On political capitalism and divided workers.
Sociology professor at UC Berkeley, Dylan Riley, talks to Alex and Lee about economic stagnation, the state propping up capitalism, and class politics.
What is "political capitalism"? And is it true that plunder and predation matter more now than exploitation?
Why hasn't the ruling class purged the system through mass bankruptcies and unemployment?
How does Chinese state capitalism fit into the story of stagnation and excess capacity?
What is the difference between economic interests and class interests? How is the working class divided today?
Is there a way out of the impasse? What possibility is there of a pro-growth politics?
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Links:
Relevant Episodes
/312/ Consolation-Prize Marxism & the Bunga-Bunga State ft. Dylan Riley
/515/ State Capitalism Is Now ft. Ilias Alami
Riley & Brenner
Seven Theses on American Politics, New Left Review, 2022
The Long Downturn and Its Political Results, New Left Review, 2025
Some Key Responses
Reflections on Political Capitalism, Lola Seaton, New Left Review, 2023
Notes on ‘Political Capitalism’, John Ganz
Seven Theses on Brenner and Riley's "Political Capitalism", Tim Barker
Robert Brenner’s Unprofitable Theory of Global Stagnation, Seth Ackerman, Jacobin
From Politics to Theory and Back, Benjamin Fong, Damage
Notable pieces in Sidecar by Dylan