Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump’s Building a New Axis of Evil—With America In It"

Release Date: February 25, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Andrew Egger delve into the United States' recent actions and stances within the United Nations, particularly focusing on resolutions concerning Russia and Ukraine. They critically analyze the implications of the US aligning with nations perceived as antagonistic on the global stage and examine the broader consequences for international diplomacy.

1. Introduction to Current UN Resolutions

Tim Miller opens the discussion by highlighting the ongoing debates within the United Nations regarding Russia's military actions:

"[00:16] We wanted to talk to you about some happenings in the UN today. There were dueling resolutions and the US was on the side of our good friends in these resolutions in Belarus and North Korea and Hungary and also Israel and Russia."

Andrew Egger emphasizes the prominence of Russia in these resolutions:

"[00:35] Russia, the big one for this particular resolution."

The hosts explain that two contrasting resolutions were presented: a European-backed resolution demanding Russia's immediate withdrawal, and a US-backed resolution urging the end of the war without explicitly condemning Russia or affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

2. Analysis of UN Votes and US Alignment

Tim Miller provides a breakdown of the voting results:

"[01:13] So the final vote there was 93 to 18 with 65 abstentions. So there are only 18 countries that were like, no, we do not agree that Russia should withdraw its forces."

He expresses concern over the US siding with countries that are broadly viewed negatively on the international stage, including Belarus and Russia. Miller reflects on his affinity for the UN but laments the current state where the US appears to support "bad, bad people."

Andrew Egger concurs, criticizing the performative nature of the US's stance:

"[02:23] It's not saying, well, the UN is one thing, but we have to be realists. No, we're gonna actually be performative villains when we do our cosplay at the UN."

3. Critique of US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tim Miller voices frustration over the lack of substantive negotiation strategies:

"[05:06] The thing that's been bugging me about this lately is like, they've been asked several times what Russia is being asked to give in this negotiation... they all keep seeming like they're surprised by the question."

He criticizes the administration for failing to impose concessions on Russia, thereby undermining Ukraine's position. Andrew Egger adds that Trump's personal dynamics with allies like Zelenskyy are detrimental:

"[06:12] ...as the further this has gone on and the more he's been willing to just give in to everything Russia wants on this stuff."

4. Interactions with Allies: The Macron-Trump Dynamic

Tim Miller references a specific incident involving French President Emmanuel Macron and President Trump:

"[07:20] ...we had a little fact check, a little live fact check from Macron on Trump."

Miller critiques Trump’s dismissive attitude towards allies who are actively supporting Ukraine, as evidenced by Macron’s defense of European financial aid to Ukraine. The hosts highlight how Trump's confrontational behavior strains international relationships, making allies hesitant to support US initiatives.

"[08:05] ...if it's an ally, it's like, you have been, you know, sucking off of us too long and slipstreaming behind us for too long. You've had it too easy for too long. And darn it, we're not gonna put up with it anymore."

Andrew Egger underscores the negative impact of Trump's rhetoric on diplomatic relations:

"[09:10] ...Trump will just say something like that... you can see as he's talking, Trump just kind of sitting there, seething at him."

5. The Emergence of a "New Axis of Evil"

The title of the episode is explored through the lens of the US's evolving international alliances. Tim Miller introduces the concept humorously with references to the Micronesian country Palau:

"[10:27] ...Palau might be my favorite country in the new axis of evil... they're Russophiles, but they're part of our new team with Hungary and Belarus and Niger and Venezuela."

This segment illustrates the troubling trend of the US aligning with nations that challenge global stability, either through direct support of adversaries like Russia or by fostering toxic alliances.

6. Conclusion: The Future of US International Relations

As the episode wraps up, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger reflect on the dire state of US foreign policy. They express skepticism about the administration's ability to navigate complex international challenges effectively, fearing that the current trajectory could isolate the US and embolden global adversaries.

"[11:45] ...We’re gonna do more research on Palau, and we'll get back to you on this for our next video."

The hosts sign off with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and engaged, underscoring the importance of understanding and challenging the shifts in US international alliances.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller [00:35]: "Russia, the big one for this particular resolution."

• Andrew Egger [02:23]: "It's not saying, well, the UN is one thing, but we have to be realists. No, we're gonna actually be performative villains when we do our cosplay at the UN."

• Tim Miller [05:06]: "It is totally nonsensical to see all of these people who are like, oh, you guys want to live in this fantasy land where Ukraine is likely to win this war."

• Andrew Egger [09:10]: "...if it's an ally, it's like, you have been, you know, sucking off of us too long and slipstreaming behind us for too long."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of the United States' current foreign policy trajectory, particularly in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its broader implications for international diplomacy. Through incisive analysis and candid discussion, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger shed light on the challenges facing global alliances and the potential consequences of America's shifting stance on the world stage.