Curbing Corruption

The recent midterm elections cost $3.6 billion thanks to dark money groups and some key decisions by the Supreme Court to redefine “citizen” and “corruption.” This daunting figure leaves little doubt that money has become an overpowering influence in our democracy. Protestors across the political spectrum – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street – are united in their outrage over a system of influence that overlooks the lives and liberties of regular citizens.

In new books, Zephyr Teachout and Janine Wedel address the unique surge in corruption and unaccountability in politics and society more broadly. But in a world where the power of big money feels insurmountable, what can we do about it? How can we begin to break down the private interests that have now infiltrated every level of society?

Lwarence Lessig joins Teachout and Wedel in conversation in New York.