Amerikas Oligarchen

In the United States, it becomes particularly evident how the super wealthy - particularly from the leadership ranks of major technology companies - leverage their wealth and influence to shape political decision-making, elections, and ultimately the trajectory of American democracy. Reinforced by the rapid rise of wealth inequality since the 1980s and by profound societal transformations, their political influence has grown significantly.

The relationship between economic power and political influence has shaped the United States since its founding. In recent decades, legal developments - such as the Citizens United ruling -have increasingly made this interdependence a structural component of the political system. 

In his latest book, Julian Heißler tracks these developments with both historical and current events, arguing how the US is transforming into an oligarchy, deeply divided along political and ideological fault lines, and manipulated by the media outlets, platforms and technologies owned by the very individuals who seek to consolidate their power.

In discussion with the author and Franziska Brantner, we will take stock of these developments and examine the questions: How can US society resist and recover from this hostile corporate takeover of American democracy? What impact do these developments have on the German and European context? What political responses can Europe offer? And how can global partnerships give tailwind to democratic actors in the US? 

With:

• Julian Heißler, author of the book “Amerikas Oligarchen: Geld, Macht und der Zerfall der Demokratie“ and international correspondent with „WirtschaftsWoche“
• Franziska Brantner, Member of Parliament (Bundestag) and Federal Chairperson, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen

Moderation: Daniel Sturm, Head of the Capital Office, Member of the Editorial Board, Tagesspiegel
 

The discussion will be followed by a Q&A.
 

Contact:
Deitra Myers, Division European Union and North America, myers@boell.de

» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin

Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats for this event are limited.

» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via livestream without registering.

» Towards Greater Accessibility
At the Heinrich Böll Foundation, we are constantly striving to remove barriers. Whether in our building, in the release of publications or at online events. All information on this can be found under the following link: https://www.boell.de/de/auf-dem-weg-zur-barrierefreiheit