Philanthropie und politische Polarisierung in den USA: konservative Philanthropie und die internationalen Verbindungen der Klimaskeptiker

Abstract Wealthy citizens have influenced public debates and the political process in United States many ways, for example through donations or campaign finance. Philanthropy is viewed increasingly as another vehicle of more indirect elite influence. Although institutionally designed to stay above partisan fray, philanthropy has been politicized over last decades against backdrop growing polarization. The conservative side particular consolidated influence foundations, think tanks, new tools giving such donor-advised funds. Climate change one issue which conservatives pushed skeptical views disinformation decades. Conservative actors backed by philanthropic activity shaped discourse according climate-skeptic worked block action on climate while also forming global networks practices across Atlantic. While trying retain image academic research neutrality, right-wing European tanks are spreading disinformation, often with connections their American counterparts support donors foundations. Overall, this paper argues that parts sector abandoned early notions charity order pursue considerable societal goals under guise provides tax benefits neutrality. This builds shows how much interests wealthy reflected decision-making (Bartels 2008; Page, Bartels, Seawright 2013; Gilens Page 2014), dark money U.S. politics (Mayer 2017; Oklobdzija 2019), discussions around role foundations a democratic society (Reich 2013, 2018).