To what Extent did the Private Hybridity of The East India Company Result in Lack of Accountability?

Abstract

The East India Company was a hybrid corporation. This hybridity refers to the merchant-state function of the Company, designed as a joint-stock corporate established to trade and make profit, whilst simultaneously exercising public state governance over India. As the Company strived for profits, this was inherently detrimental to ruling a state of people. Its increasing public role alienated both Indians and the British government as it faced increasing criticism. Eventually British state intervention increased until the Company operated as an agent for British imperialism, and its corporate status continued to decline until the Company was replaced by British rule. Ultimately, the legacy of the East India Company represents the incompatibility of private actors taking on state responsibility.

Citation

Oppon, A.-R. (2021), "To what Extent did the Private Hybridity of The East India Company Result in Lack of Accountability?", Sarat, A. and Prabhat, D. (Ed.) Privatisation of Migration Control: Power without Accountability? (Studies in Law, Politics, and Society, Vol. 86B), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 77-90. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1059-43372021000086B006