Podcasts about 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

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 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

Corruption has long troubled Thailand, halting economic growth and the development of democratic regimes. Attempts at fighting corruption from civil society and governmental procedure have done little to stymie corrupt exchange and have facilitated a culture of corruption across branches of Thai society. With aid from various local and international organisations, the Thai private sector appeared as the unique champion to fight corruption via the Thai Collective Action Against Corruption (Thai CAC) – a movement designed to unite Thai businesses and consolidate a foundation and framework for an actionable anti-corruption narrative.   In this episode of Collectively Combating Kleptocracy, the Thai Institute of Directors Executive Director and Thai CAC representative Pana Ratanabanangkoon joins CIPE's ACGC Program Manager Izabela Chmielewska to discuss the mobilization, emergence, tipping points and subsequent success of the Thai CAC. Ratanabanangkoon outlines the nature of operation while exploring the specific objectives and unique characteristics of the Thai CAC. He also discusses if the Thai CAC reached its desired outcomes, as envisioned at the start of its journey, providing further discussion on what lessons have been learned and how the Thai CAC's formulation process can be reflected in alternative contexts to promote further collective action against corruption in the private sector.

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.   

In 2018, widespread protests dislodged a decades-long kleptocratic regime in Armenia. Known as the Velvet Revolution, these protests represented a culmination of decades of civil society organization and activism and the first surge of revolutionary action against Serzh Sargsyan following his attempt to cling to power.   In this episode of Collectively Combating Kleptocracy, Gayane Abrahamyan, an award-winning journalist and social justice activist, who served as a member of the Armenian Parliament as part of the My Step alliance, joins the host, Max Levites (Senior Governance Specialist, Center for Global Impact, International Republican Institute), to discuss the key foundations and mechanisms that fostered a unity between civil society and citizens, leading to the Velvet Revolution. Abrahamyan shares her unique perspective on the trajectory of this unity and the involvement of marginalized groups while also outlining the importance of Armenia's new-found democratic narrative as an outcome of the Velvet Revolution, among other short-term but key successes.

In April 2008, contested election results and alleged electoral fraud in Moldova triggered public protests and political turmoil between activists and state authorities. Eventually, the Communist Party of then-President Vladimir Voronin was replaced it with a coalition called the Alliance for European Integration, which pushed for the implementation of a pro-EU coalition government. The term “Twitter Revolution” has become widely used to describe the movement due to the nature and importance of the revolution's digital mobilization. Notably, multiple types of social media platforms were used to mobilize people to come out to the streets in protest, demanding positive change in 2009 and again in 2019. In the past, anti-corruption reforms were seldom implemented effectively, and often used solely to mask the underlying roots of kleptocratic systems. With the election of Maia Sandu as the President of Moldova in 2020, the process of dismantling these systems has been underway, with more progress on the horizon.   In this episode of Collectively Combating Kleptocracy, Victoria Popa (Anti-Corruption Partnership Consultant, Centre for Analysis and Prevention of Corruption in Moldova) joins Izabela Chmielewska (Program Manager, Anti-Corruption & Governance Center, Center for International Private Enterprise) to provide insights about the cyclical revolution, with knowledge informed by an extensive background in Moldova's anti-corruption efforts, including the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, public administration integrity policy, and advocacy for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Popa outlines the political and economic context that facilitated kleptocracy and ignited collective action efforts in Moldova while also discussing specific mobilization techniques, including the use of social media technology. Lastly, Popa discusses the critical role that activists, journalists, NGOs, and international organizations have played in the collective action movement and outlines the wider impact this has had in the pro-democratic fight against corruption in Moldova over time.  

In April of 2015, a telephone wiretap exposed Guatemala's then-President Otto Pérez Molina, his Vice President Roxana Baldetti, and and other high-ranking officials in the tax and customs administration as having been part of a kleptocratic network involving fraud in customs revenues. The La Línea case, a reference to the wiretap, is known as one of the most high-profile corruption cases in the country's history, enraging the people of Guatemala, who joined mass protests to demand accountability and dislodge kleptocracy. Hugo Novales Contreras, a political researcher and advisor to the Bernardo Arévalo presidency and the Movimiento Semilla legislative bloc, joins the host, Max Levites (Senior Governance Specialist, International Republican Institute), to discuss the history and context of the La Línea case, and the driving motivations and results of collective action. Contreras' insight into the case outlines the nature of Guatemala's generational shift in how citizens view the role of the government, and how this turned into a mass movement to hold the country's leaders to account. He also discusses the importance of international cooperation as one of many key successes of and lessons to take from this collective action movement.

The 1Malaysia Development Berhard scandal (1MDB Scandal) is known  as one of the world's most prolific financial scandals. With billions lost as a consequence of fraudulent activity by a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB, the scandal saw a huge backlash from Malaysian citizens, the media, and civil society organisations alike. In this episode, P. Gunasegaram, an Independent Journalist and author of 1MDB: The Scandal That Brought Down A Government, joins the host, Max Levites (Senior Governance Specialist, International Republican Institute), to discuss the history and context of the scandal itself and the motivations for and nature of the collective action response. Gunasegaram discusses the driving force behind the collective action movement, more notably the importance of the media and news outlets, derived from his own personal experience and involvement. He highlights the significance of cohesive and coordinated action by the media, civil society, and international actors working together to  bring corrupt government officials to account and recover stolen assets. Gunasegaram finally outlines the key lessons and success factors to take away from this complex and multi-faceted case and its subsequent collective action response.    

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.

Rafi Farber thinks politics, the economy, markets, and human behavior is getting more and more insane as we hurtle towards a monetary end game where gold and silver will offer the only protection from kleptocratic governments. Rafi details how he sees the dollar dying, why hyperinflation may be the only way out, his outlook on global inflation, and much more.Coppernico Metalshttps://coppernicometals.comDisclaimer: Commodity Culture was compensated by Coppernico Metals for promotion. Jesse Day is not a shareholder of Coppernico Metals. Nothing contained in this promotion is to be construed as investment advice, do your own due diligence. The End Game Investor: https://endgameinvestor.substack.comRafi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/endgameinvestorRafi's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@endgameinvestor Follow Jesse Day on X: https://x.com/jessebdayCommodity Culture on Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/CommodityCulture

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/  

In this episode, Rachel Wolcott senior editor in the UK speaks to Natalia Kubesch, a lawyer for Redress.org a non-governmental organization in London. This episode is about the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity and why the current approach to sanctions and asset confiscation does not do enough to help them. Natalia specializes in using Magnitsky Sanctions to provide accountability for serious human rights violations. Redress represents victims of torture and helps them seek accountability and justice. Part of Natalia's work is advocating for the use of sanctions and asset confiscation to respond to serious human rights abuses and corruption.Natalia talks about work to confiscate assets related to Bashar al-Assad's uncle, the former Syrian vice president Rifaat al-Assad to be used to support the Syrian people. The Swiss Federal Prosecutor's office filed charges (https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/graeueltaten-in-syrien-bundesanwaltschaft-klagt-gegen-onkel-von-baschar-al-assad) against Rifaat al-Assad in March this year. He is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The UK has frozen an estimated £161 million in assets related to the Assad regime since 2011 when the Syrian civil war began. These assets could be used to help victims of the al-Assad regime, Natalia says.Redress is also working with civil society groups in Myanmar to expose the use of shell companies domiciled in UK overseas territories to avoid sanctions and provide funding for its military junta. Redress and its partners have reported these possible sanctions breaches by to UK law enforcement. Lastly, Natalia calls on the UK government to improve its approach to sanctions implementation and enforcement as well as to break the two-year impasse with Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club. He pledged £2.5 billion from Chelsea FC's sale to help Ukrainians, but that help has not materialized. Natalia explains why.Links:UK should legislate to confiscate Russian state assets, accelerate financial crime enforcement, MPs hear (paywall) go-ri.tr.com/s2pP2aNew U.S. sanctions target Russian financial system, blacklist its operations in China and India and bolster 'secondary sanctions' risk (free) https://regintel-content.thomsonreuters.com/document/IC3FF985028EE11EFA4C58DA52BBFD8DA/New-U.S.-sanctions-target-Russian-financial-system,-blacklist-its-operations-in-China-and-India-and-bolster-'secondary-sanctions'-risk-13-06-2024FATF standards used by authoritarian regimes to justify suppression -RUSI report (free) https://regintel-content.thomsonreuters.com/document/I5D740E40271811EFA4C58DA52BBFD8DA/FATF-standards-used-by-authoritarian-regimes-to-justify-suppression--RUSI-report-11-06-2024Redress.org's evidence to the UK parliament's Treasury Committee https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/129074/html/Charities criticize delay to release £2.5 billion Chelsea FCA sale funds https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charities-criticise-delay-to-release-2-5bn-chelsea-fc-sale-funds-two-years-since-pledge.html Compliance Clarified is a podcast from Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence.Listen to wide-ranging, insightful discussions on all things compliance for financial services firms. We delve into the hot topics of the day, the challenges faced and offer up practical ideas for emerging good practice. We de-mystify regulation and explore the art, as well as the science, of the ever-expanding role of the compliance officer.  Enforcements, digital transformation, regulatory change, governance, culture, conduct risk – anything and everything impacting the compliance function is up for discussion.

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.

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

Corruption, in one form or another, is as old as civilization. As long as there have been governmental authorities, private businesspeople have found ways to bribe them to get preferential deals. So, what is different about corruption in our era of Global Enduring Disorder?    To find out, Jason Pack is joined by Tom Burgis -- award winning investigative journalist, and author of Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth. In this episode (Part 1 of 2), the duo discuss how laws and decisions in the City of London and Washington, DC actually enable kleptocratic behaviour in places like Nigeria and Kazakhstan. Plus: why  are skilled middlemen and fixers so critical in enabling transnational corruption? And what kind of systemic risks do such dirty dealings abroad and the offshoring of illicit gains pose to our own politics and security?    To Order the Disorder, Alex Hall Hall joins Jason to analyse how the conduits of mega corruption is actually at the centre of our post-Cold War global story, and not at its periphery.    Twitter: @DisorderShow    Subscribe to our Substack: https://natoandtheged.substack.com/     Website: https://natoandtheglobalenduringdisorder.com/     Producer: George McDonagh  Exec Producer: Neil Fearn    Show Notes Links    Get Tom's book Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth https://tomburgis.com/cuckooland   Read the New Stateman's, ‘Britain's new oligarchy - Tom Burgis's Cuckooland shows how the power to shape our politics is available to the highest bidder.'  https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2024/03/britain-new-oligarchy-tom-burgis-cuckooland    Read PodBible's interview with Alex and Jason here: https://podbiblemag.com/disorder-giving-order-to-the-global-enduring-disorder/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#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

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, we talk with researcher Valery Perry about how corruption in governments around the world affects global security and democracy in the United States.

Robert Worth, a journalist previously based in Baghdad with the New York Times and author of A Rage for Order: The Middle East in Turmoil from Tahrir Square to ISIS, describes the deadly and intractable problem of corruption in Iraq. He discusses the role the United States and its pallets of cash played in this, but also the enforced sectarian apportionment of power—the Muhasasa—that ensures each group protects its fiefdom rather than acting in the best interest of the whole country. (This episode was originally published in 2022.)

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 1/2: #Kazahkstan: Transformation from Soviet kleptocracy to parliamentary competition. Kamran Bokhari, Geopolitical Futures.Senior Director, Eurasian Security & Prosperity Portfolio at the New Lines Institute for Strategy & Policy  https://geopoliticalfutures.com/kazakhstan-democratization-in-an-era-of-geopolitical-churn/

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Mayor Mitchell and Olive Mitchell with Admiral Usher 2/2: #Kazahkstan: Transformation from Soviet kleptocracy to parliamentary competition. Kamran Bokhari, Geopolitical Futures.Senior Director, Eurasian Security & Prosperity Portfolio at the New Lines Institute for Strategy & Policy  https://geopoliticalfutures.com/kazakhstan-democratization-in-an-era-of-geopolitical-churn/