The role of private actors in the regulation and enforcement of corporate environmental harm

Judith van Erp

Keywords

regulation; multinational corporations; private actors; whistle blowing; social control; global harm.

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the challenges of the regulation and control of multinational corporations in the global economy. It will describe how a new institutional landscape has arisen out of the globalisation of markets, that is more transnational and more privatized, and in which public national legislation and regulation have less relevance. It will then investigate how private actors can be involved in the prevention, regulation and control of transnational risks and corporate harm, in particular environmental harm, and discuss the potential and pitfalls of private regulation and enforcement. It will also discuss the consequences for the organization of public regulation and enforcement and conditions for a effective involvement of private actors.