

#113 - Inverted Totalitarianism and the Corporate State: Chris Hedges Interviews Princeton Professor Sheldon Wolin
Sep 22, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Chris Hedges interviews Sheldon Wolin, a distinguished Princeton political scientist known for his insights on democracy. They dive into the concept of inverted totalitarianism, which depicts a democracy seemingly governed by corporate interests rather than the people. Wolin distinguishes between classical and modern forms of totalitarianism, critiques the impact of capitalism on democratic foundations, and discusses challenges to civic engagement. The conversation urges for grassroots movements to combat corporate influence and re-establish genuine democratic principles.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Contrasting Totalitarianism: Political vs Economic Power
03:12 • 3min
Capitalism vs. Democracy: A Cold War Legacy
06:30 • 19min
The New Deal's Legacy and Inverted Totalitarianism
25:07 • 14min
The Shift in Political Science and Its Implications
38:43 • 2min
Understanding Inverted Totalitarianism and the Social Contract
40:25 • 2min
Economic Insecurity and Democratic Engagement
42:20 • 22min
Politics and Corporate Interests
01:04:48 • 17min
Inverted Totalitarianism and Political Demobilization
01:21:59 • 13min
Echoes of Conflict: Military Reflections and Academic Struggles
01:35:04 • 14min
Princeton's Anti-Apartheid Awakening
01:48:36 • 9min
Superpower and Inverted Totalitarianism
01:57:55 • 13min
Fragmentation in Capitalist Society
02:10:28 • 7min
Victimhood and Democracy: A Complex Dynamic
02:17:21 • 15min
Challenges of Participatory Democracy
02:32:04 • 22min
The Urgency of Collective Action Against Corporate Exploitation
02:54:01 • 2min
Civic Virtue in the Age of Bureaucracy
02:56:27 • 6min