In this episode, we continue our conversation with Joel Bakan, professor of law at the University of British Columbia, award-winning author, and filmmaker, about how corporate power continues to evolve — and threaten — democracy. Building on The Corporation and its sequel The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy, Joel unpacks how the rise of so-called “good” corporations has deepened corporate influence over governments, society, and even our understanding of justice.

He explains how corporations’ new image as socially responsible actors has made it harder to regulate them, and how this shift has contributed to growing inequality, weakened democratic institutions, and the rise of illiberal movements worldwide. Joel also discusses how technology and global crises such as COVID-19 have accelerated these trends — and why reclaiming democracy through activism, litigation, and public institutions is more urgent than ever.

Why are corporations increasingly seen as the solution to the world’s problems — even as they profit from them? How has this rebranding enabled a quiet erosion of democratic governance? And what can citizens and movements do to push back? Join us for the second part of this powerful conversation with one of today’s most incisive critics of corporate power.

🧠 Topics Covered:

⚖️ How corporations’ “good” image undermines democratic regulation

🏛️ The link between neoliberalism, inequality, and the rise of illiberalism

🌍 How the pandemic magnified existing corporate and political dynamics

💻 The role of technology and AI in expanding corporate influence

🔥 How citizens and movements can reclaim democratic institutions

🧾 Strategic litigation as a tool for climate and social justice

👤 About the Guest:

Joel Bakan is a professor of law at the University of British Columbia and an internationally recognized author and filmmaker. His work critically examines the legal and social structures that empower corporations at the expense of democracy, equality, and the environment. His acclaimed books and films, The Corporation and The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy, have shaped global debates on corporate accountability and the future of democratic governance.

🖱️ Resources & Links:

🎬 The Corporation – Documentary Film

📖 The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy – Book & Film

⚖️ Mathur v. Ontario – Landmark Canadian climate litigation: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5159223

🌐 Joel Bakan’s official website: https://joelbakan.com

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