The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Charles Hecker, a seasoned journalist and geopolitical risk consultant with over 40 years of experience in Russia, dives into the transformation of the Russian business landscape. He discusses the surge of international investment post-Soviet Union and how Putin’s invasion of Ukraine abruptly changed the game. He explores the tough choices businesses faced: stay and risk reputation or leave and incur losses. The conversation also examines the intricate ties between Western corporations and Russia, challenging the belief that economic investments alone can spark democratic change.

Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, sheds light on the complexities of capital punishment in the U.S. She discusses its troubling history, the staggering number of executions since 1976, and the stark disparities in how it's applied. The conversation turns to botched executions, specifically Allen Miller's case, raising ethical concerns about execution methods. Maher also addresses public opinion shifts and the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent, all while questioning the integrity of the justice system.

Phil Elwood, a former PR operator turned author, pulls back the curtain on the shadowy world of public relations for authoritarian regimes. He reveals how he crafted favorable narratives for dictators and oligarchs, including wrestling media coverage during the controversial World Cup bid. With candid reflections on his regrets and the ethical dilemmas faced in PR, Elwood shares insights on the intersection of power, media ownership, and personal redemption, all while navigating his own mental health journey.

The Tory conference stirs up fierce debates on immigration and economic strategies, revealing party uncertainties. Controversial remarks are scrutinized as Labour grapples with internal turmoil. As the U.S. prepares for a VP debate, candidates' approval ratings loom large. Meanwhile, escalating tensions in the Middle East raise questions about military strategies. The podcast also shares touching stories of Ugandan migrants, reflecting on resilience and community in the face of adversity.

What’s the feeling been like in the White House since Biden dropped out of the race? And how is Harris juggling both distancing herself from Biden and running on his record? In a teaser for our sibling podcast American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, speak to the New York Times’ chief White House correspondent Peter Baker to discuss the feeling around the race, where it’s headed and much more. Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, you’ll find out everything you need to know, in plain English. Listen here.  • Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EBQbDcgPFEf9Bx5AJvvrX?si=a572a2d92dd24231  We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.    www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. AMERICAN FRICTION and the Bunker are Podmasters productions. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author focused on the GOP, dives deep into the tumultuous transformation of the Republican Party. He discusses the party's struggles post-Trump, exploring fears of alienation and the urgent need for courageous leadership. Coppins highlights the drastic shifts towards nationalism and populism, illuminating the identity crisis faced by long-standing members. He raises crucial questions about the party's future, its internal conflicts, and the potential for emerging leaders to reshape its path.

Gareth Dennis, a rail engineer and writer with an upcoming book on the British rail system, joins the conversation. He discusses the aftermath of COVID-19 on railways and Labour's re-nationalisation push. The complexities of the UK’s ticketing system and proposed reforms are explored. Dennis also delves into the contentious HS2 project, questioning ticket pricing strategies for accessibility. The podcast underscores the transformative potential of modern railways in tackling transportation and climate challenges.

Joe Conason, an insightful author known for his sharp critiques of grifters in politics, dives into the financial motivations behind Trump and his allies’ rise in the GOP. He connects the grifting culture to historical events dating back to the 1950s. The discussion also covers Mitt Romney's complicated legacy and the influence of the Heritage Foundation on modern conservatism. Conason warns of the uncertain future for the Republican Party post-Trump and the need for a strategic overhaul in the face of internal conflicts.

Colin Yeo, an immigration barrister and author of the Free Movement blog, teams up with host Ros Taylor to tackle the pressing small boat crisis. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding asylum claims and the evolving demographics of arrivals. Yeo challenges the effectiveness of deterrent policies, highlighting real motivations behind migration. They also delve into the intricacies of asylum processing in the UK and Europe, examining the ethical implications of immigration strategies and the influence of organized crime on this complex issue.

Keir Starmer, the first Labour Prime Minister at the conference, shares insights on the atmosphere in Liverpool amidst historic excitement and prevalent concerns about government strategy. Journalist Steve Richards provides a deep dive into the challenges of political communication, emphasizing the subdued mood compared to past conferences. They discuss the implications of winter fuel payment debates and the media's role in shaping narratives, while noting the Labour Party’s cohesion and the anticipation for key speeches, setting the stage for the event.