Commonwealth Club of California Podcast NYT’s Kenneth Vogel Exposes the Shadowy World of Foreign Lobbying in D.C.
Nov 9, 2025
Kenneth P. Vogel, an investigative reporter for The New York Times and author of "Devil's Advocates," dives into the shadowy realm of foreign lobbying. He reveals how powerful Americans profit by working with corrupt foreign interests, tracing the origins of this industry back to Nazi influence. Vogel shares tales of figures like Robert Stryk and Rudy Giuliani, showcasing their controversial dealings. He also explores how lobbying can shape U.S. policy, exposing the blurred lines between influence and outcome in a world fueled by money and connections.
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Origins And Limits Of FARA
- The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) arose in the 1930s to expose foreign influence after Nazi propaganda in the U.S..
- FARA remains the primary transparency tool for foreign lobbying but has limits in enforcement and scope.
Lawmaker Who Helped Create FARA Was Compromised
- Congressman Samuel Dickstein helped prompt FARA while secretly working for Soviet interests.
- Researchers later found his Kremlin dossier proving the undisclosed relationship.
Manafort Innovated Paid Foreign Influence
- Paul Manafort professionalized foreign political consulting by combining campaign work and lobbying for foreign clients.
- He monetized influence by electing allies then lobbying Washington on behalf of foreign regimes.
