Re:Tech giants have as much money and influence as nations
by ElFitz on Sunday January 12, 2020 @05:22PM
(#22029976)
> Problem is that states usually have constitutional safeguards that keep a safe balance of power between citizen and state.
Seems to me constitutions being widespread is actually quite recent. Also, in many places 'constitutional safeguards' alone don't hold and often haven't held much value.
The only actual safeguard is power.
In companies' case
- the law (as long as it is actually enforced by the state)
- customers' choice on wether or not to buy the company's product
- employees' ability to organize, strike or quit and find another job
- shareholders votes and ability to invest / divest
For states?
- If they have fair and meaningful elections, votes. - Otherwise, well... One way or another, it usually doesn't end well.
Seems to me constitutions being widespread is actually quite recent. Also, in many places 'constitutional safeguards' alone don't hold and often haven't held much value.
The only actual safeguard is power.
In companies' case - the law (as long as it is actually enforced by the state) - customers' choice on wether or not to buy the company's product - employees' ability to organize, strike or quit and find another job - shareholders votes and ability to invest / divest
For states? - If they have fair and meaningful elections, votes. - Otherwise, well... One way or another, it usually doesn't end well.