Jacobin Radio

Behind the News: Marx in America w/ Andrew Hartman

Jun 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Paolo Gerbaudo, an economic sociologist from Complutense University, reveals BYD's remarkable rise as a powerhouse in the electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, Andrew Hartman, a history professor and author of 'Karl Marx in America,' delves into the complex and evolving presence of Marxist thought in U.S. culture, tracing its influences from the Cold War to the present. Together, they explore the intersection of economic strategies and historical narratives, shedding light on how these dynamics shape contemporary politics.
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INSIGHT

Japanese Auto Industry's Impact

  • Japan’s auto industry success 50 years ago challenged Western Fordist models.
  • It introduced flexible production and high quality that reshaped global car manufacturing.
INSIGHT

BYD's Vertical Integration

  • BYD heavily vertical integrates 70% of car components internally.
  • This contrasts with outsourced post-Fordist models and suits rapid EV tech evolution.
INSIGHT

China's Market Socialism Strategy

  • China uses state-driven engineered Darwinism with many competing firms.
  • Massive subsidies and provincial policies create global EV champions like BYD.
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