David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles

An Important Update from David Harvey May 24, 2023

Please keep an eye out for more episodes from Anti Capitalist Chronicles host David Harvey at an exciting new media organization: Politics in Motion! You can learn more at www.politicsinmotion.org

Anti-Capitalist Chronicles will no longer be produced by Democracy at Work. If you want to continue receiving episodes and analysis from David Harvey, please go to www.politicsinmotion.org. We thank Prof. Harvey for all the wisdom and critical analysis he's shared with us over the years.

US Indebtedness & Capitalism’s Internal Contradictions May 08, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalism Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explores the issue of US indebtedness. Drawing on various Marxist theories—the coercive laws of competition, the falling rate of profit, and capitalism’s irrationality—Harvey explains how the US ended up in such a deep foreign indebtedness position, who it may benefit, and the implications on the global economy.

The Corporatization of Academia Apr 20, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey reflects on how universities in the US have shifted and evolved under advanced capitalism to function more and more like corporations. The ethos of the academic model is no longer about universities paying professors to teach, but rather that professors earn their keep by making money for the university. We are seeing increased bureaucratization, a push for entrepreneurialism among professors, and a growing corporate managerial structure. This reorganization of education around monetization has left professors disillusioned and despondent and cannot be sustained.

Housing in a Broken System Apr 06, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey shares major lessons he learned while studying the housing issue in Baltimore in the late 1960s and asking the questions: Why is housing quality so appalling in low-income areas? Why had past attempts to change that failed? How could the richest nation in the world tolerate this? Harvey explains how he came to learn the importance of looking at the totality of the system—not just the issue itself—as well as leveraging, how social policies often work well for those who need it least, the issue of gentrification, and more.

David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles is a Democracy at Work production, made possible by audience donations. Consider supporting us on Patreon.

Daniel Ellsberg, Government Dishonesty & Nuclear Weapons Mar 23, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explores the contributions made by Daniel Ellsberg, the political activist known for releasing the Pentagon Papers in 1971. Ellsberg gave the public a look into the ways in which the US government was lying about the Vietnam war with the Pentagon Papers, and offered a look into how the US military thinks about military policy with respect to nuclear weapons in his book The Doomsday Machine. Ellsberg’s contributions are deeply relevant today with the Russian/Ukraine war and the ever-growing number of nuclear weapons around the globe.

David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles is a Democracy at Work production, made possible by audience donations. Consider supporting us on Patreon.

The Circulation of Fictitious Capital Mar 09, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explains Marx’s analytical techniques of presupposition and posit and applies them to today’s capital circulation system and the crises that may emerge from the ever-growing fictitious capital investments. By looking at the presupposition, or what came before a system, and the posit, what happens as a result of an established system, Harvey takes apart the complex systems and issues today, such as climate change or the instability of fictitious capital investing in itself, and is able to illuminate some possible futures if we continue down these paths.

The Impact of War on Civilians Feb 23, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey focuses on the impact of war on civilians, both today in Ukraine and historically. While it is a war crime to attack civilian populations, there is a long, deadly history of it. From the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the fire bombs in Dresden and Tokyo, the US is far from innocent of civilian attack. Harvey reminds us that the horrors inflicted on Ukrainians today should be judged in a similar manner as we judge those atrocities of the past.

Support Anti-Capitalist Chronicles and Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

Applying Marx’s Theories to Contemporary Struggles Feb 09, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey focuses on the concept of totality, conceptualized in Marx’s Grundrisse, and the importance of situating theoretical frameworks within on-the-ground struggles. Harvey explains how he’s spent his life’s work attempting to do this, focusing on issues such as housing, climate change, and more. Marx and Engel’s theoretical contributions are critical, but it is in the tangible application of them that the true benefits are realized.

Support Anti-Capitalist Chronicles and Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

Making Sense of Today’s Inflation - Debt, Austerity and Tax Cuts Jan 26, 2023

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey uses the diagram of capital’s circulatory processes, shared in the last episode, and applies it to the pressing issue of inflation today. Harvey draws parallels to how inflation was handled during the Reagan and Thatcher administrations, with austerity politics and the resulting reduced standard of living for the working class. These attacks on social expenditures were explained as necessary to curb inflation, yet there is much more to the story. By utilizing the framework of capital’s circulation within a capitalist mode of production, Harvey reveals the many possible causes of inflation and how public policy often has hidden intentions.

To download the diagram: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qcd7k6so6v4jhss/capitalism-cycle.pdf?dl=0

Support Anti-Capitalist Chronicles and Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

Capital in Motion Jan 12, 2023

Welcome to Season 5! In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey discusses the ever-expanding circulatory systems of capital. He shares a diagram, designed by fellow d@w host Miguel Robles-Duran (Cities After…), which illustrates capital in motion. Like the human body, capital has many circulatory processes that can be analyzed both individually as well as part of the larger structure. This diagram is a useful way to picture the capitalist mode of production and its place in the capitalist social formation in order to make sense of how and where crises and contradictions show up within the system.

To download the diagram: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qcd7k6so6v4jhss/capitalism-cycle.pdf?dl=0

Support Anti-Capitalist Chronicles and Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

Mainstreaming Marxism & Redefining Capitalism Dec 15, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey considers the hostility and glorification of ignorance—a legacy of McCarthyism—towards the teachings of Marx, especially within academia and the mainstream media. Academia has become a money-making institution and even liberal mainstream media, claiming to be tolerant, espouse repressive tolerance. Harvey draws on his experience writing and teaching about Marxism to reject the need to define the current phase of capital. We are not regressing back towards feudalism and we don’t need to find more adjectives to put in front of capitalism. Rather than trying to fit our current conditions into a preconceived notion, we simply need to consider the qualities of the conditions in order to challenge the power of capitalist institutions and move forward.

Pedagogy of the Emancipated Laborer Dec 01, 2022

As more and more people begin to recognize the pitfalls of the systems we're entrenched in—capitalism, neoliberalism, consumerism, and more—we are often left without clear directions for instilling change. In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey addresses the question he is so often asked, and often asks himself: “What should we do?” Harvey urges us to begin by looking at our individual situation, particularly five aspects: quality of life in the household, nature of the labor market, experience in the workplace, experience as money manager, and experience as buyer in the money market. The pedagogy of the emancipated laborer involves situating ourselves in those five aspects of society, connecting with others on the local level who are situated around us, and building collectively.

Religion's Impact on Politics Nov 17, 2022

Join d@w for virtual event Marxism For This Moment: A Conversation with Richard Wolff & David Harvey on Friday, November 18th at 1pm ET (New York, UTC-4).

Buy your tickets here: https://www.democracyatwork.info/marxism_for_this_moment_richard_wolff_david_harvey

**If you cannot make the live event but want to support d@w, consider purchasing a ticket anyway and we will send you access to the event recording.

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey considers the role of religion in various political movements with particular attention to the growth and impact of the Evangelical movement in the US today. Religion has often been at the center of political movements, with black churches during the civil rights movement and the Theology of Liberation in Latin America in the 1970s. Harvey explores these histories and considers the importance of theology in building and holding social movements together.

Metabolic Relations Between Markets and Politics Nov 03, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explores the relationship between markets and the state. Drawing on examples such as Britain in the 1970s, France in 1981 under Mitterrand, and Bill Clinton in the 1990s, Harvey argues that, under capitalism, the state is not sovereign and democracy cannot be fully realized, and what you instead have is the eroding of each. As many countries, including the US, move closer to authoritarian democracies, we must first confront this fusion of capital and state and then explore what the socialist response can be.

Metabolic vs. Independent Relations Oct 20, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explores the importance of delineating between metabolic and independent relations. Bourgeois economics believes the process of production, distribution, consumption, realization and exchange are all independently related, yet Marx reveals that they are locked in together through the circular concept of metabolic relations. Metabolic relations, unlike independent relations, are harder to break from. Harvey argues that in order for a transition from capitalism to socialism to take place, you have to break apart these interconnected relations that are unique and render them independent.

Marx’s Historical Materialism Oct 06, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey uses Marx’s theory of historical materialism as a means of tackling large societal problems such as climate change. Marx asserts that there are seven distinctive aspects of society which coexist and coevolve in relation to one another. These elements—technology, relationship to nature, labor process of production, reproduction of labor power, mental conceptions of the world, structure of state, and social relations—make up the totality of a society. Historical materialism asks that we not assume one element is a silver bullet answer to a problem, but rather that we look at the ways in which each element would have to shift in order to address the issue.

Beyond Reorganization of Production Sep 22, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey considers a looming question: is capitalism too big to fail? He speculates on what approaches may lead to a successful socialist alternative. Is it a reorganization of the productive forces? Or redistribution of wealth? Or both?

Facing the Stick of Dynamite in the Ukraine-Russian Conflict Sep 08, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles (ACC), Prof. Harvey reflects on the current Ukraine-Russia conflict and shares his conflicting feelings about the ongoing war.

Capital's Double Consciousness Jul 28, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey continues his discussion of Brad DeLong’s new book, "Slouching Towards Utopia," in which DeLong notes the contradiction between an emerging middle class over the last century through technological innovation and stagnant levels of happiness. To explain this dilemma, Harvey looks closer at how these technological advancements shape labor and function under capitalism. He argues that the purpose was never to lighten the load of labor, it was solely to increase profitability. Therein lies the central contradiction of capitalism: capital is great at creating new products, ideas, possibilities, and lifestyles, but it simultaneously produces alienation. It is no wonder that there is a deep dissatisfaction with our society. Alienation is a natural byproduct of capitalism when the ever-growing advancements are designed to produce more surplus rather than improve working people's lives.

Shifts in World Hegemony Jul 14, 2022

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey discusses the new book by Brad Delong, “Slouching Toward Utopia,” which aims to explain the massive creation of wealth over the last 150 years for the upper and middle class, its effect on the world order and why it’s failed to deliver an increasing sense of happiness among that top 50%. Harvey takes us through the history of the various world powers, from Italian city-states to the rise of the US as the global hegemon and the present shift in power that has emerged with China’s rapid economic growth.

Inequality, Ricardian Socialism, and Real Solutions Jun 30, 2022

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey warns that the endless accumulation of capital in a variety of sectors is putting tremendous pressure on our economy, our world, and our very existence. Signs of economic growth—the rising mass of value; centralization of wealth and power in the hands of a small minority; the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere leading to serious climate and biological disruptions; the growing output of plastics; cement production in China; and airline travel and the surplus of liquidity seeking opportunities for investment—are being directed to unproductive activities like military expenditures and the defense industry, ever increasing the threat of nuclear war and mutually assured destruction. Harvey argues that international cooperation is needed and that alternatives must be explored. He discusses the work of Piketty and Ricardian Socialists as a way to address the growing inequality and gross injustices we are living through. He supports Piketty's ideas for the redistribution of income from the top 1% to the bottom 50% of the population and collaborative work models, like those of German and Swedish companies that give power to labor.

Path Dependency, Ukraine, and Nuclear War Jun 16, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey explores how geopolitical conflicts escalate into war, both historically and today with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Harvey looks at NATO’s role in escalating this crisis, lessons to be learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and the looming possibility of nuclear war and its global impact. Mutually assured destruction will continue to be a threat until the West and NATO decide to de-escalate, demilitarize, and negotiate rather than to continually operate offensively.

The Evolution of Capitalism Jun 02, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey offers his perspective on two questions being debated in leftist circles: are we entering a new kind of capitalism? Is the current capitalism a type of new feudalism? In order to approach these questions, Harvey looks to capitalism’s past and present—at the rentier class, evolving roles and relationships between industrial, market, and finance capitalists, the creation of the stock market, monopsonies, and more. Capitalism is in constant flux and always evolving. Instead of wondering if we are entering a new feudalism or not, Harvey argues we must analyze the current, unique conditions and then consider how we can be anti-capitalist towards this contemporary type of capitalism.

Freedom, Necessity and Anti-Capitalism May 19, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey points to some hopeful changes in the political landscape of various countries: Columbia, Peru, Brazil, France. Drawing a parallel from Marx's argument of the 10-hour work day as a first step, he argues that, given the current US conditions, an anti-capitalist agenda should perhaps shift its focus to small, incremental changes and begin to mobilize around important issues like the right to decent housing, a decent wage.

US Labor - Supply vs. Demand May 05, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey looks at the conditions of labor in the US today: the supply and demand as well as the characteristics capital requires from its labor force. If those characteristics are not met, Harvey explains, or can be met for a cheaper wage, capitalists will often seek it out in other countries. This parasitic nature results in an underinvestment and underdevelopment of resources such as health care and education for the domestic workforce. Instead, Harvey argues that we must utilize the surplus labor and surplus capital in the US in order to create a society in which basic needs are met and towards productive work with a social purpose.

Inflation and Class Struggle Apr 21, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey examines the current US inflationary crisis and suggests that its cause goes beyond the mainstream explanation of supply and demand. He argues that the crisis has been engineered by capital in an effort to protect profits, weaken the power of labor and discipline social movements. Harvey looks back at the inflation of the 1960s and the 1970s and the relationship that existed between wage rate, profit rate and inflation rate. He predicts this current wave of inflation to be with us for some time, and urges us to consider whether the resulting recession is caused by a lack of opportunity, or if it is simply a means for the capitalist class to seize more power and control.

Capitalist Growth and Finite Resources Apr 07, 2022

In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey talks about the ever rising mass - the rising quantity of money, debt, GDP, military expenditures, greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, etc. - and asks what are the qualitative transformations and the costs of the ever expanding mass. He cautions that the degree of expansion needed to revive capital to its pre-pandemic levels is not sustainable given the finite resources of our planet and a capitalist economy with its endless drive for profit and accumulation, and argues that an alternative system is desperately needed.

War - Who Benefits From It? Mar 24, 2022

“The one sector of government that doesn’t experience austerity is the military budget.” In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey looks at the role of military expenditures in contemporary capitalism in the US and how it affects the rest of the world. From WWII to the Cold War, to the Iraq War, to the current Russian War on Ukraine, the US has consistently found ways to justify expanding the military budget, while shrinking almost every other government sector. But who benefits from this constant expansion? As Harvey reveals, it’s the politicians who represent locales with military bases and the corporations like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, that provide the military supplies and equipment.

When Technology Becomes A Business… Mar 10, 2022

Technology has become the largest industry in the world. In this episode of Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey picks up where he left off from the previous episode to further explore the implications of technology as a business. To do this, Harvey looks closely at Apple as an example—the labor conditions in China, where the product value actually comes from, and the differences in profit rates between the company itself and the production companies further down the supply chain. As the tech sector continues to explode, Harvey begs us to investigate the ways in which it shapes our lives and choices: through concealed exploitative practices, monetization of access, artificial intelligence, and more.

Technological Dynamism Feb 24, 2022

Technological dynamism comes in various forms: the organizational form, used to improve social productivity, such as the just in time system implemented by the automobile industry; the software of production which centers around keeping employees happy and motivated; and the hardware of technological change, via machinery and equipment. Technological change is driven by the coercive laws of competition between individual capitalists. However, Harvey points out that it is also increasingly driven by the coercive laws of competition between states, and between power blocks (China, US, Russia, Europe), yielding new technologies and non-benign forms of competition used for military advantage and for wealth and power. But, Harvey asks, in what ways can we keep pressure on progress and innovation to produce new technologies that will benefit society as a whole.

How do we Break from Neo-Liberalism? Dec 16, 2021

In this final episode of Season 3, Prof. Harvey talks about the history of Neo-Liberalism and how it relates to post-modernism. Trump's imposition of what is the truth, with his notion of alternative facts, is in many ways, a triumph of post-modernity. Harvey underscores the importance of exposing the activities of the ruling class, who are really behind Neo-liberal ideas and policies and conveniently remain dissociated from them in a concerted effort to protect their wealth and power.

Monopolistic Competition Dec 02, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey speaks about monopolistic competition and its impact on market pricing and location. All monopolistic competition is spacial competition that creates a highly unstable economy and has a tendency to produce conglomerations in rich locations.

The Coercive Laws of Competition Nov 18, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey examines 2 schools of thought within the Marxist tradition, one that focuses on the falling rate of profit, and the other that explores the rising mass. Harvey argues that both schools miss an important contradiction that separates each of them from the other: the role of competition. The coercive laws of competition are crucial for both falling rate of profit and rising mass. He explains why.

Capital in the Attic Nov 04, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about the real players in our capitalist society who operate outside of the market system and are accumulating massive amounts of wealth. Players like Carlos Slim, the Koch brothers, Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, reside in the "attic," where Harvey argues real wealth and real power are being assembled.

The Education of an Educator Oct 21, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about what inspired and motivated him both personally and professionally. He quotes the poem "Burnt Norton" by T.S. Elliot.

Chinese Property Markets & Affordable Housing Oct 07, 2021

In the episode of ACC, Prof. David Harvey talks about the crisis of affordable housing on a global level, with particular emphasis on China and the US. Harvey argues that providing affordable housing for people cannot be accomplished by the private sector as it conflicts with the capitalist profit motive, and it therefore requires an anti-capitalist approach.

Whither China? Sep 23, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey examines what is happening in China today, the many changes taking place within (the formation of a billionaire class, uneven geographical development between metropolitan cities and rural areas, a cultural revolution), and highlights its impact on and relationship to the global economy.

The Primary Abstractions of Capital Sep 09, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey discusses some of the contradictions that Marx uncovered as he examined the abstractions of capital. He explores the contradiction between the rate of change and the mass of value, and the crises that emerge from the two. The crisis of housing, Harvey suggests, is one such example.

How Are We "Ruled by Abstractions?" Aug 26, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey examines Marx’s use of the notion of abstractions to develop a general theory of capital and his critique of capitalism. Harvey identifies different levels of abstraction used by Marx: scale, perspective of production, perspective of circulation and distribution and the contradictions that exist between production and circulation. Marx, Harvey asserts, also differentiates between the concrete abstractions of a capitalist system, such as price of commodities and wages rates, and theoretical abstractions, the behavior of capitalists who are endlessly driven by competition and the quest for profits.

The Monopolization of Everything Jul 29, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey asserts that capital is becoming ever more centralized. The monopolization of power is inevitable in capitalism. However, according to Harvey, there are significant barriers to the continuity of capital accumulation. People are growing dissatisfied with the current economic conditions, a political system does not work for the benefit of the population, and are more and more at odds with the ruling ideas. We have a crisis of ideology, a crisis of economy, a crisis in the environment and a crisis of the future in terms of demographic possibilities.

The Ruling Ideas of a Billionaire Class Jul 15, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey contends that what we are experiencing is the raw exercise of ruling class power in ruling ways. He references Marx's Grundrisse to help understand how ideas are born and the impact they have on society. Specifically, he talks about the ideas of the ruling elites, how those ideas became part of the culture, and were used by the ruling class to seize back control and wealth from the labor movement. The ruling class is as dedicated as it always has been to the maintenance of its power. The recent health crisis has helped strengthen the ranks and wealth of the billionaire class. And when the political class is given the option of rescuing people or rescuing the capitalist class, they will always rescue and sustain the capitalist class. Neoliberalism is stronger than ever because the capitalist class is stronger than ever.

The Urbanization of China Jul 01, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey argues that the circulation of interest-bearing capital and financialization, both necessary for the disposal of surplus capital and surplus value, are implicated in the acceleration of turnover time, especially in areas like tourism that have become dependent on "mindless urbanization." He points to China as a leading example.

Dumping Surplus Capital Jun 17, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about the changing dynamics of capital accumulation since Marx's analysis in the Grundrisse. The disempowerment of workers as part of the Neoliberal strategy of the 1980s to the present day, led to declining wages and standard of living for workers, but an increase in surplus capital and wealth for corporation and wealthy elites. Military expenditures (military Keynesianism) and fixed capital - what Harvey calls "mindless urbanization"- become sinks for disposing overaccumulating capital.

The Politics of Austerity of the 70s and 80s Jun 03, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about the birth of the neoliberalism following the crisis of the 1970s. The vast government spending of the 1960s was replaced with fierce austerity measures imposed on the population, in an effort to bail out corporations and enable the wealthy elites to regain power and control. The neoliberal era was ushered in by political leaders like Reagan and Thatcher, who saw labor and high wages as a real threat to the capitalist class.

The Legitimation Crisis of the late 1960s May 20, 2021

In this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey takes us through the political agitations that occurred in the US in the 1960s. The various social movements, the Civil Rights movement, the student movement, the labor movement, the women's movement and the anti-war movement challenged capitalism and corporate power, and questioned the legitimacy of the government. The anti-capitalist and anti-corporate sentiments that emerged prompted a counter-attack by the big monopoly companies who saw their power and wealth eroding.

Keynesianism of the 1960s May 06, 2021

In this part 4 of 4, Prof. Harvey talks about the economic evolution of the 1960s and the suburbanization of America. To establish and secure its position as the global leader, the US invested heavily in the military guided by Keynesian policies of deficit spending. The military-industrial complex came out of the post-war period in an effort to keep up with the Soviet Union's militarization and protect the world from the spread of Communism. The suppression of socialism at home was supplemented by the experience of the affluent working class facilitated in large part by the creation of suburbs. However, marginalized minority workers, who did not benefit from the increased standard of living enjoyed by mostly white workers, fought against economic injustices and fueled the Civil Rights movements of the 60s.

Absolute Contradictions of the Post-War Era Apr 22, 2021

On this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey applies Marx's theory of absolute contradictions to the post-war period. He draws parallels with 1860s France under Bonaparte's rule and the pressures that led to his demise. The post-war boom facilitated by Roosevelt's centralized planning and production led to the rise of left-wing groups and ideals that began to threaten the very survival of capitalism. The crisis created by this contradiction led to the systematic repression of socialist ideologies which in turn led to the turmoil of the 1960s and 70s.

The Golden Age of Post-War Capital Apr 08, 2021

In this part 2 of the 4-part series, Prof. Harvey examines the development of capital in the period after WW2 through the 1970s, made possible through the repression of left-wing ideologies and an economic development model that promoted a certain kind of lifestyle for white privileged workers. Harvey argues that the Bretton Woods agreement, the policies of expansion of demand through debt financing of the suburbs, and the debt financing of the reconstruction of Japanese, German and European economies led to rapid rate of growth globally, the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments and the emergence of contradictions that led to a very significant shift in politics.

How Capital Evolves Mar 25, 2021

This episode is part 1 of a 4-part series. Prof. Harvey explores the evolution of capital throughout history and examines the shifts to finance from commodity production and trade, and the transfer of power that followed. He draws from Marx, Fernand Braudel and Italian sociologist Giovanni Arrighi to look critically at shifting hegemonies, shifting centers and structures of domination, the rise of neoliberalism and the current crisis.

China's Economic Rise - Part 2 Mar 11, 2021

This episode is part 2 of 2. It is a compilation of Prof. Harvey's 3 most popular shows on the People's Republic of China. Harvey explains the rise and significance of China as an economic power and the growing tension with the US.

China's Economic Rise - Part 1 Feb 25, 2021

This part 1 of 2 episodes is a compilation of 3 of Prof. Harvey's most popular shows. Harvey explains the rise and significance of China as an economic power and the growing tension with the US.

Science and Authority Dec 03, 2020

On this episode of David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof, Harvey argues that what is being done politically to deal with the propagation of the virus excludes the social circumstances in which propagation of the virus occurs. There is a long history of rule by experts, scientists who are supported by state apparatuses. Their solutions are flawed because they do not take into account the totality of the social and economic circumstances of the populations affected.

The U.S. Presidential Election Nov 19, 2020

On this episode of David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof, Harvey presents his analysis of the 2020 U.S. elections.

The Essence of a Capitalist Society Nov 05, 2020

On this episode of David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof, Harvey argues that the transformation of the productive forces under capitalism require major adjustments in thinking. He believes that much can be learned from China and repurposed to gain a much more sophisticated understanding of how to manage capital in its dying days and work towards the creation of a communist future.

Why Marx's Grundrisse is Relevant Today Oct 22, 2020

On this episode of David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey discusses two important and somewhat contrasting passages of Marx's Grundrisse and the important insights about the present and future we can draw from them. While on the one hand Marx acknowledges that capital has had a civilizing influence, brought about innovations, it also is responsible for universal alienation, suicides, misery, inequality and capital accumulation.

Stock Market Booms While Americans Face Economic Disaster Oct 08, 2020

On this episode of David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles, Prof. Harvey talks about the economic uncertainty Americans are experiencing: job loss, indebtedness, inflation. The stock market is flourishing, but only the top 10-20% of the US population have investments and are benefitting from the boom. The majority of Americans are left with little to no support and very little access to food and basic services. Harvey predicts the situation will worsen in the next months. Washington's political gridlock means no real change can be expected.

Economic Uncertainty and Moral Imperative Sep 24, 2020

On this first episode of Season 3, Prof. Harvey argues that the economic and social consequences of COVID-19 have most seriously impacted the bottom 10-20% of the population. The crises of housing, public health, education is further deepening the inequalities. He contends that a redistribution of wealth from the top 10-20% to the bottom 10-20% to improve basic living standards will be needed and is our moral imperative.

The Working Person as Political Subject Jul 23, 2020

On this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey continues his analysis of this circulation of value-creating capacity within a capitalist system. He tackles the question of how political consciousness and political subjectivity emerge and form.

The Buying and Selling of Labour Capacity Jul 09, 2020

On this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey looks at the ways in which the various processes at work within a capitalist mode of production intersect and interact with one another. In particular, he examines the circuit which delivers labor power to the capitalist producers who will use it to create a surplus value and generate profits.

Race and Class Jun 25, 2020

On this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about the integration of race and class. He argues that wealthy elites in the US have weaponized white racism to gain political power and amass excessive wealth. He believes we are living through a key moment in history where real change is possible. Integrating class and race will be an important and powerful driver of change.

Pandemic, Protests and Economic Disaster Jun 11, 2020

On this episode of ACC, Prof. Harvey talks about the recent events in Minneapolis, the assassination of George Floyd, the coronavirus and the fragile state of the US economy. What we have, her argues, is a collision of forces that require a response.

The Evolutionary Concept of Totality - Part 2 May 28, 2020

In this part 2 of 2, Prof. Harvey continues his talk about the totality of our capitalist economy. He contends that totality is not something that pre-exists, that can be uncovered through investigation. Rather it is something that is created through human activities and therefore is constantly evolving.

The Evolutionary Concept of Totality May 14, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey talks about the totality of our capitalist economy. He contends that totality is not something that pre-exists, that can be uncovered through investigation. Rather it is something that is created through human activities and therefore is constantly evolving.

Revolutionary Transformation Requires a Collective Response Apr 30, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey argues that we cannot survive this viral crisis without a radical reconfiguration of the social and institutional arrangements. Any revolutionary transformation of society has to operate across all dimensions: technology, relation to nature, social relations, production apparatuses, social reproduction, institutional arrangements, State apparatuses and mental conceptions.

Collective Form of Action Apr 16, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey argues that this crisis has afforded us an opportunity for significant change. With so many people out of work, freed up from producing wealth for the capitalist class, instead of hoping that things go back to normal, and people return to the low-paying, exploitative jobs, that we give serious thought to reorganizing our society and work to create something radically different.

Compensatory Consumerism Apr 02, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey talks about the areas of economic and daily life affected and disrupted by the Coronavirus outbreak (tourism, film festivals, sporting events, educational and cultural institutions) and what this means for capital accumulation and consumerism, and the possibilities it offers for creating an alternative form of social and political life.

Anti-Capitalist Politics in the time of Covid-19 Mar 19, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey talks about the factors and conditions that enables COVID-19 to become a pandemic and the ramifications for the economy and for social life.

A brief history of Neo-Liberalism [Repeat] Mar 06, 2020

Prof. David Harvey's pilot episode. He provides a quick history of the rise and growth of Neo-Liberalism.

Human Life vs.Capital Accumulation Feb 27, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey explores what the continuity of endless capital accumulation means to the continuity of human life.

How Capitalism Works Feb 14, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey breaks down how capitalism works and why it is important to examine the long-run evolution of capital and the long-run pressures placed on capital that inevitably make it unsustainable.

Totality and Capital Jan 30, 2020

In this episode, Prof. Harvey tackles the question of the relationship between cultural transformations and economic transformations and the roles technology and the nature play in relationship to our mental conceptions of the world.

Culture and War Jan 16, 2020

Prof. Harvey examines the role culture plays in war tactics. A vital part of Trump politics he contends has been to shift the way people think about their world; to transform cultural context of our societies.

From Fordism to Neoliberalism and Beyond Jan 02, 2020

In this first episode of season 2, Prof. Harvey talks about the massive economic problems the U.S. was faced with in the late 70s and 80s and how the crisis of 2008 was made clearer by that historical period. As we look ahead to 2020, there is opportunity for the left to make meaningful changes to economic conditions.

Global Unrest Dec 19, 2019

In this final episode of the season, Prof. Harvey starts with the protests in Chile and then talks about the unrest emerging all over the globe. Capitalism, particularly Neo-liberalism, is working for the 1% but is failing the rest of society. People are starting to notice and taking to the streets in protest.

Social Reproduction - Part 2 Dec 05, 2019

In this part 2 of 2, Prof. Harvey continues his conversation with CUNY Graduate Center Professor Cindi Katz about social reproduction and its relation and significance to capitalism's success.

Social Reproduction - Part 1 Nov 14, 2019

Prof. Harvey is joined by CUNY Graduate Center Professor Cindi Katz to discuss social reproduction and its relation and significance to capitalism's success.

GM Plant Closing Oct 31, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about the work of photographer Latoya Ruby Frazier who documents the news of the Lordstown, Ohio plant closing and the impact it had on the workers, families and community at large.

Trump’s attack on China Oct 17, 2019

At the recent UN summit, Trump berates China and vehemently declares it to be an enemy of the US. China’s predatory tactics according to Trump have destroyed the International order and are a clear attack on intellectual property rights. These words have serious implications warns Harvey.

Alienation - Part 2 Oct 03, 2019

In this part 2 of 2, Prof. Harvey continues his discussion of the alienation of labor and capital.

Alienation - Part 1 Sep 20, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about alienation of labor and capital and their relevance in helping us understand the relationships between politics and the economy.

The State of the US and Chinese Economies Aug 29, 2019

Prof. Harvey continues his discussion of rate and mass of surplus value. He argues that the emergence of the Equalization of the Rate of Profit (ERP) in the 1980s has been responsible for the transfer of value from labor-intensive to capital-intensive modes of production. Knowledge has become a valuable commodity that can be bought and sold in the market.

Rate vs. Mass of Surplus Value Aug 15, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about the rate and mass of surplus-value and explores why capital is more interested in the mass of surplus-value.that. It is in fact, the mass that gives capitalists wealth and power.

The Plastics Industry Aug 01, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about the Plastics industry, its impact on the environment, and how the forces of capital accumulation work hard to keep plastics in use.

CO2 Emissions and Climate Change Jul 18, 2019

A study from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed an unprecedented increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Prof. Harvey discusses the implications of the study, what the results mean for our environment and how and why capital accumulation is to blame.

Production and Realization Jun 20, 2019

Prof. Harvey answers the question of production and realization as it relates to today's economy and job market and the contemporary composition of the working class.

What is to be done? Who is going to do it and where? Jun 06, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about what is needed to move beyond capitalism, what are the crucial aspects of the social struggle that will take place in the coming years.

Accumulation by Dispossession May 23, 2019

Prof. Harvey argues that contemporary capitalism is heavily inflected towards accumulation by dispossession as opposed to accumulation through exploitation of living labor in production. Large capital takes over smaller capital and in the end you get a quasi monopolistic situation of the large capitalist dominating all else.

Primitive or Original Accumulation May 09, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about how capital came to power, the brutality and the violence with which capital came to be, and what it is.

Erosion of Consumer Choices Apr 25, 2019

Prof. Harvey discusses Marx's theory of Capital and its relevance today. Consumers have less and less autonomy. Their choices, even how they will spend their leisure time, are increasingly influenced by capitalists.

Rate and Mass of Growth Apr 11, 2019

Prof. Harvey talks about rate of growth vs. mass of growth, and argues that the latter, often ignored, is actually more significant and deserves careful consideration and analysis.

Social Media and the Internet as a Powerful Organizing Tool - Part 2 Mar 28, 2019

In part 2 of 2, Prof. Harvey continues the interview with Chris Caruso, Director of Education at The People's Forum. Chris is popular educator, community organizer, and educational technologist. He has been active for over 30 years in the movement to end poverty, led by the poor. In this interview, Caruso discusses with Harvey the pivotal role social media and the internet have had on the plight and fight of poor people's movements.

Social Media and the Internet as a Powerful Organizing Tool - Part 1 Mar 14, 2019

Prof. Harvey is joined by Chris Caruso, Director of Education at The People's Forum. Chris is popular educator, community organizer, and educational technologist. He has been active for over 30 years in the movement to end poverty, led by the poor. In this interview, Caruso discusses with Harvey the pivotal role social media and the internet have had on the plight and fight of poor people's movements.

The Geopolitics of Capitalism - Part 2 Feb 28, 2019

Part 2 of 2

Prof. Harvey continues his discussion of the geographical movement of capital over time and how it has shaped power relations.

The Geopolitics of Capitalism - Part 1 of 2 Feb 14, 2019

Prof. Harvey explores the geographical movement of capital over time and how it has shaped power relations.

The Conditions of Labor in China Jan 31, 2019

Prof. Harvey continues his discussion of the exponential growth of the Chinese economy and particularly its effect on the labor force.

The significance of China in the Global Economy Jan 17, 2019

The Chinese economy is now the 2nd largest in the world. Prof. Harvey argues that China's expansion saved capitalism after the 2008 crash.

Does Socialism Affect Freedom? Jan 03, 2019

Does socialism require the surrender of individual freedom? The realm of freedom begins when the realm of necessity is left behind. Is freedom of the market real freedom? And what about justice? Prof. Harvey tries to answer these questions and more.

The Value of Everything Dec 13, 2018

Prof. Harvey talks about Mariana Mazzucato's new book "The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy."

The Brazilian Elections Nov 29, 2018

Prof. Harvey talks about the recent Brazilian elections and the growing alliance between Neo-liberalism and Right-Wing Populism.

The Financialization of Power Nov 15, 2018

Financial services become part of GDP in the 1970s and legitimize the power of financial institutions.