Shadow Trades

The Dark Side of Global Business

Shadow Trades makes fascinating reading. We know the dark side of international business exists but perhaps understandably it is rarely examined objectively and analytically by academics or taught as part of university degree programmes. Dr. Thomas should be congratulated, therefore, not just for a clearly written, compelling text, but for the way he has researched and addressed this much neglected topic. The text contains a the wealth of information that will be of interest to practitioners, policy makers and all those concerned with social responsibility, as well as academics and students of international business.

This book, Shadow Trades is unlike any other book on business ethics. It belongs to class of its own in several ways. First it covers several ethical topics ranging from business, medicine, human trafficking, environment, hazardous recycling, military contracting and money laundering; all in the global landscape. Second, and perhaps even more important, the writing style and easy-to-follow narrative ensures that the book will engage students and the various audiences. Third, it is an intelligent, quietly provocative book touching upon, though tangentially, on controversial social-economic issues such as imperialism, capitalism and Marxian philosophy. Fourth and finally, the skilful use of language makes the book even more appealing to serious as well as leisure readers. 

Shadow Trades is a must-read for all who are interested in gaining insights into the power and influence that access to finite, valuable resources benefits those who achieve it by any means available. Moreover, this book provides well-documented cases, including from recent Middle East history, of how various players, often foreign, take advantage of the woes that afflict developing countries to threaten lives and disrupt whole regions.

Shadow Trades could not come at a more opportune time - as we’re flooded with news of social and racial disparities brought to light by the pandemic, Mexico’s shelters overwhelmed by migrants hoping to cross the US border, mass school kidnappings in northern Nigeria, Indian farmers demonstrating against the new agriculture laws leaving them unprotected from the greedy private sector.

Shadow Trades goes a step further to reveal many dire causes and effects of neo-colonialism and call out for action.

Eye-opening, informative, a must-read for anyone who chooses not to remain ignorant, “Shadow Trades” is looking to convince us to get involved, and to persuade the government and corporations to take meaningful action and place the protection of human rights above profit. It is unfortunate that we still need this training in our humanity, and while this level of clarity can be shocking, it is perhaps necessary.

Despite an increased focus on CSR and business ethics, shadow trades are thriving underneath the legitimate surface of global business. Human trafficking, resource pilfering and money laundering co-exist alongside seemingly legitimate trades, often benefiting from a symbiotic relationship. Dr Thomas’ book examines the business models of shadow trades and the complex ways in which illicit activities underpin the global economy. The murky aspects of capitalism are rarely discussed in business ethics classes, which is why Shadow Trades is an important and timely contribution to management literature. Calling for transparency and action, Shadow Trades is an invitation to scholars, practitioners and consumers to disarm the dark side of international trade.

What a fantastic page turner! Whether you are an academic looking for sources about the topic or whether you are passionate about ethical business I highly recommend this book. If you are a business leader I especially recommend this read, it will challenge your company’s values and culture and start some healthy boardroom conversations.

I loved how Dr Thomas always had this ability of taking complex, multi-faceted topics and making them so simple and relatable to an academic, an executive keen on making a difference or an average consumer wanting to make informed, ethical choices.

I particularly liked how this book emphasises the role of investigative journalism to drive accountability to businesses, governments and help consumers make informed choices.

This book provides a great overview on illegal practices and issues of the current business environment, which are a result of the products and services we use in our everyday life. Topics such as labour exploitation, environment degradation and money laundering (and many more) are analysed and permit to gain critical knowledge on today's business practices.

I can recommend this book to everyone who is linked to the business world (students, lecturers, managers...) as it enables you to become critical towards common business practices and to recognise and understand the shadow trades behind those. Moreover, it can be a source of inspiration for further research in this mostly undiscussed area of today's business world.