Dark Money | Jane Mayer

Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right

Extended Synopsis

In Dark Money, investigative journalist Jane Mayer uncovers the systematic, multi-billion-dollar campaign by a small network of wealthy ideological donors to reshape the American political landscape. Moving beyond surface-level political coverage, Mayer documents the influence exerted by families such as the Kochs, the Scaifes, the Olins, and the Bradleys. She provides an exhaustive, forensic account of how these plutocrats have constructed an interconnected infrastructure of think tanks, academic institutions, media outlets, and government allies to advocate for policies that prioritize their economic interests.

Drawing from extensive public records, court filings, private documents, and hundreds of exclusive interviews, Mayer exposes how this concentrated wealth has influenced debates surrounding economic inequality, environmental regulation, and tax policy. By tracing the "byzantine trail" of political funding, the book offers a searing examination of how concentrated financial power challenges the foundational principles of American democracy and civic engagement.

Intended Audience

This book is critical for readers interested in investigative journalism, political science, American history, and macroeconomics. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between private capital, institutional policy, and the trajectory of American democracy.

Author Biography

Jane Mayer is an award-winning staff writer for The New Yorker. A veteran investigative journalist, she has reported on the intelligence community, the war on terror, and the influence of money in politics. She is the author of the bestselling The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals. Her work has received numerous accolades, including the George Polk Award and the Anthony Lukas Book Prize.

Accolades & Recognition

• A New York Times Bestseller and named one of the "10 Best Books of the Year" by The New York Times.
• Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the LA Times Book Prize, and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award.
• Shortlisted for the Lukas Prize.

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