Assignments

• One group presents the Koch family and their company: Koch Industries. They will present the history of the family business from its foundation by the father to its successive developments by him and then his sons. A particular focus will be given to Charles Koch, his background, ideology and politics. The current state of Koch Industries, its governance, its financial and market situation, along with the role it plays in US politics will be outlined.
  • Sources: Mayer’s (2016) Chapter 1 and Schulman’s (2015) Chapter 5
• One group focuses on the strategic framework used by the Koch brothers. They will explain how it gave rise to what is called the ‘Kochtopus’. Using the table  below as a template  (they should not hesitate to modify/adapt it), they will try to map out its structure and reach.
  • Sources: Fink (1996), Mayer’s (2016) Chapter 5, and Schulman’s (2015) Chapter 6
• One group shows how the ‘Kochtopus’ was put in motion against climate scientists, policies and activists. Using the table  below as a template  (they should not hesitate to modify/adapt it), they will map out the ‘Kochtopus’ when it comes to issues directly or indirectly related to environmental issues. Pick one specific policy or reform against which the Kochtopus moved to show how it operates in practice.
  • Sources: Mayer’s (2016) Chapter 8 and Leonard’s (2019) Chapter 19
• Proposed template: