Better Offline Zephyr Teachout On Corruption
12 snips
Oct 16, 2024 
Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham Law professor and author of "Break 'Em Up," dives deep into the themes of corruption and corporate power. She highlights the critical need for reforms to promote integrity in politics and businesses. The conversation reflects on historical perspectives of corruption and advocates for anti-monopoly measures to protect democracy. Teachout also critiques Silicon Valley’s power dynamics and emphasizes the importance of effective regulations to address labor rights and national security concerns, while expressing hope for AI's positive impact.
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Corruption Defined
- Corruption is the internal disintegration of a system, where governing power serves selfish interests.
- This concept, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, distinguishes between rulers serving the public versus themselves.
Tech's Governing Power
- Big Tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft function as "cloud empires," setting the terms for internet infrastructure.
- This unchecked power resembles governing entities due to their ability to set terms and control access.
Breaking Up Power
- Curbing the power of term-setting entities involves diversifying power sources and implementing public regulations.
- A historical American strategy was dividing power between presidency, Senate, and Congress, promoting public contestation.
