The rise of huge corporations and their implications for different forms of governance have been in debate for a long time. The advent of the globalization in the 1970s and 1980s only increased the relevance of the topic, other global events, such as the financial crisis of 2008 also illustrate the relevance of understanding business power.
This course aims to provide an overview how the notion that transnational corporations’ role in political processes may be problematic, can be conceptualized theoretically. Relevant questions for this endeavour will include why and how business power is exercised. One way of looking at the political power of business actors is differentiating between different dimensions of power and the channels through which it is used.
The seminar aims to introduce theoretical perspectives on business power and use them to analyse the role business actors play in the United Nations system. It will also consider measures to address the situation and establish a democratic balance of interests.
Mandatory conditions to conclude the course are a thematic presentation on a specific aspect of business power in the United Nations and a term paper at the end of the semester.
Readings: The relevant literature will be provided on learnweb.
- Lehrende/r: Benedikt Lennartz
- Lehrende/r: Charlotte Röniger