People who had the money to bribe, who fundamentally believed that anyone could be bribed, and who had outsize influence on the legal structures that might otherwise restrict bribery, had become major foreign policy players in key parts of the world.
In "Siege: Trump Under Fire," Michael Wolff discusses the pervasive influence of individuals who possess significant financial resources and the belief that bribery is a common practice. These individuals not only have the means to engage in corrupt activities but also hold considerable power over the legal frameworks that are intended to prevent such actions.
This dynamic has allowed them to play pivotal roles in shaping foreign policy, particularly in regions where their influence can manipulate situations to their advantage. As a result, the implications of wealth and corruption extend far beyond individual transactions, affecting international relations and governance.