Commonwealth Club of California Podcast NYT’s Kenneth Vogel Exposes the Shadowy World of Foreign Lobbying in D.C.
Nov 9, 2025
Kenneth P. Vogel, an investigative reporter for The New York Times and author of "Devil's Advocates," dives into the shadowy realm of foreign lobbying. He reveals how powerful Americans profit by working with corrupt foreign interests, tracing the origins of this industry back to Nazi influence. Vogel shares tales of figures like Robert Stryk and Rudy Giuliani, showcasing their controversial dealings. He also explores how lobbying can shape U.S. policy, exposing the blurred lines between influence and outcome in a world fueled by money and connections.
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Manafort Innovated Paid Foreign Influence
- Paul Manafort professionalized foreign political consulting by combining campaign work and lobbying for foreign clients.
- He monetized influence by electing allies then lobbying Washington on behalf of foreign regimes.
Savimbi Became A Cold War Cause Célèbre
- Manafort turned Jonas Savimbi into a Reagan-era cause célèbre and kept U.S. support flowing.
- That support contributed to a prolonged civil war with hundreds of thousands of deaths by 2002.
Perception Often Is The Currency
- Much foreign lobbying trades on perception and signaling rather than measurable policy wins.
- Hiring a connected American can deter rivals and deliver value through visibility alone.
