Wow! eBook
People Power Strategies to Curtail Corporate Power: Serving the Public Good
Author(s): Dalilah A. Shemia-Goeke (Author)
- Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
- Publication Date: October 10, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 330 pages
- ISBN-10: 3031990935
- ISBN-13: 9783031990939
Book Description
How can corporate power be effectively challenged when states struggle to regulate corporations, and companies wield stronger incentives and threats than citizens can exert on governments? Historically, industrial actions and labor movements have been the most effective forces against corporate dominance—but are they the only ones? What roles can other stakeholders beyond trade unions play? This book argues that curbing corporate power, preventing its abuses, and strengthening democracy require strategic people power. By collectively withdrawing cooperation and consent, civil society can disrupt and erode the pillars that sustain corporate influence.
Drawing on nonviolent action theory and social movement research, this book expands the conversation on corporate social responsibility and corporate accountability. It explores how the strategic logic behind the civil rights movement, democracy campaigns, and anti-colonial struggles can guide modern efforts to hold multinational corporations accountable.
This work is essential reading for scholars in corporate social responsibility, labor studies, sustainability, organizational studies, and collective action. It also offers valuable insights for activists, practitioners of nonviolent resistance, and anyone committed to corporate accountability and social justice.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
How can corporate power be effectively challenged when states struggle to regulate corporations, and companies wield stronger incentives and threats than citizens can exert on governments? Historically, industrial actions and labor movements have been the most effective forces against corporate dominance—but are they the only ones? What roles can other stakeholders beyond trade unions play? This book argues that curbing corporate power, preventing its abuses, and strengthening democracy require strategic people power. By collectively withdrawing cooperation and consent, civil society can disrupt and erode the pillars that sustain corporate influence.
Drawing on nonviolent action theory and social movement research, this book expands the conversation on corporate social responsibility and corporate accountability. It explores how the strategic logic behind the civil rights movement, democracy campaigns, and anti-colonial struggles can guide modern efforts to hold multinational corporations accountable.
This work is essential reading for scholars in corporate social responsibility, labor studies, sustainability, organizational studies, and collective action. It also offers valuable insights for activists, practitioners of nonviolent resistance, and anyone committed to corporate accountability and social justice.
Dalilah A. Shemia-Goeke is a scholar and practitioner specializing in strategic nonviolent action against corporate power. She completed a PhD at the University of Wollongong, her research focusing on civil resistance, corporate accountability, and labour movements. She bridges theory and practice through education, consultancy, and co-hosting a podcast on civil resistance. She has been a labour organizer and peace worker and is now co-managing director of the German federation for social defence.
About the Author
Dalilah A. Shemia-Goeke is a scholar and practitioner specializing in strategic nonviolent action against corporate power. She completed a PhD at the University of Wollongong, her research focusing on civil resistance, corporate accountability, and labour movements. She bridges theory and practice through education, consultancy, and co-hosting a podcast on civil resistance. She has been a labour organizer and peace worker and is now co-managing director of the German federation for social defence.
