Lawfare Daily: Sept. 11, 2001, 25 Years Later
Summary
This Lawfare podcast episode marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, featuring host Catherine Pompilio and guests Julia Curley, Michael Feinberg, Natalie O’Rett, Lauren Voss, and Benjamin Wittes. The panelists share personal anecdotes from the day and discuss how the attacks fundamentally redirected their careers into national security, law, and journalism. They analyze how 9/11 accelerated pre-existing trends in surveillance and military intervention, while also transforming the cultural landscape of patriotism and intelligence sharing. The discussion culminates in a critical reflection on how…
Topics discussed
Introduction and personal anecdotes from 9/11
Episode overview: 25 years of national security
Pre-9/11 context: Continuum of counterterrorism policy
Shifts in military intervention and covert actions
Cultural vs. institutional changes post-9/11
Agency integration and the rise of public awareness
The evolution of patriotism and media narratives
Lauren's story: From psychology to military service
Lauren's career: Law, GI Bill, and Afghanistan withdrawal
Julia's story: College student in DC and early career
Natalie's story: Response to the response and human rights
Natalie's perspective: Shock and the 'new world'
Ben's story: Washington Post and early realization
Ben's career: Lawfare and the dual mission of protection
Ben's reflection: Horror at the response and personal cost
DHS reorganization and institutional power dynamics
Legal interpretations and the failure of institutional backbones
Law of armed conflict and targeting definitions
Internal reform efforts and the cost of hindsight
Natalie's perspective: Dissent and the role of civil society
Reviewing post-9/11 authorities and potential repeal
Closing thoughts: Remembering the human cost and ongoing vigilance
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