Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World by Casey Michel
Affiliate Links marked with an asterisk (*). Read CE's Affiliate Disclosure.
Foreign Agents by Casey Michel is a powerful, deeply unsettling investigation into the shadowy world of American lobbyists who work on behalf of authoritarian regimes. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Michel unveils how a network of U.S.-based lobbyists and policymakers has been quietly advancing the interests of foreign dictatorships, reshaping U.S. policy, and, ultimately, threatening the very fabric of democracy. This book is as eye-opening as it is alarming, shedding light on a system allowing some of the world’s most repressive leaders to secure influence within the United States.
Michel pulls no punches in exposing the actions of these “foreign agents” who, for years, have supported oppressive governments by laundering their reputations and facilitating access to American power. He traces the roots of this system back to early influencers like Ivy Lee, who worked with Mussolini and even advised the Nazis on American public relations. Through modern-day figures like Paul Manafort, who took lobbying to a global scale, Michel reveals a disturbing timeline that exposes how democracy has been eroded from within by those who profit from foreign influence.
This book’s strength lies in its detailed accounts and shocking revelations about the individuals and organizations that have aided autocrats across the globe. Michel covers an array of players, from PR firms to law offices, think tanks to former lawmakers, who serve as proxies for foreign powers looking to legitimize their rule or push their agendas in Washington. The sheer breadth of influence revealed here is staggering, showing how deeply embedded these actors are in America’s political landscape.
Reading Foreign Agents is an experience that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Michel doesn’t shy away from highlighting how little scrutiny these foreign lobbyists have faced over the years, nor from pointing out the dangers of allowing anti-democratic actors such influence within a democracy. As you turn the pages, it’s impossible not to feel a mounting sense of urgency about the need for stronger regulations and accountability. This book would make an essential addition to educational curricula, as it offers insights that citizens and future leaders alike need to understand if they hope to protect democratic values.
Michel’s work is especially poignant in the current political climate. Foreign Agents’ book serves as a reminder that foreign influence on American soil is not a new phenomenon; it is a deeply rooted system that has long been a threat to democratic governance. For readers who pick up this book after a major election, the impact is even more profound, as it forces us to rethink the power structures at play and consider the lengths some will go to in order to manipulate democratic processes for personal gain.
Why You Should Read This Book:
Foreign Agents is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy, both in the United States and globally. Casey Michel’s investigation offers an urgent call to action, illuminating the corrupting influence of foreign lobbyists and the threat they pose. It’s a difficult, sometimes disheartening read, but one that will leave you more informed and motivated to advocate for accountability and change.
Curating Edits Final Thoughts:
Casey Michel’s Foreign Agents is an unflinching look at the American lobbyists who have worked to destabilize democracy for personal profit. This book should be required reading for students, policymakers, and anyone invested in the integrity of democratic institutions. Michel’s well-researched narrative provides a comprehensive look at a complex issue, making it accessible to a wide audience and exposing truths that can no longer be ignored.
You can purchase your copy of Foreign Agents on AMAZON*. When you purchase anything using our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission at no additional expense to you. If you like visiting us and reading our posts and book reviews, this is a small way to support us. Thank you. You can visit our Affiliate Disclosure page to read more.
Allow me to take a moment to give thanks to NetGalley and Icon Books for providing us with an ARC Copy of Foreign Agents in exchange for an honest review.