The Bulwark Podcast Fiona Hill: Putin and the Art of Manipulating Trump
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Jan 22, 2026 Fiona Hill, a foreign policy expert and author, dives into the intricacies of Trump's relationship with Putin, highlighting how the Russian leader subtly mocks him while wielding power. She discusses Trump's Kremlin-like management style, potential backroom deals, and the ongoing chaos surrounding U.S.-Russia relations. Hill also explores alarming global shifts in trust among allies and stresses the urgent need for American leadership to combat democracy's erosion. Her insights reveal the troubling implications of unprepared diplomacy and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
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From Coal-Mining Roots To Russia Expert
- Fiona Hill recounts growing up in northern England and earning scholarships to study Russian and history at Harvard.
- Her career pivot after the Soviet collapse led her to study Vladimir Putin and ultimately join the U.S. government.
Enter Government Only To Be Part Of The Solution
- Do join government only if you can be part of the solution and prepare to leave if you become part of the problem.
- Keep a rapid-exit plan so you can depart quickly when ethical lines are crossed.
How Russian Influence Exploits U.S. Weakness
- Russia's 2016 campaign exploited preexisting U.S. divisions and aligned with Donald Trump's goals to weaken Western alliances.
- Fiona Hill warns that a U.S. administration run like backdoor deals and cronyism magnifies Putin's influence and lets Russia flourish.
