The article highlights that Samsung Group increased its U.S. political donations by over 109%, a move interpreted as an attempt to bolster political ties in a tense electoral environment. This is particularly concerning from an anti-fascist perspective, as such behavior may align the conglomerate with authoritarian policy agendas, especially in light of the heightened trade tensions and political uncertainty surrounding a potential return of Trump-era policies.

Samsung’s U.S. political donations soar, outpacing rivals

Samsung's dramatic surge in U.S. political donations—a 109.6% rise from previous figures—suggests that the company is attempting to leverage its financial influence to curry favor with politically influential figures. This strategy, especially during a volatile period marked by potential authoritarian shifts, raises concerns about corporate complicity in supporting policies that could undermine democratic practices. The sizeable increase in donations may be interpreted as an effort to secure access and protection from future politically-driven risks, positioning the company as complicit in bolstering authoritarian tendencies.

Samsung’s U.S. political donations soar, outpacing rivals

Samsung's steep increase in U.S. political donations—from approximately 4.84 billion won ($3.33 million) in 2020 to 10.15 billion won ($6.98 million) in 2024—is indicative of a strategic effort to secure favorable political ties amidst an uncertain political environment. This surge, occurring during a critical presidential election cycle and potential resurgence of authoritarian leadership, raises serious concerns about the company's alignment with political forces that may undermine democratic accountability.

Samsung’s U.S. political donations soar, outpacing rivals

Samsung's dramatic increase of over 100% in political donations, particularly during an election year and amid uncertainties like a potential second Trump administration, indicates strategic political positioning that may compromise democratic accountability and elevate corporate influence in policymaking.

Samsung’s U.S. political donations soar, outpacing rivals

Samsung’s move to replace its North American public affairs head with someone connected to Trump’s political machine is an explicit signal of executive political engagement. By courting political loyalty over expertise in a critical market, the company appears willing to leverage its influence to secure favorable political outcomes, which is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective. This action may embolden authoritarian practices by deepening corporate ties with political figures who support such agendas.

Samsung's reaching deep in Trump's political machine for influence

The planned replacement of a seasoned executive with ties to previous U.S. political administrations, particularly those aligned with far-right politics, signals a concerning trend in executive political engagement. This strategic hiring could reinforce authoritarian tendencies and erode democratic oversight within corporate governance.

Samsung to replace North America lobbying chief

Samsung’s response to the protest, where a significant majority of striking workers were not allowed to return to work, highlights a troubling disregard for labor rights and the freedom of association. Although the company claims it supports unionization and dialogue, its actions—such as seeking an injunction and enforcing strict returns—raise concerns about its commitment to ethical labor practices, thereby reinforcing authoritarian corporate behavior.

Samsung's response to labour strike in Chennai

Samsung is facing a lawsuit in Brazil for alleged labor violations including excessive working hours, unsafe conditions, wage discrepancies, and retaliation against workers who attempt to organize. These practices violate labor rights and ethical standards, reflecting a disregard for worker welfare. The event is indicative of broader issues in corporate responsibility and may indirectly contribute to oppressive labor practices that align with authoritarian regimes by undermining worker rights.

Brazil sues Samsung over alleged factory labor problems

This agreement represents a significant step toward improved labor relations at Samsung. By negotiating a 5.1% wage hike, providing stock awards, and offering additional perks such as discounted products and rehiring retirees, Samsung has taken proactive measures to address workers' concerns following its first labor strike. From an anti-fascist perspective, enhancing worker rights and fair compensation is critical to mitigating corporate practices that may otherwise contribute to oppressive management tactics. Such positive moves in labor relations help counter previous instances of worker exploitation and support the broader movement for ethical corporate responsibility.

Samsung, Union Agree 5.1% Wage Hike in 2025 as Tensions Ebb

The legal motion and allegations indicate a breach of ethical labor practices by reporting systemic racial discrimination and unfair termination. This undermines worker rights and marginalizes non-favored racial groups, warranting a strongly negative score from an anti-authoritarian and workers' rights perspective.

Samsung’s US hub, South Korea headquarters hit with racism allegations

Samsung Group's disclosed contributions and hefty lobbying expenditure, paired with a revolving door dynamic where a significant portion of its lobbyists have government ties, signal a worrying entanglement in political influence. Such activities can be leveraged to tilt policy-making in favor of authoritarian tendencies, especially in a climate already challenged by rising fascism.

Samsung Group Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

A significant portion of Samsung Group's lobbyists have a history of holding government positions (with notable figures in 2023 and 2024), which underscores a revolving door scenario. This close nexus between corporate lobbyists and former public officials raises red flags about undue political influence and potential regulatory capture.

Samsung Group Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The OpenSecrets profile highlights Samsung Group's active engagement in political lobbying and campaign contributions. Such activities, while common among global corporations, can be seen as an attempt to influence public policy in a way that may undermine democratic accountability. In a climate where corporate political influence is viewed critically, especially by anti-fascist perspectives, this level of lobbying activity raises concerns about complicity in the broader trend towards authoritarian practices.

Samsung Group Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The data underscores significant executive entanglement with political figures through revolving door employment, wherein former government officials occupy influential lobbying positions within Samsung Group. This merging of corporate and political leadership raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and corporate complicity in supporting authoritarian dynamics.

Samsung Group Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The investigation documents significant labor rights violations, including the exploitation of child labor and abusive working conditions in Samsung's factories. These practices reflect a failure in upholding ethical responsibilities in business practices and contribute to broader systemic exploitation, aligning with authoritarian labor practices.

Investigation finds that child labor and worker abuse is a common practice at Samsung factories

The profile also highlights a revolving door phenomenon, where a substantial portion of Samsung Group’s lobbyists have held previous government positions. This close intermingling between corporate and governmental spheres further exacerbates concerns about regulatory capture and the erosion of democratic processes.

Samsung Group Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The company’s PAC contribution of $338,000 to federal candidates is indicative of corporate political spending that can amplify corporate influence over democratic processes. From an anti-fascist, progressive perspective, such expenditures are concerning as they risk prioritizing corporate interests over transparent and accountable governance.

Samsung Electronics America PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets

The contribution of $328,000 by Samsung Electronics America PAC to federal candidates indicates a significant involvement in political financing. Such donations can help facilitate corporate influence over political processes, potentially supporting candidates and policies that undermine democratic accountability. This event is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective as it may contribute to the erosion of fair electoral practices and favor authoritarian interests.

Samsung Electronics America PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets

Samsung Group led a marked increase in US lobbying expenditures in 2024, spending nearly $7 million, with its affiliates aggressively targeting key US governmental bodies and critical legislative agendas such as the CHIPS Act, cybersecurity, and defense. This scale of activity is viewed as an effort to influence policy in ways that may undermine democratic processes and support authoritarian tendencies.

South Korean conglomerates ramp up US lobbying with Samsung leading the pack

Samsung promotes itself as a company with high ethical standards and a strong commitment to workers’ rights; however, the lawsuit filed in Paris exposes systemic labor violations in its factories. Documented evidence of child labor, excessive working hours, improper safety measures, and hazardous working environments indicate a significant discrepancy between the company's public statements and its actual practices. This gap not only contravenes basic ethical responsibilities but also underpins broader systems of capitalist exploitation that can enable authoritarian economic practices.

Samsung target of a lawsuit that would expose human rights violations

Samsung's significant increase in lobbying spending, reaching nearly $7 million in 2024, demonstrates active engagement in shaping US policy through corporate influence. This activity, primarily channeled through its US affiliates, is used to sway legislative and regulatory environments and is closely aligned with efforts to protect corporate interests, potentially undermining democratic processes and contributing to authoritarian practices. The behavior is particularly alarming given the broader context of political shifts and the influence of corporate money in politics.

Chaebol ramp up US lobbying with Samsung leading the pack

Samsung Electronics’ lobbying activities in the US, disclosed through Senate filings and reported by OpenSecrets, indicate a strategic use of financial resources to influence policy debates on key issues such as semiconductor regulation and trade. This extensive spending, particularly at a time of rising authoritarian tendencies in US politics, illustrates how corporate lobbying may contribute to the erosion of democratic processes.

Chaebol ramp up US lobbying with Samsung leading the pack

Samsung's significant lobbying expenditures in the U.S. indicate a strategic effort to influence political decision-making and regulatory frameworks. This behavior aligns with concerns over political contributions and lobbying efforts that can undermine democratic accountability and potentially bolster authoritarian practices. The heavy lobbying investment suggests that Samsung is using its considerable financial resources to shape policies that may favor corporate interests over public welfare.

Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG Spent $7.62 Mil. Lobbying Expenditures in H1 in U.S.

Samsung's involvement in heavy lobbying expenditures, as detailed in the article, reflects a broader corporate strategy to influence U.S. legislative processes. This behavior contributes to an environment where corporate interests override democratic accountability, thereby indirectly bolstering authoritarian tendencies. The use of such funds to affect political decisions raises serious concerns about the integrity of democratic governance.

Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG Spent $7.62 Mil. Lobbying Expenditures in H1 in U.S.

The formation of a PAC by Samsung Electronics America’s employees represents a positive exercise of independent political engagement. Although the PAC is not officially tied to Samsung Electronics, its existence signals a robust internal drive for democratic participation and transparency. This grassroots initiative contrasts with top-down corporate political contributions that might otherwise be used to funnel support toward authoritarian policies. The action supports open political debate and worker empowerment, which are critical in opposing authoritarian practices.

Samsung Electronics' American employees form political committee

The indefinite strike by union workers indicates significant issues with Samsung Electronics' labor practices. The company's reluctance to engage in genuine negotiations highlights a disregard for worker rights, which is a serious concern from an anti-fascist and worker rights perspective. Such practices undermine fair labor relations and contribute to broader patterns of corporate complicity in suppressing workers' voices.

Samsung Electronics workers announce 'indefinite' strike - NBC News

The indefinite strike by unionized workers reveals critical failures in Samsung Electronics' labor practices. Despite promises of good faith negotiations, the company's reluctance to substantially improve wages and conditions—as well as its historical record of union-busting—demonstrates a disregard for workers' rights. Such practices support oppressive power structures by undermining worker solidarity and enabling authoritarian management tactics.

Samsung Electronics workers announce 'indefinite' strike

The indefinite strike highlights significant tensions between Samsung Electronics and its workforce. Despite a public commitment to engage in negotiations, the workers' decision to strike reflects longstanding issues with labor relations and past criticisms of union suppression. This event is indicative of an environment that does not sufficiently support worker rights, contributing negatively to the company’s ethical responsibilities.

Samsung Electronics workers announce 'indefinite' strike

The indefinite strike by Samsung's workers underscores serious labor relations and human rights issues. Despite strong financial performance and market optimism driven by the AI boom, Samsung's failure to address fair pay and safe working conditions has led to significant worker dissatisfaction. This neglect of labor rights contributes to an environment that undermines social justice and supports oppressive corporate practices, aligning with concerns about complicity in authoritarian economic dynamics.

Samsung workers in South Korea declare an indefinite strike to campaign for better pay and leave policies

Samsung’s involvement in sizable lobbying expenditures in the U.S. indicates a willingness to influence policy-making in favor of corporate interests. Such political contributions can undermine democratic accountability and potentially favor authoritarian or oligarchic interests, which is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.

Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG Spent $7.62 Mil. Lobbying Expenditures in H1 in U.S.

Samsung Group's significant increase in lobbying expenditures signals a deliberate effort to sway policy in their favor, particularly in critical sectors that can affect regulatory environments. This aggressive political engagement is seen as contributing to an environment that enables authoritarian practices by prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare.

Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG Spent $7.62 Mil. Lobbying Expenditures in H1 in U.S.

Samsung has been implicated in actively lobbying against the ratification of ILO conventions and the formation of independent trade unions in Vietnam. This political maneuver undermines worker rights and contributes to a broader pattern of enabling authoritarian practices.

Internal Samsung documents show electronics sold globally are produced with irresponsible chemicals management and pollution of Vietnam’s environment

Samsung has a documented history of suppressing unionization efforts and maintaining oppressive labor practices. The strike, led by the Nationwide Samsung Electronics Union, highlights issues including low wages, minimal benefits, and extended working hours. Moreover, past incidents of violence against union leaders reinforce concerns over a corporate culture that prioritizes profit over workers' rights, thereby contributing to a corporate ethos aligned with authoritarian practices.

Samsung's chip workers on verge of all-out strike

Record spending on lobbying in the U.S. indicates a significant effort to influence political decision-making. From a left‐leaning anti‐fascist perspective, such extensive political contributions and lobbying are concerning as they point to corporate attempts to manipulate policy in favor of business interests at the expense of democratic oversight.

Major Korean Companies Spend Record Amount on Lobbying in US in 2023

By rejoining the revamped Korea Economic Association under strict ethical guidelines, Samsung signals a positive shift in its public and political behavior through transparent engagement, distancing itself from previous politically-corrupt practices linked to the old FKI era.

Samsung accepts it must behave ethically, says compliance bo

In addition to labor rights concerns, there are serious suspicions regarding Samsung's supply chain ethics, including reports of Uyghur forced labor and other unethical sourcing practices. This raises significant concerns about the company’s complicity in systemic human rights abuses.

Violation of workers’ rights at Samsung: NGOs barred from court

The charges brought against Samsung in France over alleged labour violations point to severe breaches in labor relations and human rights practices. Reports indicate that the company has not upheld its ethics pledges across its supply chains in Vietnam, China, and beyond. Such practices not only harm workers by exposing them to poor labor conditions but also contribute to an environment that is complicit in authoritarian tendencies. The negative score reflects the significant impact of these labor violations on the overall ethical responsibilities expected of multinational corporations.

Samsung faces charges in France over alleged labour violations

Activists have brought charges against Samsung in France alleging serious labour violations. This reflects significant concerns within the 'Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices' sphere, a subcategory of Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility. Such labour practices undermine worker rights and contribute indirectly to corporate complicity in broader oppressive systems.

Samsung faces charges in France over alleged labour violations

The report provides evidence of severe labor rights violations in Samsung factories across Asia. Workers have reported grueling conditions, forced labor practices, breaches of minimum wage standards, and unfair treatment, highlighting a systemic disregard for labor rights and ethical business practices. These practices contribute to a broader pattern of corporate complicity in oppressive, authoritarian labor management tactics.

Report finds exploitative working conditions in Samsung factories across Asia

The report documents severe labor rights abuses including violations of minimum wage laws, forced labor practices, and unfair terminations in Samsung factories. This exploitation of workers not only disregards basic human rights but also reflects broader unethical business practices, contributing to corporate complicity in systems that enable authoritarian tendencies.

Report finds exploitative working conditions in Samsung factories across Asia

The report exposes a troubling pattern of labor rights violations in Samsung factories across Asia. Allegations of forced labor, unfair termination, and exploitation of migrant workers directly contravene ethical business practices and undermine workers' rights. This behavior is complicit in the broader authoritarian exploitation of labor, aligning with concerns about corporate practices that enable oppressive systems.

Report finds exploitative working conditions in Samsung factories across Asia

The report exposes serious violations of labor rights in Samsung's factories across Asia. Workers face grueling conditions, irregular contracts, and forced labor practices that undermine legal protections and international labor standards. This exploitation contradicts the company's pledges on migrant worker guidelines and labor rights, indicating deep-seated issues in their business practices.

Report finds exploitative working conditions in Samsung factories across Asia

The reports indicate that Samsung's supply chain is implicated in facilitating unsustainable labor practices. The lack of robust oversight in sourcing and production processes has led to exploitation and health and safety issues, marking a serious breach in supply chain ethics.

Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement

The series not only underscored internal labor issues but also highlighted unsustainable practices within Samsung’s supply chain across multiple countries, indicating systemic supply chain ethics failures that contribute to widespread human rights abuses.

Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement

The series of investigations not only focused on direct labor abuses but also on broader supply chain ethical issues. The lack of adequate measures to enforce safe working conditions and ethical sourcing practices indicates systemic neglect within Samsung's supply chain, raising serious ethical and human rights concerns.

Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement

The article outlines how Samsung effectively suppressed legal challenges on the grounds of procedural technicalities, hindering NGOs from holding the company accountable for workers' rights violations. This incident demonstrates a troubling gap between Samsung’s stated ethical commitments and its actual practices regarding labor rights and human rights, reflecting negatively on its overall business ethics.

Violation of workers' rights at Samsung: NGOs barred from court

The reports highlight systemic issues within Samsung's supply chain, exposing chronic unsustainable practices including exploitation and poor enforcement of ethical sourcing standards. These issues not only impact worker welfare but also call into question Samsung’s commitment to responsible supply chain management.

Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement

Allegations from the report indicate major shortcomings in Samsung’s supply chain ethics. The persistent issues in sourcing practices, including poor oversight of labor conditions across various factories in Asia, demonstrate a failure to enforce ethical standards and contribute to systemic exploitation.

Samsung accused of 'unsustainable labour practices' in its supply chain; Incl. co. statement

Samsung’s inadequate supply chain auditing and persistent use of subcontracted labor, which is prone to exploitation, are indicative of poor ethical practices. The failure to address systemic issues in the supply chain contributes to unethical sourcing and labor conditions that support broader oppressive labor practices.

Samsung fails to identify and address migrant worker abuses in its supply chain

The lawsuit highlights that Samsung’s public assertions on protecting workers’ rights diverge sharply from reported conditions in its factories. The allegations of child labor, excessive working hours, and exposure to toxic chemicals undermine ethical labor practices and corporate transparency, reflecting a serious failure in upholding human rights standards.

Samsung faces lawsuit for misleading advertising regarding human rights violations

Samsung’s involvement in a bribery scandal, where executive Lee Jae-yong was implicated for offering bribes to influence political decisions and facilitate an advantageous merger, demonstrates a deep level of corporate complicity in undermining democratic governance. Such behavior contributes to authoritarian tendencies by merging corporate interests with state power.

Samsung's Political Connections - Ethics Unwrapped

The introduction of comprehensive supply chain guidelines reflects Samsung’s commitment to improving ethical sourcing and curbing abuses within secondary and tertiary supplier networks. However, the reliance on self-monitoring raises questions about the effectiveness of enforcement, tempering the overall positive impact.

Samsung aims to root out migrant worker abuse within its supply chain

Samsung's commitment to reforming its authoritarian, top-down culture represents a step towards ethical responsibility in its business practices. By reducing excessive hierarchy and long working hours, the company is addressing criticisms related to oppressive management practices and is likely to improve its treatment of workers. This initiative aligns with progressive labor practices and may contribute to a less authoritarian corporate environment.

Samsung to reform authoritarian culture to act like startup

The initiative to overhaul an entrenched authoritarian corporate structure demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices. By reducing rigid hierarchies and enabling more grassroots input, Samsung is taking significant steps toward improving labor relations and fostering an environment that resists oppressive, fascist-like managerial practices.

Samsung to give up authoritarian ways, emulate startups

The pledge to reduce long working hours and diminish rigid hierarchical practices suggests an improvement in labor relations and human rights practices. This reform, if followed through, could lead to better worker empowerment and conditions, addressing longstanding criticisms of oppressive internal environments.

Samsung to reform authoritarian culture to act like startup

The commitment to a less authoritarian culture is a positive development for labor relations and human rights within Samsung. The new policies, including reformed executive agreements and flexible work practices, indicate a move away from oppressive management styles, potentially leading to more employee empowerment and better working conditions. This shift is welcomed from an anti-fascist perspective as it reduces internal structures that can mirror authoritarian regimes.

Samsung to reform authoritarian culture to act like startup

By aiming to emulate a startup's agile and empowering environment, Samsung is addressing business practices with ethical responsibility. This shift is expected to reduce hierarchical authoritarian tendencies and improve worker treatment and internal decision-making processes, which is a positive step toward resisting oppressive structures.

Samsung Plans To Give Up Authoritarian Ways, Act Like a Startup

The report by China Labor Watch exposes severe labor rights violations across Samsung’s factories and supplier networks, including unsustainable overtime practices and discriminatory employment conditions. While Samsung defends its internal audits, the recurring issues suggest a systemic failure to protect worker rights, undermining ethical business practices. From an anti-fascist perspective, exploiting labor and neglecting worker welfare contribute to authoritarian economic practices, making Samsung complicit in these broader exploitative systems.

Samsung accused of labor violations by watchdog group

The report by China Labor Watch uncovered widespread labor abuses at both Samsung’s own factories and those of its suppliers in China. Issues include extreme overtime (up to 220 hours a month in one case), forced standing work, use of blank labor contracts, and dominant reliance on vulnerable dispatch workers. This highlights a serious failure in upholding labor rights and ethical practices, undermining the company’s commitment to human rights.

Samsung accused of labor violations by watchdog group

China Labor Watch's investigation uncovered multiple labor rights violations, including significant overtime abuses, use of precarious dispatch workers, and poor working conditions at both Samsung-owned and supplier facilities. Although Samsung defended its practices citing its internal audits, repeated and severe allegations highlight systemic issues in its labor relations and human rights practices.

Samsung accused of labor violations by watchdog group

The article also highlights deficiencies in Samsung’s oversight of its supply chain, particularly with regards to subcontracted factories where safety and environmental regulations were bypassed. This outsourcing and failure to enforce rigorous safety standards among vendors points to broader ethical responsibility issues within its supply chain management.

Samsung allegedly exposed workers to toxic chemicals, says whistleblower

The report also points out that Samsung’s reliance on third-party suppliers and outsourcing production stages contributed to the unsafe working conditions. This lapse in oversight and accountability within the supply chain further exposes the company to ethical and regulatory scrutiny.

Samsung allegedly exposed workers to toxic chemicals, says whistleblower

The report highlights significant ethical issues in Samsung's supply chain. By outsourcing hazardous processes and maintaining poor oversight of its suppliers, Samsung is implicated in environmental mismanagement and labor exploitation, as evidenced by chemical exposure incidents and related health hazards among workers at both primary and secondary facilities.

Samsung allegedly exposed workers to toxic chemicals, says whistleblower