Today, corporations and their executives are at the frontlines of some of the most important and contentious issues of our time, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, voting rights, gun violence, racial justice, climate change, and gender equity. Through their policies, pronouncements, investments, and divestments, businesses and business leaders are directly engaging with the significant challenges confronting modern society. This is the new reality of business, activism, and politics in contemporary America.

My new book, The Capitalist and the Activist, explores this complicated new reality of contemporary corporate social activism—its driving forces, promises and perils, and implications for our laws, public policies, and businesses. It does so mindful of the structural shortcomings and systemic limitations of capitalism and activism, yet hopeful of progress.

The roots of contemporary corporate social activism can be traced to three large, interconnected developments in business, law, and society. Specifically, the evolution of corporate purpose from one of zealous shareholder primacy to one of more expansive stakeholder governance, the convergence of the public and private sectors, and the expansion of corporate political rights have all helped foster a fusion of capitalism and activism that is at the heart of contemporary corporate social activism.

Furthermore, these roots are simultaneously powered and amplified by new technology. Activists and citizens can readily organize, communicate, and fundraise to bring their concerns to the powerful in business and government like never before. Tens of millions of people can be reached, millions of dollars raised, and thousands gathered to raise awareness or protest an issue in a matter of minutes, hours, or days.

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