San Francisco Review of Books: Book Review: 'Unaccountable' by Janine Wedel

Introduction

As an anthropologist who has studied the ingrained corruption of communist-era Poland, Janine Wedel sees a lot of familiar signs in the United States. In her book, 'Unaccountable,' Wedel explores the blurred line between corporate and government power, the influence of lobbyists, and the unaccountability that plagues various sectors of society.

Political Corruption: Sliding Between Corporate and Government

Wedel compares the ruling class in Poland and the United States, demonstrating how they effortlessly move between corporate and government positions to serve their interests. Today, as much as three quarters of the federal government has been outsourced to the private sector, evading civil service codes of conduct in exchange for financial benefits. Lobbyists, too, find loopholes to avoid registration while influencing policy decisions.

Think Tanks: Pushing Private Agendas and Undermining Public Trust

Global Public Opinion of China During the Xi Era | Pew Research Center

Wedel highlights how think tanks, once considered neutral institutions, have become tools for promoting private agendas. Many climate change denial books, for example, have been linked to think tanks, despite lacking scientific credentials. The result is a manipulation of public opinion, undermining the credibility of scientific evidence. Wedel also emphasizes that think tanks serve as repositories of institutional memory, questioning their accountability and influence on government decisions.

Systemic Corruption in Various Sectors

Building on her analysis, Wedel explores corruption in journalism, industry, government, academia, and philanthropy. Non-profits, often funded secretly, have become agenda-pushers that benefit both their owners and sponsors. The lines between these sectors have become blurred, fostering a culture of corruption and manipulation.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Government Subsidies for the Green Steel Transition - Public Citizen

In her book, Wedel challenges readers to question the credibility of various individuals and institutions. She advises skepticism toward pundits, especially those whose loyalties may lie with their current paymasters. Additionally, she suggests delving deeper to uncover the motives behind opinions, ensuring transparency in our sources of information. While such actions may not eradicate the unaccountability prevalent in society, they can help mitigate the rampant manipulation we experience daily.

Author's Perspective

At the heart of 'Unaccountable' is Janine Wedel, an anthropologist known for her in-depth understanding of corruption. Drawing on her expertise, she offers a critical examination of corruption in the United States based on her knowledge of communist-era Poland. By shining a light on the pervasive influence of corporate power and the manipulation of various institutions, Wedel calls for greater awareness and scrutiny.

Final Thoughts from the Editor

David Wineberg, the editor of the San Francisco Review of Books, praises Wedel's analysis and provides his take on the book. He highlights the absurdity of the United States consistently ranking highly on corruption indexes, given the evidence presented by Wedel. Wineberg underscores the importance of staying informed and subscribing to the San Francisco Review of Books for insightful articles like this one.

Subscribe to San Francisco Review of Books for More

If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest book reviews and insightful articles, subscribe to the San Francisco Review of Books. By subscribing, you'll receive our daily email notice and never miss out on engaging and thought-provoking content.