Nancy MacLean’s Democracy in Chains argues that Public Choice Theory, as developed by James Buchanan and utilized by figures like the Koch brothers, has been strategically employed to mislead the public about its true goals. This “tricking” involves presenting libertarian policies as rational and necessary for freedom while obscuring their long-term aim to restrict democratic power and protect elite interests.

How Public Choice Theory Is Used to Mislead:

1. Framing Self-Interest as Rational Governance:

• Public Choice Theory emphasizes that politicians and voters act out of self-interest, not altruism.
• Advocates use this idea to portray democratic processes as inherently flawed and corrupt, casting doubt on the legitimacy of collective decision-making (e.g., taxation or social programs).
• By framing self-interest as unavoidable, they undermine public trust in government, steering people toward libertarian solutions like deregulation and privatization.

2. Language of Freedom and Efficiency:

• Libertarians frame policies like cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and privatizing public goods as efforts to “protect individual freedom” or promote “economic efficiency.”
• These slogans obscure the broader consequences, such as reduced access to public services and increasing wealth inequality.
• The use of positive, universal language helps mask policies that disproportionately benefit wealthy elites.

3. Distracting from the Real Beneficiaries:

• The theory is presented as a way to empower individuals and free markets, but MacLean argues its ultimate aim is to protect corporate and elite interests.
• For instance, limiting government power often results in reduced oversight of industries, benefiting major corporations at the expense of consumers and workers.
• The public is led to believe these policies will benefit everyone, when in reality, they serve a small, privileged group.

4. Stealth Constitutional Reforms:

• MacLean highlights efforts to embed these ideas into laws and constitutions, often without public awareness or debate.
• For example, movements to introduce stricter requirements for passing taxes or spending measures are framed as fiscal responsibility but make it harder for democratic majorities to implement social welfare policies.
• These measures are often introduced in ways that obscure their anti-democratic intent, such as attaching them to unrelated legislation or using technical legal language.

5. Undermining Public Institutions:

• By portraying government institutions as inefficient and self-serving, Public Choice Theory erodes public confidence in schools, healthcare systems, and other public services.
• This sets the stage for privatization, which shifts control from democratically accountable institutions to private corporations.

Tactics Used to Spread the Ideas:

• Academic and Think Tank Funding: The Koch network and other libertarian funders bankroll academic programs to train scholars who spread these ideas under the guise of impartial research.
• Astroturf Movements: Grassroots movements are often funded to push policies that align with libertarian goals, giving the impression of widespread popular support.
• Media and Messaging: Simplistic and emotionally charged messaging emphasizes “freedom” and “tyranny” to appeal to public sentiment while downplaying complex policy trade-offs.

Impact on Democracy:

According to MacLean, these tactics weaken the democratic process by:

• Limiting the public’s ability to understand the long-term consequences of policy changes.
• Creating structural barriers that prevent majorities from implementing progressive reforms.
• Shifting power from elected representatives to unelected institutions and private interests.

The overarching strategy, as MacLean sees it, is to reshape society in a way that prevents democratic majorities from challenging wealth and privilege—a fundamental betrayal of democratic ideals disguised as a pursuit of efficiency and freedom.