LM network

From Powerbase
Revision as of 19:51, 10 May 2010 by S Ross (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

The LM network or LM group is a superficially loose network of individuals and organisations sharing a libertarian and anti-environmentalist ideology. It is led and largely comprises individuals associated with the now defunct Revolutionary Communist Party and its principal publication, also defunct, Living Marxism. The network itself has no public presence or acknowleged existence. The strongest link is between the largest and longest established entities, Spiked and the Institute of Ideas, which were established in 2000 by close associates and still operate from the same address. However, associated entities generally have overlapping personnel, themes, views and techniques and promote one other.

Many of the techniques used are characteristic of the RCP, including: the creation of a range of organisations without apparent formal links; the launching of multiple campaigns; the preference for extensive and extended debate; the adoption of contrarian and controversial positions; the use of martial terminology; and the early adoption of leading edge communication techniques.

A defining characteristic of the network is the positioning of its entities as catalysts for debate or irreverent challenging of established orthodoxy. In practice, this enables the promotion of the views of the network and its sponsors on almost any topic, under the guise of free enquiry. The principal underlying themes of economic development and freedom from regulation benefit corporate interests and the larger and more established organisations explicitly seek sponsorship, either directly or via PR companies or free enterprise think tanks. Several of the entities target young people while others are sector or issue led. The network's components are increasingly seeking partners overseas.

Higher education is the most common occupational sector, followed by the media. Many of those involved have past or current links with the Universities of Kent, Sussex and East London. Some of those associated with the LM network are listed via LM network at the bottom of this page.

Associated Entities

The LM network appears to have some influence with the Genetic Interest Group, Progress, the Science Media Centre and Sense About Science.

Defunct Associated Entities

Any information on The Litigious Society, Parents Against the Charter, or other past or present LM/ RCP operations would be gratefully received.

Resources

Notes