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Billionaire Backlash: The Age of Corporate Scandal and How it Could Save Democracy
The surprising story of how corporate scandals - from Enron to the Facebook privacy scandal - change the way the world works for the better.
Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee draw on a decade of research on policymaking and public opinion to show us how scandals can ignite a public with few political outlets for their discontent. Scandals don't simply dominate news they can provoke us to demand better policy, spurring governments to adopt rules that protect us from massive corporations run amok.
Today it is giant companies, not governments, who run the world. They launch rockets into space, control satellite communication and develop era-defining AI technologies. But around the globe, these corporate titans are facing increasing public hostility.
Tech giants are seen as promoting misinformation, undermining democracy and violating our privacy. Big banks, reeling since the financial crisis of 2008, continue to be racked with major scandals. Drawing on real-life examples such as the powdered milk scandal that rocked France, the VW scandal in Germany, the Goldman Sachs scandal in the United States, Cambridge Analytica in Britain and Samsung in South Korea - the authors show that these scandals are not just symptoms of a careless corporate elite, they are opportunities for real political change.
Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee reveal how the shared anger of citizens can be channelled into a backlash that has the potential to reinvigorate our failing democracies. One corporate scandal at a time.
Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee draw on a decade of research on policymaking and public opinion to show us how scandals can ignite a public with few political outlets for their discontent. Scandals don't simply dominate news they can provoke us to demand better policy, spurring governments to adopt rules that protect us from massive corporations run amok.
Today it is giant companies, not governments, who run the world. They launch rockets into space, control satellite communication and develop era-defining AI technologies. But around the globe, these corporate titans are facing increasing public hostility.
Tech giants are seen as promoting misinformation, undermining democracy and violating our privacy. Big banks, reeling since the financial crisis of 2008, continue to be racked with major scandals. Drawing on real-life examples such as the powdered milk scandal that rocked France, the VW scandal in Germany, the Goldman Sachs scandal in the United States, Cambridge Analytica in Britain and Samsung in South Korea - the authors show that these scandals are not just symptoms of a careless corporate elite, they are opportunities for real political change.
Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee reveal how the shared anger of citizens can be channelled into a backlash that has the potential to reinvigorate our failing democracies. One corporate scandal at a time.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 13, 2026
An excellent book and source of optimism. This book offers a balanced and convincing analysis of corporate scandals, introducing concepts and methodologies of political science and political events across a number of countries in an accessible but sophisticated way. At times a little repetitive in the prose - consecutive sentences that literally say the same thing, though this is more than made up for by the dad jokes and extended metaphor, from Star Wars to kittens to icebergs, which make this a pleasure to read.
May 6, 2026
Billionaire Backlash offers a sharp and thought-provoking analysis of the growing tension between corporate power and democratic accountability. Culpepper and Lee explore how high-profile corporate scandals and public scrutiny of billionaire influence are reshaping political discourse and institutional trust.
At the core of the book is a compelling argument that backlash against concentrated wealth and corporate misconduct may serve as a corrective force within democratic systems. Rather than viewing scandals solely as symptoms of dysfunction, the authors frame them as catalysts that can mobilize public awareness, drive reform, and reassert democratic norms.
The book stands out for its blend of political science insight and real-world relevance. By examining patterns of corporate behavior, media exposure, and public response, the authors illuminate how power is negotiated between economic elites and democratic institutions. Their analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how accountability mechanisms evolve in response to crises.
Another strength is its accessibility. While grounded in academic research, the writing remains clear and engaging, making complex political and economic dynamics understandable for a broad readership.
Overall, Billionaire Backlash is a timely and insightful contribution to discussions on democracy, corporate influence, and political reform. It will resonate with readers interested in political economy, governance, and the evolving relationship between wealth and power in modern society.
At the core of the book is a compelling argument that backlash against concentrated wealth and corporate misconduct may serve as a corrective force within democratic systems. Rather than viewing scandals solely as symptoms of dysfunction, the authors frame them as catalysts that can mobilize public awareness, drive reform, and reassert democratic norms.
The book stands out for its blend of political science insight and real-world relevance. By examining patterns of corporate behavior, media exposure, and public response, the authors illuminate how power is negotiated between economic elites and democratic institutions. Their analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how accountability mechanisms evolve in response to crises.
Another strength is its accessibility. While grounded in academic research, the writing remains clear and engaging, making complex political and economic dynamics understandable for a broad readership.
Overall, Billionaire Backlash is a timely and insightful contribution to discussions on democracy, corporate influence, and political reform. It will resonate with readers interested in political economy, governance, and the evolving relationship between wealth and power in modern society.
April 30, 2026
Billionaire Backlash: The Age of Corporate Scandal and How it Could Save Democracy by Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee is a sharp and timely examination of corporate power and its relationship with democratic systems.
The book explores how modern corporate scandals reflect deeper structural issues in political and economic systems, while also considering pathways for reform and accountability.
Overall, it’s a thought provoking read for those interested in political science, governance, and the intersection of business and democracy.
The book explores how modern corporate scandals reflect deeper structural issues in political and economic systems, while also considering pathways for reform and accountability.
Overall, it’s a thought provoking read for those interested in political science, governance, and the intersection of business and democracy.
August 5, 2026
This gives me some hope that our modern Robber Barons will be (eventually) brought to heel as they were a century ago. This also reaffirmed how evil the biggest tech corporations are, and how very little control we have over our information at this time.
The question remains how long our modern situation will take to course correct, but given the equation of:
latent (existing) public opinion -> scandal -> public outcry -> power checks /consequences
it sounds like we're currently on the fast track. The hope this book gave me for the future is what I needed right now.
The question remains how long our modern situation will take to course correct, but given the equation of:
latent (existing) public opinion -> scandal -> public outcry -> power checks /consequences
it sounds like we're currently on the fast track. The hope this book gave me for the future is what I needed right now.
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March 7, 2026It is a singular achievement of this well-timed, tightly written book that it ends on an optimistic note about democracy and “good populism”, when corporate-backed “bad populist” autocracies seem to be in the ascendant.
From my FT review: https://as.ft.com/r/c25b131c-16d8-44e...
From my FT review: https://as.ft.com/r/c25b131c-16d8-44e...
Review of advance copy
heartening, insightful, and compelling!
April 21, 2026
A well-written, positive book that outlines clear examples, and provides workable solutions.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews