Elmore reveals how Coca-Cola, contrary to popular belief, owes much of its success to outsourcing. Instead of directly controlling all aspects of production and distribution, Coke mastered the art of delegation. The company forged symbiotic relationships with independent bottlers, effectively transferring much of the capital-intensive work while maintaining tight control over the brand and formula. This innovative, asset-light approach fueled rapid expansion and immense profitability.

"Citizen Coke" scrutinizes Coca-Cola's shrewd utilization of public resources for private gain. Elmore details how the company leveraged publicly funded infrastructure, water resources, and even wartime military support to accelerate its growth and minimize costs. This tactic, while often overlooked, underscores the complex relationship between corporations and the public sphere, raising critical questions about responsibility and fair play.

The book charts Coca-Cola's trajectory from a time of resource abundance to our present era of growing scarcity. What seemed like an endless supply of cheap sugar, water, and labor is now under increasing strain, casting a shadow on the sustainability of Coke's business model. Elmore challenges readers to confront the environmental and social consequences of mass-produced consumables in an era of climate change and resource depletion.