The Bulwark Podcast Susan Glasser: Our Grotesque, Corrupted Oligarchy
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Nov 20, 2025 
Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and co-author of 'The Divider,' joins Tim Miller to discuss the alarming ties between tech giants and authoritarian leaders, highlighting their complicity in undermining democracy. They dive into Trump's troubling relationship with MBS and the implications of his embrace of a 'grotesque oligarchy.' Glasser also critiques the GOP's internal dynamics, Trump's foreign policy missteps, and the chilling effects of targeting vulnerable communities through fear. It's a passionate take on current political threats and societal ramifications.
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US Envoy Echoes Russian Demands
- Susan Glasser says the Whitkoff-Russia peace proposal reads like Russia's 2022 unilateral demands and won't be acceptable to Ukraine.
- She warns Whitkoff is acting as an agent for Russian demands without Ukraine or European buy‑in.
Russia Uses Civilian Suffering As Strategy
- Glasser explains Russia targets Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure to force concessions through suffering.
- She notes conventional offensives have stalled and Putin resorts to attacks on heating and electricity before winter.
Epstein Fight Reveals Trump's Weakness
- Glasser calls Trump's capitulation on the Epstein discharge petition a major embarrassment and capitulation to MAGA figures.
- She doubts it will prompt Congress to reassert itself on larger issues like Russia sanctions.
