The Atlas Network influences policy primarily by providing funding, training, and strategic support to its network of partner organizations. While the network operates legally and openly shares its mission of promoting free markets and limited government, critics argue that its methods can sometimes result in clandestine influence over policy. Here’s an outline of how this influence might occur:

1. Indirect Policy Advocacy

Atlas Network partners rarely advocate directly for specific legislation. Instead, they focus on shaping public opinion and the political landscape through:

Think Tanks and Research: Member organizations publish studies, reports, and op-eds that align with free-market policies. Policymakers may cite these materials as justification for legislation or reforms.

Media Influence: By funding op-eds, policy briefings, and media campaigns, Atlas-affiliated organizations promote their ideas in ways that appear organic rather than orchestrated.


2. Legislative Models

Some Atlas Network affiliates, like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), develop model legislation. These are pre-written laws that can be introduced by sympathetic lawmakers, making it easier to pass policies that align with Atlas’s principles.

3. Funding and Influence

The Atlas Network provides financial support to local organizations that are often presented as grassroots initiatives. In reality, these organizations might:

Receive the majority of their funding from Atlas or its donors.

Push agendas that serve corporate or ideological interests tied to the Atlas Network, rather than local concerns.


4. Policy Pilots and Regional Adaptations

Atlas facilitates the export of policy models across borders. For instance:

Taxpayer unions, school voucher systems, and deregulation campaigns promoted by Atlas-affiliated organizations in one country can be adapted and introduced elsewhere.

This creates the illusion of diverse, independent efforts while centralizing strategy within the Atlas Network.


5. Lobbying Without Disclosure

Though Atlas itself does not engage in direct lobbying, its networked organizations sometimes do. By funding partner think tanks that lobby for specific laws, Atlas can avoid direct accountability while achieving policy goals.

6. Clandestine Connections

Atlas is sometimes accused of obscuring its donors and funding sources. For example:

Donations may come from corporations or wealthy individuals with vested interests in deregulation, privatization, or tax cuts.

By routing money through Atlas-affiliated think tanks, donors influence policy without disclosing their identities.


Criticisms

Critics argue that these strategies:

Undermine democratic processes by creating the illusion of grassroots support.

Prioritize the interests of corporate backers over public welfare.

Encourage global adoption of policies that exacerbate inequality or harm the environment.


Atlas Network denies engaging in clandestine activities, asserting that its mission is to foster independent thought and empower local organizations to address local challenges. However, the interconnectedness of its affiliates and the shared agenda among many of them suggest a coordinated effort to influence policy on a global scale.