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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#335fbd; font-size:140%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #435c7a; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> Welcome to Powerbase - your guide to networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR</h2>
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:140%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #435c7a; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> Welcome to Powerbase - your guide to networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR</h2>
 
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'''[[Powerbase:About|Powerbase]] is a free guide to networks of power, lobbying, public relations and the communications activities of governments and other interests. It is a project of [http://www.spinwatch.org Public Interest Investigations and Spinwatch]. [[About_Powerbase |Read more...]]'''
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[[File:CorporateCaptureRoundtable Spinwatch-page-001.jpg|left|450px]]'''[[Powerbase:About|Powerbase]] is a free guide to networks of power, lobbying, public relations and the communications activities of governments and other interests. It is a project of [http://www.spinwatch.org Public Interest Investigations and Spinwatch]. [[About_Powerbase |Read more...]]'''
 
<br>
 
<br>
===Help us expose spin and lies===
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===Help us expose corporate capture, political spin and lies===
 +
We always welcome new contributors - read how you '''[[Powerbase:How to Register as a User|can sign up as user]]'''.  You can also follow us on [https://twitter.com/spinwatch?lang=en Twitter], [https://www.facebook.com/pg/Spinwatch/Facebook Facebook] and [https://www.instagram.com/spinwatchimages/ Instagram].
  
'We always welcome new contributors - read how you '''[[Powerbase:How to Register as a User|can sign up as user]]'''.  
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===Donations===
 +
Powerbase is run on a tiny budget, and many contributors kindly give their time for free. If you find these resources useful, [http://spinwatch.org/index.php/donate please consider donating] to help us cover our modest overheads. Thank you.
  
===Donations===
+
===Get in touch===
Powerbase is run on a shoestring, and many contributors kindly give their time for free. If you find these resources useful, [http://spinwatch.org/index.php/donate please consider donating] to help us cover our modest overheads.  
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'''Powerbase is overseen by an [[User:David|editor]], [[User:Melissa Jones|managing editor]] and associate portal editors. We have a policy of [[Powerbase:A Guide to Referencing|strict referencing]] and on dealing with [[Powerbase Corrections and Right of Reply|corrections]].'''
  
 
<!---------------------------Portals------------------------>
 
<!---------------------------Portals------------------------>
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<table><tr><td width="50%">
  
'''[[Alcohol:Portal|Alcohol]] | [[Climate_Portal|Climate]] | [[Counter-Terrorism Portal|Counter-Terrorism]] | [http://powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Counterjihad Counterjihad] | [[Finance_Lobbying_Portal|Finance Lobbying]] | [[Foodspin_Portal|Foodspin]] | [[Fracking lobbying firms| Fracking]] | [[GM_Watch:_Portal|GMWatch]] | [[Health_Portal|Health]] | [[Israel Lobby Portal|Israel Lobby]] | [[Lobbying_Portal|Lobbying]] | [[MEPedia]] | [[Mining and Metals]] | [[Neoconservatives_Portal|Neoconservatives]] | [[Northern_Ireland_Portal|Northern Ireland]] | [[Nuclear_spin|Nuclear Spin]] | [[Pharma Portal|Pharma]] | [[Propaganda Portal|Propaganda]] | [[Revolving Door| The Revolving Door]] | [[Schools Portal|Schools]] | [[Scotland:_Portal|Scotland]] | [[Spooks Portal|Spooks]] | [[State Violence and Collusion Project]] | [[Terrorism_Expertise_Portal|Terror Expertise]] | [http://powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Think_Tanks Think Tanks] | [[Water_Portal|Water]] |''' and hosting since 2015...the '''[[UndercoverResearch_Portal|Undercover Research Group]] |'''
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'''[[Alcohol:Portal|Alcohol]] | [[Arms Trade Lobbying Portal|Arms Trade Lobbying]] | [[Brexit Portal|Brexit]] | [[Climate_Portal|Climate]] | [[Counter-Terrorism Portal|Counter-Terrorism]] | [http://powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Counterjihad Counterjihad] | [[Finance_Lobbying_Portal|Finance Lobbying]] | [[Foodspin_Portal|Foodspin]] | [[Fracking_Portal| Fracking]] | [[GM_Watch:_Portal|GMWatch]] | [[Health_Portal|Health]] | [[Israel Lobby Portal|Israel Lobby]] | [[Lobbying_Portal|Lobbying]] | [[MEPedia]] | [[Mining and Metals]] | [[Neoconservatives_Portal|Neoconservatives]] | [[Northern_Ireland_Portal|Northern Ireland]] | [[Nuclear_spin|Nuclear Spin]] | [[Pharma Portal|Pharma]] | [[Propaganda Portal|Propaganda]] | [[Revolving Door| The Revolving Door]] | [[Schools Portal|Schools]] | [[Scotland:_Portal|Scotland]] | [[Spooks Portal|Spooks]] | [[State Violence and Collusion Project]] | [[Terrorism_Expertise_Portal|Terror Expertise]] | [http://powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Think_Tanks Think Tanks] | [[Water_Portal|Water]] |''' and hosting since 2015...the '''[[UndercoverResearch_Portal|Undercover Research Group]] |
 
 
===What we do===
 
We focus on transparency issues by profiling and investigating the activities of [[lobbying]] firms, [[:Category:Lobbyists|lobbyists]] and [[corporate lobby groups]]. We also examine the relationship between special interests and elected representatives, including the '[[revolving door]]'.
 
 
 
Another focus is on communication, spin and [[:Category:Propaganda|propaganda]] in party politics and in war and peace. We also cover public interest reporting on many controversial issues such as the nuclear debate, climate change, [[Water_Portal|water]], [[Alcohol:Portal|alcohol]], food, [[GM_Watch:_Portal|genetically modified food and crops]], and the [[Pharma_Portal|pharmaceutical industry]]. The database is a public interest resource that monitors and documents both positive and negative activities in relation to spin. We include pages on [[whistleblowers]], on critics and victims of spin, on those whose work is spun by others, and those who are associated with PR – as well as on those who practice and promote spin. See our definition of [[Definition_of_spin|'spin']].
 
 
 
'''Powerbase is overseen by an [[User:David|editor]], [[User:Melissa Jones|managing editor]] and several associate portal editors. We have a policy of [[Powerbase:A Guide to Referencing|strict referencing]] and on dealing with [[Powerbase Corrections and Right of Reply|corrections]].'''
 
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{| width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="5" style="vertical-align:top; background:#f6fdf5;"
  
 +
<!---------------------------Brexit Portal ------------------------>
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|-
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Brexit Portal </h2>
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[[Image:Westminster.jpg|right|300px]]
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'''Our [[Brexit Portal|guide to Brexit lobbying]] aims to shed light on the people and organisations jostling for position to use this 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to advance their own interests.
 +
 +
We reveal the networks of lobbyists-for-hire and think tanks working for big business and the politicians aiding them. '''[[Brexit Portal|Read more...]]'''
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 
<!---------------------------Fracking------------------------>
 
<!---------------------------Fracking------------------------>
 
|-
 
|-
! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Fracking</h2>
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Fracking Portal</h2>
 
|-
 
|-
 
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|style="color:#000;"|  
[[File:Yorkshire protest-fracking tiny.jpg|right|175px]]
 
Our [http://powerbase.info/index.php/Fracking_lobbying_firms '''Fracking portal''']] tracks the companies, people and lobbyists behind the campaign to push for shale gas exploration in the UK and worldwide. <br>It provides information on who is influencing the debate over fracking, and the tactics they use to persuade the public.  Watch our latest lobbying tour video  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toTLr2yIJ5E Meet the Frackers].
 
  
 +
{{#ev:youtube|https://youtu.be/toTLr2yIJ5E|450|center|'''Watch and share: 'Meet the Frackers: a Spinwatch lobbying tour''''}}
 +
Our '''[[Fracking Portal]]''' tracks the companies, people and lobbyists behind the all-out push for shale gas exploration in the UK and worldwide. <br>
 +
 +
It sheds light on who is influencing the debate over fracking and the tactics used to persuade the public and our politicians. '''[[Fracking Portal|Read more...]]'''
 +
''
 +
<!---------------------------Undercover Research Group------------------------>
 +
|-
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Corporate and Police Spying on Activists Portal</h2>
 +
|-
 +
|style="color:#000;"|
 +
[[File:URG_logo_2.png|right|280px]] <br>The [[UndercoverResearch Portal]] investigates corporate and police spying on activists. It aims to make public the stories about the undercover officers who have been exposed and the groups they spied upon. We also look at the police officers and units involved and how they interconnect with some of the big stories around policing in the past few decades.[[UndercoverResearch Portal| Read more]]
 +
<br>
 +
<!---------------------------Arms trade Portal------------------------>
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|-
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Arms Trade Lobbying Portal</h2>
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|-
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[[File:Eurofighter Typhoon DSEI 2015.jpg|left|250px]]
 +
Our '''[[Arms Trade Lobbying Portal]]''' examines the political influence and lobbying by the arms and securities industries in the UK and beyond. It includes profiles on the revolving door, and key lobbyists and lobbying firms promoting weapons and defence equipment. '''[[Arms Trade Lobbying Portal| Read more]]'''
 +
<br>
 
<!---------------------------Schools Portal------------------------>
 
<!---------------------------Schools Portal------------------------>
 
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[[File:Classroom technology crop.jpg|right|175px]]
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[[File:Classroom technology crop.jpg|right|250px]]
'''Our [[Schools Portal]] examines the vast global education industry that has sprung up in recent years to profit from our schools.  
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'''Our [[Schools Portal]] examines the vast global education industry that has sprung up to profit from our schools.  
  
It has been described as ‘the largest market opportunity’ since healthcare was privatised.  'Let's all go forth. Let's all make hay,' as one private equity investor at a 2015 UK conference succinctly put it.
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It has been described as ‘the largest market opportunity’ since healthcare was privatised.  'Let's all go forth. Let's all make hay,' as one private equity investor at a 2015 UK conference succinctly put it. [[Schools Portal| Read more]]  
 
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<br>
We reveal the firms leading the reforms; the networks of lobbyists and think tanks working for them across continents; the politicians aiding them; the messages being used to sell these changes, and [[Schools Portal|more]]...
 
  
 
<!---------------------------Featured portal------------------------>
 
<!---------------------------Featured portal------------------------>
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|-
 
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{{#ev:vimeo|https:// vimeo.com/219533611|450|center|Watch: '''What is Propaganda?''' }}Powerbase focuses on communication, spin and propaganda in party politics and in war and peace. The database contains collections of articles on [[:Category:British_Propaganda|British propaganda]], [[:Category:Counterinsurgency |counterinsurgency]], the [[:Category:Neocons |neoconservatives]], [[:Category:Terrorologist |terror experts]] and the associated [[:Category:Terrorism_Industry| terrorism industry]], which can influence public opinion and policy in the 'war on terror'. It also documents disinformation and covert action by states, [[:Category:Spooks |intelligence agencies]], and their networks.
[[:category:Propaganda |Propaganda]] | [[:category:Terrorexpertise |Terror Experts and institutions]]  | [[:Category:Neocons |Neoconservative networks]] | [[:Category:Counterinsurgency |Counterinsurgency]]
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[[:category:Propaganda |Propaganda]] | [[:category:Terrorexpertise |Terror Experts and institutions]]  | [[:Category:Neocons |Neoconservative networks]]
 
 
Powerbase focuses on communication, spin and propaganda in party politics and in war and peace. The database contains collections of articles on [[:Category:British_Propaganda|British propaganda]], the theory and practice of [[:Category:Counterinsurgency |counterinsurgency]], the [[:Category:Neocons |neoconservatives]], [[:Category:Terrorologist |terror experts]] and the associated [[:Category:Terrorism_Industry| terrorism industry]], which can influence public opinion and policy in the 'war on terror'. It also documents the disinformation and covert action activities of states, [[:Category:Spooks |intelligence agencies]], and their associated networks.  
 
 
 
 
===Regional conflicts===
 
===Regional conflicts===
 
[[:Category:Israel_Lobby |Israel Lobby]] | [[:Category:Northern_Ireland |The Conflict in the North of Ireland]] | [[:Category:Iraq_War_2003 |Iraq War 2003]] | [[:Category:Target_Iran |Targeting Iran]]
 
[[:Category:Israel_Lobby |Israel Lobby]] | [[:Category:Northern_Ireland |The Conflict in the North of Ireland]] | [[:Category:Iraq_War_2003 |Iraq War 2003]] | [[:Category:Target_Iran |Targeting Iran]]
 
<!---------------------------MEPedia------------------------>
 
|-
 
! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">The alcohol industry and policy</h2>
 
|-
 
|style="color:#000;"|
 
Powerbase's [[Alcohol:Portal|alcohol portal]] examines governance processes on alcohol and public policy. It reveals the connections between the industry and public policymakers and their relationships with the media, scientists. We focus largely on the most important policy actor - the [[:Category:Alcohol_Industry| alcohol industry]] - and its [[:Category:Alcohol_Industry_People| personnel]], and aim to expose its links with [[:Category:Alcohol_Lobby_Groups| alcohol lobby groups]] and [[:Category:Alcohol_Lobbyists_and_PR_people| alcohol lobbyists and PR people]]. 
 
 
We review current research and debates within the field. The role [[:Category:Alcohol_Science_and_Scientists| alcohol science and scientists]] play in the policy process is also examined.
 
 
We also cover the [[:Category:Alcohol_NGOs| alcohol NGOs]], which are often poorly funded and struggle to raise public health issues against the plethora of other [[:Category:Alcohol_Policy_Groups| alcohol policy groups]] and the often covertly industry-funded [[:Category:Alcohol_Front_Groups| alcohol front groups]].
 
 
'''Visit all pages on alcohol in the [[:Category:Alcohol| alcohol category]].'''
 
 
<!---------------------------Elite networks and corporate power------------------------>
 
|-
 
! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#bd33a4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Elite networks and corporate power</h2>
 
|-
 
|style="color:#000;"|
 
 
* [[:Category:Transnational_Corporations| Transnational Corporations]]: The organisations pushing corporate globalisation.
 
* [[:Category:Scotland| Scotland]]: think tanks and lobbyists pushing corporate interests in Scotland.
 
* [[New Labour nexus]]: New Labour- and other market-friendly think tanks in Britain.
 
* [[Corporate Power in Britain]]: the main corporate lobby groups in Britain.
 
* [[Who Rules America]]? A guide to the power networks of the USA.
 
  
 
<!---------------------------Industry sectors------------------------>
 
<!---------------------------Industry sectors------------------------>
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*[[:Category:Alcohol |Alcohol]] | [[:Category:Big_Pharma |Big Pharma]] | [[:Category:Foodspin |Foodspin]] | [[:Category:GM |GM]] | [[:Category:Nuclear_Spin |Nuclear Spin]] | [[:Category:Water |Water Industry]]
 
*[[:Category:Alcohol |Alcohol]] | [[:Category:Big_Pharma |Big Pharma]] | [[:Category:Foodspin |Foodspin]] | [[:Category:GM |GM]] | [[:Category:Nuclear_Spin |Nuclear Spin]] | [[:Category:Water |Water Industry]]
  
*[[:Category:Lobbying |Lobbying]]: How corporations and special interests pull strings | [[Corporate Memberships Database]]: The lobby groups funded by the largest corporations | [[PR and lobbying consultancies client database]]: Check up on who PR and lobbying firms work for.
+
*[[:Category:Lobbying |Lobbying]]: How corporations and special interests pull strings | [[Corporate Memberships Database]]: The lobby groups funded by the largest corporations | [[PR and lobbying consultancies client database]]: Check out who PR and lobbying firms are working for.
 
 
 
 
 
|-
 
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|}
 
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Powerbase's most popular pages include:
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'''Powerbase's most popular pages include''':
 
*[[Lobbying regulation - chronology 2010-2019‏‎ |Lobbying regulation - chronology 2010-2019]]  
 
*[[Lobbying regulation - chronology 2010-2019‏‎ |Lobbying regulation - chronology 2010-2019]]  
 
*portals on [[Nuclear Spin]], [[Neoconservatives Portal|Neoconservatives]], [[GMWatch: Portal|GM]], [[Alcohol:Portal‏|Alcohol]], [[Lobbying]] and [[Terrorism Expertise Portal‏‎| Terrorism expertise]]  
 
*portals on [[Nuclear Spin]], [[Neoconservatives Portal|Neoconservatives]], [[GMWatch: Portal|GM]], [[Alcohol:Portal‏|Alcohol]], [[Lobbying]] and [[Terrorism Expertise Portal‏‎| Terrorism expertise]]  
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{| cellpadding="2" cellspacing="5" style="vertical-align:top; background:#f7f3fc; color:#000"
! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#ddcef2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #afa3bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Getting Started</h2>
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#335fbd; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #afa3bf; text-align:left; color:#fff; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Getting Started</h2>
 
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|style="color:#000; padding: 0 0.5em 0 0.5em;"|  
<h4>Looking for somewhere to start?</h4>
+
We welcome new contributors to Powerbase. To contribute, you first need to register.  
We welcome new contributors to Powerbase. To contribute, you first need to register as a User.
 
 
 
* Send an email to melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info saying who you are and your interests. If you are approved as a User you will be sent a User name and password to enable you to log in and edit or contribute material.
 
 
 
If you are unsure where to start, you could expand some recently created but currently brief articles. Take a look at the [[Special:Recentchanges|recent changes page]] to see some noted as 'stubs' - articles that may just be a line or two and need to be fleshed out. So if you would like to add to some of those you would be most welcome.
 
 
 
There is an automatically updated page which includes pages which have been signalled by Powerbase Users as [[Special:Wantedpages|most wanted]].  There is also a page with a list of [[Powerbase:Things you can do to help|Things you can do to help]].
 
 
 
Or if you would like some other suggestions closer to your interests, you could drop Powerbase's managing editor an email at melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info
 
  
 +
* Send an email to melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info saying who you are and your interests. If you are approved we'll send you a username and password that allows you to log in and edit or add material.
 
<h4>Research and writing tips</h4>
 
<h4>Research and writing tips</h4>
 
[[How to research front groups]] | [[Resources for studying propaganda]] | [[Research using the web]]
 
[[How to research front groups]] | [[Resources for studying propaganda]] | [[Research using the web]]
 +
 +
If you're unsure of where to start, you could expand some recently created but currently brief articles. Take a look at the [[Special:Recentchanges|recent changes page]] to see some  'stubs' - articles that may just be a line or two and need fleshing out.  Or check out the automatically updated page which includes pages flagged by Powerbase editors as [[Special:Wantedpages|most wanted]]. See also our [[Powerbase:Things you can do to help|Things you can do to help]] page. If you'd like some suggestions closer to your interests, please email Powerbase's managing editor.
  
 
{{:Start_Menu}}
 
{{:Start_Menu}}
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Powerbase is a collaborative venture initiated by [http://www.spinwatch.org Spinwatch] in collaboration with [http://www.lobbywatch.org  Lobbywatch], [http://www.gmwatch.org GM Watch] [http://www.red-star-research.org.uk/ Red Star Research] and [http://www.corporatewatch.org Corporate Watch], but put into effect by a wide variety of volunteers and independent researchers.  
+
Powerbase was originally set up by [http://www.spinwatch.org Spinwatch] in  2010 in collaboration with [http://www.lobbywatch.org  Lobbywatch], [http://www.gmwatch.org GM Watch] [http://www.red-star-research.org.uk/ Red Star Research] and [http://www.corporatewatch.org Corporate Watch], but put into effect by a wide variety of volunteers and independent researchers.  
  
 
Contributors are now working on {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles.  
 
Contributors are now working on {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles.  
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'''Disclaimer:''' Powerbase is an encyclopedia of people, issues and groups shaping the public agenda. It is a project of the non-profit [http://www.spinwatch.org Public Interest Investigations]&mdash;email melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info.
 
'''Disclaimer:''' Powerbase is an encyclopedia of people, issues and groups shaping the public agenda. It is a project of the non-profit [http://www.spinwatch.org Public Interest Investigations]&mdash;email melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info.
  
'''Antispam note:''' To avoid attracting spam email robots, email addresses on Powerbase are written with AT in place of the usual symbol, and we have removed "mail to" links. Replace AT with the correct symbol to get a valid address. We regret the inconvenience this entails. Campaign for more effective antispam regulations.
+
'''Antispam note:''' To avoid attracting spam email robots, email addresses on Powerbase are written with AT in place of the usual symbol, and we have removed "mail to" links. Replace AT with the correct symbol to get a valid address.  
 
 
 
<div style="font-weight:bold;text-align:right;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:4px;">[[Powerbase:General Disclaimer|Read the full disclaimer]]</div>
 
<div style="font-weight:bold;text-align:right;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:4px;">[[Powerbase:General Disclaimer|Read the full disclaimer]]</div>
 
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Latest revision as of 03:06, 19 July 2019

Welcome to Powerbase - your guide to networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR

CorporateCaptureRoundtable Spinwatch-page-001.jpg
Powerbase is a free guide to networks of power, lobbying, public relations and the communications activities of governments and other interests. It is a project of Public Interest Investigations and Spinwatch. Read more...


Help us expose corporate capture, political spin and lies

We always welcome new contributors - read how you can sign up as user. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Donations

Powerbase is run on a tiny budget, and many contributors kindly give their time for free. If you find these resources useful, please consider donating to help us cover our modest overheads. Thank you.

Get in touch

Powerbase is overseen by an editor, managing editor and associate portal editors. We have a policy of strict referencing and on dealing with corrections.

Powerbase portals

Alcohol | Arms Trade Lobbying | Brexit | Climate | Counter-Terrorism | Counterjihad | Finance Lobbying | Foodspin | Fracking | GMWatch | Health | Israel Lobby | Lobbying | MEPedia | Mining and Metals | Neoconservatives | Northern Ireland | Nuclear Spin | Pharma | Propaganda | The Revolving Door | Schools | Scotland | Spooks | State Violence and Collusion Project | Terror Expertise | Think Tanks | Water | and hosting since 2015...the Undercover Research Group |

Brexit Portal

Westminster.jpg

Our guide to Brexit lobbying aims to shed light on the people and organisations jostling for position to use this 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to advance their own interests.

We reveal the networks of lobbyists-for-hire and think tanks working for big business and the politicians aiding them. Read more...

Fracking Portal

{{#ev:youtube|https://youtu.be/toTLr2yIJ5E%7C450%7Ccenter%7CWatch and share: 'Meet the Frackers: a Spinwatch lobbying tour'}} Our Fracking Portal tracks the companies, people and lobbyists behind the all-out push for shale gas exploration in the UK and worldwide.

It sheds light on who is influencing the debate over fracking and the tactics used to persuade the public and our politicians. Read more...

Corporate and Police Spying on Activists Portal

URG logo 2.png

The UndercoverResearch Portal investigates corporate and police spying on activists. It aims to make public the stories about the undercover officers who have been exposed and the groups they spied upon. We also look at the police officers and units involved and how they interconnect with some of the big stories around policing in the past few decades. Read more


Arms Trade Lobbying Portal

Eurofighter Typhoon DSEI 2015.jpg

Our Arms Trade Lobbying Portal examines the political influence and lobbying by the arms and securities industries in the UK and beyond. It includes profiles on the revolving door, and key lobbyists and lobbying firms promoting weapons and defence equipment. Read more

Schools Portal

Classroom technology crop.jpg

Our Schools Portal examines the vast global education industry that has sprung up to profit from our schools.

It has been described as ‘the largest market opportunity’ since healthcare was privatised. 'Let's all go forth. Let's all make hay,' as one private equity investor at a 2015 UK conference succinctly put it. Read more

Propaganda, conflict and war

{{#ev:vimeo|https:// vimeo.com/219533611|450|center|Watch: What is Propaganda? }}Powerbase focuses on communication, spin and propaganda in party politics and in war and peace. The database contains collections of articles on British propaganda, counterinsurgency, the neoconservatives, terror experts and the associated terrorism industry, which can influence public opinion and policy in the 'war on terror'. It also documents disinformation and covert action by states, intelligence agencies, and their networks. Propaganda | Terror Experts and institutions | Neoconservative networks

Regional conflicts

Israel Lobby | The Conflict in the North of Ireland | Iraq War 2003 | Targeting Iran

Industry sectors

Popular portals and articles

Powerbase's most popular pages include:


Getting Started

We welcome new contributors to Powerbase. To contribute, you first need to register.

  • Send an email to melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info saying who you are and your interests. If you are approved we'll send you a username and password that allows you to log in and edit or add material.

Research and writing tips

How to research front groups | Resources for studying propaganda | Research using the web

If you're unsure of where to start, you could expand some recently created but currently brief articles. Take a look at the recent changes page to see some 'stubs' - articles that may just be a line or two and need fleshing out. Or check out the automatically updated page which includes pages flagged by Powerbase editors as most wanted. See also our Things you can do to help page. If you'd like some suggestions closer to your interests, please email Powerbase's managing editor.

Start Here


Powerbase history

Powerbase was originally set up by Spinwatch in 2010 in collaboration with Lobbywatch, GM Watch Red Star Research and Corporate Watch, but put into effect by a wide variety of volunteers and independent researchers.

Contributors are now working on 19,413 articles.

Disclaimer: Powerbase is an encyclopedia of people, issues and groups shaping the public agenda. It is a project of the non-profit Public Interest Investigations—email melissa.jones AT Powerbase.info.

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