David McNally

Clara E. Mattei, an economist and author, dives into how economic doctrines paved the way for austerity and authoritarianism. David McNally, a historian and editor, highlights the parallels between today and the interwar period, arguing austerity remains a tool for state control. They discuss the critical role of social reproduction workers in resisting austerity measures. The talk delves into the intertwining of neoliberalism and authoritarianism and the need for grassroots organizing against austerity. Their insights challenge us to rethink economic strategies in today’s political landscape.

David McNally, a Marxist historian and author of "Slavery and Capitalism," joins Oklahoma legislator Michelle McCane to explore the intertwined fates of slavery and capitalism. They discuss how plantation slavery fueled global capitalism, the concept of 'legal corruption' embedded in governance, and the challenges of austerity on education funding. McNally also highlights the everyday resistance of enslaved people, while McCane sheds light on local political pressures. Together, they emphasize the importance of grassroots struggle in achieving true freedom.

David McNally, Cullen Distinguished Professor of History and Business at the University of Houston, dives deep into his groundbreaking work on slavery and capitalism. He argues that slavery was intrinsically linked to capitalist production, presenting enslaved labor as a form of collective resistance. McNally critiques traditional views of individual freedom, advocating for a communal understanding. He also introduces the concept of the 'chattel proletariat,' urging a reevaluation of labor history to highlight the agency of enslaved workers.