How Billionaires are Reshaping Politics, Philanthropy, and Society

There are 1,645 known billionaires in the world today, including 492 in the United States. American billionaires such as Sheldon Adelson, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates, David and Charles Koch, Rupert Murdoch, George Soros, Tom Steyer, Peter Thiel, and Donald Trump have had a major influence on politics and society. And looking abroad, billionaires have run for office in nations such as Australia, Austria, France, Georgia, India, Italy, Russia, Thailand, and Ukraine.

In his new book, Billionaires: Reflections on the Upper Crust (Brookings Institution Press, 2014), Governance Studies Vice President and Director Darrell M. West examines the growing influence of the mega-wealthy in the United States and globally. West hones in on billionaires’ political donations, activism through nonprofit organizations and foundations, and referenda campaigns around the country.   

On September 19, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted the book launch event for Billionaires to discuss the “wealthification” of politics, philanthropy, and society. The event featured an opening presentation by Darrell West about his new book, and then a panel discussion featuring journalists who cover money and politics.

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