Quinn Slobodian

Quinn Slobodian, a Wellesley College history professor and author of 'Crack-Up Capitalism,' teams up with Philip J. Stern, an associate professor at Duke University known for 'Empire, Incorporated.' They delve into the roles of corporations in shaping governance and democracy, highlighting the East India Company's nuanced history. The conversation unpacks 'archipelago capitalism' and critiques oversimplified narratives of colonialism, examining how imaginative economic theories influence real-world practices and state power dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Quinn Slobodian, a historian known for his insights into neoliberalism, and Philip J. Stern, an authority on the British Empire's legal and business histories, delve into the complexities of political economy. They unpack Adam Smith's theories while revealing how corporations shaped imperial governance. Discussions also focus on Slobodian's critique of capitalism's fragmentation and the repercussions for global politics today. Together, they shed light on the enduring influences of history on contemporary economic structures.

Quinn Slobodian, a historian and professor at Wellesley College, explores the precarious state of modern capitalism. He discusses the rise of special economic zones and their impact on democracy, emphasizing tensions between political freedoms and economic efficiency. The conversation shifts to 'CEO democracy,' critiquing how business principles infiltrate governance. Slobodian also examines anarcho-capitalism and its historical roots, along with the implications of tech companies gaining governance-like power, questioning our future freedom in an increasingly fractured landscape.