For American political consultants abroad, Manafort a cautionary tale
The indictment of Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign manager, has sent shock waves through Washington – and through the world of American political consultants who work in foreign elections.
It is a world of talented political operatives from both parties who demonstrate skill in the American arena, and then parlay that into at-times lucrative opportunities abroad. Some work primarily to help ideological brethren and, in countries with less-developed democratic systems, spread American ideals of governance. For others, it’s a way to cash in big-time on a well-polished reputation. Some manage to do both.
Viewed broadly, the field of American political consulting abroad represents an ever-shrinking planet,
Picking clients carefully'International lobbying is the Wild West'
