This post is not about politics, although it does concern President-elect Trump’s cabinet pick, ExxonMobil head, Rex Tillerson. I first learned about Tillerson during some research on business and human rights in the extractive industries in 2012. I read the excellent book, “Private Empire” by Pultizer-prize winner Steve Coll to get insight into what I believe is the most powerful company in the world.

Although Coll spent most of his time talking about Tillerson’s predecessor, Lee Raymond, the book did a great job of describing the company’s world view on climate change, litigation tactics, and diplomatic relations. Coll writes, “Exxon’s far flung interests were at times distinct from Washington’s.” The CEO “did not manage the corporation as a subordinate instrument of American foreign policy; his was a private empire.” Raymond even boasted, “I am not a U.S. company and I don’t make decisions based on what’s good for the U.S.” Indeed, the book describes how ExxonMobil navigated through Indonesian guerilla warfare, dealt with kleptocrats in Africa, and deftly negotiated with Vladmir Putin and Hugo Chavez. 

Before I read the book, I knew that big business was powerful–after all I used to work for a Fortune 500 company. But Coll’s work described a company that was in some instances more influential to world leaders than the UN, the US State Department, or the World Bank. I don’t know if Trump has read the book, but no doubt he knows about the reach of Tillerson’s power. I won’t comment about whether this pick is good for the country. I will say that this choice is not outrageous or even surprising given Trump’s stated view of what he wants for America. The key will be for Tillerson, if he’s confirmed, to use the skills he has honed working for ExxonMobil for the country. 

If you have time after grading for a really good read (it’s a fast 700 pages), pick up the book. Coll’s view on the Tillerson nomination is available here.