The Influence of Soros

Politics, Power, and the Struggle for an Open Society

By: Emily Tamkin

Narrated by: Jamie Renell

A seasoned journalist probes one of the right-wing’s favorite targets, Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist George Soros, to explore the genesis of his influence and the truth of the conspiracies that surround him.

For years, hedge fund tycoon George Soros has been demonized by GOP politicians, fringe outlets, and right-wing media personalities, who claim Soros often manipulates the global economy and masterminds the radical left. He has been accused of using his billions to foment violence, support “white genocide,” and pay migrants to seek asylum in the United States. Right-wing media personalities have described him as working to hijack our democracy and undermine sovereignty. Left-leaning outlets, meanwhile, have suggested that his philanthropy is a distraction from the economic misery he himself has made.

But who is George Soros? How did he make his money? What causes does he actually support? How did this billionaire become the right’s favorite target—used by elected officials sympathetic to the idea that their country’s opposition can be blamed on one man in the endless messaging war? How much of the hatred is driven by rising antisemitism?

Though his name appears often in the media, most people know little about Soros. Weaving biography, cultural commentary, and investigative reporting, Emily Tamkin brings into focus the man and his myth to examine how much influence he actually has on politics. Is Soros simply a left-wing version of the Koch brothers? Or is he genuinely trying to make the world a better place?

The Influence of Soros offers an understanding of the man and his money, his contributions and donations, and his true sway over our politics, elections, and our societies. Ultimately, Tamkin asks, can a truly open society exist if any one man can have the kind of power Soros wields?

Enlightening

I was interested in learning more about Sorus. I wanted to find out why all these men who are taking their countries from a democracy to a dictatorship hate him. Hungary, Poland, Turkey to name a few of these countries. The rise of anti-Semitism particularly aimed at him I found most disturbing. And, I was concerned about the tirades aimed a Sorus from Trump. There are all types of conspiracy theories about Sorus and I needed to find out why. This book is one of many I will read in my quest for answers.

The book is well written and researched. It is not a biography but an inquiry into his influence in the world. George Soros (1930--) is a Hungarian born Jew. After surviving the holocaust his family went to England where he graduated from the London School of Economics. He went on to become a multi-billionaire. He has spent his life fighting totalitarian powers. He has created the Open Society Initiative. He has spent billions working for justice, democratic governance and human rights. His main goal is to remember the holocaust and the promise of Never Again. I found the section on his work during the war in Serbia, Bosnia, etc. most interesting. One can debate whether society should have people with such extreme wealth and power but that is a different book discussion. I highly recommend this book particular in light of the world we live in.

The book is seven hours and fifty-seven minutes. Jamie Renell does an excellent job narrating the book.

Very impressive & well researched

Very brilliant, well balanced and concise history of Mr Soros the man, his mythology and illusions/conspiracies surrounding him.

Another interesting book

Excellent analysis and explanation of why Soros and his foundation are sow important in this period where the majority has been concentrating on enjoying life while minorities have taken the power and are imposing non liberal regimes.Soros with his foundation help us wake-up but we need to react before it is too late.

Nothing interesting

The book offered nothing interesting to this reader. would have wished to know about IG Farben relationship.