Sven Beckert

Sven Beckert, a Harvard historian and expert on capitalism, breaks down the complexities of capitalism's definition and history. He argues that capitalism isn't just about markets, but rather a specific logic of privately owned capital. Beckert challenges the idea that capitalism opposes the state, showing their historical interdependence. He explores capitalism's adaptability across political systems, its role in the Industrial Revolution, and the dynamics of wealth concentration versus social mobility. He emphasizes the need for democratic reforms to shape capitalism's direction and benefits.

Sven Beckert, a Harvard history professor and Pulitzer finalist, dives deep into the intricate evolution of capitalism. He explores how historical contexts shaped our current economic systems, challenging the myth of capitalism’s inevitability. Beckert discusses the adaptability of capitalism across political regimes and its intertwined relationship with state power. He emphasizes the potential for reimagining capitalist structures to align with moral and ecological principles, all while examining capitalism's complex roots in global trade and the impact of worker movements.

Sven Beckert, a Harvard historian and author renowned for his work on global economic history, teams up with John Coates, a Harvard Law professor focused on corporate governance. They delve into capitalism's evolution, highlighting its global roots and the diverse figures who have shaped it—from entrepreneurs to enslaved workers. Coates discusses the alarming rise of concentrated financial power and how index and private equity funds dominate corporate influence, raising democratic concerns. Their conversation urges a reconsideration of capitalism's future amidst pressing environmental and social challenges.

Sven Beckert, Laird Bell Professor of History at Harvard, offers a sweeping view of capitalism's evolution in his latest work. He challenges conventional Eurocentric narratives, arguing that capitalism was born global, emerging through diverse merchant communities. Beckert discusses the critical roles of labor, state-merchant coalitions, and how colonial practices propelled capitalism's expansion. He highlights the intertwined fates of technology and economics, all while advocating for a broader understanding that includes nonmarket domains like family and welfare.

Sven Beckert, Historiker und Professor an der Harvard University, diskutiert die komplexe Geschichte des Kapitalismus. Er erklärt, wie Neoliberalismus seit den 1970ern entstanden ist und analysiert die Hintergründe des amerikanischen Regimewechsels in Venezuela. Beckert thematisiert die Rolle von Sklaverei in der Kapitalismusgeschichte sowie den Einfluss von Harvard auf die Elitebildung. Zudem beleuchtet er den Zusammenhang zwischen Kapitalismus, staatlicher Gewalt und Kontrollmechanismen über unsere Aufmerksamkeit, während er einen Perspektivwechsel hin zu einer globalen Geschichte des Kapitalismus fordert.