Giving Thought

In this episode we unpick the complex relationship between philanthropy and democracy. Does philanthropy undermine democracy, or strengthen it? Do we need to make philanthropy itself more democratic? And if so, how? Including: Does philanthropy automatically introduce a “plutocratic bias” into public discourse and policy? Is lack of transparency a particular issue? Does the trend towards using structures like LLCs exacerbate this problem? Does the ability of individuals at any level of wealth to associate within civil society lead to the dangers of “faction” - with minority groups able to exert an undue negative influence on the democratic system? How does this relate to digitally-enabled conspiracy groups like QAnon? Does perpetuity in philanthropy result in intergenerational injustice as a result of the “dead hand of the donor”? What role does philanthropy play in giving voice and power to marginalised groups and thus overcoming “the tyranny of the majority” in a democracy? How does civil society campaigni