Anne Applebaum on Iran, Ukraine, and Trump’s Kleptocracy
Podcast: Talking FedsPublished On: Thu Aug 06 2026
Description: “Sometimes the smaller power has advantages that you don't expect.” That’s the lesson Anne Applebaum says Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are learning as their weaker foes keep handing them setbacks. Applebaum explains to Harry how Ukraine's drone campaign is bringing the war home to Russians and why Iran looks poised to gain unprecedented control over the Strait of Hormuz. And, as Trump amasses wealth despite his failures, Applebaum makes the case that the U.S. is becoming a place where “political decisions are taken not because they're good for the country, but because they're good for the president's son.” Mentioned in this episodeApplebaum's writing for the Atlantic.Applebaum's Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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