The multinational corporations now developing budgets often bigger than medium-sized countries — these live in a global space which is largely unregulated, not subject to the rule of law, and in which people may act free of constraint.

Source: "The Global Power Shift." TEDxBrussels. Dec. 2011. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote is from diplomat and former British Parliament member Paddy Ashdown's 2011 TED Talk about the major shifts in global power he sees coming. The quote means that multinational corporations, which have more money than some countries, are largely unconstrained by laws; this means that these incredibly powerful companies can do whatever they want, regardless of what's fair. According to Ashdown, unregulated space -- such as that inhabited by multinational corporations -- will ultimately result in criminality. Watch the full TED Talk here: Paddy Ashdown - The Global Power Shift

“The Global Power Shift.” TEDxBrussels. Dec. 2011. Conference Presentation.