The political economy of Andrew Carnegie's library philanthropy, with a reflection on its relevance to the philanthropic work of Bill Gates

This article critically analyzes Andrew Carnegie's library philanthropy through a political economy lens, examining its ideological role during a period of class conflict. It draws parallels with Bill Gates' contemporary philanthropic efforts, viewing both as reflections of capital's hegemonic projects. The paper argues that by understanding the historical context and motivations behind Carnegie's work, we can gain insight into the updated strategies of large-scale private philanthropy, particularly how it influences public institutions and societal structures.