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The State-Like Corporation: Long Hand of Grand Strategy

In: Corporations as Grand Strategists

Author

Listed:
  • Manuel Hensmans

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Solvay Brussels School)

Abstract

The State-like corporation is a private company that acts as the long hand of grand strategy. It operates in systemic power industries whose control or disruption can alter the balance of power among states. This includes energy, critical minerals, infrastructure and logistics, global trade and commodities, and space and advanced defense. By functioning like a state-within-the-state, this corporate archetype gives its home state a long-term realpolitik edge. This archetype’s smart power lies in adopting a realist, long-term perspective, imposing order on the shifting landscape of short-term political agendas and competing foreign interests. Its strategic autonomy from shifting currents of politics and popular sentiment allows the corporation to exercise parallel, state-like influence in systemic industries, regularly employing the darker arts of diplomacy or even local monopolies of violence. While such realpolitik may at times diverge from the political rhetoric of incumbent governments, the corporation remains closely tied to the state through complementarities in strategy and revolving-door relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Hensmans, 2026. "The State-Like Corporation: Long Hand of Grand Strategy," Springer Books, in: Corporations as Grand Strategists, chapter 0, pages 169-190, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-11721-2_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-11721-2_8
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