Crimes of the Powerful and the Contemporary Condition: The Democratic Republic of Capitalism

The ultimate expression of power is the ability to act beyond the confines of law, with contemporary society enabling elite groups to wield "panoramic power". The authors offer new thinking on damaging structures of power and privilege, providing a comprehensive understanding of elite corporate wrongdoing and the late capitalist society that enables harm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The ultimate expression of power is the ability to act beyond the confines of law, with contemporary society enabling elite groups to wield "panoramic power". From the murderous crimes of the corporate giants that provide us with life's luxuries and necessities to the data gathering activities of media and educational institutions, the authors offer new thinking on damaging structures of power and privilege. This accessible book provides a comprehensive understanding of elite corporate wrongdoing and the late capitalist society that enables harm, considering both how we got into this mess and how we get out of it.

Elite corporate wrongdoing is a significant issue in contemporary society, with corporate giants engaging in murderous crimes and data gathering activities that harm individuals and communities. The authors of this book offer new thinking on damaging structures of power and privilege, providing a comprehensive understanding of elite corporate wrongdoing and the late capitalist society that enables harm.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of "panoramic power". This refers to the ability of elite groups to wield power over a wide range of domains, including the economy, politics, and culture. The authors argue that this power is not limited to a few individuals or organizations, but is rather distributed across a wide range of institutions and individuals.

The book also explores the ways in which elite corporate wrongdoing is enabled by late capitalist society. Late capitalism is characterized by a focus on profit and growth, which leads to a concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and organizations. This concentration of power can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency, which can enable elite groups to engage in harmful activities without being held responsible.

The authors also discuss the ways in which elite corporate wrongdoing can be addressed. They argue that it is important to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions, and to create policies and regulations that promote transparency and accountability. They also suggest that it is important to promote social and economic equality, which can help to reduce the power and influence of elite groups.

One of the challenges of addressing elite corporate wrongdoing is the fact that it is often difficult to identify and prosecute individuals and organizations. This is due to the complex nature of the financial system and the lack of transparency and accountability in many industries. The authors argue that it is important to create a more transparent and accountable financial system, which can help to prevent elite corporate wrongdoing.

Another challenge of addressing elite corporate wrongdoing is the fact that it can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. This can include economic inequality, social exclusion, and environmental degradation. The authors argue that it is important to address these issues in order to create a more just and sustainable society.

In conclusion, the ultimate expression of power is the ability to act beyond the confines of law, with contemporary society enabling elite groups to wield "panoramic power". From the murderous crimes of the corporate giants that provide us with life's luxuries and necessities to the data gathering activities of media and educational institutions, the authors offer new thinking on damaging structures of power and privilege. This accessible book provides a comprehensive understanding of elite corporate wrongdoing and the late capitalist society that enables harm, considering both how we got into this mess and how we get out of it.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529228298