Philip J. Stern

Philip J. Stern, a historian and Duke University professor, delves into the pivotal role of corporations in British colonialism. He reveals how companies, from the East India Company to modern ventures, were integral to governing and expanding empires. By examining the evolving corporate landscape across centuries, he challenges traditional views of state versus corporate power. Stern also discusses the paradox of corporations as public and private entities, highlighting their complex legal origins and revealing surprising motivations behind these colonial enterprises.

Philip J. Stern, an Associate Professor of History at Duke University, dives into the pivotal role of corporations in British colonialism. He reveals how entities like the East India Company were not just accomplices to empire but key drivers of global expansion. Stern discusses the blurred lines between formal and informal imperialism, along with the frequent failures of corporate ventures. He highlights the paradox of corporate power, intertwined with state authority, and how this legacy continues to shape notions of British identity today.

Philip J. Stern, a historian at Duke University, offers a fresh perspective on British colonialism, positioning corporations at its core rather than the Crown. He discusses how companies not only drove global expansion but also governed territories, raising intriguing questions about the nature of public and private power. Stern highlights the paradoxes of corporations, the failures of various ventures, and how early modern practices connect to contemporary governance. He also delves into the diverse motives of those promoting colonies, revealing unexpected archival insights.

Quinn Slobodian, a Wellesley College history professor and author of 'Crack-Up Capitalism,' teams up with Philip J. Stern, an associate professor at Duke University known for 'Empire, Incorporated.' They delve into the roles of corporations in shaping governance and democracy, highlighting the East India Company's nuanced history. The conversation unpacks 'archipelago capitalism' and critiques oversimplified narratives of colonialism, examining how imaginative economic theories influence real-world practices and state power dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Quinn Slobodian, a historian known for his insights into neoliberalism, and Philip J. Stern, an authority on the British Empire's legal and business histories, delve into the complexities of political economy. They unpack Adam Smith's theories while revealing how corporations shaped imperial governance. Discussions also focus on Slobodian's critique of capitalism's fragmentation and the repercussions for global politics today. Together, they shed light on the enduring influences of history on contemporary economic structures.