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Inside the Billionaire Influence Machine: A Conversation with Eleanor Anstruther

What billionaire influence, tech power, and transatlantic politics reveal about democracy right now

Air date: 11/19/25

About Eleanor

In this conversation, I sat down with UK-based writer and political commentator Eleanor Anstruther to explore the forces shaping politics on both sides of the Atlantic. She brings a sharp, historically grounded perspective to questions of power, culture, and democratic stability.

Billionaire Influence

We dug into the expanding role of billionaire networks—especially Peter Thiel’s political and technological footprint—and how elite funding structures quietly shape public life. Eleanor unpacked the strategic motives behind these networks and why they matter right now.

Tech & Democracy

Together we connected the dots between tech-sector influence, global political realignments, and the rise of creator-led media. We talked about how concentrated power in technology is reshaping narratives, public discourse, and the future of democratic institutions.

US–UK Parallels

From culture wars to economic pressure points, we traced the similarities between U.S. and U.K. politics, and what they reveal about broader shifts in governance and political identity.

Thank you Egberto Willies, Nick Paro, Caro Henry, Francesca Bossert, John H, and many others for tuning into my live video with Eleanor Anstruther! Join me for my next live video in the app.

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