Forces of Law

The technology needed for modern defense is increasingly built by startups — but it has never been easy for them to work with the government. That’s changing. The Trump administration is actively courting startups, cutting red tape, and, in some cases, taking direct equity stakes. Goodwin partner Liza Craig explains what’s new, what pitfalls remain, and why this shift is bigger than any single administration.

Show Notes and Related Content:

• Liza Craig 
• Scaling Defense Tech in 2026 and Beyond 
• Proposed Rule Would Increase Disclosure Requirements for Most Federal Contractors With Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence 
• The 2026 National Defense Strategy Signals Increased DIB Contracting and Investment Opportunities 
• Getting Traction in European Defense 

US antitrust law was written in the 1890s to regulate decisions made by humans. So what happens when AI agents start making business decisions — and, inevitably, communicating across company lines? Goodwin antitrust co-chair Arman Oruc considers whether the foundations of antitrust can hold in an agentic world.

Show Notes and Related Content:

• Arman Oruc
• Antitrust Authorities Rethink Coordination for the Digital Age
• Antitrust Trends in Technology, Life Sciences, and Healthcare

Coming October 5, Forces of Law is a new podcast from Goodwin about the big forces shaping business right now. Each episode tackles one timely question in a quick, 10-minute conversation with a lawyer who lives the issue. What do companies need to know about the new state AI laws? Where is the government getting tougher on corporate enforcement? How is AI rewriting the future of antitrust? Hosted by editors Bob Mertz and Sarah Cambon. New episodes released every other week.

Learn more at www.goodwinlaw.com