Author Sohrab Ahmari discusses his new book 'Tyranny, Inc.' with guests Nina Power and Geoff Shullenberger. Topics range from power asymmetry in employment agreements to the political nature of Trump's prosecution. They also explore Russia's media strategy and delve into the significance of The Exorcist as a film about faith and declining quality of cinema.
Saraba Mari's book 'Tyranny, Inc.' exposes how private coercion affects the working class, advocating for workers' power and a fair distribution of social income.
Saraba Mari criticizes neoliberalism's dominance, calling for a return to politics over economics and market limitations to achieve the common good.
Deep dives
Tyranny Incorporated: A Manifesto for a Pro-Working Class Republican Party
Saraba Mari discusses the inspiration behind her new book Tyranny Incorporated, which examines how private coercion shapes and limits our lives. She initially pitched it as a manifesto for a pro-working class Republican Party and explores the misunderstanding and coercion faced by the working class in the US. Mari delves into various examples, including wage and scheduling precarity, lopsided employment agreements, non-disparagement agreements, and the impact of private equity on workers and public services. She advocates for restoring workers' countervailing power and a more balanced distribution of social income and power.
Catholic Social Thought and American Traditions
Mari situates her book within the American tradition, specifically the mid-century era that saw the rise of social democracy and the New Deal. She argues that this tradition aligns closely with Catholic social thought and the principles of countervailing power and collective bargaining. She criticizes the prevailing neoliberal ideology that governs politics and economics, emphasizing the importance of politics over economics and the need to limit markets in order to achieve the common good.
The Impact of Neoliberalism and Wokeness
Mari explores the link between neoliberalism's dismantling of worker protections and the rise of identity-based struggles, commonly referred to as 'wokeness.' She argues that as workers face increasing precarity and lack of power in the workplace, they turn to identities and grievances as a means of resistance. She suggests that restoring balance in power and improving economic conditions could address the underlying causes of wokeness.
The Legacy of William Friedkin
The podcast also discusses the work of director William Friedkin, particularly his films 'The Exorcist' and 'The French Connection.' The conversation highlights the profound and spiritual aspects of Friedkin's films, exploring themes of possession, identity, and the sacrifices of priests. Friedkin's unique vision and ability to create intense and captivating cinema are recognized, with a reflection on his impact on the horror genre and his contributions to cinematic art.
Sohrab's new book "Tyranny, Inc." drops, Alexei Navalny's setence is extended by 19 years, and "Exorcist" director William Friedkin dies. Sohrab Ahmari, Nina Power, and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.
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