
Philanthropy and Democracy: Dangerous Liaisons
Season 2 Episode 85 | 1h 1m 53s
What, if anything, confers democratic legitimacy on foundations?
Big philanthropy can contribute to a democratic society by addressing problems that neither government nor the private sector will take on. Yet philanthropic institutions and foundations are institutional oddities within a democracy: exercises of power by the wealthy with little accountability, donor-directed preferences in perpetuity, and generous tax subsidies.
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The Aspen Institute produces the Aspen Ideas Festival in concert with its partner, The Atlantic.

Philanthropy and Democracy: Dangerous Liaisons
Season 2 Episode 85 | 1h 1m 53s
Big philanthropy can contribute to a democratic society by addressing problems that neither government nor the private sector will take on. Yet philanthropic institutions and foundations are institutional oddities within a democracy: exercises of power by the wealthy with little accountability, donor-directed preferences in perpetuity, and generous tax subsidies.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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The Aspen Institute produces the Aspen Ideas Festival in concert with its partner, The Atlantic.