No. 101 of 108
September 22, 2025
“Business leaders are ‘quite alarmed’ in private about the state of democracy in the United States, according to Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, the Yale professor known as the ‘CEO Whisperer’ due to his extensive rolodex in the business community.” However, “CEOs know that if they speak up, they risk drawing the ire of the president.” Democracies tend to invest in education, health care, and capital improvements including infrastructure which contribute to economic growth. In a study of 51 populist leaders between 1900 and 2020, their countries’ economies tend not to fare as well as democracies. Factors include priorities, and “mercurial leadership”.
How we govern matters, as it turns out. Thus, a pro-business ruler may indeed not be good for business. This can be foretold and forewarned, but it is unlikely that anyone would be convinced by scholars or advocates. Especially in a hyper-partisan environment. Instead, we must live the circumstances and make sense of “it” as we go. Once experienced, once understood, what will we do? And, what will it take to construct a third, fourth, fifth way that doesn’t line up all of the pros on one side and all of the antis on the other side? Worth figuring out.