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Richard Nephew

@richardmnephew.bsky.social
733 followers 84 following 444 posts

Senior Research Scholar at Columbia U. Former Anti-Corruption Coordinator at Dept of State (among other things), White House and Dept of Energy. Personal acct. Author of "The Art of Sanctions" (2018)

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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Surely, the crowd who were so invested in fighting corruption and fraud in government procurement a year ago will be clamoring to fix this problem. www.gao.gov/products/gao...
gao.gov
U.S. GAO - Fraud in Federal Programs: Limited Beneficial Ownership Information Available on Awardees
U.S. companies aren't usually required to disclose the identities of people who benefit from owning them. This lack of transparency may help people...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This is tremendous. For future records, I am a fan of the New York Football Giants. They are not the same as the San Francisco Giants. The New York Rangers, not Texas Rangers too, just in case it ever becomes relevant.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
AYFKM.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Well, that's f-king disgusting.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
The number of times I have to go to truth social to see if something is actually what he said or made up, because I just can't believe it...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Was skeptical based on press reports but this is why it is a) important to release the actual text; and, b) important to read the actual text. It's better than I thought. warontherocks.com/the-real-u-s...
warontherocks.com
The Real U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Is Better Than We Thought
On Aug. 24, 2026, the Trump administration transmitted the text of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement to Congress. By doing so, the
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
You know, I think I'm going to print this tweet and put it on a poster board and hang out at the economics department for Halloween.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
On the tariff bi..., I mean the "Russia sanctions" bill: Russia should be far more heavily sanctioned and the United States should commit far more to support Ukraine. It is in our supreme national interest. 1/7
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I miss working at the State Department. And then, sometimes, I do not.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Who among us hasn't accepted a lavish two-day vacation from a former member of the Night Wolves biker gang, who is closely affiliated with Putin and personally sanctioned by Ukraine for abducting children while our dad -- whose ties with Russia remain suspect -- is president?
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
wpintelligence.washingtonpost.com/topics/globa...
wpintelligence.washingtonpost.com
America’s new illicit finance playbook: more sanctions, less transparency - WP Intelligence
As criminals find new ways to evade the laws around illicit finance, the U.S. government is simultaneously redesigning the enforcement system. Businesses are caught in the middle.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
They're not even trying to hide it. Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding Was Secretly Bankrolled by Russian Oligarch Close to Putin www.propublica.org/article/dona...
propublica.org
Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Bankrolled by Putin-Linked Russian Oligarch
The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, spent hundreds of thousands on expenses like renting out a private island. He appears to have met Trump Jr. only recently, but he attended the intimate wedding with a large...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Good luck with that.
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Daniel Drezner @dandrezner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
OK, New York Giants:
static.klipy.com
Leslie Nielsen: We're All Counting On You
ALT: Leslie Nielsen: We're All Counting On You
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Was pleased to be able to contribute to this, due out soon: The Strategy of Sanctions press.umich.edu/Books/T/The-...
press.umich.edu
The Strategy of Sanctions | S. C. M. Paine & Anand Toprani
In recent decades, sanctions have become the preferred tool for the nonviolent coercion of other nations. The US government employs sanctions and embargoes to pressure not only enemies but sometimes even ...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
It's not just crude oil. Beyond Crude: Iran War Reveals Refined Products as an Energy Security Blind Spot www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/publications...
energypolicy.columbia.edu
Beyond Crude: Iran War Reveals Refined Products as an Energy Security Blind Spot - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP
This commentary represents the research and views of the authors. It does not necessarily represent...
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Reposted by Richard Nephew
Alexandra Petri @petridishes.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
the year is 2027. gas costs $83 and lettuce is at war with us. however every location on every map now says AMERICA
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I suppose we are no longer economically furious nor pressing maximally. [This was a complete nothing burger and, worse, his concluding remark about not wanting to blow up the international financial system undercut literally everything else he said.]
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
He was last seen telling us that everything is fine and that his plan is going swimmingly on every dimension.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Well, that's alright then.  If you need me, I'll be at the beach.
A lunatic says that "there are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect.  The Hormuz Strait is open and operating.  All water mines have been removed or detonated."
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I am legitimately surprised that everyone was talking about the US-Iran MOU today.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Worth reading for professors, like me, who are concerned about how to get students' attention in an age of AI slop. I Let My Students Watch Me Struggle With a Masterpiece. It Changed Everything. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | I Let My Students Watch Me Struggle With a Masterpiece. It Changed Everything.
Teachers need to model the passion they want to see.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I can only hope that someone in Navy procurement watched "The Pentagon Wars" and learned things.
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The Washington Institute for Near East Policy @washinstitute.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
What approach should the Trump administration take toward negotiating a new deal with Iran? @richardmnephew.bsky.social examines the lessons for future rounds of direct negotiations. Read more: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Trump has made a complete hash out of US Iran policy, not least because he listens to an echo chamber formed to oppose the JPOA/JCPOA. But, there are still things he and his team can learn from the JPOA. From me. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
washingtoninstitute.org
What the Next Iran Deal Can Learn from the JPOA
The June MOU and the 2013 JPOA are not perfect analogues, but the deliberately limited terms and careful specificity of the latter agreement hold prudent lessons for both Washington and Tehran as they...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
This is getting some roasting and, on one level, I agree with the critique: crowdsourcing war strategy is not ideal and reads badly. On the other hand, asking people working this day in and out for their opinions and ideas isn't intrinsically stupid. 1/3 www.cnn.com/2026/08/03/p...
cnn.com
Exclusive: US military asks troops for ‘creative and unconventional’ ideas to punish Iran | CNN Politics
The request from a senior officer at the US military command carrying out President Donald Trump’s war with Iran came in an email: We need ideas.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Honestly, not lots to say about the 4th (5th?) sequel to this movie. We remain stuck up a strategy tree by the "gang that couldn't shoot straight". Whole maneuver cost a lot of money too. Well done, Team Trump's outside enablers! Your boy done good! www.wsj.com/world/middle...
wsj.com
Trump Calls Off Planned Attack on Iran, Citing Diplomatic Progress
The region had been preparing for another escalation after Washington and Tehran made new threats.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Important work by Sen Schumer and colleagues to develop the proposed Anti-Corruption Bureau, and good to see that lessons from similar mechanisms abroad are embedded here. Our past combo of norms and laws aren't working; change is needed. www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
democrats.senate.gov
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Personally, I think it's a good thing the president is using his time to post AI slop. It's a healthy sign that in no way suggests he's completely lost his grip on reality.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
What a mess.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
[best read with exhaustion] ...what?...
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
And, of course, the problem with secret side letters is that folks will fill in the details, some of them making it up! In the end, you'll end up probably putting them out because what folks will conjecture will probably be worse. Better, in my view, to just make it public in one go.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A few initial thoughts on "Saudis Reach Deal With U.S. That Could Let Them Enrich Nuclear Fuel" 1/10 www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Administration to Announce Deal That Could Let Saudis Enrich Nuclear Fuel
U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed opposition to such a plan, to be announced Wednesday, fearing that the kingdom could use a civilian nuclear project to develop nuclear weapons.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Did a Secret "Stargate" in Iran Cause Trump's Endless War? (This was a lot of fun.) youtu.be/vey4Rnid1QU?...
youtu.be
Did a Secret "Stargate" in Iran Cause Trump's Endless War? Josh Johnson Finds Out | The Daily Show
YouTube video by The Daily Show
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
They have not.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Crucial reporting. All of this seems not just plausible, but likely. Again, this is why I simply cannot believe the dismissive attitude toward Iran's large stock of HEU that this war has not sufficiently addressed or casual statements that Iran remains years off a bomb. www.wsj.com/world/middle...
wsj.com
Exclusive | Israel Believes Iran Moved Nuclear Centrifuges Into Pickaxe Mountain
The U.S. has reviewed the assessment, and President Trump has threatened to attack the site.
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Daniel Drezner @dandrezner.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
UPDATE: it's not just me. danieldrezner.substack.com/p/the-united...
danieldrezner.substack.com
The United States Has Always Been At War With Eastasi-- I Mean, Iran
The chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee goes full Orwell
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Sheer lunacy. I'll let others comment on the tariff substance. But, the underlying idea is bonkers. To restate: we're sanctioning Canada for air pollution. Setting aside targeting an ally, do we -- the US -- think this is a smart precedent to set? www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/b...
nytimes.com
Trump to Impose 50% Tariff on Many Canadian Goods
The administration will use an untested legal provision to put significant duties on Canadian exports, reigniting a clash with one of America’s biggest trading partners.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Narrator: It was not @dandrezner.bsky.social.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Not just intel folks, @marieharf.bsky.social. Burn bags are literally used in all secure spaces of the USG. They contain secrets but are not secret. (I, for one, am glad I was watching old episodes of "Andor" with my son during this speech; a far more compelling and factual spy story.)
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"And Lucy picked up the note, which read 'sometimes, even things unambiguously good, like a detainee release, doesn't mean more good things are coming. Bigger issues may remain. But, a president who is looking for a way out might seize upon it nevertheless.'"
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Yep. And just to emphasize from this: he keeps saying "I am doing the madman theory" and...uh...there are plenty of Iranians who speak English, watch newsclips, and read...so maybe they're not buying it?
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Yeah. Well done to those US voters and enabling politicians who thought this would be a good idea to run back after our 2017-2021 experience.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Seriously, this is a warning sign. He's immensely frustrated, unbound by any morality than his own interests, confronted with yet another loss that he doesn't understand, and enabled by sycophants always prepared to tell him how he's such a smart boy.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Good luck with this, Mr. President. As much as this won't happen, this shouldn't be ignored. It is a sign of Trump's frustration and awareness that he has squandered leverage through this deeply flawed campaign. Every step has been mismanaged and misadvised (both from within and outside the USG).
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
I managed to get "hornswoggled" into CNN, so I think I'm done here.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
He ruins everything.
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Can't wait to read @skyeperryman.bsky.social's new book, "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times." Democracy is a team sport and everyone can, and should, play. Pre-order it here: ordinarypeopleextraordinarytimes.com
ordinarypeopleextraordinarytimes.com
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times
How to Reclaim Your Power, Fight for Freedom, and Reimagine Democracy
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Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
It's starting to feel personal...Team USA Hockey...the Knicks...now this...
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