How collusion works
Collusion can be overt, as in cartels that fix prices, or covert, as when firms coordinate behaviour through trade associations or private meetings. Economists Marc Levenstein and Valerie Suslow examine why some cartels succeed and why others collapse in their Journal of Economic Literature review, and their framework helps explain the choices firms make when they cooperate rather than compete (Levenstein and Suslow, 2006). We rely on work like this to identify the incentives behind collusive behaviour.
Money, revolving doors and policy capture
One recurrent mechanism is policy capture through lobbying, campaign donations and the revolving door between industry and regulators. Corporate Europe Observatory has documented how industry groups shape EU rules. We also point to the reporting in the Panama Papers by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which revealed offshore networks that facilitate opaque corporate control (ICIJ, 2016). For surveillance and data markets, Shoshana Zuboff calls out how platform firms monetise personal data in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, which helps explain why tech firms invest heavily in shaping regulatory outcomes (Zuboff, 2019).
Proof points from investigations
There are notable case studies that our team returns to when explaining the system. The Enron collapse and subsequent investigations into corporate governance failures are classic examples of systemic collusion and fraud. More recently, cross border investigations by ProPublica and other outlets have shown how tax avoidance, supplier agreements and market allocation can amount to collective action by competing firms. We reference reporting by ProPublica and the ICIJ because their teams published primary documents and named sources which allow readers to verify claims.
Why this matters to everyday life
Collusion raises prices, reduces innovation and concentrates wealth and political influence. The OECD and other international bodies have published reports showing that weak competition harms consumers and economic growth. We explain these impacts so readers can connect abstract concepts to things that matter, like household bills, job security and the choices available in local markets.
How we follow the trail
We start with leaks and investigative reporting. Then we check peer reviewed literature and official reports to see if patterns repeat. Where possible we point to named authors and documents. For example Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine provides context on how crises are used to push policy favouring corporate interests, while Levenstein and Suslow provide the economic mechanics. We do not present conjecture as fact. We present evidence and show how it links together.
What you can do
Follow journalists who publish primary documents. Read the ICIJ and ProPublica pieces. Look for academic reviews such as those by Levenstein and Suslow for methodological rigour. Support transparency initiatives and campaign for stronger competition enforcement in your jurisdiction. We will continue to assemble sources and point readers to the documents and authors who reveal the networks of corporate power. Sign up to our newsletter for daily briefs.