Peter Phillips

Peter Phillips is a professor emeritus of political sociology at Sonoma State University, where he taught courses in political sociology, sociology of power, sociology of media, sociology of conspiracies, and investigative sociology. His academic work focuses on the intersection of critical sociology, media studies, and political economy, with a particular emphasis on power elite research, wealth inequality, and media accountability.

Phillips served as director of Project Censored and as president of the Media Freedom Foundation, organizations dedicated to press freedom and the exposure of underreported news. During his tenure, he edited or co-edited 14 editions of the annual "Censored" yearbook, a publication that highlights significant stories suppressed or overlooked by mainstream media. He also co-edited "Impeach the President: The Case Against Bush and Cheney" with Dennis Loo and edited two editions of the "Progressive Guide to Alternative Media and Activism." For several years, Phillips co-hosted the weekly Project Censored Show on Pacifica Radio with Mickey Huff, a program originating from KPFA in Berkeley and broadcast on 50 stations nationwide.

Phillips is known for the book "Giants: The Global Power Elite," which profiles the top 300 most influential figures in global capitalism and analyzes how concentrated wealth shapes policy and affects democratic governance. The book has been recognized by scholars and public intellectuals for its analysis of private wealth and corporate power. Phillips also authored "Titans of Capital: How Concentrated Wealth Threatens Humanity," which examines the evolution of transnational elite networks, identifying 117 global figures and exploring their investments in sectors such as fossil fuels, arms, and private prisons, and the implications for human rights and the environment.

Phillips has received honors for his contributions to media accountability and political scholarship, including the Firecracker Alternative Book Award for best political book, the PEN Censorship Award, the Dallas Smythe Award from the Union for Democratic Communications, and the Pillar Human Rights Award from the National Association of Whistleblowers. His work in research, teaching, publishing, and broadcasting has established Phillips as an authoritative voice on global power dynamics, wealth inequality, and democratic accountability.