Qatar and the U.S.: Money, Influence, and Power

In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Natalie Ecanow, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about her new report tracing what she estimates is at least $400 billion in Qatari spending, investments, lobbying, grants, and commercial activity across the United States. From defense and energy to higher education, media, technology, sports, and even K-12 classrooms, Qatar’s footprint reaches farther than most Americans realize. They discuss how Doha has cultivated influence within America’s political, academic, and cultural institutions; where legitimate investment can become political leverage; and why that influence deserves greater public scrutiny.