Ben Freeman

Join Ben Freeman, an expert at the Quincy Institute, and researcher Nick Cleveland-Stout as they unravel the hidden web of funding behind influential think tanks. They discuss the Think Tank Funding Tracker, revealing how U.S. and foreign government contributions, plus defense contractor money, shape policy. Learn about conflicts of interest, the troubling lack of transparency, and how some think tanks influence U.S. foreign policy narratives. Their insights expose the implications of 'dark money' and advocate for accountability in policy-making.

In this discussion, Ben Freeman, Director of Democratizing Foreign Policy at the Quincy Institute and co-author of The Trillion Dollar War Machine, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of military spending and foreign influence. He contrasts Trump's anti-war rhetoric with his administration's hefty Pentagon budget. The conversation dives into Marjorie Taylor Greene's anti-establishment stance against war, and how Gulf states leverage lobbying to shape U.S. foreign policy. Freeman also examines Big Tech's role in modern propaganda and influence operations.

Ben Freeman, Director of Democratizing Foreign Policy at the Quincy Institute, uncovers the modern military-industrial-digital complex led by companies like Palantir. He argues that today's digital defense contractors pose a greater existential threat than ever, blurring the line between national security and civil liberties. From the outdated Pentagon procurement processes to dark money's influence on foreign policy, Freeman critiques how AI and automation risk civilian lives while enriching war profiteers, suggesting a need to remember the ideals of diplomacy over militarism.