The hottest Monopoly power Substack posts right now

Google has become a powerful force in the digital world, much like the East India Company was for trade in the past. It controls key connections or 'links' that affect how users and businesses interact online.
Just like the East India Company faced backlash for its ruthless business practices, Google is also experiencing growing resentment from users and governments who feel exploited and manipulated.
The story of the East India Company's rise and fall serves as a warning for Google. Unchecked greed and ambition can lead to eventual downfall, and history shows that those who gain too much power often attract a pushback.

The Pentagon lacks oversight in tracking defense contractors, leading to issues in weapon production
The defense industrial base is facing challenges due to prioritization of cash out over production
The Government Accountability Office highlighted the lack of tracking defense-related mergers in the Pentagon, posing risks to national security

Capital One is trying to purchase Discover for $35 billion due to a loophole the Federal Reserve left in banking laws, which allows Capital One to have control over pricing in ways its competitors cannot.
The credit card system in the U.S. involves a complex web of fees and intermediaries that result in high costs for merchants, driving the merger between Capital One and Discover in a pursuit for more pricing power.
The merger faces opposition from various groups due to concerns about increased monopolization and reduced competition in the credit card industry, highlighting the need for reforms to promote fair commerce and innovation.

Biden's administration is taking steps to reduce corporate power through measures like capping credit card late fees and focusing on monopolies in the healthcare sector.
There is a mix of positive and negative actions within the Biden administration towards tackling concentrated economic power, showcasing a nuanced approach to corporate regulation.
Despite Biden's populist State of the Union rhetoric, the administration faces challenges in fully addressing corporate power and governance issues, including instances of corruption and policy setbacks.

Inflation could possibly be driven by consolidation and data sharing in industries like Amazon and meat price-fixing cases.
Price-fixing can involve colluding to raise prices or lower wages, not just about increasing prices for consumers.
People not only dislike high prices but also feel cheated by unfair pricing practices, like hidden fees and tips, impacting their perception of the economy.

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FTC Chair Lina Khan is actively fighting against predatory finance in health care, specifically targeting a private equity firm for monopolization in the anesthesiology industry.
The excessive prices in the American health care system are attributed to massive consolidation in various sectors, including the involvement of private equity firms focused on profit extraction.
The FTC's lawsuit against USAP and Welsh Carson highlights illegal practices in monopolization, price-fixing, and market allocation that have cost Texans millions, shedding light on the need to address predatory actions in the industry.

Corruption is the abuse of power for selfish gain, whether in public or private sectors.
Monopoly power can lead to corruption as dominant firms have more ability and incentive to engage in corrupt activities.
Addressing monopoly power through antitrust regulations can be a powerful tool in tackling corruption and other economic problems.

Audible's dominant market position and DRM policies can significantly impact authors and readers, limiting choices and control over audiobooks.
Planned obsolescence in products not only affects consumers financially but also has environmental consequences, highlighting the need for sustainable choices.
The monopolistic role of middlemen in commerce, like Amazon or Google, can lead to unfair practices and the need for more equitable transactions.

Kayne West released his new album exclusively on Tidal, which he partly owns, possibly leveraging monopoly power to drive traffic away from competitors like Apple.
Determining if Kayne West has monopoly power involves evaluating his impact on the music market and competition levels.
The exclusivity of Kayne West's album on Tidal could potentially lead to increased music service prices, raising concerns about competition and antitrust regulations.