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Source: Getty

In The Media

Power, Inc.: The Epic Rivalry Between Big Business and Government

The balance between governments and corporations has been shifting over the last few hundred years in favor of corporate power. If Washington wishes to fix this balance, it may need to reform its elections and regulations.

Link Copied
By David Rothkopf
Published on Mar 28, 2012

Source: Daily Ticker

Speaking on The Daily Ticker, Carnegie's David Rothkopf explained that over the last several hundred years, corporations have gained more power and influence relative to sovereign governments. Some relatively small companies now have more financial power—and political influence—than most countries around the world. He argued that the biggest challenge of our time is making sure that the pendulum swings back towards government power through campaign finance reform and smart regulations.

About the Author

David Rothkopf

Former Visiting Scholar

David Rothkopf was a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment as well as the former CEO and editor in chief of the FP Group.

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David Rothkopf
Former Visiting Scholar
David Rothkopf
EconomyTradeNorth AmericaUnited States

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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