The Hidden Empire Profiting From War, Poverty and Global Crisis

Who really rules the world?

For decades, the global order had a clear centre. After the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world’s sole superpower while liberal democracy was proclaimed history's final destination. That story is now dead.
As Western power cracks and the global economy reels from the fallout of the Iran war, the real winners are hiding in plain sight — mega-corporations more powerful than the states that host them. They profit from war no matter who wins. They're not just close to power, they're fused with it. And in some cases, they're not new players at all — just empire, rebranded.
This week on The Tea, Professor and award-winning author Kojo Karam joins us to expose the rise of corporate power, the decolonisation project that was never finished, and whether the old empire has really disappeared — or simply changed shape.

Also in the show:
⚡ Britain’s Iran Playbook — the 1950s colonial blueprint still shaping Iran today
⚡ The New War Profiteers — Saudi Aramco, BP and the Trump family: who’s cashing in?
⚡ Corporations vs States — are mega-corporations becoming more sovereign than governments?
⚡ BRICS & the Global South — a genuine shift in power, or the same interests in new places?
⚡ Reparations and the empire-nostalgia comeback
⚡ The end of the War on Drugs — A new corporate gold rush?

👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

AUDIO CREDITS
Presenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam François
Guest: Kojo Koram
Senior Producer: Sara Farolfi
Producer: Nadège Bizimungu
Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs
Research: Constance Creswell, Iman Saleh
Video Editor: Max Bubnov
An MPWR Productions show.

00:00 Introduction – Has Empire Really Ended?
02:57 Kojo Koram’s Journey
05:59 The Collapse of the Western World Order
07:16 The Truth About Decolonisation
11:48 Iran and Britain’s Imperial Legacy
17:30 How British Empire Became Corporate Empire
20:24 Who’s Really Winning the Iran War?
23:32 Are Corporations More Powerful Than States?
27:00 Trump, War and Private Wealth
29:54 Are We Entering Tech Feudalism?
34:03 Why Inequality Is Returning to the West
38:17 What Can the Global South Teach Us?
40:19 Does BRICS Really Challenge Western Power?
43:14 Can Nation States Still Control Corporations?
47:29 Reparations and the Decline of British Power
53:40 The Myth of the Liberal World Order
56:18 How the War on Drugs Built American Power
01:01:08 Africa’s New Anti-Colonial Governments
01:04:45 Who Will Profit From Drug Legalisation?

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.

This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.

The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.