The piece overly relies on the metaphor to the point of almost being incomprehensible. From the title and opening example I assumed it had something to do with literal human bodies. But then the definition of a thick desire is vague to the point of uselessness - "enduring, sustainable, and ultimately fulfilling desires", especially because it calls Putin's desires thick - as if megalomania is sustainable and fulfilling? This largely seems like an overly broad fluff piece, rather than rigorous and well thought out writing.