Politicology

Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, Ron Steslow and Jennifer Schulp (Director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives) discuss the Senate passing the GENIUS Act to regulate stablecoins. They dive into the implications of the Bank Secrecy Act and the critical importance of privacy-enhancing tools in the digital age. They explore how new legislation impacts personal privacy, the role of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem, and the potential consequences of government surveillance.   Then, in Politicology+ they discuss political corruption in cryptocurrency and Congressional stock trading. They dive into the lack of political will to combat it, despite public outcry, and the challenges of enforcing ethical standards. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(703) 239-3068‬ Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/jenniferjschulp Related Reading:  CNBC - Senate passes GENIUS stablecoin bill, giving crypto industry first major legislative win Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Marc Polymeropoulo discuss the shift in immigration enforcement, the protests in LA, and the values America stands for.  Related Reading:  CBS News - Afghan ally detained by ICE after attending immigration court hearing - CBS News WSJ - The White House Marching Orders That Sparked the L.A. Migrant Crackdown - WSJ The Dispatch -This Won’t End Well SacBee - A message to Trump protesters in California: Put down the Mexican flags | Opinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CIA operative Marc Polymeropoulos and political analyst Mike Madrid tackle the complex implications of Israeli strikes on Iran and U.S. foreign policy. They discuss Trump’s wartime presidency and the fractures within the MAGA movement, spotlighting figures like Ted Cruz. The conversation also delves into America's moral values amidst global conflicts, shifting immigration policies, and the challenges of maintaining unity in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Izabella Kaminska, founder of The Blind Spot and senior finance editor at Politico Europe, dives into the implications of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. She dissects the national debt’s impact on global narratives, and warns of an impending financial crisis. The discussion touches on the changing trust in financial systems, traditional investments losing their appeal, and the rise of Bitcoin. Izabella also connects lessons from historical economic challenges to today’s financial landscape, offering insights into the complexities of managing national debt.

Mike Madrid, a savvy political strategist and commentator, dives into the alarming implications of the recent Coinbase data leak affecting 100,000 users. He stresses the severe dangers of data breaches in the AI era, discussing how these events challenge our privacy and security. The conversation touches on the inherent risks of AI technology collecting intimate data and the urgent need for stringent privacy protections. With insights on local governance and the evolving nature of technology's impact on democracy, Madrid offers a thought-provoking look at privacy in today's world.

This discussion dives into the impactful insights from the Oslo Freedom Forum and spotlights the current geopolitical tension in the Middle East, particularly concerning Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. The hosts tackle the alarming rise in anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S. and explore the implications of a master database project by the Trump Administration in collaboration with Palantir. Personal stories of justice and human rights struggles also highlight the complexities of political advocacy and the urgent need for vigilance against rising extremism.

Molly McKew, an expert on Russian influence and information warfare, joins Steve Kettmann, a seasoned journalist currently in Ukraine. They discuss Ukraine's daring military operation that took out 40 Russian aircraft, emphasizing its psychological impact and shifting strategies in the conflict. Their insights dive into innovative Ukrainian drone warfare tactics and the collaborative spirit of its military forces. Personal stories of resilience further highlight the ongoing struggle, revealing a narrative of determination and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Andy Kroll, an investigative reporter at ProPublica known for his work on justice and democracy, joins Ron Steslow for an in-depth discussion. They explore the insights from Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book, emphasizing the fine line between conspiracy theories and possible truths. Kroll highlights the media's role in eroding trust and shaping political narratives, as well as the broader societal challenges facing boys and men. They reflect on the implications of President Biden's capabilities for governance amidst rising political polarization and skepticism.

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus In this episode, Ron talks to  Casey Michel (Director of the Combating Kleptocracy Program at the Human Rights Foundation) about his book Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World and how foreign money  influences our politics. They discuss: (01:46) The shadow world of foreign lobbying  (03:45) Ivy Lee and Paul Manafort  (07:36) The First Amendment and foreign influence  (10:23) Understanding FARA  (13:28) How Paul Manafort shaped modern lobbying  (15:49) Legal loopholes and foreign influence in politics  (18:11) The case of Viktor Pinchuk (22:13) The Trump Administration’s impact on foreign lobbying  (27:19) How Universities and Think tanks are the new frontier of influence  (33:05) Colorful characters in foreign lobbying  (41:39) The Biden Family and foreign influence accusations  (45:27) Contrasting foreign influence on Trump and Clinton  (49:00) Proposed reforms  Read Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World: https://bit.ly/4giHjBK Check out the HRF’s Combatting Kleptocracy Program: https://bit.ly/4hAAQTJ Follow Ron and Casey  on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/cjcmichel Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid, a senior advisor at the California Latino Economic Institute and author of 'The Latino Century', joins Ron Steslow for a thought-provoking discussion. They delve into the intersection of MAGA's economic populism and immigration agendas, revealing tensions within the Republican Party. Madrid highlights how corporations exploit labor while unfairly scapegoating immigrants. The duo also examines the ethical implications of data leaks in the AI era, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced privacy protections.