Description
Book SynopsisThis authoritative book examines the power of multinational corporations (MNCs) to exert influence in global politics. Focusing on the actions and motivations of MNCs, it explores how they attempt to shape the political issues that affect them.
Combining theoretical perspectives with analyses of enlightening case studies, the contributors consider key areas in which MNCs seek to exert political influence such as environmental sustainability, social conflicts and corporate tax avoidance, as well as in specific industries including mining, shipping and consulting. They also illustrate the mechanisms used by MNCs to exert influence in a wide range of policy fields at multiple territorial levels, discussing how they interact with states, intergovernmental organizations and civil society, as well as how they coordinate their activities with other parts of the business community. The book concludes that MNCs enjoy certain basic privileges in society and politics due to their preponderant economic position and their key role in the processes of globalization, but action is necessary to sustain this role.
MNCs in Global Politics will be critical reading for academics and students of politics, international relations and political economy, particularly those with an interest in globalization and governance. Its exploration of specific case studies will also be beneficial for policy-makers.
Trade Review'The role of multinational corporations in global politics has been neglected for many decades, after a first wave of scholarship during the 1970s. Mikler and Ronit bring together authors with various specializations, united in their attempt to present a comprehensive current picture of MNCs as political actors in their own right. The book is an indispensable working tool for scholars in various disciplines, from International Business to Political Science. It will also be very helpful for policy discussions on the adequate role of MNCs in post-corona capitalism.' -- Andreas Nolke, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
'It is often asserted that multinational corporations wield significant power and influence, but too often this claim is taken as self-evident without any detailed exposition. In this timely volume the complexity of corporations' engagement with states, global governance and (global) civil society is explored across a range of dimensions to establish that corporate influence is both contested and contingent. Balancing collective analyses of the global corporate realm with an attention to specific sectors and enterprises, the contributors offer a nuanced and compelling analysis that delivers a sophisticated account of corporate power and influence in the new millennium.' -- Christopher May, Lancaster University, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Preface and Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction John Mikler and Karsten Ronit Chapter 2: Globalizing State Capitalism? Selective Internationalization of MNCs from Emerging Economies Christian May Chapter 3: MNCs and State Infrastructural Power Linda Weiss and Elizabeth Thurbon Chapter 4: Corporate Influence and Environmental Regulation in Shipping: Navigating Norms and Influence Pathways in the International Maritime Organization Christian Hendriksen Chapter 5: Private Sustainability Governance and Global Corporate Power Kate Macdonald Chapter 6: MNCs and Their Role in Global Business Associations Karsten Ronit Chapter 7: The Power of Mining MNCs: Global Governance and Social Conflict Lian Sinclair Chapter 8: Knowledge and Power: The Role of the Big Four in the Competitive Disharmonization of Global Corporate Tax Avoidance Regulations Ainsley Elbra, John Mikler and Hannah Murphy-Gregory Chapter 9: Conclusion John Mikler and Karsten Ronit Index
