The Arrogance of Institutions: Zephyr Teachout on how the Supreme Court redefined Corruption and put U.S. Democracy at risk
July 17, 2014
Hosted by Té Revesz
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
“The concept of corruption is at the center of the most vital legal dispute” says Zephyr Teachout, author of “Corruption in America”. Why should business care? Because it’s “impacting the survival of US democracy [and] threatens to unravel what the framers of the US Constitution built.” The framers, corruption—situations where politicians & public institutions serve private interests at the public’s expense—as a danger to the new republic & created safeguards. Today’s Supreme Court narrowed the definition to 1 thing: explicit bribery. Thus its Citizens United decision gave corporations the right to spend limitless money to influence elections (in SCOTUS-speak, gain democratic responsiveness). With unlimited spending transforming US politics for the worse, warns Teachout,” the American experiment in self-government could collapse.” Are there remedies? Teachout, who is challenging Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, gives us practical, constitutionally sound ideas.
Global Reach
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Business Channel
We are all operating in a dynamic global marketplace, whether we reach across borders to find new customers and fresh ideas or face overseas competitors in our home market.
Global Reach embraces the opportunities and challenges we encounter when operating in multiple countries and cultures. We talk with entrepreneurs and executives about their strategies for winning in fast changing world markets: cross-cultural communication, global branding, media and marketing, transportation and manufacturing, the future of finance, alternative investment strategies, innovation and IP protection.
Global Reach interviews thought leaders about 21st century megatrends that impact international entities: trends like the business and politics of sustainability, the morphing nature of competitiveness, globalization, global companies vs national governments, worldview and growth prescriptions, emerging markets issues, and the corporate impact on society (governance, ethics and leadership).
Té Revesz
Té Revesz is known for her ability to conduct strategic research on a global basis and for her creativity in handling complex business challenges.
As principal of GlobalReach-SBI, a research and consulting firm with a network spanning over 60 countries, Té provides clients with strategic intelligence on market opportunities and threats. She covers such diverse areas as global branding, new product development, payment cards, clinical trials, and political risk. An expert in primary research, Té has interviewed business, government and labor leaders, doctors and technical experts—and managed focus groups—around the world. She was profiled in Super Searchers Go to the Source as one of the top US interviewers.
Prior to founding her own firm, Té headed the Industrial & Healthcare Practices of FIND's Strategic Consulting & Research Group and taught at the Zicklin School of Business (Baruch/CUNY). She was the Editor of Business International’s flagship newsletter and helped create its country risk service.
An NYC native, Té is active with Citizen Action, the URJ’s Commission on Social Action, and NY Neighbors for American Values (defending religious freedom, diversity and equality). She holds a Masters from Columbia’s School of International & Public Affairs and a BA from Goucher College. She’s an avid bike rider, theater buff and farmers market supporter—and the bemused owner of 2 demanding felines.
