Janine Wedel
Social anthropologist and distinguished professor at George Mason University's School of Public Policy, specialising in corruption, governance and informal networks; featured as an expert on corruption in the episode.
Best podcasts with Janine Wedel
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Dec 19, 2025 • 28min
Trump in the White House: is it time to call it corruption?
Janine Wedel, a social anthropologist from George Mason University, dives into the complexities of corruption during Trump's presidency. She defines corruption as the violation of public trust, examining instances like the Qatari airplane deal suggesting quid pro quo. The conversation explores UAE investments linked to Trump and how personal interests blurred with diplomacy. Wedel highlights the troubling trend of favoritism in pardons and weakened oversight, shedding light on why accusations seem to fail to faze Trump.
Dec 19, 2025 • 29min
Trump in the White House: is it time to call it corruption?
Janine Wedel, a distinguished professor and expert on corruption at George Mason University, joins Jonathan Freedland to dissect controversial practices during Donald Trump's presidency. They delve into what constitutes corruption, exploring ancient definitions and how they connect to modern governance. Wedel highlights troubling financial ties with the UAE and Qatar, discusses the blurred lines between business and diplomacy through figures like Jared Kushner, and critiques the alarming trend of pardons favoring allies, painting a portrait of systemic corruption.
