"Fighting for human rights makes both moral and business sense", 10 October 2018

Authoritarianism is on the rise globally, threaten[ing] not only American security but also U.S. companies in their operations abroad. The nonprofit CIVICUS ranks the space for non-profit organizations to operate — “civic space” — and notes that it continues to close around the globe. Simultaneously, attacks on individuals defending human rights and the environment are increasing, including in global supply chains. Business is playing a role in fighting this creeping authoritarianism and has a vested long-term interest in doing so. Western companies have spent decades developing robust management systems to function responsibly and in accordance with laws. Meeting such commitments is highly challenging, however, in repressive environments. Now, companies are engaging publicly to protect civic space and maintain an ecosystem in which they can operate responsibly. In Germany, CEOs of major brands such as BMW and Daimler have engaged with their employees to combat xenophobia and racism after far-right riots against immigrants erupted in eastern Germany.

[Though] business can provide a vital voice at a time of rising authoritarianism and should continue to speak out on behalf of embattled civil society and democracy, [it] cannot take the place of a vibrant U.S. foreign policy that supports our fundamental values. President Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly made little mention of democracy, human rights and rule of law [and] was a lost opportunity to use a global platform to address authoritarianism.