Thread by @ZaffranRiver

#kochNetwork #politics

🧵How US libertarian think tanks have infiltrated British politics:

1/ In recent years, US libertarian think tanks have been increasingly active in influencing British politics, with a particular focus on promoting a pro-market, deregulatory agenda.

2/ These think tanks, such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, have been known for their anti-government and pro-business views, and have played a key role in shaping US policy for decades.

3/ Their influence in British politics has been facilitated by a number of factors, including the increasing globalization of political and economic systems, and the rise of right-wing populist movements.

4/ One example of this influence can be seen in the close ties between the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a UK-based libertarian think tank, and its US counterparts.

5/ The IEA has been funded by US organizations such as the Atlas Network, which has also supported a number of other libertarian think tanks around the world.

6/ These organizations have used their resources to fund research and advocacy campaigns that promote a pro-market agenda, with a particular emphasis on deregulation and privatization.

7/ This has had a significant impact on British policy, with many of the IEA's proposals finding their way into government policy, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and welfare reform.

8/ In addition to funding think tanks, US libertarian groups have also been involved in lobbying and advocacy efforts in the UK, working to promote their agenda and build alliances with like-minded politicians and interest groups.

9/ This has included efforts to influence the Brexit debate, with US groups such as the Heritage Foundation providing support for Leave campaigners and advocating for a US-UK free trade agreement.

10/ Overall, the influence of US libertarian think tanks on British politics is a worrying trend, as it threatens to undermine the democratic process and promote policies that benefit only a narrow elite at the expense of the broader public.