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.

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 From the outdated Pentagon procurement processes to dark money's influence on foreign policy, Freeman critiques how AI and automation risk civilian lives while enriching war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.

Guest Ben Freeman, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute, shares insights on the military-industrial complex's role in shaping narratives around the Ukraine war. The discussion highlights Trump's humorous jabs at the word 'woke' and the strategic political maneuvering of DeSantis and Trump as they potentially sidestep debates. Freeman also reveals the troubling influence of defense contractors on media coverage, questioning the impartiality of narratives surrounding U.S. military actions, and expresses concerns over new Supreme Court rulings impacting workers' rights.