New Books Network brian bean, "Their End Is Our Beginning: Cops, Capitalism, and Abolition" (Haymarket, 2025)
Nov 4, 2025
In this insightful discussion, brian bean, a Chicago-based socialist organizer and author, delves into the evolution of policing and its ties to capitalism. They argue that policing emerges from colonialism and class oppression, presenting a robust case for abolition. Bean shares lessons from global activists, highlighting the intersection of race and police violence, and debunking common myths about crime. They envision a post-police future centered on community safety and democratic control, fostering solidarity among radicalized youth and activists.
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Policing As Capitalism's Main Tool
- Policing is the chief tool the billionaire class uses to reproduce capitalism and suppress popular struggle.
- Ending policing is a necessary first step toward building a democratic, egalitarian society.
Global Origins Through Elite Experimentation
- Modern policing emerged from global elites experimenting with ways to control urbanized, colonized, and enslaved populations.
- Different models (slave patrols, colonial constabularies, metropolitan police) mixed into a global policing form by the mid-19th century.
Abolition Requires An International Lens
- Seeing policing as an international institution links abolition to internationalism and global movement-building.
- Police departments share training, technologies, and tactics across borders, so abolition must also be transnational.
