

Vivek Chibber
Sociologist and Marxist scholar focused on political economy and social theory, known for work on class, capitalism, and left strategy; in this episode he analyzes the tendency of the rate of profit to fall and advocates public investment and selective nationalization as a social-democratic strategy.
Top 10 podcasts with Vivek Chibber
Ranked by the Snipd community

51 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 50min
This Is How Industrial Policy Can Go Bad
Vivek Chibber, an NYU sociology professor and author specializing in development, dives into the complexities of industrial policy. He highlights current US efforts in clean energy and semiconductors, questioning their effectiveness. Chibber discusses the political conditions necessary for these policies to succeed, warning about the risks of monopolies and lack of competition. He contrasts successful cases like South Korea with the hurdles faced in India, emphasizing the delicate balance between state support and market dynamics.

39 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Doomscroll 20: Vivek Chibber
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at New York University and author of notable works like Confronting Capitalism, dives into critical discussions. He critiques the left's current obsession with identity politics, arguing it weakens radical scholarship on capitalism. Chibber emphasizes the disconnect between leftist ideology and the realities of the working class. He advocates for integrating labor into environmental movements and revisiting the foundational principles of socialism for meaningful change.

37 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 38min
Confronting Capitalism: Don’t Cry for USAID
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives deep into the role of USAID in U.S. foreign policy. He reveals how the agency, often seen as a humanitarian force, serves as a tool for expanding American influence. Chibber discusses USAID's controversial involvement in Vietnam, the duality of its actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ethical implications of its operations. He advocates for a reevaluation of foreign aid, urging a more humanitarian and multilateral approach to truly serve affected communities.

27 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 37min
Confronting Capitalism: Economic Populism at a Crossroads
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst Journal, delves into the current crisis facing the Democratic Party. He discusses how recent polls reveal that working-class voters favor economic issues over divisive cultural ones. Chibber critiques the party's focus on identity politics, arguing it alienates potential supporters. He explores the tension between centrist strategies and the need for bold, social-democratic reforms to truly engage the electorate and ensure long-term success.

23 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 42min
Confronting Capitalism: Socialism in the 21st Century
Vivek Chibber, an NYU sociology professor and editor of Catalyst Journal, dives into the evolution of socialist politics in contemporary America. He distinguishes between social democracy and socialism, while reflecting on the Bernie Sanders movement's impact. Chibber emphasizes the need for a cohesive leftist agenda focused on real economic issues, critiques capitalism’s role in perpetuating inequality, and highlights the importance of labor movements in shaping social welfare. His insights provide a roadmap for the Left moving forward.

22 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 30min
America Has No Left Wing with Vivek Chibber
Vivek Chibber, an NYU professor and a key voice in leftist discourse, dives deep into America's political landscape, revealing how it essentially operates with two right-wing parties. He discusses the challenges facing the left, including fleeting protests and the historical absence of a robust left-wing organization. Chibber emphasizes the need for grassroots movements to build authentic relationships with the working class and revitalize labor activism. He also critiques contemporary identity politics, advocating for a renewed focus on class solidarity in social justice efforts.

21 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 29min
Doomscroll 37: Vivek Chibber
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and author of 'Confronting Capitalism,' dives into the evolving landscape of socialism in 2025. He discusses why workers are vital to challenging capitalism and neoliberalism, emphasizing labor organization as a path to reform. Chibber debunks myths surrounding social democracy's productivity and argues for a disciplined leftist party. He promotes the Meidner plan for worker ownership and outlines practical steps toward decommodifying essentials like healthcare and education, all while advocating for slow, strategic progress toward socialism.

21 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 52min
Confonting Capitalism: Reform and Revolution
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor and editor of Catalyst, dives into the evolution of social democracy. He discusses its historical roots and how its initial revolutionary ambitions shifted towards reforming capitalism. Chibber explores the impact of the welfare state, the debates between reform and revolution, and how democratic rights changed the landscape for radical movements. He critiques the contemporary American left's focus, advocating for a revival of class-struggle politics. A thought-provoking look at the intersection of social democracy and capitalism!

21 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 39min
Confronting Capitalism: Why Neoliberalism Won
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives deep into the dynamics of neoliberalism. He outlines how neoliberal ideas overshadowed Keynesianism, driven more by class forces than appeal. The conversation highlights how elite institutions shape idea influence, arguing that academic debates had little role in adopting these policies. Vivek emphasizes the importance of social organization for the left to regain political relevance and proposes that misdiagnosing causes leads to misguided solutions. A thought-provoking discussion on power and ideas!

21 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 54min
Confronting Capitalism: The Origins of Capitalism
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives into the origins of capitalism and critiques the colonial plunder narrative often blamed for its rise. He argues that money alone doesn't create capitalism; it requires social structures that enable profit-driven investment. Chibber contrasts Spain and Portugal's wealth with England's capitalist development, emphasizing the role of dispossession in transforming societies. He also debates the myth that Protestantism triggered capitalism, highlighting the significance of ongoing structural changes instead.


