Bulwark Takes
Can Iran Take More Pain Than Us? | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects the US-Iran war's stalemate, revealing a dangerous mutual incomprehension between leaders and deep dysfunction within the US defense establishment and its alliances.
Trump's War Could Cost Him EVERYTHING (w/ Nicholas Kristof) | The Bulwark Podcast
Nicholas Kristof and Tim Miller dissect the catastrophic geopolitical and economic fallout of the Iran war, arguing it has weakened US strategic positions, empowered hardline regimes, and exacerbated global crises, all while highlighting the domestic political implications for the US.
The Strait Could Open Now. It Wouldn't Matter. (w/ Tracy Alloway & Jordan Ritter Conn) | Bulwark Pod
This episode unpacks the current economic landscape, from market volatility driven by geopolitical events to the structural shifts impacting male identity and community in America.
Iran Experts: Fired. FBI Chief: Blacked Out. Good Luck, Y'all! (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect Trump's chaotic Iran policy, the alarming conduct of FBI Director Cash Patel, and critical domestic political maneuvers, highlighting the systemic risks and shifting geopolitical landscape.
Hegseth's Pentagon Shakeup Gets Even Worse | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects the multifaceted challenges facing US foreign policy, from internal Pentagon turmoil and the strategic miscalculations in the Iran conflict to shifting European political dynamics and the resilience of Ukraine, all against the backdrop of a perceived decline in US leadership and alliance management.
Europe Is Preparing for Life Without America (w/ Richard Stengel) | How to Fix It
As American soft power declines and alliances fray, Europe is actively preparing for a future without consistent US leadership, while recent elections in Hungary offer a surprising blueprint for restoring democracy against authoritarianism.
Secret Podcast Preview: Republicans Are Walking Into a Buzzsaw
Republicans face a challenging electoral landscape marked by strong Democratic energy and shifting voter priorities, while Trump's chaotic political style continues to impact markets and international relations.
Trump Is Getting a TERRIBLE Deal (w/ Ben Rhodes) | The Bulwark Podcast
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor, dissects the catastrophic consequences of Trump's Iran policy, arguing his 'deal' is a costly re-negotiation of a superior agreement that strengthened Iran and alienated US allies.
Trump’s Frightening Late-Night Posting Spree (w/ Michael Weiss) | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Michael Weiss dissect Trump's erratic late-night social media activity, the complex US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, and the surprising political upset in Hungary, highlighting shifts in global alliances and domestic political vulnerabilities.
Trump’s Iran War Is Getting More Dangerous, Not Less (w/ Sen. Chris Coons)
Senator Chris Coons dissects the chaotic and ill-defined Trump administration's war in Iran, its unintended consequences, and the broader disarray in US foreign and domestic policy.
BREAKING: UMICH Consumer Sentiment Hits Lowest Point EVER | Receipts LIVE
Despite official optimism, consumer sentiment has plummeted to record lows due to surging energy prices, geopolitical instability, and concerns over market manipulation, signaling deep underlying economic uncertainty.
Trump Wants to Invent a Fake Reality (w/ Anne Applebaum) | The Bulwark Podcast
Anne Applebaum details how Hungary's Viktor Orban employs 'post-reality' politics and disinformation to maintain power, a model increasingly adopted by the American far-right, while critiquing Trump's chaotic foreign policy and the breakdown of international relations.
BREAKING: Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz; Delusional Leavitt Presser
The Bulwark Takes hosts dissect a White House press conference, exposing what they view as a 'delusional' narrative around a 'fragile' Iran ceasefire and the critical closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Is Imploding—We Need to CRUSH Him! Plus: Can We Trust AI Tycoons? | Bulwark Podcast
The host argues Democrats must channel public anger against Trump's foreign policy and economic failures by embracing a 'lowercase America First' agenda, while investigative reporters expose Sam Altman's shifting integrity at OpenAI.
Trump’s Iran Endgame Fantasy | Shield of the Republic
This analysis dissects the US President's flawed Iran strategy, revealing the high risks and unclear objectives of potential military ground operations and the broader implications for US credibility and regional stability.
This is Beyond Mere Incompetence (w/ Robert Kagan) | The Bulwark Podcast
Robert Kagan details how the ongoing US military action in Iran, initiated under the Trump administration, is dismantling the post-WWII global order, isolating the US, and empowering rivals like China and Russia.
BREAKING: Trump Unveils Insane New Budget; March Jobs Numbers
The Trump administration's latest budget proposal prioritizes massive defense and immigration enforcement spending while cutting critical domestic programs like scientific research and social services, leading hosts to question its political viability and economic sense.
Trump’s Alternate Reality War Speech | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Susan Glasser dissect Donald Trump's 'alternate reality' war speech, exposing its lack of a coherent plan, the administration's dysfunction, and the severe global consequences of his 'magical thinking' approach to foreign policy.
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, JVL and Mark Hertling React to Trump's Iran Address
A panel of analysts dissects a recent presidential address on Iran, framing it as an incoherent, contradictory, and strategically damaging 'Truth Social rant' with severe economic and geopolitical consequences.
Trump Blew Up His Own Economy (w/ Josh Barro & Paige Cognetti) | Bulwark Podcast
This episode dissects the severe economic fallout from the Trump administration's impulsive war in Iran, alongside insights into local political corruption and the 'adolescent' nature of modern policymaking.
Possible Ground Troops in Iran, Trump Speech Preview and The Slow-Motion Destruction of NATO
This episode critically dissects the Trump administration's 'flailing' military strategy in Iran and its accelerating 'slow-motion destruction' of NATO, drawing parallels to past military miscalculations.
Trump & Hegseth Are Increasingly Delusional on Hormuz; TACO Incoming? | Morning Chaser
The Bulwark hosts critically analyze the Trump administration's 'delusional' handling of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, detailing its severe economic repercussions, the erosion of US alliances, and Trump's self-serving political messaging.
Did Trump Just Reveal an Attack on a US Aircraft Carrier?
The host unpacks Donald Trump's recent public appearances, highlighting a pattern of bizarre, potentially revealing, and often fabricated statements, including a possible accidental disclosure of an attack on a US aircraft carrier.
FBI Director Hacked by Iran in Middle of War
An Iranian hack team breached the personal accounts of FBI Director Cash Patel, exposing embarrassing photos and his resume, raising serious questions about national security and his competence amidst an undeclared 'war' with Iran.
Want more on geopolitics?
Explore deep-dive summaries and actionable takeaways from the best minds across different podcasts discussing this topic.
View All Geopolitics Episodes→Don't see the episode you're looking for?
We're constantly adding new episodes, but if you want to see a specific one from Bulwark Takes summarized, let us know!
Submit an Episode