At the beginning of this year, I started reading Tyranny, Inc. by Sohrab Ahmari, where he offers a compelling critique of modern corporatism, particularly the way corporate power has become deeply entrenched in our daily lives. As a business lawyer, I found Ahmari’s work both thought-provoking, and validating as he sheds light on how, beneath the surface of free markets and voluntary exchanges, corporate forces often exert control in ways that resemble tyranny, something that I see in my law practice on a regular basis.

Ahmari’s central thesis is that free market capitalism has been taken over by corporatism, which has evolved into a system that enables powerful corporations to manipulate labor markets, consumers, and even government regulations to their advantage. He emphasizes that many workers experience a lack of true freedom within the workplace, where their economic vulnerability is exploited. In examples that deeply resonated with me, Ahmari discusses how non-compete clauses, excessive NDAs, and other legal frameworks create a scenario where workers are systematically disempowered. As someone who represents small business owners and other contractors, I found his analysis on the legal tools corporations use to gain an upper hand to be spot on as I have seen these tools used and misused as I have negotiated transactions and litigated these issues in court. In the book, he challenges the common belief that the market is a purely neutral force, showing how it often leads to a concentration of power that resembles tyranny, even if not state sponsored.

Although the book offers a powerful critique, he stops short of offering detailed solutions. This doesn’t diminish the value of his analysis; however, instead, it leaves room for further reflection on how businesses can operate ethically while still thriving in a competitive environment.

Tyranny, Inc. is a must-read for anyone in the business world who wants to understand the deeper implications of corporate power and reflect on the ethical responsibilities of those who operate within it. Ahmari’s arguments are a call to rethink the status quo and ensure that business practices promote genuine freedom, not just profit.