Executive Summary

Elon Musk’s influence extends across continents, and his increasing involvement in politics blurs the lines between public and private power. The role of the billionaire in the proposed US “Department” of Government Efficiency (DOGE) showcases how wealthy private citizens increasingly influence public policy at high levels. Musk’s sphere of influence now expands towards Europe, where his controversial actions and statements have raised concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes. His endorsement of parties such as Germany’s AfD and alleged donations to Farage’s Reform UK are examples of the sort. Furthermore, his control over technologies such as Starlink showcases a great amount of strategic power being held by a private actor in an unprecedented way. His role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is notable. Altogether, these developments raise questions surrounding accountability, ethics, and the role of powerful private individuals in global affairs.  

Images Sourced From: Chris Unger (Zuffa LLC)