THE THINK TANK RACKET: Managing the Information War with Russia

AVAILABLE NOW DIRECTLY FROM CLARITY PRESS

The negative aspect of think tanks is the power they wield, from controlling information to functioning as a waiting room for politicians out of office. Information is power, and a think tanks business model has been established that sells political influence in Washington and manufactures consent among the public. The military-industrial complex is the dominant donor to think tanks, which results in a bias toward military solutions and perpetuating conflict.

Russia remains a leading adversary of the West and has sustained Washington’s exorbitant military spending over many decades. Think tanks accordingly have a great incentive to push for a confrontational posture towards Russia as they operate in an industry where conflicts are profitable and peace produces losses A mutually acceptable post-Cold War settlement threatened the revenue of one of the largest and most influential industries in the US, which was reversed as a result of NATO expansion and renewed tensions with Russia. This book explores how the think tanks function, and how their growing role has influenced US policies toward Russia.

“A necessary and vital analysis of the corrupt and corrupting influence of think-tanks on policy and the policy process. Diesen shows how they are part of the echo chamber funded by defence contractors and associated ministries and corporations in the service of an ill-advised militarism, especially in regard to Russia, which has created a situation of permanent global war. The work throws a shaft of light on a dark corner of contemporary world politics, and exposes the dangers of unelected ‘thinkers’ on elected practitioners. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of democracy.” PROFESSOR RICHARD SAKWA, University of Kent

“In this excellent book, Professor Diesen explores the intrusive and growing political influence of think tanks. US foreign policy is further militarised as think tanks pursue a business model of selling political influence to the military-industrial complex.” CLARE DALY, Member of European Parliament

“Glenn Diesen provides an important but disturbing account of the nexus between think tanks, governments, and the military-industrial complex. Instead of producing well-informed analyses, think tanks promote the interests of those who fund them, while seeking to suppress any manifestations of dissent. The Think Tank Racket is a troubling but necessary read for all those wanting a better-informed political landscape”. PROFESSOR PAUL ROBINSON, University of Ottawa

“German Bundestag Member Sevim Dagdelen, referring to media coverage of Ukraine, has warned, “Es ist unsere erste Pflicht, sich von diesem Koenigreich der Luegen nicht dumm machen zu lassen” – ‘Our first duty is not to let ourselves be made dumb by this kingdom of lies.’ And so, dutifully, and with truth as his breastplate, Glenn Diesen gives us the wherewithal to see that kingdom for what it is, and to expose its hirelings – the Knights of the Think Tanks.” RAY McGOVERN, former CIA officer and chair of National Intelligence Estimates