

How Amazon's dominance is more visible during a pandemic
Apr 28, 2020
Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, dives into Amazon's overwhelming influence on the economy, especially during the pandemic. She critiques the company's treatment of workers and raises vital questions about its monopoly power. The conversation reveals the tension between consumer reliance and the need for regulation, while highlighting the struggles of Amazon employees and emerging unionization efforts. Mitchell emphasizes the importance of fostering local economies in the face of Amazon's dominance and advocates for fair competition.
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Amazon's Structural Power
- Amazon's structural power lets them control other companies and extract unearned value.
- They are increasingly assuming state-like powers, impacting the economy in undemocratic ways.
Amazon's Essential, Yet Concerning Role
- While e-commerce and home delivery are convenient, Amazon's power is concerning.
- The retail world is collapsing into a single pipeline, stifling competition and innovation.
Amazon's Infrastructure Advantage
- Amazon acts as an intermediary across different businesses, creating a conflict of interest.
- Their control provides a "godlike view," allowing manipulation of competition.