Bulwark Takes
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.
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.
Trump's Iran Ultimatum (w/ Margaret Donovan) | Command Post
A military lawyer and a retired general dissect Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iranian civilian power plants, exposing the profound legal, ethical, and military implications of such an order and the critical role of international law in armed conflict.
Trump’s Plan: War Abroad, Chaos at Home
This episode dissects the Trump administration's chaotic foreign policy regarding Iran's Strait of Hormuz and its controversial domestic move to deploy ICE agents to alleviate airport bottlenecks, highlighting internal contradictions and political motivations.
A Monthlong Closure of Hormuz Will Bankrupt Countries (w/ Sal Mercogliano)
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade choke point, is now under de facto Iranian control, leading to economic disruption, humanitarian crises for seafarers, and a potential restructuring of global trade patterns if the closure persists.
Trump Blames Iran for Bombing School, Then Says “I Just Don’t Know”
Donald Trump's conflicting statements on a recent military operation in Iran, his proposed 'Venezuela model' for regime change, and his perceived lack of empathy for American military casualties and civilian deaths are critically analyzed.
Iran's Regional War Strategy is Failing (w/ Norman Roule) | Shield of the Republic
Former intelligence official Norman Roule details why Iran's current leadership structure makes a US-backed 'Venezuela playbook' for regime change impossible and how Tehran's regional 'messaging attacks' are backfiring, solidifying Gulf state opposition.
Trump Made an Insane Bet on a Risky War (w/ Derek Thompson) | The Bulwark Podcast
Derek Thompson and Tim Miller dissect the Trump administration's foreign policy and domestic governance, revealing a pattern of executive overreach, transactional decision-making, and the weaponization of obscure legal statutes.
Trump Made a Mess in Iran—And Democrats are Blowing It (w/ Morris Katz) | The Bulwark Podcast
Morris Katz, a Democratic strategist, discusses the pragmatic political strategy behind Zoran's engagement with Donald Trump, critiques the Democratic party's muddled messaging on foreign policy, and analyzes the viability of left populism in diverse political landscapes.
Sen. Kaine Forces Vote on Iran War Powers Resolution
Senator Tim Kaine details his persistent, decade-long fight to compel Congress to vote on acts of war, specifically highlighting his current War Powers Resolution concerning Iran and the historical reluctance of legislators to take a definitive stance on military engagements.
The Darkest State of the Union in Years (w/ Susan Glasser) | The Bulwark Podcast
This episode dissects Donald Trump's State of the Union address as a performative, policy-empty spectacle, highlighting his administration's escalating attacks on free speech, democratic norms, and media independence, while pursuing contradictory foreign policies.
JVL Goes Nuclear on “Make-A-Wish Kash Patel” | The Bulwark Podcast
This episode dissects the Trump administration's chaotic foreign policy and domestic actions, from FBI Director Kash Patel's locker room antics to potential war with Iran, foreign aid cuts, and the alarming 'occupation' in Minnesota.
Lindsey Graham Berated Denmark’s Prime Minister (w/ Frank Dikötter) | Shield of the Republic
This episode exposes the fragility of US alliances under populist pressures and re-evaluates the true origins of the Chinese Communist Party's rise, challenging long-held Western narratives.
How Evil Regimes Cling to Power (w/ Stephen Kotkin) | Shield of the Republic
Historian Stephen Kotkin dissects the inherent vulnerabilities of authoritarian regimes, arguing that their perceived strength is often a facade for deep internal divisions and structural weaknesses that can be strategically exploited.
What Replaces the Ayatollahs in Iran? (w/ Christiane Amanpour) | How to Fix It
Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour dissects the complexities of Iranian uprisings, external interventions, and the profound challenges of achieving lasting regime change, drawing on decades of experience covering the region.
THIS Is What a Strong Democrat Looks Like | The Next Level
The Bulwark hosts dissect the escalating authoritarian tactics of the Trump administration, from ICE actions in Minneapolis to foreign policy aggression, and analyze effective political responses.
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