A 425-Year Pattern of Elite Capture

The East India Company (1600-1874) established a pattern of corporate control over government that continues today.

The Original Corporate State

The East India Company was granted monopoly trading rights, private military forces, authority to make war and peace, power to coin money, and judicial authority over territories.

Modern Manifestations

Today's pattern includes regulatory capture, revolving door between government and corporations, legislative influence, and judicial immunity.