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Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber

Catalyst, Jacobin
Capitalism
Working Class
Socialism
Trump’s Tariffs
Wokeness
U.S. Economy
Domestic Industry
Protectionism
Vietnam War
Democratic Party
Identity Politics
Neoliberalism
Trade War
Manufacturing Jobs
U.S. Foreign Policy
Anti-War Movement
American Imperialism
Bernie Sanders
Trump Administration
Fentanyl Crisis

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 monthlyEpisodes26Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsHistory

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Confronting Capitalism

Latest Episodes

Neoliberalism’s victory over Keynesianism wasn’t an intellectual revolution — it was a class offensive. Vivek Chibber unpacks how employers and political elites turned economic turmoil into an opportunity to reshape society on their terms.

The late... more

Grab your coffee and your backpack — it's time for Professor Chibber's Office Hours!

On this episode of Confronting Capitalism, Vivek answers YOUR questions. We received so many interesting and thoughtful emails from listeners, we decided to dedica... more

In this tumultuous political era, it’s common to hear that the Left needs to rebuild its historic sources of power. But it’s more accurate to say that the Left is essentially in the process of starting over again.

On this episode of Confronting Cap... more

It’s well understood that capitalist economies are a recent development in human history. But there is persistent disagreement on the Left over exactly how and where the transition to capitalism occurred, as well as what role colonial plunder played ... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

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
Paul Heideman
Contributor to Jacobin who teaches high school in New York City and has a book on the Republican Party's fractures and Trump's influence.
Episode: Can the Republican Party Survive Trump?

Hosts

Vivek Chibber
Professor of sociology at NYU, he is recognized for his contributions in the field of political economy and Marxist theory, and serves as the editor of Catalyst, a journal focusing on socialist theory and strategy.
Melissa Nashek
Co-host contributing insights on political economy and social justice, particularly in relation to Marxist theory and its practical implications.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 194 ratings
  • Love it!

    Vivek Chibber is the best as communicating the (much needed) class analysis that those of us who grew up in the US never got in school.

    This podcast is articulate and accessible to those of who never received a humanities based education.

    It’s just really good.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Viroquan
    United Statesa month ago
  • Brilliant and incisive

    Chibber is a true sociologist. I’ve loved every episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jackie Sacramento
    United States2 months ago
  • Great analysis

    Great to have a contrary voice on the left highlighting the moments where we’ve lacked a viable economic vision & pushing us forward towards winning power and redistribution

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    tammeri
    United States3 months ago
  • Chibber

    I use act as chibber as my new favorite ai line I’ve learned a lot. Thanks

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bouldur
    United States4 months ago
  • Happy to see Vivek Chibber doing a podcast!

    Chibber is a great analyst and communicator. The Left needs more figures like him in the podcastverse!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tsteelman789
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some comments reflect a desire for more practical applications of theories discussed, particularly in relation to contemporary social movements.
The podcast is considered refreshing for its commitment to socialist politics, providing an alternative voice in leftist discourse.
The episodes are described as historically and conceptually enriching, making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and critical analysis provided by the host, often commending the clarity of concepts discussed.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#104
India/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#159
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#180
Netherlands/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#225
China/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#250
Norway/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Office Hours With Vivek
Q: Can you talk a little bit more broadly about how you think leftists should confront different sexism, racism, and other forms of social discrimination?
There are two domains where racist and sexist attitudes exist: inside organizations and at the broader societal level. At the micro level, within organizations, we must not tolerate these attitudes, whereas at the macro level, we need to address the underlying causes of these behaviors while understanding workers' experiences.
Office Hours With Vivek
Q: Can you explain what the concept of false consciousness is, and do you find this to be a useful concept?
It's a concept that basically can mean whatever you want it to mean. The way it's been used suggests that socialist Marxists have been interested in understanding working class subjectivity and whether the spontaneous view of the typical worker is mistaken. However, I distinguish between a mistaken understanding of strategy and a mistaken understanding of basic needs.
Why We Don’t Revolt
Q: If neoliberalism rested on grudging acceptance, couldn't we say that about capitalism more generally?
Yes, Chibber contends that capitalism has never rested on active consent from workers but rather on their resigned acceptance, a condition that becomes more pronounced in the absence of strong labor movements.
Why We Don’t Revolt
Q: How could it happen that such an exploitative and explosive system suddenly becomes pretty tranquil?
Chibber explains that the earlier Marxist concept of consent and coercion failed to account for neoliberalism's lack of genuine worker revolt, suggesting that the stability of the system was maintained through weakened organizational structures and economic pressures that made resistance seem futile.
The True History of the Vietnam War
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges that the US faced while intervening in Vietnam?
The single biggest challenge was that there was no such thing as South Vietnam; the U.S. struggled to implement its imperial strategies in a region with little domestic support for its chosen leadership.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Confronting Capitalism

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

Conversations focus on the complex interplay between capitalism and historical contexts, offering a critical examination of contemporary political economy. Themes regularly explored include Marxist theory, class dynamics, and the role of populism in modern politics. The discussions critique prevalent economic narratives, advocate for grassroots organizing, and highlight the importance of understanding capitalist structures for effective political action. Uniquely, the content combines theoretical insights with real-world implications, providing listeners with invaluable perspectives on socialist politics today.

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Which podcasts are similar to Confronting Capitalism?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Confronting Capitalism:

1. Jacobin Radio
2. Joshua Citarella
3. The Dig
4. American Prestige
5. Behind the News with Doug Henwood

How many episodes of Confronting Capitalism are there?

Confronting Capitalism launched a year ago and published 26 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. Phillip Rocco
2. Neal Meyer
3. Paul Heideman

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