Podcasts about Kleptocracy

Four years ago, almost to the day of recording, Oliver Bullough was a guest on this show for the first time to discuss his concept of 'Moneyland'. This borderless virtual country where the wealthy go to keep their wealth beyond the reach of any government, any tax office, any voter. Between then and now, I've maintained interest on this thread. Nicholas Shaxson discussed on the pod the cancerous plumbing of the offshore world in Treasure Islands. John Christensen showed how that plumbing quietly corrodes culture and politics. Bill Browder shows where the abstraction becomes violence. Nathan Lynch showed how Australia is every bit as dirty as anywhere else, and Matt Friedman, just a few weeks ago, put a number on the human end of it: $236 billion a year in illicit profit from modern slavery.Oliver's latest book is Everybody Loves Our Dollars: How Money Laundering Won. His argument is bleak, precise, and very hard to wave away. We have spent decades and roughly $200 billion a year building an anti-money-laundering fortress, and by the best available estimates the share of the world economy being laundered hasn't moved since the 1990s. We get into why governments have failed so completely at this one. We follow the money where it actually goes: not just through banks, but through cash (central banks printing $100 bills faster than they can build factories), through crypto and stablecoins, and through the oldest trick of all — value hidden inside shipments of used cars, watches, oil, grain, the way the Medici did it in Florence. We talk about the scam compounds of Southeast Asia, where trafficked people are tortured into defrauding pensioners on the other side of the world, and how that horror connects — directly, traceably — to the very top of global power, through Tether, Cantor Fitzgerald, and a US Commerce Secretary's family.And underneath all of it, the real subject: the relationship between money and power, and what happens to democracy when the two become the same thing. Oliver's "offshore bandits" — elites who loot their own countries while living and banking somewhere else, feeling none of the consequences — are a darker upgrade on Mancur Olson's stationary bandit. It's a Moneyland story, and it's spreading.There are lighter turns too — Wright Patman, the forgotten Texan congressman who fathered anti-money-laundering law; Peter Pomerantsev and the propaganda war; Bill Browder before he was Bill Browder; and an unexpectedly lyrical detour to the walnut forests and white mountains of Kyrgyzstan.Oliver Bullough...Links Oliver Bullough BooksCurious Worldview SubstackPodcast Starter PacksInvestigative JournalistsOffshore Finance/Kleptocracy & Money LaunderingGeopolitics/Economics/Economic DevelopmentExplorers & AdventurersLeave a review on Apple or Spotify (nothing does more to help grow the show)

The New Yorker staff writer David D. Kirkpatrick joins Tyler Foggatt and Andrew Marantz to discuss his investigation—published in August, 2025—into the many ways President Donald Trump has profited during his second term, which include a reported private jet (a gift from Qatar), soaring valuations of Trump Media, and a flood of crypto ventures. They discuss whether these attempts at self-enrichment amount to ordinary political corruption, or whether they represent tools for consolidating power that could in turn accelerate democratic backsliding in the United States, much like in kleptocracies and oligarchies abroad.This episode originally aired on August 20, 2025.This week's reading: “Is There a Remedy for Presidential Profiteering?,” by David D. Kirkpatrick “Trump's Profiteering Hits $6 Billion,” by David D. Kirkpatrick “This Is What Trumpian Self-Dealing Looks Like,” by John Cassidy “How Trump Created a Slush Fund for His Allies,” by Ruth Marcus “How Pakistan Is Using the Iran War to Reinvent Itself,” by Sudarsan Raghavan “The Strange Emptiness of the Crowded Governor's Race in California,” by Nathan Heller The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

While the podcast team is taking a Radical Sabbatical, Kim is interviewing authors of the books that have had a big impact on her in the past two years.  In this episode, Kim speaks with Oliver Bullough, journalist and author of the highly acclaimed books: Butler to the World: How Britain Helps the World's Worst People Launder Money, Commit Crimes, and Get Away with Anything and Moneyland: Why Thieves and Crooks Now Rule the World and How To Take It Back.  Oliver's new book is called Everybody Loves Our Dollars - How Money Laundering Won. Oliver describes a moment in his life that shaped each of these books. He was touring the palace of Yanukovych, the corrupt pro-Russian ex-President of Ukraine, horrified at the extravagant opulence, all stolen from the Ukrainian people. “How did you let him get away with this?” Oliver asked his friend. “Well, actually you're technically in London, not Ukraine, right now,” his friend responded. Who is corrupt, the people who stole the money, or the lawyers, bankers, and accountants in countries that tout their lack of corruption? Oliver describes the systems in place to help the wealthy dodge taxes and the deeply corrupt to hide their theft. Kim and Oliver talk about the corrosive effect on our political institutions and our economy; and how we got here in the post-WWII era.    Guest Background: Oliver Bullough is a journalist and author from Wales who writes about financial crime, the former Soviet Union, and offshore skulduggery. He lives near Hay-on-Wye, and has previously lived in London, Moscow, St Petersburg and Bishkek.  When not working, he likes watching rugby, cooking pizzas, swimming in the river and walking in the hills.  You can find him on Twitter at @oliverbullough. CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction to Oliver Bullough and His Works (03:03) The Evolution of Offshore Finance (06:06) Naughty Money vs. Evil Money (09:01) Exploring Yanukovych's Palace and Corruption (12:11) Understanding Modern Corruption and Kleptocracy (15:03) The Role of Cryptocurrency in Financial Crime (18:14) The Dark World of Scams and Trafficking (21:03) The Banality of Evil in Financial Crimes (24:03) Legal Challenges in Exposing Corruption (27:04) Personal Fascination with Eastern Europe and Russia (29:42) The Allure of Russia: A Personal Journey (32:06) Putin's Rise: Observations from the Ground (34:17) The Impact of Neoliberalism on Eastern Europe (35:22) Bretton Woods: Lessons from History (40:21) The Corruption of Wealth: Offshore Finance's Role (44:22) AI and Corruption: A New Era (48:19) Reputation Laundering: The Case of Dmitry Firtash (55:19) The Future of Money Laundering: Insights from 'Everybody Loves Our Dollars' Connect with the Radical Candor team: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unprecedented, illegal, utterly corrupt $1.8 billion taxpayer funded slush fund. The IRS agrees never to audit him and his family. He throws his corruption in our faces every day at a scale Americans have never seen. The only question is: What comes after Trump? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1/3: Preview for Later Today: Rich Goldberg discusses tracking IRGC assets hidden in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. He advocates for a kleptocracy initiative, similar to the Russian oligarch program, to seize real estate and funds from Iranian leadership.1721

In a week where the world held its breath over the potential for a civilization-ending nuclear attack by Trump and Netanyahu on Iran and a horrific bombing of Lebanon, our focus should also turn toward the alarming escalation of threats to Canada from the Trump regime. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending separatists in court – an act that begs the question of loyalty and responsibility as calls for investigations into treasonous acts rise.Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is unravelling, with yet another MP defecting to Mark Carney's Liberal Party, which is on the brink of securing a majority.We cannot overlook the authoritarian moves being made by Doug Ford in Ontario, now facing legal challenges from a populace that has had enough of his growing kleptocracy. Join panellists Keith Leslie, Mark Cripps, and host Laura Babcock on this EPIC SCANDAL PANEL, where they dive into the tumultuous news cycle with keen insights and lots of humour to lighten the load. This is not just another discussion – it's a rallying cry for all of us to stand together against these challenges. You won't want to miss it! There's a curse word warning, but we're in this together, and through laughter and dialogue, we can protect our democracy.Don't just watch – share your thoughts, hype it up, comment, and subscribe! Together, we can navigate these insane times and emerge stronger for it!#canadanews #trump #canadastrong #carney #alberta #canada #ontario #elbowsup #poilievre #liberalparty #LiberalConvention #Montreal #Iran #Lebanon #Treason #albertaindependence #ForeverCanadian #CPC #canadianpodcast #canadianpolitics #ScandalPanel #OnEd #Ontario #ONpoliAn independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Easter Weekend, we witnessed a shocking display of political madness that demands our urgent attention. Trump's outrageous statement about Iran, along with his alarming plans to invade 50 miles into Canada, should send chills down our spines. It raises critical questions—what's really happening behind the scenes, and how far will this rogue regime go? To make matters worse, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been cozying up to figures like Tucker Carlson, who is now openly advocating for regime change in Canada. This is especially concerning in light of the ever-growing referendum crisis, which threatens the very fabric of our democracy.Meanwhile, Mark Carney is fighting hard to secure a majority in by-elections, gaining global praise for his Middle Powers doctrine as a necessary strategy in the wake of the War in Iran and the unpredictable US leadership. Conversely, we have Trump supporter Premier Doug Ford, who is perpetuating an autocratic agenda by installing loyalists as Regional Chairs. Amid ongoing scandals, Ontario's reputation is rapidly deteriorating into that of a kleptocracy rather than a democracy.We cannot afford to be complacent. Join Host Laura Babcock and guests Paul Stewart and Michau van Speyk (@MEEKSVS on X) as they delve into these urgent issues. This is a critical conversation for the future of our democracy—don't miss it! Your voice matters now more than ever! Comment, share and subscribe!#canadanews #trump #canadastrong #carney #canada #alberta #ontario #tradewar #elbowsup #iran #iranwar #ukraine #russia #treason #alberta #canadianpodcast #canadianpolitics An independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration is a shining example of every terrible -ocracy you can imagine. As global oil prices skyrocket and conflict with Iran rages on, it's clear that this administration continues to succumb to its worst impulses. Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf breakdown the uniquely corrupt dealings of Trump and how the battle for American democracy is about to reach new heights. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration is a shining example of every terrible -ocracy you can imagine. As global oil prices skyrocket and conflict with Iran rages on, it's clear that this administration continues to succumb to its worst impulses. Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf breakdown the uniquely corrupt dealings of Trump and how the battle for American democracy is about to reach new heights. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration is a shining example of every terrible -ocracy you can imagine. As global oil prices skyrocket and conflict with Iran rages on, it's clear that this administration continues to succumb to its worst impulses. Norm Ornstein and David Rothkopf breakdown the uniquely corrupt dealings of Trump and how the battle for American democracy is about to reach new heights. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the US/Israel attack on Iran.Two professors describe the staggering corruption Trump is normalizing and how it is affecting foreign policy. Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon join The Mona Charen Show to discuss their Foreign Affairs piece “The Age of Kleptocracy.” Go to https://Quince.com/MONA for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will.

Despite significant volumes of illicit finance flowing through the UK, asset recovery from kleptocratic networks remains limited. In this episode, regular KB host Robert Barrington speaks with Maria Nizzero, the Head of Sanctions Policy at UK Finance and Honorary Research Fellow at Exeter University, about her recent research that proposes reconceptualizing kleptocracy as a transnational criminal enterprise. Through comparative analysis of anti-racketeering legislation across multiple jurisdictions, the research identifies five distinctive features that enable more effective prosecution and asset recovery. These include targeting organizational structures rather than individuals, establishing liability through patterns of conduct, employing flexible evidentiary standards, and justifying intervention based on societal harm. The conversation examines how these frameworks address persistent challenges in kleptocracy cases, particularly the problem of tracing assets to historical predicate offenses in uncooperative jurisdictions, and explores the implications of situating illicit finance within national security frameworks rather than traditional corruption paradigms. Links to related papers: Nizzero, M., Heathershaw, J., and Mayne, T. 2026. The Kleptocratic Enterprise: Lessons from organised crime to target transnational corruption and strengthen asset recovery in the UK. GI ACE Working Paper. Brighton: University of Sussex. https://giace.org/resources/the-kleptocratic-enterprise/ Heathershaw, J., Prelec, T. and Mayne, T., 2021. Indulging kleptocracy: British service providers, postcommunist elites, and the enabling of corruption. Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/58173 Nizzero, M. (2023). How to Seize a Billion: Exploring Mechanisms to Recover the Proceeds of Kleptocracy. SOC ACE Research Paper No. 16. Birmingham, UK: University of Birmingham.https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/external-publications/how-seize-billion-exploring-mechanisms-recover-proceeds-kleptocracy

Philip welcomes Luke Kemp, the author of the bestselling work, Goliath's Curse: The History and Future of Societal Collapse. In their conversation they dissect Luke's thesis on what collapse means and how its impact is unevenly distributed and how it has changed over the centuries now we live in a “global goliath”. The Drop – The segment of the show where Philip and his guest share tasty morsels of intellectual goodness and creative musings. Philip's Drop: https://www.scottmccloud.com/2-print/4-zot/index.html Luke's Drop: Merhcants of Doubt – Naomi Oreskes/Erik Conway (https://www.merchantsofdoubt.org/) Against the Grain – James C. Scott (https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300240214/against-the-grain/) Gangster States: Organized Crime, Kleptocracy and Political Collapse – Katherine Hirschfeld (https://humansandnature.org/katherine-hirschfeld/) Special Guest: Luke Kemp.

Corruption defines both the perception and reality of government, eroding trust and even threatening national security. Today, the safeguards meant to keep our government accountable are failing. From the mass firing of inspectors general to congressional stock trading and Supreme Court ethics scandals, abuses of power are weakening public trust and raising fears that the U.S. could slide toward kleptocracy.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with Mark Lee Greenblatt, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior; Jodi Vittori, Georgetown University professor and expert on corruption and national security; and Kedric Payne, Vice President and General Counsel at Campaign Legal Center. Together, they trace America's long fight against corruption — from the founders' earliest fears to Watergate reforms — and examine how today's failures of accountability threaten American democracy. The episode closes with solutions for restoring integrity, eliminating conflicts of interest and rebuilding trust in American government. Timestamps:(00:05) — Why did Trump fire 17 inspectors general?(07:36) — How has corruption shaped U.S. history?(11:14) — What reforms followed Watergate?(18:22) — Why does corruption feel worse in daily life now?(23:01) — How did Trump weaken watchdog offices and ethics enforcement?(28:47) — Why does congressional stock trading undermine trust?(33:58) — What do Supreme Court ethics scandals reveal?(39:59) — Could the U.S. slide toward kleptocracy?(46:04) — How does corruption threaten national security?(56:57) — What reforms could restore accountability and integrity? Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Mark Lee Greenblatt is an expert on government ethics and compliance, an attorney and author. Most recently, he served as Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Interior. His work bolstered the integrity of the agency's programs, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department's $10 billion in grants and contracts and $12 billion in natural resource royalties. Mark was elected by the 74 Inspectors General to serve as the Chairman of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency in 2022. He previously served in leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He also served as an investigative counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Anita Brody and was a litigator in two international law firms. Mark is the author of Valor, which tells untold stories of 21st century American soldiers, sailors and Marines who faced gut-wrenching decisions to overcome enormous odds. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, and he regularly appears in the news media. He graduated from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar, and he earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University.Jodi Vittori is an expert on the linkages of corruption, state fragility, illicit finance and U.S. national security. She is a Professor of Practice and co-chair of the Global Politics and Security program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Jodi is also an associate fellow with RUSI's Centre for Finance and Security and was previously a non-resident fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Before joining the Georgetown University faculty, she was the U.S. Research and Policy Manager for Transparency International's Defense and Security Program and a senior policy advisor for Global Witness. Jodi also served in the U.S. Air Force; her overseas service included Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and she was assigned to NATO's only counter-corruption task force. She was an Assistant Professor and military faculty at the US Air Force Academy and the National Defense University. Jodi is also a founder and co-moderator of the Anti-Corruption Advocacy Network (ACAN), which facilitates information exchange on corruption-related issues amongst over 1,000 participating individuals and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and received her PhD in International Studies from the University of Denver.Kedric Payne leads the government ethics program at Campaign Legal Center, where he works to strengthen ethics laws and hold public officials accountable at the federal, state and local levels. He conducts investigations into government corruption and initiates legal actions against officials who violate the law. At CLC, Kedric has been at the forefront of advancing reforms on issues such as congressional stock trading, Supreme Court ethics enforcement, executive branch conflicts of interest, and state ethics commission autonomy. His legal work and analysis have been featured in major media outlets. He has also testified at congressional hearings on government ethics and accountability. Before joining CLC, Kedric built a broad legal career across all three branches of the federal government and in private practice. He began as a litigator at Cravath and later practiced political law at Skadden. He went on to serve as Deputy Chief Counsel at the Office of Congressional Ethics and as a Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he advised on federal ethics laws. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.Links: Understanding Corruption and Conflicts of Interest in Government – CLC Holding Government Officials Accountable for Unlawful Conflict of Interest Violations – CLC Ethics Pledges by Trump Cabinet Draw Questions and Skepticism – NY Times CLC Sues to Stop Elon Musk and DOGE's Lawless, Unconstitutional Power Grab – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC Is Musk Using the FAA to Benefit Himself and His SpaceX Subsidiary, Starlink? – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC How a Second Term Introduces More Conflicts of Interest for Trump – CLC CLC's Kedric Payne on Trump's Brazen Removal of Nation's Top Ethics Official – CLC The public won't get to see Elon Musk's financial disclosures. Here's why that matters.  – CBS  Justice Clarence Thomas Should Be Held Accountable Under Federal Ethics Law – CLC Judicial Conference Decision Lowers Ethics Standards for Federal Judges and U.S. Supreme Court – CLC Improving Ethics Standards at the Supreme Court – CLC The Justice Department Is In Danger Of Losing Its Way Under Trump – CLC Congress Has an Ethics Problem. Now It's Trying to Get Rid of Ethics Enforcement – CLC A Win for Ethics: CLC, Partners Succeed in Preserving Office of Congressional Conduct – CLC Crypto Political Fundraising Raises Questions About Senate Ethics Committee Efficacy – CLC Stopping the Revolving Door: Preventing Conflicts of Interest from Former Lobbyists – CLC The Trump Administration Has Opened the Door to More Corruption – CLC Solving the Congressional Stock Trading Problem – CLCAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Subscribe now to skip ads, get bonus content, and access the entire podcast catalog of 500 episodes. Sudan's civil war, genocide, and famine continue to go mostly unnoticed in the United States. This is even though millions of people are being brutalized, murdered, raped, or displaced in a conflict where there are no good sides, and where democracy is not on the line. In this episode, Tufts University scholar Alex de Waal, one of the world's foremost experts on Sudan and the Horn of Africa, explains why peace and justice are distant possibilities in Sudan's third civil war since its 1956 independence. Further reading: Lineages of Genocide in Sudan by Alex de Waal (Journal of Genocide Research)

The New Yorker staff writer Andrew Marantz joins Tyler Foggatt for the latest installment of “How Bad Is It?,” a monthly series on the health of American democracy. Their guest is David D. Kirkpatrick, whose new investigation details the many ways President Donald Trump has profited during his second term—from a reported private jet gifted by Qatar to soaring valuations of Trump Media and a flood of crypto ventures. They discuss whether these attempts at self-enrichment amount to ordinary political corruption or whether they represent tools for consolidating power which could accelerate democratic backsliding in the United States, much like in kleptocracies and oligarchies abroad.This week's reading: “How Much Is Trump Profiting Off the Presidency?,” by David D. Kirkpatrick “Can Donald Trump Police the United States?,” by Christian Fairas  “Pam Bondi's Power Play,” by Ruth Marcus “The Troubling Lines That Columbia Is Drawing,” by Eyal Press “The Texas Democrats' Remote Resistance” by Peter Slevin Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode with speak to author, historian and political commentator Casey Michel about his book, 'American Kleptocracy: How the U.S. created the greatest money-laundering scheme in history'. The two discussed what is kleptocracy, how different tyrants across the world are utilising the American banking system for their own gain, and the various items that have become part of this system.To keep up to date with Casey head to the Human Rights Foundation's Combating Kleptocracy Program, his own website, his X, and his LinkedinGrab a copy of American KleptocracyIf you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukTo support History with Jackson to carry on creating content subscribe to History with Jackson+ on Apple Podcasts or support us on our Patreon!To catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boyle, T.C. www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart

Boyle, T.C. www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart

In this explosive two-part broadcast, Tara peels back the layers of corruption, collusion, and cover-ups at the highest levels of government. The show begins with breaking news on Sheriff Chuck Wright's FBI nepotism investigation and spirals into a wide-reaching indictment of how federal agencies have been used as political weapons. From Elvis Chan's unconstitutional censorship of American voices to the concealment of Hunter Biden's multimillion-dollar foreign bribery scandal, no stone is left unturned. Tulsi Gabbard's declassified revelations expose how Americans were secretly labeled as “domestic violent extremists” simply for opposing COVID policies or Biden's border agenda. As Antonio Gracias warns of America tipping into kleptocracy, Tara demands accountability and prioritizes real investigations—before the foundations of freedom vanish for good.

Today's show delivers a hard-hitting exposé on the growing threat of government overreach and institutional corruption. From the FBI's investigation into Sheriff Chuck Wright for nepotism to the disturbing revelations about Elvis Chan's censorship regime and Hunter Biden's $20 million bribery cover-up, Tara uncovers how federal agencies were weaponized to silence dissent and protect the powerful. Tulsi Gabbard's declassified documents reveal the Biden administration secretly labeled Americans as domestic threats for opposing mandates and policies—ushering in an era of political persecution. Also explored: Trump's defunding battle with NPR, Antonio Gracias's warning of a looming kleptocracy, and the critical importance of investigating real threats—not distractions like Hunter Biden's cocaine. This is a deep dive into how democracy is being dismantled from within—and what must be done to stop it.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Scott to discuss the rise of kleptocracy in America, the global playbook of autocrats, and solutions to our democratic slide. Follow Anne, @anneapplebaum. Algebra of Happiness: greatness is in the agency of others.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In her recent Lawfare article, Alexis Loeb—a former deputy chief of the Jan. 6 Capitol Siege Section at the U.S. Department of Justice and a current partner at Farella, Braun, and Martel—discussed Attorney General Pam Bondi's memo dismantling the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. On today's episode, Loeb joined Lawfare Associate Editor Olivia Manes to talk about the work that the Kleptocracy Team conducted, why it mattered for national security, and whether the Justice Department's actions are part of a broader administrative trend towards non-enforcement of corruption.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first 100 days of Trump's second term have come to an end… so, what comes next? Overseas, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has transformed his country into electoral autocracy using tactics that bear a striking resemblance to those currently playing out in Trump's America. To close out the Trumpland series, MSNBC's Alex Wagner travels to Hungary and speaks with lawyers, journalists, politicians, and advocates on the ground who offer important lessons for America while they continue to fight for democracy in their own country. Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode ad-free, plus get an upcoming exclusive bonus episode of Trumpland!

What is it that Donald Trump ultimately aims to achieve? That question has been on many people's minds ever since Trump came back to power in January. And it's not just the chaos and panic that his transactional approach caused internationally. There are concerns about the rule of law and the future of democracy in the United States itself.   Guest: Ian Bremmer - American political scientist, founder and president of Eurasia Group Článek a další informace najdete na webu Seznam ZprávySledujte nás na sociálních sítích X, Instagram, Threads nebo Bluesky. Náměty a připomínky nám můžete psát na e-mail zaminutusest@sz.cz

Sen. Van Hollen showed that Congress actually does have agency, and a federal judge finally scorched the administration in crystal-clear language about how it's violating the essence of our constitutional republic. But the White House is just treating the whole Abrego Garcia affair like it's a joke. Meanwhile, Trump is elevating his own businesses over the nation's, and is quickly adopting the kleptocratic models of Russia and China—while overlooking the fact that the Chinese have maintained a functional and competent government. Plus, children all over the world are going to die because Elon wants our money to go to his companies, and Marco signaled that the big talker who promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is ready to give up and walk away. Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Anne's recent piece, "Kleptocracy, Inc." The Atlantic on Trump ending lifesaving humanitarian aid JVL's Triad on the mindset of ICE agents Tim's playlist

Exclusive Interview at SXSW with Casey Michel, author of American Kleptocracy and Foreign Agents, and researcher at the Human Rights Foundation.Casey breaks down what kleptocracy is, why America is showing signs of it, how the Trump administration just engaged in the worst destruction of anti-corruption measures in American history in 1 1/2 months, and what the impact will be on everyday Americans.

Several of the world's wealthiest men stood behind Donald Trump as he was inaugurated for a second term, contradicting his image as a populist president. This prompts the question, how much influence do the wealthy have on U.S. politics? Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy joins FP Live to share his take on the state of U.S. democracy, and whether the United States is becoming more corrupt, to mark the launch of Foreign Policy's latest print issue: “Billionaire Rule.” Suggested reading (FP links are paywall-free):  Spring 2025 Print Issue: Billionaire Rule Jodi Vittori: Is America a Kleptocracy? Adam Tooze: Elon Musk's First Principles James Crabtree: How Modi and Trump Treat Billionaires Differently Priya Satia: The Deep Roots of Oligarchy James Palmer: Did China Get Billionaires Right? Andrew O'Donohue: The U.S. Judicial Crisis Is Uniquely Dangerous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casey Michel is head of the Combating Kleptocracy Program at the Human Rights Foundation, focusing on how dictators and autocrats use illicit finance and dirty money to remain in power. He's the author of AMERICAN KLEPTOCRACY, on America's transformation into an offshore haven. His new book, FOREIGN AGENTS, will examine the explosion of the foreign lobbying industry in Washington, and how that industry has helped entrench dictatorships and upend American foreign policy. FOREIGN AGENTS will be published in 2024.----------LINKS: https://x.com/cjcmichelhttp://www.caseymichel.com/https://read.macmillan.com/lp/american-kleptocracy/https://us.macmillan.com/author/caseymichel https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseymichel/----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------PLATFORMS:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSiliconInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

John Rubino outlined the deep state's bipartisan framework, emphasizing the interplay between government roles and think tanks that often leads to ineffective outcomes. He highlighted USAID's covert operations as an extension of the CIA, funding mainstream media and actions that align with U.S. interests abroad. Rubino noted that the Trump administration's significant cuts to USAID's workforce and funding have raised concerns among deep state operatives. He described the administration's strategy of overwhelming the media with multiple controversies, which has resulted in a chaotic political environment that distracts from in-depth coverage of critical issues. Rubino and Kerry Lutz discussed the implications of USAID's funding, suggesting it could evolve into a pro-MAGA initiative while raising concerns about promoting censorship in recipient countries. They highlighted the agency's financial support for relief efforts for illegal immigrants and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the distribution of surplus mRNA vaccines abroad. Their analysis pointed to the complex relationship between foreign aid, political agendas, and governance, emphasizing the need for accountability in how funds are allocated and utilized. The current state of USAID was critiqued as a "gravy train" for political operatives rather than an effective aid organization. Lutz provided examples of substantial funding directed to NGOs, including $8 million to Bill Kristol's organization, and discussed financial mismanagement within government agencies, including potential losses in HUD. Both speakers called for increased scrutiny of government spending practices, particularly regarding the Pentagon's lack of audits, which could reveal significant fraud. Rubino and Lutz examined the volatile political landscape, expressing concerns about the effectiveness of the current administration and the perception of government as a "grift." They discussed the potential for significant political upheaval and the capabilities of the new press secretary in countering mainstream media narratives. The conversation also touched on the gold market, with Rubino attributing its rise to factors like soaring debt and low interest rates, while Lutz speculated on the future of cryptocurrencies and their potential impact on inflation and the financial landscape. Find John's work here: https://rubino.substack.com Find Kerry here: http://financialsurvivalnetwork.com/  and here: https://inflation.cafe

Doctor Fires Back at ‘Absurd' Letter from Law Firm Demanding She Delete Posts Criticizing United Healthcare and Apologize. The NFL is removing “End Racism“ from the end zone so it doesn't offend Trump when he comes to watch the game Sunday. Phil Ittner - Ukraine Update. Trump Has No Right to Move Us to Oligarchy, Authoritarianism, and Kleptocracy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Robinson, Charles Malet and Vanessa Beeley with today's UK Column News. 00:21 Lucy Letby Panel Challenges Conviction with New Medical Evidence: “We Did Not Find Any Murders” 18:20 Kleptocracy in Action: Trump's Proposal on Gaza and the Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians? 23:13 Syria Jihadist Leader Al-Jawlani Complete Rebrand 31:54 UK Column Is Member-Funded—New On Location Event 34:59 Vanessa Beeley Updates On Lebanon 39:31 mRNA Vaccines: The Problem, The Reaction and the Solution 45:06 Safer Streets: The Same 'Change' as Every Other Government and the Rise of Pre-Crime Measures 50:24 Russia, Syria, and Shifting Alliances in the Middle East 56:18 Starmer: The Call for More NATO Funding to Fuel Further Conflicts Sources: www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-5th-february-2025

“This is the model of Italian Renaissance banking.”In this episode of Seize & Desist, host Aidan Larkin sits down with renowned financial crime journalist Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland (2019) and Butler to the World (2022), to discuss why global money laundering continues to be an uphill battle despite decades of international effort.Aidan and Oliver explore the roots and evolution of money laundering, from the Medici's of Renaissance Italy to the offshore shell companies of the Caribbean and the digital currencies of the future.They also touch upon the UK's pivotal role in facilitating illegal financial flows, the advent of hawala banking networks and the systemic challenges that impede effective asset recovery.Timestamps00:00 - Exploring the UK's Role in Money Laundering and Corruption03:54 - Complex Global Money Laundering Challenges11:23 - The Evolution of Value Transfer Systems Through History16:06 - Rethinking Financial Crime Compliance22:32 - Money Laundering's Influence on Global Crime26:41 - The Role of Cash and Crypto in Crime Networks30:45 - The Global Fight Against Money Laundering38:28 - Recovering Covid-Related Fraud Payments42:04 - Combating Corruption and Money LaunderingResources MentionedOliver Bullough on The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/profile/oliverbullough Books by Oliver Bullough:Moneyland (2019)- https://amzn.eu/d/ezB43Rv Butler to the World (2022) - https://amzn.eu/d/gaqVRE9 About our GuestOliver Bullough is an award-winning journalist and author of Moneyland (2019) and Butler to the World (2022). He is known for his in-depth reporting on offshore finances and the role of the UK in facilitating corruption, with his work regularly being featured in the Guardian, the New York Times, GQ magazine, the Economist, and other places. DisclaimerOur podcasts are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, and/or investment advice. Listeners must consult their own advisors before making decisions on the topics discussed. Asset Reality has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material.The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Asset Reality employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Asset Reality does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Asset Reality.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, as the Trump regime enters its first week and begins to lay the groundwork for the worst shit imaginable, Colorado's Democratic leaders ready themselves for the fight while Colorado's Republicans write letters of support. We check in with our 7th and 8th favorite members of Congress from Colorado...who are quickly getting tied for 8th place. Also, our 100th favorite Colorado State Legislator does something predictably insane. But first, he studies oligarchies, kleptocracies, and other malformed governments, and he's here to help us wrap our heads around what the next four years could be like in the United States as the tech oligarchy and the federal government collapse into one supervillianesque entity. Professor Thomas Pepinsky from Cornell joins us to talk about the greatest grift of all time happening right in front of our eyes.

What's the easiest way for dictator Xi Jinping of China to invade Taiwan? Bribe the President of the United States! Trump's loyalty lies in enriching himself and his family, all thanks to the highest bidder – including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and others. As China shows more signs of preparing to invade Taiwan, Musk's Twitter is normalizing this very idea. Andrea and Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman discuss this and more, including Trump and Melania's meme coin cash grab, in this week's Gaslit Nation bonus show. We also cover ways to fight back, even if things seem to spiral out of control.   Olga Lautman will join the Gaslit Nation Salon on February 10 at 4pm ET! And don't miss our Gaslit Nation Game Night on Friday, February 7 at 8:30pm ET—we'll be playing Codenames! For game night, make sure to create a free account on BoardGameArena.com. Zoom links will be shared the morning of the events on Patreon.com/Gaslit, so be sure to subscribe and help support the show!   Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!   Show Notes: Check out Olga Lautman's Substack! https://substack.com/@olgalautman?utm_source=profile-page Opening Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xvJYrSsXPA Excellent thread on Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan's lawsuits holding corporate giants accountable: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1880370418932150623.html Trump's Crypto Meme Coin Is His Most Lucrative Get-Rich Scheme Yet https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/what-just-happened-with-usdtrump-and-usdmelania-meme-coins.html  China Suddenly Building Fleet Of Special Barges Suitable For Taiwan Landings https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/01/china-suddenly-building-fleet-of-special-barges-suitable-for-taiwan-landings/ Man says his binned Bitcoin fortune now worth £500m https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr0dyy152jo ICYMI: Here are previous documents the Security Committee has shared: • Tech Travel Tips : https://web.tresorit.com/l/hmKP6#FFHiLuu45pSJtMo_Z9Zp9Q • Why defending your right to privacy is important: https://web.tresorit.com/l/73FHq#ip5_zE6hhWkuaDMBAAhpYw • Introduction to VPN https://web.tresorit.com/l/WHdqz#-zI5O7Q2zHznO_NG7aZWPQ • Three Security Steps to Take Today: https://web.tresorit.com/l/417K9#CaDJOcOrEOta4T5oDlNsYw • Practice Safe Data Security: https://web.tresorit.com/l/hiw9s#wOykkL6Lh_Hz_TbRsiCiEQ Read all the details in the PDF here: https://web.tresorit.com/l/W6ots#IydZ2pnTmE1MLPJLkLZ73A   For the Gaslit Nation Book Club – First Meeting at the Gaslit Nation Salon on February 24 at 4pm ET: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://bookshop.org/p/books/man-s-search-for-meaning-viktor-e-frankl/8996943?ean=9780807014271 The Stranger: Introduction by Keith Gore Albert Camus (Author)  Matthew Ward (Translator) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-stranger-introduction-by-keith-gore-albert-camus/18890716?ean=9780679420262

For this episode we are joined by John Heathershaw, Tena Prelec and Tom Mayne to discuss their new book Indulging Kleptocracy: British Service Providers, Postcommunist Elites, and the Enabling of Corruption. This conversation focuses on professional enablers that provide services to help kleptocrats to launder their reputations, move their money, and gain access to political influence. John Tena and Tom argue that professional enabling is a systemic problem that is facilitated by the concentration of financial and legal expertise in the private sector, and the willingness of professionals to turn a blind eye to the origins of their clients' wealth. They discuss the challenges of regulating professional enabling and offer advice for researchers working in this area. The episode discusses the new book Indulging Kleptocracy, which partly draws on research funded by the GI ACE programme. GI ACE generates actionable evidence that policymakers, practitioners and advocates can use to design and implement more effective anti-corruption initiatives. This project was funded by UK Aid from the UK government. The views expressed in the book do not necessarily reflect the UK Government's official policies. Find John Tena and Tom's new book here: https://academic.oup.com/book/58173 Similar themes relating to kleptocracy can be found in Kickback episode 66, with Casey Michel, and episode 111 with Tom Burgis.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comBetween controversial salutes, inflammatory statements, and billionaires pretending to be normal people, there's a lot to take in from Donald Trump's inauguration. The newly re-elected president tore up Joe Biden's legacy with one executive order after another as a crowd of mostly rich and very rich people looked on.“I think it's clear that a handful of billionaires are in charge, and Musk certainly has the most influence,” says Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, who joins Mehdi to share his perspective.“What you're seeing being constructed is essentially a kleptocracy in which the billionaires of this country are going to steal from the poor and the middle class.”One of those billionaires, Elon Musk, spent day one of the second Trump era performing two Nazi-looking salutes on stage in DC. Despite his supporters denying it was a “Heil Hitler,” Murphy is not convinced.“Maybe you could excuse that gesture if it wasn't coming from somebody who has a consistent history of identifying themselves with neo-Nazis and with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. He literally amplifies some of the most vicious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on Twitter.”Mehdi pushed Murphy on his support for Israel since October 7, on the TikTok ban that Democrats voted for, and the increase in billionaire wealth on Joe Biden's watch.And, looking forward, Mehdi asked the senator about the future of a deeply unpopular Democratic Party.“If we want to win,” says Murphy, who is considered to be a possible 2028 Democratic presidential contender, “you have got to make economic populism and economic fairness the tent pole of your party, and you've got to build a bigger tent in which you have the courage…to bring in some people to that tent that might not line up with you on all the issues that I think are important.”If you are a paid subscriber, you can watch the full interview above to hear Mehdi question Murphy on sending weapons to Israel, Kamala Harris' campaign, bipartisanship, and the normalization of corruption.Free subscribers can watch a 15-minute preview. Do consider becoming a paid subscriber today to watch the full interview and let us know in the comments below who you would like to see on ‘Mehdi Unfiltered' next!

Desperate for a fresh pod over the holidays? We're tiding you over the Christmas-New Year gap with some shows you might have missed from the wider Podmasters universe. Today, enjoy this edition of our geopolitics weekly This Is Not A Drill. On this edition… Corruption, bribery and cronyism aren't just criminal matters. International alliances of corrupt states and their enablers are undermining democracies and international law, creating a world without rules where everything and anyone can be bought. From Putin's gangster state to COVID corruption and favouritism in the UK, the West's response has been feeble. How big is Kleptocracy's threat to global stability? Regular TINAD presenter Emma Beals explores an existential danger with anti-corruption writer Sarah Chayes – author of Everybody Knows: Corruption in America – and Guardian investigations correspondent and author of Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth Tom Burgis. NB This edition recorded before Trump's victory in the US election.• Subscribe to This Is Not A Drill on your favourite app. • When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you're helping fund our podcasts by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.Written and presented by Emma Beals. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters productionpodmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Desperate for a fresh pod over the holidays? We're tiding you over the Christmas-New Year gap with some shows you might have missed from the wider Podmasters universe. Today, enjoy this edition of our geopolitics weekly This Is Not A Drill. On this edition… Corruption, bribery and cronyism aren't just criminal matters. International alliances of corrupt states and their enablers are undermining democracies and international law, creating a world without rules where everything and anyone can be bought. From Putin's gangster state to COVID corruption and favouritism in the UK, the West's response has been feeble. How big is Kleptocracy's threat to global stability? Regular TINAD presenter Emma Beals explores an existential danger with anti-corruption writer Sarah Chayes – author of Everybody Knows: Corruption in America – and Guardian investigations correspondent and author of Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth Tom Burgis. NB This edition recorded before Trump's victory in the US election. • Subscribe to This Is Not A Drill on your favourite app. • When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you're helping fund our podcasts by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Emma Beals. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plutocrats No Longer Shape Our Government Behind the Scenes, Musk is Now Giving House Republicans Orders | MAGA Republicans Follow Orban's Model With Project 2025 While Trump Moves to Control the Media as Orban Did, Turning a Democracy Into a Kleptocracy and Dictatorship backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

The Atlantic's David Frum joins the group to analyze the election and consider the implications for domestic and foreign policy. Highlights / Lowlights: Damon: The work of Ruy Texiera and Nate Cohn  Linda: My Manifesto for Despairing Democrats by Nick Kristof Bill: ‘Invisible' older women speak up at the ballot box by Karen Tumulty Mona: Trump transition team co-chair endorses Kennedy anti-vax theories and says he would be able to access health data David: Earth experiencing warmest year on record – again, scientists say

Morning Show 10 - 31 - 24 Hour 3 Casey Michel On Kleptocracy by The Watchdog

Corruption, bribery and cronyism aren't just criminal matters. International alliances of corrupt states and their enablers are undermining democracies and international law, creating a world without rules where everything and anyone can be bought. From Putin's gangster state to COVID corruption and favouritism in the UK, the West's response has been feeble. Is Kleptocracy the real threat to global stability? Emma Beals explores an existential danger with anti-corruption writer Sarah Chayes – author of Everybody Knows: Corruption in America – and Guardian investigations correspondent and author of Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth Tom Burgis. • “If Trump wins, more than ever US policy will be up for sale.” – Sarah Chayes • Support This Is Not Drill on Patreon to continue by backing us on Patreon. You'll get early, ad-free editions, merchandise and more. • When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you're helping fund This Is Not A Drill by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Emma Beals. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beginning in November of 2013, then President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych withdrew from a long-desired and promised EU trade agreement in the interest of consolidating a kleptocratic regime with Russia. The events ignited a series of both violent and non-violent large-scale protests in Kyiv, spanning many months. The protests, named ‘Euromaidan' shifted the tide in Ukrainian politics and represented one of Ukraine's largest ever collective action movements against corruption and kleptocracy.   Vladimir Dubrovsky is this episode of Collectively Combating Kleptocracy's guest, joining CIPE's ACGC Program Manager Izabela Chmielewska, to discuss his personal insights into the Euromaidan protests. Vladimir has extensive experience working as a senior economist at Case Ukraine and as a chief expert at the Economic Expert Platform; and a rich experience working in macroeconomics, political institutional economics and governance and anti-corruption. Vladimir outlines the historical and political background leading up to the protests and uses his experience and insight to explore the events' tipping points and mobilization mechanisms. He also discusses the outcome of the protest, noting the shift in collective action narrative in Ukraine, the existing needs for reform and the unification of civil society in response to recent conflicts.   

Today, the Spotlight shines On Andy McCluskey, the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer best known as the lead singer and bass guitarist of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (also known as OMD). Andy joined Spotlight On producer and guest host Michael Donaldson to discuss topics as varied as the political messages behind their latest work, post-modern society, Kraftwerk, and the Bauhaus art school.OMD is not working the nostalgia circuit, though no one would blame them if they were. Instead, they continue to release new music that fans and critics rate as among the best of their classics and already have plans to spend a large portion of 2025 on the road.Bauhaus Staircase, OMD's latest album, and their recent EP, Kleptocracy, are out everywhere you get your music.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the OMD album Bauhaus Staircase)–Dig DeeperVisit Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at omd.uk.comPurchase OMD's Bauhaus Staircase from The OMD Store or Qobuz, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow OMD on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Twitter (X)Kraftwerk changed my life: 20 artists pick their favourite Kraftwerk records of all timeThe Man in the Machine: How Oskar Schlemmer's Triadic Ballet left its mark on David Bowie and New OrderDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Andy McCluskey, the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer best known as the lead singer and bass guitarist of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (also known as OMD). Andy joined Spotlight On producer and guest host Michael Donaldson to discuss topics as varied as the political messages behind their latest work, post-modern society, Kraftwerk, and the Bauhaus art school.OMD is not working the nostalgia circuit, though no one would blame them if they were. Instead, they continue to release new music that fans and critics rate as among the best of their classics and already have plans to spend a large portion of 2025 on the road.Bauhaus Staircase, OMD's latest album, and their recent EP, Kleptocracy, are out everywhere you get your music.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the OMD album Bauhaus Staircase)–Dig DeeperVisit Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at omd.uk.comPurchase OMD's Bauhaus Staircase from The OMD Store or Qobuz, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow OMD on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Twitter (X)Kraftwerk changed my life: 20 artists pick their favourite Kraftwerk records of all timeThe Man in the Machine: How Oskar Schlemmer's Triadic Ballet left its mark on David Bowie and New OrderDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the genius who brought you Sarah Palin: Longtime Republican operative Steve Schmidt launched the Pass the Torch USA super PAC to replace Joe Biden on the ballot with anyone else. When they couldn't find anyone else, they ran businessman and Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips. Is that why so many centrist Democrats who call for an open convention, bypassing Black progressive Kamala Harris, use the rallying cry, “Pass the torch”? One thing is clear: the energy and organization used by Democratic Party elites and their megadonors to push Biden off the ballot at this late stage and bypass Kamala has never been seen before to address our nation's most pressing crises, from the climate crisis to kleptocracy. And the mainstream media won't tell you this because they're owned by conservatives working with, you guessed it, Democratic Party elites. Just take former Obama White House official Robert Gibbs, who was hired as an image-maker for David Zaslav, the anti-Biden CEO and president of Warner Bros. Discovery, who called for a new president and boasted about Republicans (the MAGA far-right) being welcomed on CNN. He also defended the disturbing CNN Trump town hall. So if you're wondering why CNN has become Trump propaganda, it's because of Zaslav. Given how wrong the polls were in 2022 and 2016, and the disifnormation that can pollute them, Biden/Harris have a strong chance to win this November. In this special bonus show, Gaslit Nation listeners share their questions and concerns for our nation. It includes a recap of the Oscars of Kleptocracy – the Republican National Convention. To listen to the full episode, be sure to subscribe at the Truth-teller level and higher. And to submit your questions to our regular Q&As, subscribe to the show at the Democracy Defender level and higher. Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you! Save the date! Book launch party and live Gaslit Nation taping September 16 at the Ukrainian Institute of America for In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones, the graphic novel adaptation of the shooting script for the journalistic thriller, Mr. Jones. Wine reception to follow. Patreon supporters subscribed at the Truth-teller level or higher get in for free! Make sure you're subscribed to be added to the guest list: Patreon.com/Gaslit Every third Thursday of the month through the election we're phonebanking for Senate races in Republican-hostage states to leave no voter behind! RSVP here to join us: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/628701/ We're phonebanking every Wednesday in October for state races in the must-win battlegrounds of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia! RSVP here to join us: https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrict/event/642096/?utm_source=2024-natlpb-gn Show Notes: Pass the Torch USA https://www.factcheck.org/2024/01/pass-the-torch-usa/ David Zaslav Hires Former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs as Warner Bros. Discovery Comms Chief (Exclusive) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/david-zaslav-hires-robert-gibbs-warner-bros-discovery-comms-chief-1235925399/ Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav would like a new president, too https://www.businessinsider.com/wbd-david-zaslav-biden-trump-election-regulation-sun-valley-2024-7 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tells reporters this morning in Brooklyn that he's team Biden/Harris https://x.com/Bogs4NY/status/1814301077082087505 Clip from AOC Instagram Live on the effort to replace Biden/Harris https://x.com/claycane/status/1814287730215457266 "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" plays as Donald Trump walks into RNC Night 3. https://x.com/therecount/status/1813745920787517860 Ramaswamy: And our message to Gen Z is this. You want to be a rebel? You want to be a hippie? You want to stick it to the man? Show up on your college campus and try calling yourself a conservative. https://x.com/Acyn/status/1813373723271135741 Election Polls Are Only 60 Percent Accurate, Which Is 0 Percent Surprising. https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/online/election-polls-are-only-60-percent-accurate-which-0-percent/  

One group of oppressed Americans has become especially outspoken this election year, contending that top government officials (Democrats in particular) are ignoring their community's basic needs and stifling their pursuit of economic advancement.I speak, of course, about the tragic plight of our nation's downtrodden multi-billionaire class. While it's true that Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and these other Silicon Valley sad sackers and weepy Wall Streeters have vastly increased their wealth under Joe Biden's presidency, they wail that he has not properly courted and coddled them. Indeed, Biden set their hair on fire this March by calling out their outrageous tax-dodging ploys, demanding they start providing their fair share of support for America by paying a “billionaire tax.”Thus, these poor, put-upon moneyed elites have been jetting around to Hollywood, Palm Beach, and other posh enclaves, holding secret strategy sessions and rallying the über-rich class to defeat Biden this fall. Of course, since self-centered, plutocratic billionaires are less popular than bed bugs, they can't win with their ideas and votes, but only by buying elections – and these gilded conspirators intend to do just that, amassing billions to bury Biden.But, oops, one money confab in April exploded into public view when some 20 poobahs of such oil giants as Chevron, Exxon, and Occidental conferred with Trump himself. In a straight-out bribery offer, he pledged to repeal environmental protections the industry dislikes –if they pony up one billion dollars for his presidential campaign.This sordid palace intrigue is the product of the right-wing Supreme Court's 2010 edict letting selfish wealthy interests secretly dump unlimited sums of corporate money into our elections. They're turning our democratic ideals into a kleptocracy.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

One group of oppressed Americans has become especially outspoken this election year, contending that top government officials (Democrats in particular) are ignoring their community’s basic needs and stifling their pursuit of economic advancement.

#UN: FDR's vision and the General Assembly's kleptocracy. Conrad Black, National Post https://nationalpost.com/opinion/conrad-black-the-united-nations-is-contemptible-heres-how-to-fix-it 1948 UN