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. 3d ago

    News Roundup: Drones, Chips, and the New Economic Battlefield

    In this news roundup, Elisa examines how emerging technologies, economic competition, and shifting methods of warfare are reshaping the national security landscape. She covers the Pentagon’s investment in low-cost drones, Ukraine’s continued use of unmanned systems against Russia, China’s dominance of critical minerals and AI development, the growing use of cryptocurrency to evade sanctions, and renewed debates over tariffs, energy policy, and economic security. Elisa also previews an upcoming series exploring how AI and other disruptive technologies could affect the U.S. economy—and what legal and policy tools may be available to address those risks without stifling innovation. References: Register for our upcoming event: From Public Service to Private Sector: In-House Counsel Navigating Modern Security Threats – Tues., Sept. 1, at 6PM. at Greenberg Traurig LLP – co-hosted by the Women in National Security Law Initiative.Register for the 36th Annual Review of National Security Law CLE Conference – Oct. 8th-9th, at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC Chainalysis, “Crypto Crime Reaches Record High in 2025 as Nation-State Sanctions Evasion Moves On-Chain at Scale” (January 8, 2026)The White House, “Actions by the United States in the Investigations Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974,” presidential memorandum, July 23, 2026.

    News Roundup: Drones, Chips, and the New Economic Battlefield

  2. Jul 22

    Export Controls in the Age of AI & Quantum with Doni Bloomfield (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa and Fordham Law Professor Doni Bloomfield examine whether the modern export-control system is equipped to govern emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors. Together, they explore trade-secret theft, intellectual property rights, restrictions on scientific research, and the challenge of protecting national security without stifling innovation. Doni Bloomfield is an Associate Professor of Law at Fordham Law School whose work focuses on intellectual property, biosecurity, national security law, and health law. References: Bloomfield, Doni. “Export Controls as Intellectual Property Regulation.” Iowa Law Review, vol. 111, 2026, pp. 1955–2005.Bloomfield, Doni, and Jeff Gordon. “The New Export-Control Equilibrium.” SSRN, Fordham Law Legal Studies Research Paper no. 6634758, 23 Apr. 2026Trading With The Enemy Act of 1917The Espionage Act (1917)The Sedition Act (1918)The Invention Secrecy Act (1951)Gross, Daniel P. “The Consequences of Invention Secrecy.” NBER Working Paper no. 25545, 2019.National Security Decision Directive 189Export Control Reform Act of 2018NSLT, Ep. 419, "Biological Data Governance in an Age of AI with Doni Bloomfield"

    Export Controls in the Age of AI & Quantum with Doni Bloomfield (Part 2)

  3. Jul 17

    Export Controls in the Age of AI & Quantum with Doni Bloomfield (Part 1)

    Export controls have long determined which American technologies can cross borders—and which must remain secret. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Elisa is joined by Professor Doni Bloomfield to trace the evolution of U.S. export controls from World War I through the Cold War, examining how wartime censorship, patent secrecy, atomic technology, semiconductors, and cryptography shaped the modern regulatory system. Together, they explore the government’s expanding role in restricting sensitive information, the tension between national security and scientific openness, and the historical foundations of today’s debates over emerging technology. Doni Bloomfield is an Associate Professor of Law at Fordham Law School whose work focuses on intellectual property, biosecurity, national security law, and health law. References: Bloomfield, Doni. “Export Controls as Intellectual Property Regulation.” Iowa Law Review, vol. 111, 2026, pp. 1955–2005.Bloomfield, Doni, and Jeff Gordon. “The New Export-Control Equilibrium.” SSRN, Fordham Law Legal Studies Research Paper no. 6634758, 23 Apr. 2026Trading With The Enemy Act of 1917The Espionage Act (1917)The Sedition Act (1918)The Invention Secrecy Act (1951)Gross, Daniel P. “The Consequences of Invention Secrecy.” NBER Working Paper no. 25545, 2019.National Security Decision Directive 189

    Export Controls in the Age of AI & Quantum with Doni Bloomfield (Part 1)

  4. Jul 9

    AI, Quantum, and the New Threat Landscape with Rob Joyce

    AI, quantum computing, and cyber capabilities are redefining what national security threats look like. This week, Elisa is joined by Rob Joyce, former Director of the NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate, for a conversation on how emerging technologies are altering both the threat landscape and the national security response. Drawing on Joyce’s 34-year career at the National Security Agency, the episode explores AI-enabled cyber risks, the defense of critical infrastructure, government-industry collaboration, quantum readiness, and the workforce needed to navigate the next phase of national security. Rob Joyce is the founder of Joyce Cyber LLC and a former senior NSA cybersecurity leader who served more than 34 years at the agency, including as head of Tailored Access Operations and the Cybersecurity Directorate. References: Post Quantum Cryptography Strategy. Department of War. April 16 2026 E.O. 14413: Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation

    AI, Quantum, and the New Threat Landscape with Rob Joyce

  5. Jul 2

    20 Years of DOJ’s National Security Division: A Live Discussion with Former Leaders

    The Department of Justice’s National Security Division marks 20 years at the center of the federal government’s national security mission. This week, we're featuring a recent live discussion hosted by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security, “DOJ National Security Division 20th Year Anniversary: A Discussion with Former Assistant Attorneys General for National Security.” Moderated by Kelli Andrews, former NSD Chief of Staff, the panel brings together former Assistant Attorneys General Matthew G. Olsen, John Demers, John P. Carlin, and Kenneth L. Wainstein to reflect on NSD’s work addressing nation-state threats, foreign investment risks, espionage, cyber attacks, terrorism, and other evolving national security challenges. Moderated by Kelli Andrews, Senior Director for Cybersecurity and Lawful Access Policy at Microsoft Matthew G. Olsen is a Partner at WilmerHale John Demers is the Corporate Secretary, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Boeing John P. Carlin is a Partner at Paul Weiss Kenneth L. Wainstein is a Partner at Mayer Brown References: NSIT: Quantum Computing Explained E.O. 14413: Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation Alexandra Kelley. “OMB Issues Instructions for Agency Migration to Quantum-Proof Encryption.” Nextgov/FCW, 25 June 2026. NSLT, Ep. 426, "A New Iran Deal? Unpacking the MOU with Brian Egan" Watch for conference and registration information for the 36th Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference – October 7-8, 2026, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC

    20 Years of DOJ’s National Security Division: A Live Discussion with Former Leaders

  6. Jun 24

    A New Iran Deal? Unpacking the MOU with Brian Egan

    The new Iran memorandum is raising old questions about war powers, diplomacy, and congressional oversight. This week, Elisa is joined by Brian Egan, current partner at Skadden and former State Department Legal Adviser and Deputy White House Counsel, to examine the Trump administration’s 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran and how it compares to the JCPOA. Together, they break down what legal force an MOU may carry, what it could mean for sanctions, inspections, frozen funds, and regional security, and why the Algiers Accords still matter when assessing major international agreements. Brian J. Egan is a partner in Skadden’s National Security Group, where he leads the firm’s CFIUS, export controls, and sanctions practices. References: Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding Between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America. NPR, 18 June 2026The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)The Algiers Accords

    A New Iran Deal? Unpacking the MOU with Brian Egan

  7. Jun 17

    FISA 702 Has Sunsetted: What It Means for Intelligence with Glenn Gerstell

    FISA 702 is back at the center of the national security debate. This week, Elisa is joined by Glenn Gerstell, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former General Counsel of the National Security Agency, to break down what FISA Section 702 does, what happened when it lapsed, and what could be at stake if Congress fails to act. Later, Elisa walks through several developments shaping the national security landscape, including proposals for government stakes in AI companies, weapons production among U.S. allies, critical minerals deals, and the spread of online-fueled violence. Glenn Gerstell is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former General Counsel of the National Security Agency. References: FISA Section 702EO 12333The Stored Communications Act (SCA)The SAVE America ActThe American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund ActStrategic Partnership Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the CongoNSLT, Ep. 421, "Cognitive Warfare: AI, False Realities, and the Laws of War with Gary Corn"McClements, Freya. “Study Finds ‘Alarming’ Role Played by Social Media in Sparking Racial Intimidation in North.” The Irish Times, 2 May 2025.Section 721 of the Defense Production ActThe Department of Justice’s First Lawsuit Enforcing a Presidential Order Under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act

    FISA 702 Has Sunsetted: What It Means for Intelligence with Glenn Gerstell

  8. Jun 10

    Frontier AI and the New AI Executive Order with Josh Geltzer

    A new AI executive order is raising big questions about innovation, security, and government oversight. This week, Elisa speaks with Josh Geltzer, Partner at WilmerHale and former Deputy White House Counsel and Legal Advisor to the National Security Council, about the Trump administration’s new framework for securing frontier AI models before they reach the public. Together, they explore what voluntary early access could mean for leading AI companies, how the federal government may respond to national security risks, and whether this kind of public-private process could eventually evolve into a stronger legal framework. Josh Geltzer is a Partner at WilmerHale, where he focuses on national security issues including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, CFIUS, crisis management, and national security-related litigation. References: Executive Order: “Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security.” The White House, June 2, 2026.Executive Order: “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence.” The White House, December 11, 2025.The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)Subscribe to our YouTube

    Frontier AI and the New AI Executive Order with Josh Geltzer
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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
    435
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    National Security Law Today

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