The phrase “college of corporations not nations” originates from the 1976 film “Network.” In a famous scene, the character Arthur Jensen, played by Ned Beatty, delivers a powerful monologue to Howard Beale, portrayed by Peter Finch. Jensen argues that the world is no longer governed by nations or peoples but is instead a “college of corporations,” determined by the immutable laws of business. He emphasizes that multinational corporations like IBM, ITT, AT&T, DuPont, Dow, Union Carbide, and Exxon are the true “nations” of the world, controlling the global system through economic power rather than traditional political structures.
Jensen’s speech reflects a worldview where economic determinism prevails, suggesting that the international system of currency dictates the totality of life on the planet. This perspective challenges traditional notions of national sovereignty and democracy, proposing instead that the world operates as a vast, interconnected business. The speech is a critique of corporate power and its influence over global affairs, a theme that remains relevant in discussions about globalization and corporate influence today.