VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

Implications of Authoritarian Threats for Businesses

Video 2 of 3

 

On June 6, 2022, we spoke with NYU Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Katherine Venice of the Ethical Capitalism Group to explore “Rising Authoritarianism: How Business Can Recognize and Respond to True Threats to Representative Democracy”

As hyper-partisanship escalates in the US and beyond, both the left and right are leveling accusations of authoritarianism and even fascism at the other side. Though business leaders may wish they could stay out of the fray, multiple independent sources show the US is facing serious threats to civic institutions, representative democracy, political equality and the rule of law. Given rising trust in business, companies are uniquely positioned to help the country navigate these risks, if they can distinguish true threats and respond effectively.

In this module, we explore:

  • How does authoritarianism unfold for businesses? What is life like for businesses under authoritarianism?
  • What are the risks to business and the economy, if current trends continue? Do you think business leaders are weighing these risks adequately?

The Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce (CPRT)’s Expert Dialogues are in-depth, recorded conversations with academic experts, stakeholder advocates and business practitioners to provide our members and other CPR champions with the expertise and context they need to develop principled, proactive CPR strategies. We invite those interested in a constructive, non-partisan, principles-based discussion.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University who writes about fascism, authoritarian leaders, propaganda, and democracy protection. She is the author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present and an Advisor to Protect Democracy.

Katherine Venice is Founder of the Ethical Capitalism Group, bringing an investor perspective to reforming capitalism so that it works for Main Street, not just for Wall Street. From 1995 to 2014, she served as an institutional investor with three top-tier global investment management firms.

The full transcript for this module is available here

Keywords: #CorporatePoliticalResponsibility #ESG #CPR_Responsibility #EnterpriseRisks #Inclusion

More Resources

Sort by type
281 – 300 of 405 results showing
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
ArticleEngine No. 1 / Wharton Impact

Outlines the flaws inherent in today’s ESG data and measurement, which have kept ESG analysis mostly disconnected from other financial or operational analysis of a given company. Explains the Total Value Framework as a process for measuring  corporate externalities, providing a way to align capital allocation with total long-term value creation for stakeholders, shareholders and the business.

View Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
ArticleThe Aspen Institute

This report synthesizes perspectives from executives, investors, and scholars on the meaning and implementation of corporate purpose. It identifies areas of alignment and tension—particularly around stakeholder accountability, governance, and measurement—and highlights the gap between aspirational purpose statements and operational decision-making. It underscores the need to embed purpose into strategy, incentives, and oversight structures.

View Details
ReportFCLT/McKinsey

This report recognizes that the stakeholder environment has shifted for many companies to encompass a broader range of stakeholders, and provides thoughts on how companies can take a truly long-term view of stakeholder interests.

View Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
ReportPolicyLink

This report goes beyond diversity and inclusion to outline how a business's actions, products and services, have influence within the company, within the community, and more broadly in society. The report provides concrete recommendations for companies.

View Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
ReportPrinciples for Responsible Investment, The Generation Foundation & UNEP Finance Initiative

This report examines current legal frameworks for institutional investors in 11 countries, including the EU, UK, US, Canada, Japan, and Australia and how they link financial returns with sustainability. It finds that in many cases, investors are legally required to consider sustainability if it aligns with financial goals. The report also recommends policy changes to clarify fiduciary duties and make it easier for investors to prioritize sustainability by fostering clearer guidelines and collaboration 

View Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
BookGreenleaf Books

With his background as a former business executive leading companies such as e-Scholastic, the Proactiv Company and Guthy-Renker, Seth Radwell provides both historical context for the political division in the U.S., and a detailed plan on steps we can take to depolarize society. 

View Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
Video Details
ArticleOxford Review of Economic Policy

This paper reviews how globalization, technology, and financialization have served to decouple business prosperity from social prosperity.  The paper also explores how there can be a "recoupling" of business and social prosperity and move from shareholder maximization to a broader view of stakeholder interests.

View Details
Share.

Do you have a resource to recommend for The CPR Hub? Please reach out and we will review it for future updates!

Receive Updates from The CPR Hub

Learn about new tools, insights and events to help you consider how CPR can help your company, clients or members.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Stay in the loop.