Technological Threat

            I wonder if perhaps the largest threat to the US might have been born from the very companies that have added to its greatness over the last 3 decades. It seems that, as far as influence is concerned, big tech companies (Amazon, Facebook, Google) hold all the cards. The balance of powers argument looks at states, but should it also look at organizations as a threat to stability? Companies that have a higher net worth than small countries start to look particularly threatening.
            When a company has the ability to collect more data than the government, there arises an issue of security. These large companies have more information on the citizens, not just of the US, but all over the world than our government would care to admit. Indeed, our government is almost beholden to these companies when it comes to the information sphere. This sets up a model where these corporations are in a position of power over the government and over the people. Not even taking into account the possibility for extortion, this simply sets up a power struggle where these companies operate in a somewhat lawless state.
            There is no equal for an enemy that knows your weakness and knows your strengths. You cannot combat a corporation like you would combat another nation. Sanctions seem to be out of the question, especially when these companies operate everywhere. They have more influence than our government when it comes to infrastructure and satisfying needs and wants. Perhaps we need to look internally before looking outside our borders when looking for the largest threat to US security. how do you unplug the machine when it is spliced to the mainframe of your country? Are these corporations beholden to any state at the end of the day? While we focus our efforts on foreign threats, perhaps the largest threat is lurking within the World Wide Web or your cellphone, collecting data and waiting to take advantage when the opportunity arises.

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 15, 2018 at 9:35 AM

    As the saying goes, "you are your own worst enemy". I like how you bridge the Rise & Fall Module with the one on Global Business and Economic Autonomy. I don't completely agree with your premise that large corporations are the largest internal threat, but it could be an interesting debate. Despite the power these corporations wield, I still think that the State has the final authority. Corporations are concerned about bottom line profits whereas a state like the U.S. has to answer to the people. This allows corporations to do some shady and illegal things - like collect and sell user data - and gives them a lot of power. The government could do these same things, but because they are appointed by the people, they do not have the authority to do so. The capacity is there, just not the agency. I also believe that the State has ways to punish and hold corporations accountable. Granted, they rarely do this (most likely because those in office profit from the corporations), but they have the capacity and agency to do so. I.e. fines, new laws and regulations, inspections, etc.

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