Source: https://www.atlasnetwork.org/our-model
Publisher: Atlas Network
Relevant To: Major libertarian think-tank funding/coaching network; indirect connection to Cicero Institute via State Policy Network
Verification Status: Verified
Notes: Confirmed via full-text fetch of Atlas Network’s own “Our Model” page, plus Wikipedia and SourceWatch for independent/critical framing. Atlas Network (legal name Atlas Economic Research Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) founded 1981 by British entrepreneur Antony Fisher, describing itself as “the hub of the worldwide freedom movement” and “a think tank that creates think tanks.” Self-described model is “Coach, Compete, Celebrate”: training (Atlas Network Academy), grants/prize competitions ($10M+ annually), and Liberty Forum events on five continents. Claims nearly 500 partner think tanks in 100+ countries; states it accepts no government funding. Wikipedia notes Atlas Network grew from 15 think tanks (mid-1980s) to 457 (2020), ranked 54th among “Top Think Tanks in the US” per the 2019/2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index. SourceWatch’s more critical entry notes: Atlas Network stopped publicly listing its member organizations as of October 2024; is described as a “partner” of the State Policy Network (SPN), a web of right-wing think tanks in 48 states; and per a 2024 Guardian op-ed by George Monbiot, has direct ties to figures including Javier Milei, and UK think tank Policy Exchange (which reportedly helped draft the UK’s anti-protest laws). RESEARCHED CONNECTION TO EXISTING BPA CONTENT: the Cicero Institute (already cataloged in this library, ID 3556, re: anti-camping laws and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale) is a member of the State Policy Network, and SPN is itself characterized as an Atlas Network partner organization — this is an INDIRECT connection (Cicero-to-SPN, SPN-to-Atlas), not a confirmed direct Atlas Network partnership; could not verify Cicero as a direct Atlas Network partner in this search. Tagged under new BPA topic classification “Think Tanks” (term 178) per Jonathan’s request — recommend using this term going forward for Atlas Network, State Policy Network, Cicero Institute, and similar organizations to build out a dedicated think-tank-funding-network cluster in the library.