Key themes covered:
Vulture capitalism and corporate influence:
Grace discusses the content of her latest book, /"Vulture Capitalism/", which critiques the way big corporations manipulate economic systems to their advantage, often to the detriment of public welfare.
The myth of the free market:
The conversation challenges the traditional view of the free market, highlighting how market dynamics are often distorted by monopolistic practices and government complicity in corporate crimes.
State power and neoliberalism:
Grace explains how neoliberal policies have reshaped state power to favor capitalists and corporations, thereby diminishing democratic accountability and increasing social inequality.
Planning and capitalism:
Grace provokes reflection on the nature of planning in capitalist societies, arguing that although it is often invisible, planning is omnipresent and primarily serves the interests of the wealthy.
Role of collective action and labor movements:
We conclude with a discussion of the need for organized labor and social movements to combat economic and social injustices, emphasizing the power of collective efforts to bring about change and protect your rights.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the realities behind economic headlines and the profound impact of economic policies on daily life. The chains of “vulture capitalism” are not unbreakable. Together, through awareness and collective efforts, we can forge a future where freedom is not a privilege sold to the highest bidder, but a fundamental right shared by all.
Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Presentation
00:01:00 – A background for grace
00:01:31 – Why the death of freedom?
00:05:30 – The power of influence and the lack of accountability (Greensill)
00:06:14 – 76 billion dividends
00:06:51 – Planning, backdoor bailouts and an unfree free market (Boeing)
00:08:53 – Disaster capitalism and state routinization of crime
00:11:05 – The criminalization of homelessness, wealth inequality and austerity
00:13:55 – Concentrations of power, influence and capital
00:16:04 – Lobbying, donations and climate change (ExxonMobil)
00:17:57 – Nudging Over The Edge (Nudge Unit & The Windrush Scandal)
00:19:46 – Impotence (Brexit, north-south divide and poverty of opportunities).
00:21:43 Opportunities for change (the Lucas plan)
00:22:27 – Collective consciousness versus toxic individualism
00:24:25 – A background on wealth inequality (Gary Stevenson) The UK's 800 billion deficit and the consequences of austerity
00:28:56 – Capital strike and capital flight (Zambia)
00:30:05 – Architects and bees (the Preston model and more).
00:31:37 – Key thoughts and takeaways
Articles:
1). 3.6 million children living in absolute poverty: https://theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/21/poorest-uk-families-hardest-hit-cost-living-crisis-official-figures
2). Criminalize homelessness: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/01/ministers-face-tory-revolt-over-plans-to-criminalize-rough-sleeping
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