The COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic has affected almost every corner of the world. From individual lives to the global economy, it has left no one unaffected.
While the virus may have started as a health crisis, it has very rapidly turned into an economic and social crisis. In this crisis, as in most crises, there are those who emerge as winners, and those who do not. In this case, the ones emerging as the winners are the corporate elite, who are taking advantage of the crisis to increase their wealth and power.
Who exactly are they though?.
What is the Corporate Elite?
The corporate elite refers to the small group of extremely wealthy individuals who are in control of the largest corporations in the world. These people make decisions not only about the companies they control, but also about the entire global economy.
They are the ones who hold enormous power, wealth, and influence.
How are they profiting from the crisis?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created major economic turmoil which has allowed the corporate elite to expand their power and increase their wealth.
In many cases, corporations were bailed out with taxpayer money which ultimately benefited these wealthy individuals on the top of the corporate ladder. Furthermore, their involvement in the crisis has allowed them to shape the policy response and potentially benefit from market dynamics.
The corporate elite have used the crisis to their advantage and in many ways, increased their wealth and power at the cost of the public.
Who are Some of the Members of the Corporate Elite?
The corporate elite includes a wide variety of individuals, from CEOs of large corporations to investors and financiers. Some of the most recognizable names include:.
- Jeff Bezos – CEO of Amazon
- Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
- Warren Buffet – Investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
- Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft
- Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Facebook
- Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
- Jamie Dimon – CEO of JPMorgan Chase
- Lloyd Blankfein – Former CEO of Goldman Sachs
- Rupert Murdoch – Media Mogul and CEO of News Corp
- Carlos Slim Helu – Business magnate and CEO of Grupo Carso
What is the Impact of the Corporate Elite?
The corporate elite have a profound impact on the global economy and everyday life. They hold immense power and influence over financial markets, governments, and media outlets which shapes the world we live in.
This elite controls the flow of capital and has a significant impact in shaping policies and society on a global scale. Their decision-making impacts not only their companies but also global economies and societies which can result in rising economic inequality and even global instability.
How can We Combat the Influence of the Corporate Elite?
The influence of the corporate elite is increasing and it poses a great risk to the democratic institutions of the world.
In order to combat this influence and ensure a fair and equitable society, it is essential that policies are put in place to regulate this power. Governments must regulate the market in a fair and transparent way in order to ensure that the negative effects of the corporate elite are kept in check.
Strengthening democratic institutions, reducing economic inequality, and promoting corporate accountability are key ways to combat these negative influences and pave the way for a more equitable society.
Conclusion
The corporate elite have an immense impact on society that will continue to grow if left unchecked. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their power has increased even further and many are profiting massively from the global crisis.
It is essential that governments and global institutions take action to keep the negative effects of the elite in check and ensure a fair and equitable society for all.