The OpenSecrets profile highlights that Amazon.com has engaged in substantial political spending with $8.19M in contributions and $19.14M in lobbying in the 2024 cycle. This expenditure indicates a strategic investment in influence over political processes, which, under an anti-fascist lens, suggests complicity in bolstering authoritarian practices. The significant amount dedicated to political contributions and lobbying raises questions about ethical responsibility and the prioritization of corporate power over democratic accountability.

Amazon.com Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Amazon's shutdown of its Quebec operations appears to be a deliberate act of retaliation against unionization, reflecting a broader pattern of suppressing workers' rights. This move not only harms the affected employees but also sends a dangerous signal to labor movements across borders. Such anti-union actions contribute to an imbalance of power that can pave the way for authoritarian practices, aligning the company with policies that undermine democratic labor protections.

Amazon's Quebec shutdown is a cautionary tale for US labor - The Hill

The event highlights serious allegations of anti-union practices at an Amazon-owned Whole Foods location, including claims of intimidation and spying on union activities. These practices are emblematic of a broader pattern of undermining workers’ rights, which from an anti-fascist perspective contributes to authoritarian corporate behavior. The negative score reflects the company’s failure to protect labor rights and promote a fair, equitable working environment.

Amazon Faces Union Push On Two Fronts: Its Flagship Business And Now Whole Foods

Amazon's systematic use of anti-union tactics—ranging from firing union supporters to legally obstructing union recognition—constitutes a stark violation of labor rights. These actions create a climate of fear and suppression, severely undermining worker empowerment and human rights.

Corporate union busting in plain sight: How Amazon, Starbucks, and Trader Joe’s crushed dynamic grassroots worker organizing campaigns

The article details severe labor rights violations at Amazon facilities, including the threat of termination for striking workers, illegal docking of unpaid time off, and dissemination of misleading information about union dues. These practices not only exploit workers but also contribute to an authoritarian management style, reinforcing oppressive power dynamics in the workplace.

Amazon Strike by the Numbers

Jeff Bezos’s visible support and planned engagement with President Trump, including a scheduled meeting and public congratulatory statements, further reinforce the company’s executive-level endorsement of an authoritarian political figure. This involvement deepens corporate complicity in shaping a political narrative that supports authoritarian policies.

Amazon to donate $1 million to Trump inauguration, matching Meta

The report details how Amazon engaged in unfair labor practices by interfering with the unionization efforts at its Staten Island warehouse, which undermines labor rights and fair labor practices. This behavior aligns with broader concerns regarding corporate practices that support authoritarian managerial control over workers.

Case: Labor Relations/Interference (N.L.R.B.) - Bloomberg Law News

Investing in original news programming represents a progressive move toward diversifying media narratives. By launching Election Night Live with reputable figures like Brian Williams and incorporating seasoned legacy media talent, Prime Video appears committed to delivering credible and non-partisan news. This strategy can help counteract the monopolization of news by traditional outlets, which is significant in resisting authoritarian tendencies and reinforcing democratic engagement.

Amazon Is Reportedly Exploring Investments in Original News Programming

Prime Video's launch of a nonpartisan election coverage program serves as a positive measure to uphold democratic principles by ensuring unbiased information dissemination. Such clear separation from partisan biases fosters informed voter decision-making and counters the politicization of media—an approach aligned with anti-authoritarian, democratic values.

Amazon to Cover Election Night As Jeff Bezos Faces Non-Endorsement

The donation of $180,500 to election deniers suggests a deliberate funding strategy that supports controversial political actors. This funding, representing one quarter of Amazon's total political contributions of $731,000, aligns with problematic political spending that may bolster authoritarian ideologies.

Amazon's 2024 Political Spending

Research by States United Action indicates that Amazon contributed at least $180,500 to election deniers, representing one in every four dollars of its political contributions. This spending, alongside a reported overall political expenditure of nearly $17 million by Amazon and the Bezos family, appears to bolster political actors who support authoritarian and anti-democratic practices. Such financial involvement undermines democratic institutions and aligns with broader patterns of corporate complicity in authoritarian politics.

Amazon's 2024 Political Spending

The incident exposes critical shortcomings in Amazon’s supply chain ethics, with third-party recruitment practices that deceived migrant workers and led to unlawful fees and substandard living conditions, thereby highlighting systemic risks within their supply chain management.

Amazon to pay $1.9 million in contract worker exploitation settlement

The reported nearly $20 million in lobbying expenditures by Amazon in 2023 suggests significant efforts to influence federal policy, which can contribute to undemocratic power dynamics and enable authoritarian practices. This level of political spending is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective as it may undermine transparency and the interests of marginalized communities.

Amazon.com Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The report details allegations that Amazon Prime Video, as part of the larger Amazon ecosystem, is using suppliers that have links to forced labor practices involving Uyghur workers in China. This association not only undermines labor rights but also indirectly supports authoritarian policies by relying on exploitative labor practices. The negative score reflects the severity of these human rights concerns and the broader implications for ethical business practices.

Amazon accused of using Chinese suppliers with links to forced Uyghur labor

In addition to supply chain issues, the report raises serious concerns about labor relations and human rights practices. The exploitation and coercion of workers, including those from minority groups, demonstrate a failure to uphold fair labor standards and respect for human rights, thereby indirectly contributing to authoritarian labor practices.

Amazon suppliers linked to forced labor in China, watchdog group says

Amazon’s ongoing engagement with suppliers accused of forced labor, despite public warnings and previous audits, shows a neglect of rigorous supply chain ethical standards. This lack of due diligence in monitoring and enforcing labor standards contributes to maintaining structures that enable authoritarian exploitation.

Amazon suppliers linked to forced labor in China, watchdog group says

The report details that Amazon's supplier network includes companies with documented ties to forced labor in Xinjiang, such as Luxshare Precision Industry, AcBel Polytech, and Lens Technology. This negligence in upholding strict supply chain ethics not only violates basic human rights principles but also indirectly supports exploitative labor practices. Such actions undermine Amazon's stated commitment to ethical business practices and contribute to a broader culture of corporate complicity in human rights abuses.

TTP Investigation: Amazon Suppliers Tied to Forced Labor in Xinjiang

Amazon Prime Video, as part of the broader Amazon ecosystem, faces scrutiny over its association with suppliers implicated in forced labor in Xinjiang. Despite publicly stating that suppliers must not use forced labor, the continued inclusion of companies linked to such practices indicates a significant lapse in due diligence and ethical sourcing, undermining labor rights and reflecting poorly on corporate responsibility.

Amazon Suppliers Tied to Forced Labor in Xinjiang