http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/technology/23google.html?ref=world
This article explains that the company Google has closed its censored site in China after it had been repeatedly hacked and violated by the Chinese Government. Instead, they have re-routed users through the liberated Google in Hong Kong. I am unclear about exactly how Google managed such an act, but it has obviously angered China.
I found this article interesting because it suggests that it may not only be great powers that can check the policies of other great powers. Instead, an international corporation has been able to directly challenge the censorship laws within China. Though Google is technically an “American Company” it can be accessed in any country with free internet access. Google is a search engine that allows millions of people access to information on almost any topic at any time. Free exchange of information is one of the crucial aspects of a democratic society. That Google facilitates the freedom of information suggests that it also spreads democracy. This article makes me wonder if the future of the spread of democracy isn’t in the hands of other great powers but in up and coming increasingly powerful corporations like Google.
I think that corporations such as Google (a web-based corporation) can be more powerful that "great powers" in spreading democracy. Because of Google's web based nature, even if the US disliked something Google was doing, it could not legally do anything. Google, because it is American-based, is protected by American laws, such as free speech and freedom of information.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think Google is a special case. It does not have stores or plants in other countries. While it generates revenue, it is not selling a product. It is protected by the country it is based in. I believe other corporations, such as GM or Wal-Mart, will not be more effective than great powers in spreading democracy. While they are American companies, it has to follow the laws of the country it's plants and stores are based in. For example, if China passed new production laws, a Wal-Mart factory in China would have to follow it. While large corporations definitely have more sway as they become more powerful, they ultimately do have to follow the laws of other countries that may not be democratic.
So, while Google is becoming a more powerful democracy-spreader, no all powerful corporations can spread democracy.