Multinational corporations (MNCs) can provide benefits to host countries such as capital, technology, marketing and management expertise, and increasing domestic competition. However, they are also criticized for engaging in anticompetitive behaviors, displacing domestic investment, undermining local cultures, and exploiting local workers. Industries dominated by a small number of large companies, called oligopolies, exist in sectors like automobiles, soft drinks, movies, music, pharmaceuticals, fast food, and personal computers. Public policies aimed at reducing the ill effects of monopolies and oligopolies include antitrust laws, fair trade laws, deregulation, and encouraging new competition through technologies.

1. Y376 International Political Economy February 3, 2011

7. Monopoly Pricing

9. Automobiles

10. US Soft Drink Market Shares, 2000 Company Percentage Brands Coca Cola 44.1% Coke, Sprite, Barq, Fanta, Mello Yello, etc. Pepsico 31.4% Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug, Slice, etc. Cadbury/Schweppes 14.7% Seven-Up, Dr. Pepper, Schweppes, A & W, Canada Dry, Sunkist, Squirt, etc.

11. Market Shares of Film Studios in 2004 Source: Boxofficemojo.com

12. Music Recording, 2005

13. Fast Food Market Shares

14. World PC Market, Second Quarter of 2006

15. Pharmaceutical Market Shares, 1999