The Second Circuit’s 2010 majority opinion in Kiobel v. Royal DutchPetroleum Co. held that corporations do not have obligations under international law and thus cannot have liability under the Alien Tort Statute. To prevent corporate liability would constitute a tantalizing incentive to engage in misconduct with the peace of mind no legal consequences will arise. This Essay suggests that in addition to the argument that corporations are private actors under international law, the issue can also be examined from the other angle. Large global corporations should be considered actors under international law because large global corporations and states share similar characteristics empowering both to the status of actor. Both enjoy sufficient influence, control, and power capable of causing sever harm through violations of internaitonal law. Today, large corporations can wield more capital than many states, have dozens if not hundreds of “bases” of operation across continents, and often perform traditionally governmental functions. Moreover, traditionally state actors are increasingly operating in the arena of private corporate actors, operating large sovereign investment funds, state-owned companies and engaging in private market activity. Given the multiple roles states and private corporations play, and the ensuing erosion of distinctions, there is no reason that international law obligations should remain the sole province of sovereigns. The large global corporations are indeed international law actors and should have duties and responsibilities similar to a state government.
