Rev Left Radio [BEST OF 2025] On Technofeudalism: Rent Seeking in Late Stage Monopoly Capitalism
Jan 2, 2026
Alyson and Breht dive into the intriguing concept of technofeudalism, exploring how cloud capital reshapes production relations. They critique the nostalgic views of 'pure' markets, arguing that enclosure intensifies rather than revolutionizes capitalism. The discussion highlights the parasitic nature of private equity and its impact on everyday life, from landlords to tech giants. The hosts warn against claiming capitalism is over, suggesting such narratives may destabilize pro-worker movements. They advocate for tenant organizing and ongoing struggles through trade unions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Techno-Feudalism As A Lens Not A Break
- Techno-feudalism frames late-stage monopoly capitalism as intensified enclosure and rent-seeking driven by tech monopolies.
- Breht and Alison stress it’s a useful lens but likely a transformation within capitalism, not a wholly new mode of production.
Cloud Capital And Enclosed Digital Fiefs
- Varoufakis calls this era 'techno-feudalism' and centers 'cloud capital' where user data and attention generate value without wages.
- He argues major platforms enclose markets and convert consumption into uncompensated value production resembling feudal relations.
Rent Seeking Sits On Wage Exploitation
- Wage exploitation still underpins all digital rent extraction; users’ unpaid activity depends on prior wage labor to afford devices and services.
- Breht calls current capitalism 'zombie capitalism' where monopolies increasingly favor rent-seeking over productive investment.