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Big business Quote by Eric Ambler

“It was the power of Business, not the deliberations of statesman, that shaped the destinies of nations. The Foreign Ministers of the great powers might make the actual declarations of their Governments' policies; but it was the Big Business men, the bankers and their dependents, the arms…” quote by Eric Ambler
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““It was the power of Business, not the deliberations of statesman, that shaped the destinies of nations. The Foreign Ministers of the great powers might make the actual declarations of their Governments' policies; but it was the Big Business men, the bankers and their dependents, the arms manufacturers, the oil companies, the big industrialists, who determined what those policies should be.””

Eric Ambler

About This Quote

Source Speech: Unknown political commentary, early 20th century

Business interests, not governments, drive national destinies; powerful corporations shape policy more than elected officials.

In simple terms: Big business controls nations more than politicians.

Key Takeaway

Recognize corporate influence on policy.

Themes

politics economics power influence corporate governance

Mood

cautious critical thoughtful

Type

analytical political observational

When to use this quote

  • voting decisions
  • regulatory reform
  • consumer activism
  • investment choices

Key Concepts

elitism political economy interest groups

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do corporate interests affect your daily life?
  • What mechanisms can limit corporate influence?
A Different Perspective

Corporate power can be checked by democratic institutions and public pressure.

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