The Mexican government is suing US-based gun makers. The government is accusing the companies of facilitating violence in Mexico, not so much because their products are designed to injure and kill, but because of their reckless distribution and marketing practices.
While arms manufacturers are a clear example of how businesses can contribute to violence, other types of companies can also play a significant role.
For decades, health researchers have been raising awareness about the “commercial determinants of health”. Initially, this focused on industries producing harmful products like tobacco, alcohol, fast food and fossil fuels. The approach was expanded to show how a wider range of companies and industries harm our health through their practices.
