1Dime Radio The False Hope Industry (Ft. Benjamin Studebaker)
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Jul 26, 2024 
Join political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, who holds a PhD from Cambridge, as he dives into the complexities of American democracy. He discusses his book on the chronic crisis facing this system, exploring power dynamics, the impact of economic narratives, and the disconnect between political elites and everyday citizens. The conversation also touches on the challenges of labor movements and the evolving role of faith in politics, highlighting the intricate web of societal divides and the meaning of democracy in contemporary life.
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Capital Mobility Explains Democratic Limits
- Capital mobility, not just elections, explains why modern states struggle to deliver economic security.
- Benjamin Studebaker argues democracies pivot to culture war and representation when they cannot control mobile capital.
Symbolic Representation Replaces Real Action
- Representation becomes symbolic when states can't act on economic problems, so politics emphasizes standing-for rather than acting-for.
- This fuels culture wars and fear narratives to keep voters engaged despite policy impotence.
Procedures Don't Shield Economies
- Procedural reforms alone cannot fix economic problems created by global capital flows.
- Studebaker warns that European-style institutions don't stop tax cuts or austerity under capital mobility pressures.