Transnational corporations and Human Rights - a (r)evolutionary appraisal

The presentation aims to provide an analytical overview of the connection between transnational corporations (TNCs) to human rights, especially in the Global South. The presentation also attempts to connect such business operations to dominant economic policies, most notably wrapped under the term "neoliberalism", but also "neoconservatism". In this endeavour, the issue of power imbalances between corporations, states, people, and the civil society are discussed. Thereafter, the presentation aims to include an overview of the existing and emerging policy initiatives that are intended to hold TNCs accountability about human rights. In particular, we look at the accountability measures from the United Nations, the OECD, the European Union, and from specific countries, as well as advocacy campaigns from the civil society. These initiatives showcase the complexities in holding corporations accountable with regards to people and the planet. The lecture critically assess these initiatives and consider complementary or alternative ways to have corporations respect human rights. This approach with critical appraisals coupled with ideas that should substantially transform the given field is conceptualised as (r)evolutionary.