Modern Mercantilism's Murky Morass: In Conversation with Alec MacGillis
In "Fulfillment: Winning and Losing In One-Click America," Alec MacGillis makes the strong case for a single winner among many, many losers.
So, I’m confused. Either I don’t understand the concept of mercantilism at all (which is possible) or very few reputable sources have (yet) to write about the FAANG1 companies as modern mercantilists. Collectively, these “businesses” wield an incomprehensible amount of power over everyday decisions everyday people make. This power—economic, political, social, societal—was not negotiated on behalf of the state, which is likely why Very Smart People are hesitant to put Facebook and the Dutch East India Company in the same sentence. What is Facebook except a way for moms to stay in touch with their high school classmates? What is Google except a friendly web indexer? What is Amazon but for a slight improvement to convenience and two-day free(!) shipping?
What was the Dutch East India Company but a purveyor of spices and resources?
Alec MacGillis, the int…
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