The Old Playbook of Power and Influence Is Different Now

The rise of the libertarian right in America stems from a century-long, strategic effort to dismantle New Deal policies through intellectual infrastructure and think tanks like the Mont Pelerin Society. This movement successfully normalized anti-egalitarian ideas by shaping the terms of public debate, a process that historically relied on mainstream media but has now shifted toward direct control of digital platforms by tech elites. As these ideologies continue to influence modern political landscapes, journalism faces an existential challenge. To preserve democratic integrity, the press must transition from a model of neutral reporting to one of active coalition-building with pro-democracy actors. By leveraging local networks and historical context, journalists can effectively counter the influence of technocratic power and re-establish a watchdog role that prioritizes human-centric, egalitarian values over the survival-of-the-fittest narratives currently dominating the public sphere.