Capitalisn't

When Capitalism Becomes Tyranny, with Sohrab Ahmari

Nov 2, 2023

Author Sohrab Ahmari discusses his book 'Tyranny Inc.' which explores the concentration of economic power and its impact on personal freedoms. The conversation touches on neoliberalism, the neglect of power in neoclassical economics, the exploitation of bankruptcy laws, and the struggle with compromise in American society.

46:46

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Episode guests

Sohrab Ahmari

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Quick takeaways

The concentration of economic power in a few corporations has led to a new form of tyranny in America, highlighting the overlooked power dynamics and coercive nature of the market system.

Bankruptcy processes favor large debtors, shielding them from accountability while working against consumers, workers, and smaller actors, revealing the need for regulations to address private coercion.

Deep dives

Critique of Neoliberalism

The podcast delves into the critique of neoliberalism, which emphasizes the use of market mechanisms to solve societal problems. It discusses how neoliberalism has been under attack from both the left and the right, with the right-wing criticisms being more surprising. The episode explores the book by Sirab Amary, "Tellinique Inc.", which highlights the commonly overlooked power dynamics and coercive aspects of the market system. The book's argument resonates with the speaker, as it challenges the neoclassical economic view that ignores power dynamics and the coercive nature of markets.

Introduction

2min

The Development of Neoliberalism and the Critique of Power Imbalance

11min

Bankruptcy Laws and Court Shopping

25min

Thoughts on the Authenticity and Unique Perspective of the Guest

2min

Compromise and Lack of Philosophy

4min

Honesty, Religious Beliefs, and Willingness to Compromise

3min

In his new book, Sohrab Ahmari argues that the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few corporations has created a new form of tyranny in America. "Coercion is far more widespread in supposedly noncoercive societies than we would like to think—provided we pay attention to private power and admit the possibility of private coercion," he writes.

Ahmari, founder and editor of Compact magazine, joins Bethany and Luigi to discuss his book, "Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty--and What to Do About It." In this episode, they discuss the complex relationship between capitalism, personal freedoms, and political power. The conversation sheds light on what classical liberalism ignores, how today's Right is discovering what the Left may have forgotten, and ultimately, where today's political Left and Right may be able to work together.

Show Notes: Also check out two previous episodes mentioned in this conversation:

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Capitalisn't

When Capitalism Becomes Tyranny, with Sohrab Ahmari

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Critique of Neoliberalism

Bankruptcy and Private Coercion

Arbitration System and Decline of Workers' Power

Toward a Socially Managed Market

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts