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Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber

Catalyst, Jacobin
Capitalism
Neoliberalism
Social Democracy
Working Class
Democratic Party
Socialism
Trump Administration
Labor Movement
Political Economy
Iran
United States
Professional Managerial Class
Trade Unions
Iraq
Trump’s Tariffs
Wokeness
Republican Party
Vietnam War
American Labor Movement
Welfare State

Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber cuts through the chaos to provide a conceptual and historical framework for understanding how capitalism functions across the globe. Conversations span political economy, history, and strategy. Every other week, Vivek provides essential insights for effective socialist politics today. Produced by Catalyst and published by Jacobin.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes43Founded2 years ago
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NewsPoliticsHistory

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Artwork for Confronting Capitalism

Latest Episodes

Donald Trump has made the issue of immigration a key battleground in US politics. But with public opinion swinging against the brutal ICE raids and deportations over the past year, how should the Left respond?

On the latest episode of Confronting C... more

In the midst of Graham Platner’s high-profile senate race in Maine, several media commentators jumped on whether he would fit within his own definition of the working class. Do we know how to pick out workers from other classes? And what bearing does... more

Socialists have long predicted capitalism’s overthrow and replacement by a better system. But do we have any reason to believe capitalism must come to an end?

On the latest episode of Confronting Capitalism, Melissa Naschek and Vivek Chibber discus... more

Over time, the Soviet Union developed a system of centralized planning that became synonymous with socialism. How did the system work? What did it get right? And why did it ultimately become so associated with shortages and stagnation?

On the lates... more

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Recent Guests

Vivek Chibber
Professor of sociology at NYU; editor of Catalyst
New York University; Catalyst
Episode: How Socialism Could Work
Krystal Ball
Author and co-host
Independent / Breaking Points
Episode: Which Way Forward for the Left?
Matt Karp
Author and Historian
Princeton University / Jacobin
Episode: Which Way Forward for the Left?
Benjamin Fong
Associate Director of the Center for Work and Democracy at Arizona State University; co-editor of Rustin's Challenge
Arizona State University / Rustin's Challenge
Episode: This Century’s Biggest Labor Battle
Jason Brownlee
Professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
Episode: Trump’s Historic Blunder in Iran
Gabriel Hetland
Associate professor at SUNY Albany and author of 'Democracy on the Ground'
SUNY Albany
Episode: The Coup in Venezuela
Matt Huber
Professor of Geography and the Environment at Syracuse University and scholar of environmental policy.
Syracuse University
Episode: Abundance Needs Socialism
Phillip Rocco
Associate professor of political science at Marquette University and author of a Catalyst essay
Marquette University
Episode: Why the Democrats Can’t Fight for Anything
Neal Meyer
Finishing his PhD in sociology at NYU and frequent contributor to Jacobin.
Jacobin
Episode: How the Democrats Abandoned Workers

Hosts

Vivek Chibber
Professor of Sociology at NYU; Editor of Catalyst; frequent host discussing socialist theory, history, and strategy.
Melissa Naschek
Co-host and presenter focusing on labor, economic policy, and socialist organizing; brings practical media experience to discussions.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 271 ratings
  • Always something new to learn from these knowledgeable people!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    callmebymyworkname
    3 months ago
  • Excellent show

    Excellent show which tackles interesting and relevant political, economic, and social questions and topics. Professor Chibber is extremely clear, articulate, learned and insightful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SG@818
    United States4 months ago
  • Fantastic show - Vivek is a generational voice

    Vivek is fantastic to listen to, great show

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CapnSolo86
    United States7 months ago
  • Excellent format for introducing important concepts that make up the structure of capitalism. Vivek Chibber does an excellent job of walking us through these ideas by responding to questions and providing examples.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    seamuspuebla
    7 months ago
  • Chibber the best!!

    If you're a leftist that sees dysfunction in identity politics and dysfunction in the modern American left and want to bring it all back to basics: materialism. This is for you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bachelor Tom
    Canada7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise accessible yet rigorous analysis of capitalist critique and strategy.
The host brings clear, calm, and articulate narration that helps complex ideas land.
Guests are consistently well-chosen experts who add deep insights.
A few listeners note a desire for more reading recommendations or sources in episode notes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#75
Mexico/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#84
Brazil/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#99
India/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#128
Netherlands/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#148
Switzerland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#168
Spain/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Which Way Forward for the Left?
Q: How would you describe what the left's electoral strategy has been since Bernie's defeat in 2016?
The consensus is that DSA-backed candidates in Democratic primaries have been the most promising tactic, but there is caution about whether those wins translate into durable power and real policy shifts without broader organizing.
Is AI Coming for Our Jobs?
Q: Why is there so much anxiety about AI and job loss?
Anxiety stems from historical fears around technology and job displacement, compounded by a lack of strong labor power to mitigate the effects of such changes.
Is AI Coming for Our Jobs?
Q: What are the potential impacts of AI on the labor market?
AI is likely to lead to the displacement of some jobs but may also create new opportunities in different sectors as the economy adapts to changes in productivity.
Reform and Revolution
Q: What was the relationship like between social democracy and Marxism? Were these social democratic parties Marxist parties?
While some were explicitly Marxist, many social democratic parties employed Marxist ideas as their common political language but were not strictly Marxist parties.
Reform and Revolution
Q: When did social democracy start to really diverge from a revolutionary model, and what was the significance of that shift?
By the 1920s, the possibility of revolution receded, leading social democracies to focus on gradual reforms instead of outright revolution changes.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Confronting Capitalism

What is Confronting Capitalism about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on political economy, history, and strategy from a socialist perspective, with frequent deep-dives into capitalism, labor, and institutional design. Episodes balance historical analysis with contemporary organizing, exploring questions like whether capitalism can end, how planning versus markets works, and how to build durable working-class power beyond elections. Noteworthy are the rigorous theoretical frames, guest expertise, and a willingness to challenge orthodox left thought while focusing on practical organizing and policy pathways. The format often features robust debates between hosts and guests, anchored in long-running critiques of capitalism and proposals for reform or transition that aim to empower workers and ... more

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1. Doomscroll with Joshua Citarella
2. Jacobin Radio
3. Behind the News with Doug Henwood
4. American Prestige
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Confronting Capitalism launched 2 years ago and published 43 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Confronting Capitalism?

Recent guests on Confronting Capitalism include:

1. Vivek Chibber
2. Krystal Ball
3. Matt Karp
4. Benjamin Fong
5. Jason Brownlee
6. Gabriel Hetland
7. Matt Huber
8. Phillip Rocco

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