MNCs and Global Foreign Policy: A trend we may have missed in the last 5 Years

Abstract

On the international stage, the multinational corporation has been sneaking up on traditional prerogatives of the state, with surprisingly little mainstream commentary on the trend. The talk singles out news stories from 2010 to 2015 - instances that characterizes a definite shift in the role of giant corporations across the world both in civic life domestically and in foreign affairs. The bulk of the lecture is brief (rapid-fire) cases that pair large corporations (Google, S&P, BP and such) with a country or bloc (Germany, Russia, US, South Africa and so forth). Some of the more recent news stories will be familiar and yet, when juxtaposed against many others as a trend, might give the audience pause. The objective of the fast-paced talk is to intrigue students just enough so they are compelled to take a second look on their own time. Some should expect their career plans to broaden.