AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Politicology
Foreign Agents
Jan 30, 2025
In this discussion, Casey Michel, Director of the Combating Kleptocracy Program and author of "Foreign Agents," exposes how foreign money infiltrates U.S. politics. He reveals the shadowy world of foreign lobbying, tracing its roots with figures like Ivy Lee and Paul Manafort. Michel discusses the complications of the First Amendment and legal loopholes that allow foreign influence to flourish. He also highlights how universities and think tanks are new battlegrounds for foreign interests, emphasizing the intricate ties between money, influence, and democracy.
45:56
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The evolution of foreign lobbying, spearheaded by figures like Ivy Lee and Paul Manafort, has significantly influenced American political dynamics and campaigns.
- The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) struggles with enforcement and transparency challenges, necessitating reforms to address foreign influence in American politics.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Foreign Lobbying
The growth of the foreign lobbying industry is traced back to both historical and recent developments, highlighting its impact on American politics. The industry has evolved into a multi-billion dollar network, influenced by major figures like Ivy Lee and Paul Manafort. Ivy Lee pioneered public relations and leveraged his skills to represent authoritarian regimes, including the Nazis, establishing a troubling precedent for foreign lobbying. Manafort later revitalized and modernized this practice, working with oppressive governments and effectively intertwining foreign interests with American political campaigns.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode