Bio: (1970-) Canadian journalist and political theorist. Naomi Klein studied at the University of Toronto, but never finished her studies. She is one of the most famous critics of corporate globalization.

In No Logo (1999), Klein studies the business of global corporate brands, production conditions, marketing tactics, and the ideology of consumerism. She critiques the rise of consumerism and its role in shaping modern culture, particularly in relation to branding and corporate power. She argues that consumerism is no longer just about purchasing products; it's become about buying into an entire lifestyle and identity created by corporations. Klein explains that companies increasingly focus on building strong brands rather than producing tangible products. These brands create emotional connections with consumers, selling not just a product, but a narrative and an aspirational way of life. Klein emphasizes how corporations use advertising, sponsorship, and celebrity endorsements to reinforce their brands and embed them in every aspect of our lives.

This leads to a culture where personal identity becomes tied to the products we consume. She also critiques the corporate-driven trend of globalization, where companies outsource production to low-wage countries and exploit workers while simultaneously pushing products that are marketed as symbols of luxury and success. Klein argues that consumerism, driven by branding and corporate interests, not only manipulates individuals but also has detrimental effects on society by eroding culture, worker rights, and the environment. She calls for a rejection of brand-driven culture and a reclaiming of public space and identity from the clutches of corporations.

In The Shock Doctrine (2007), she points out that major social upheavals, such as natural disasters or military coups, serve as a basis and excuse for neoliberal ideologues, corporations, and political powerbrokers to put neoliberal ideas into practice.

Main works

No Logo (1999);

Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate (2002);

The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism (2007);

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate (2014);

No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need (2017);

The Battle for Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes on the Disaster Capitalists (2018);

On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal (2019);

How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other (2021).