students or interested parties who want to dig deeper into the law that protects the country.

  1. News Roundup: Foreign Financing, Defense AI, and Synthetic Biology Risks

    6D AGO

    News Roundup: Foreign Financing, Defense AI, and Synthetic Biology Risks

    In this News Roundup, Elisa unpacks the latest AI-driven developments making headlines—from Chinese financing across U.S. energy and data infrastructure to emerging battlefield AI systems and early research raising concerns about AI-generated pathogens. She also examines evolving strategies for powering data centers, the strategic implications of a potential SpaceX–xAI alignment, and how Anthropic’s latest model signals a new phase in the global AI race. EVENT: Register for our in-person luncheon on March 5 in Washington, D.C., featuring journalist Jason Rezaian and attorney David Bowker on hostage diplomacy and the wrongful detention of Americans overseas. View the full program here. References: NSLT Ep. 127, The Insurrection Act Today with William Banks and Harvey RishikofParks, B. C., Zhang, S., Escobar, B., Walsh, K., Fedorochko, R., Vlasto, L., et al. (2025). Chasing China: Learning to Play by Beijing’s Global Lending Rules. Williamsburg, VA: AidData at William & Mary

    12 min
  2. Venezuela and the Legal Limits of U.S. Power with Brian Egan

    FEB 4

    Venezuela and the Legal Limits of U.S. Power with Brian Egan

    America’s relationship with Venezuela has long been shaped by power, politics, and law, often in uneasy combinations. This week, Elisa Poteat is joined by Brian Egan, partner at Skadden and former State Department Legal Adviser, to examine the legal foundations of U.S. engagement with Venezuela, from maritime interdictions and sanctions to questions of war powers and executive authority. Drawing on history, international law, and recent developments, they explore how past interventions continue to shape today’s national security decisions and what lawyers should be watching for next. Brian Egan is a Partner in National Security, CFIUS, and International Trade at Skadden References: EVENT: Join us for our upcoming luncheon, Hostage Diplomacy and the Rule of Law: The Wrongful Detention of American Citizens, on March 5 at the Army Navy Club in Washington, D.C.UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988UN Convention on the Law of the SeaThe Maritime Drug Law Enforcement ActUN Charter Full TextS.J.Res.98 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.The War Powers ResolutionReuters. “US Approves Possible Sale of Equipment, Services to Shift Peruvian Naval Base.” Reuters, 15 Jan. 2026Nantulya, Paul. "Mapping China’s Strategic Port Development in Africa." Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 10 Mar. 2025

    43 min
  3. Building Aligned AI for National Security, with Mike Vaiana

    JAN 27

    Building Aligned AI for National Security, with Mike Vaiana

    As AI becomes central to national security, alignment itself may introduce new risks. This week, Elisa Poteat is joined by Dr. Michael Vaiana, Research Director at AE Studio, to examine how AI alignment, model testing, and system integration shape both defensive and offensive security capabilities. Together, they explore red teaming, data poisoning, under-researched risks, and what policymakers need to understand about how AI systems behave when deployed at scale. Dr. Michael Vaianais a Research Director at AE Studio References: The Dwarkesh Podcast: Ilya Sutskever – We're moving from the age of scaling to the age of research. Nov. 25 2025.

    30 min
  4. What the NDAA Says About AI in Defense, with Josh Geltzer (Part 2)

    JAN 21

    What the NDAA Says About AI in Defense, with Josh Geltzer (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of their discussion, Elisa Poteat and Josh Geltzer look beyond the NDAA to explore how executive authority, outbound investment restrictions, and state-level efforts are shaping the evolving framework for AI regulation and national security. Joshua Geltzer is a Partner at WilmerHale, focusing on artificial intelligence, CFIUS, crisis management, cybersecurity and national security-related litigation. References: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Full Text)Geltzer, Joshua A., et al. “What the NDAA Means for AI and Cybersecurity.” WilmerHale, 19 Dec. 2025California SB-53 – Artificial intelligence models: large developers (Full Text)E.O. 14365 – Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial IntelligenceColorado SB24-205 – Consumer Protections for Artificial IntelligenceNY State RAISE ActTexas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act

    25 min
  5. What the NDAA Says About AI in Defense, with Josh Geltzer (Part 1)

    JAN 13

    What the NDAA Says About AI in Defense, with Josh Geltzer (Part 1)

    The latest National Defense Authorization Act marks a concrete step in how the Department of Defense is beginning to define, assess, and manage the use of artificial intelligence across its operations. This week, Elisa Poteat is joined by Josh Geltzer, partner at WilmerHale and former Deputy Assistant to the President, to break down what the NDAA outlines when it comes to AI governance. Together, they walk through new assessment frameworks and workforce initiatives: what Congress included, what it left out, and what that reveals about how AI is taking shape inside the national security apparatus. Joshua Geltzer is a Partner at WilmerHale, focusing on artificial intelligence, CFIUS, crisis management, cybersecurity and national security-related litigation. References: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Full Text)Geltzer, Joshua A., et al. “What the NDAA Means for AI and Cybersecurity.” WilmerHale, 19 Dec. 2025California SB-53 – Artificial intelligence models: large developers (Full Text)Geltzer, Joshua A., et al.“Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence: Act SB-53 California Requires New Standardized AI Safety Disclosures.” WilmerHale Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Blog, 1 Oct. 2025

    34 min
  6. Anduril’s Christian Brose: A Keynote on AI and the Next Era of Defense

    JAN 8

    Anduril’s Christian Brose: A Keynote on AI and the Next Era of Defense

    The year ahead points to a new era of technology-driven defense. This week, we share a keynote address from the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference titled “Arms, AI, and the Future of Defense.” Christian Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Anduril Industries, examines how AI, autonomous systems, and commercial innovation are reshaping the defense ecosystem—and what it will take to sustain military advantage. Following opening remarks by Erik Swabb, moderator Mackenzie Eaglen joins Christian Brose for a wide-ranging discussion on acquisition reform, re-industrialization, the role of private capital, and the evolving dynamics of strategic competition. Keynote remarks by Christian Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Anduril Industries Moderated byMackenzie Eaglen, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Introductions by Erik Swabb, Partner at WilmerHale References: Book: Brose, Christian. The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare. Grand Central Publishing, 2020. Audio Recordings from the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law Conference

    45 min
  7. When Tech Titans Decide: AI, Investment, and U.S. Security Law

    12/18/2025

    When Tech Titans Decide: AI, Investment, and U.S. Security Law

    A handful of tech billionaires now wield outsized influence over the U.S. economy—and increasingly, over national security itself. This week, Elisa sits down with Justin Sherman, founder and CEO of Global Cyber Strategies and author of Navigating Technology and National Security, to unpack how advanced AI systems, high-powered chips, and global investment flows collide with U.S. security law. Using a provocative hypothetical, they explore the role of export controls, CFIUS, outbound investment screening, and bulk data regulations—and what happens when companies push right up against the boundaries of oversight. Justin Sherman is the founder and CEO of Global Cyber Strategies, a Washington, DC-based research and advisory firm. References: Sherman, Justin. Navigating Technology and National Security: The Intersection of CFIUS, Team Telecom, AI Controls, and Other Regulations. Wiley, 2025.McFaul, Cole, Sam Bresnick, and Daniel Chou. Pulling Back the Curtain on China’s Military-Civil Fusion: How the PLA Mobilizes Civilian AI for Strategic Advantage. Center for Security and Emerging Technology, September 2025. CSET

    36 min
  8. The AI Arms Race: Expert Perspectives from the National Security Law Conference

    12/10/2025

    The AI Arms Race: Expert Perspectives from the National Security Law Conference

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the security landscape faster than policy can keep pace. This week, we bring you a special episode recorded live at the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law Conference: “The AI Arms Race and National Security Law.” Moderated by Margaret Hu, Professor of Law and Director of Digital Democracy Law at William & Mary Law School, the panel examines how AI is transforming military strategy, cyber operations, and global power competition. Featuring four leading experts in emerging technology, the discussion explores the legal and ethical guardrails needed for autonomous systems, the private sector’s growing role in national defense, and the geopolitical stakes of an AI-driven future. Moderated by Margaret Hu, the Davison M. Douglas Professor of Law Director, Digital Democracy Law, William & Mary Law SchoolFeatured Panelists: Aaron Cooper, Partner & Founding Co-Chair, Critical & Emerging Technologies Practice, Jenner & Block LLP Kat Duffy, Senior Fellow for Digital and Cyberspace Policy, Council on Foreign Relations Joshua Hodges, Partner, Ridgeline Advocacy Group Will Hudson, Associate General Counsel, Anthropic References: CLE Materials from the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law ConferenceAudio Recordings from the 35th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law Conference

    1h 7m
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National Security Law Today brings legal experts discussing the hot topics and current issues in the world of national security law right to your phone. Get information and advice for lawyers, law students or interested parties who want to dig deeper into the law that protects the country.

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  • Creator
    National Security Law Today
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    411
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