LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Persuasion as Left-Center Biased based on its consistent defense of liberal democratic norms and frequent criticism of right-wing populism and authoritarianism. We also rate it High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, long-form analytical rigor, and the absence of a failed fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Persuasion is a nonprofit publication and intellectual community founded by Yascha Mounk in 2020. The project was created in response to what it describes as growing illiberalism across the political spectrum and seeks to defend liberal democracy, free speech, and pluralism. Persuasion operates as both a magazine and a convening platform, publishing essays, long-form analysis, podcasts, and hosting events focused on political philosophy, democracy, culture, and institutional reform. It also serves as the primary home for the American Purpose project, chaired by Francis Fukuyama.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Persuasion is operated by the Persuasion Institute, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. Funding is derived primarily from reader subscriptions, donations, and paid memberships rather than advertising. As stated in its nonprofit disclosure, Persuasion does not endorse political candidates or campaigns, and published views are attributed solely to individual authors rather than the institution itself.
Analysis / Bias
Persuasion is a commentary-driven outlet centered on philosophically liberal values, including free inquiry, democratic institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism. Its content frequently critiques populism, nationalism, and illiberal movements, particularly on the right, while also publishing criticism of progressive excesses and identity-driven politics. For example, Francis Fukuyama’s essay “Don’t Panic, Trump Is Flagging” offers a sharply critical assessment of Donald Trump’s leadership and its effects on democratic norms, reflecting a clear anti-Trump editorial tendency common across the site.
At the same time, Persuasion regularly features heterodox and cross-ideological arguments, such as Danielle Allen’s institutional critique in “Our Parties Have Trapped Us”, which challenges both Democrats and Republicans, and Steven Pinker’s excerpt “Why Authoritarians Fear Common Knowledge”, which focuses on authoritarian dynamics rather than partisan politics.
Articles are typically long-form, carefully argued, and well-sourced, often drawing on academic research, historical evidence, and primary documents. While the site’s ideological orientation aligns more closely with center-left liberalism, it consistently emphasizes persuasion over activism and avoids sensationalist framing.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Persuasion as Left-Center Biased based on its consistent defense of liberal democratic norms and frequent criticism of right-wing populism and authoritarianism. We also rate it High for factual reporting due to strong sourcing, long-form analytical rigor, and the absence of a failed fact-check record. (D. Van Zandt 12/26/2025)
Source: https://www.persuasion.community/
Last Updated on December 26, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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