Barry Lynn is the intellectual godfather of what is now known as the neo-Brandeisian movement, which identifies corporate consolidation as the singular, villainous force behind everything that has gone wrong in the United States. “It is vital to understand,” Lynn wrote in his 2020 book, Liberty from All Masters, “that monopoly is not one of many economics problems but rather the political economic problem of our time,” causing “just about every ill in our society today.”
So, is corporate consolidation the root cause of all problems facing modern societies today?
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/05/antitrust-theory-barry-lynn/687287/
@vivify saidBut this guy is arguing that mergers and acquisitions are the root cause of ALL societal harms. Can you think of an instance where that argument breaks down?
I can't think of a single instance when monopoly benefited anyone The more power any corporation has the more likely they are to try to manipulate markets and government, often to gain even more power.
I'd say that statement is mostly accurate for westernized societies.
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@wildgrass saidThe OP says "modern societies" which I assumed meant developed nations in this day and age; so not 3rd world nations or those under authoritarian rule. *If* that is the case: the OP is not entirely correct but is has a point.
But this guy is arguing that mergers and acquisitions are the root cause of ALL societal harms. Can you think of an instance where that argument breaks down?
Obviously racism, imperialism and religion play a huge part, as does rising right-wing extremism. But I've noticed that economically well-off nations with lower income inequality don't struggle with those concerns as much; for example Denmark and New Zealand.
But in places like the U.S with high income inequality where corporate influence heavily drives politics, those issues do exist, along with a host of other problems caused by corporations: poor or unaffordable healthcare, rising costs of houses and rent, food, etc. Corporate acquisition of farms, healthcare and the rest are direct causes.
Source of "all" problems? No. But corporate consolidation causes new problems and exacerbates existing ones. Corporations don't monopolize to make less money; it's always to make more, even at the expense of the average person's well-being.
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@vivify saidYes, the ills of modern society are caused by monopolization. "... the singular cause of the peril into which America has plunged for decades, and contains in turn the blueprint for its redemption."
The OP says "modern societies" which I assumed meant developed nations in this day and age; so not 3rd world nations or those under authoritarian rule. *If* that is the case: the OP is not entirely correct but is has a point.
Obviously racism, imperialism and religion play a huge part, as does rising right-wing extremism. But I've noticed that economically well-off nations ...[text shortened]... o make less money; it's always to make more, even at the expense of the average person's well-being.
Embedded within the article is the idea that anti-monopolistic policy, like what Biden was doing, may be a good path forward in the Democratic party towards re-establishing small businesses, entrepreneurial spirits.
I agree with you that it's nearly impossible to argue that we don't have enough corporate consolidation in the USA, considering that 77% of GDP and 50% of stock growth is driven by just 10 companies.
Breaking them up will increase competition, lower prices, improve the job market, elevate innovation, promote diversity, lower inflation, decrease wealth inequality. It ticks a lot of boxes.