Bulwark Takes
Bob Kagan: We’re About to Find Out What Real Failure Looks Like | Bulwark Podcast
Bob Kagan argues that Trump's Iran policy is a strategic surrender, leading to the collapse of the US-led world order and empowering adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia while alienating traditional allies.
Trump Blinked. Iran Won. Now What? (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect the perceived US defeat in the Iran deal, Trump's political maneuvering, and the weaponization of the Justice Department, arguing that Iran emerged victorious while domestic political fractures deepen.
For the First Time Since WWII, Moscow Is Under Attack (w/ Marc Bennetts) | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy under Trump, the hollowing out of American diplomacy, and offers a grim, first-hand account of Russia's descent into authoritarianism and the pervasive impact of state propaganda.
Why in the World Are We Pulling Troops out of Poland? | Command Post
The US is systematically undermining its own strategic interests and long-standing alliances by unilaterally withdrawing troops from key European partners like Poland and Germany, signaling weakness to adversaries and eroding trust with allies.
Ending the War Will Require Force | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects the complexities of US foreign policy, from media integrity and defense mismanagement to strategic approaches for Iran, China, and Cuba, emphasizing the need for robust leadership and public understanding.
Tom Nichols: There’s Something Wrong with the President | The Bulwark Podcast LIVE
Tim Miller and Tom Nichols dissect the alarming implications of former President Trump's erratic behavior, a failed Iran war, and a nonsensical counterterrorism strategy, arguing these issues directly impact American citizens and global stability.
Trump’s “Shock and Awe” Campaign Blew Up in His Face (w/ Rep. Adam Smith)
Rep. Adam Smith critiques the Trump administration's Iran policy, labeling its 'shock and awe' campaign a 'massive strategic defeat' that emboldened Iran and lacked transparency.
Trump’s Humiliation in Iran Changes Everything (w/ Bill Kristol) | The Bulwark Podcast
This episode details how Trump's foreign policy failures in Iran and Europe, coupled with domestic political maneuvers like gerrymandering and cabinet incompetence, are fundamentally reshaping the global order and American political landscape.
Trump's "Project Freedom" Was Scrapped in 24 Hours (w/ Arash Azizi & Jodi Kantor) | Bulwark Podcast
This episode delivers a dual deep-dive into Iran's complex geopolitical landscape and the internal workings of the US Supreme Court, alongside practical advice for navigating a challenging modern job market.
Trump’s War Is Becoming a Political Extinction Event | The Next Level
The hosts dissect the Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict, its economic fallout, and the political implications for the Republican party, highlighting a disconnect between public perception and the administration's self-serving narratives.
MAGA’s Iran War Is Cracking Apart | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects the Trump administration's Iran strategy, revealing internal power struggles, geopolitical realignments, and the evolving nature of modern warfare, while questioning the long-term viability of current approaches.
Stop Being Scared of Trump. He's Pathetic. MOCK HIM! (w/ Adam Kinzinger) | Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger critically dissect the Trump administration's foreign policy failures in Iran, the escalating national debt, and the brazen corruption of the Trump family, advocating for mockery as a potent political weapon.
America Looks Weak Right Now (w/ Bill Kristol) | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect the White House Correspondents' Dinner incident, the ongoing Iran War, and Trump's declining political standing, arguing that America's global position and domestic political landscape are in flux.
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.
Trump’s Idiotic “Mad Man” Strategy Has Collapsed (w/ Sam Stein) | The Bulwark Podcast
Donald Trump's 'mad man' strategy has reportedly collapsed as he struggles to find an off-ramp in the Iran conflict, while Democrats successfully outmaneuver Republicans in redistricting battles and concerns rise over political appointments and neglected domestic tragedies.
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.
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.
What Finally Broke Orbán’s Grip (w/ David Pressman)
US Ambassador David Pressman details how Peter Majar's fearless, anti-corruption campaign shattered Viktor Orbán's seemingly unbreakable grip on Hungary, offering critical lessons for other democracies facing authoritarianism.
Two House Members Resign in Disgrace | Morning Shots Live
Two House members, a Democrat and a Republican, resigned amidst personal scandals, sparking a discussion on political accountability, the 'prisoner swap' dynamic, and a concerning shift in US foreign policy rhetoric towards moral equivalence.
Trump's Path of Destruction | Shield of the Republic
This episode dissects how former President Trump's actions and rhetoric are systematically dismantling America's global alliances and democratic norms, from NATO to the Middle East, and the alarming rise of illiberalism both domestically and abroad.
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.
Want more on us foreign policy?
Explore deep-dive summaries and actionable takeaways from the best minds across different podcasts discussing this topic.
View All Us Foreign Policy 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