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/331/ The Zone (pt. 1) ft. Quinn Slobodian (Patreon)

Published:
2023-04-04 06:00:59
Imported:
2026-06
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On cracked-up capitalism.Historian of ideas Quinn Slobodian joins us again, this time to discuss his latest book, Crack-up Capitalism – the vision of a global capitalism with its constituent nation-states perforated by ‘zones’ shorn of any national oversight or democratic accountability. We talk through these archetypal zones encompassing deregulation, investment and sweatshop labour, ranging from the glittering city scapes of Hong Kong, Singapore and Canary Wharf to forgotten zones such as Ciskei in apartheid South Africa as well as the gated communities of California and bit-coin paradise Honduras.

We also talk about archetypal crack-up capitalists such as Peter Thiel, William Rees-Mogg and Milton Friedman’s offspring. How did crack-up capitalism feature in the Tory vision of Brexit? Plus, why is Dominic Cummings the one true Singaporean, and why do crack-up capitalists love medieval LARPing?

Readings:

Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy, Quinn Slobodian

The Ciskei experiment: a libertarian fantasy in apartheid South Africa, Quinn Slobodian, The Guardian

/115/ Singapore Shangri-La ft. Lee Jones

As special enclaves proliferate, what are the consequences for democracy?, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, The Spectator

Dominic Cummings understands Singapore. The Tories still don’t, Quinn Slobodian, The Spectator

Crack-up Capitalism video trailer, Twitter

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Comments

Christoph Iselin

Many thanks for the interesting book discussion, book order went out recently. A recurring theme in Globalist and also this new book is the idea of shielding capitalism from democracy. I'd argue this is mirrored by the recurrence of debates about more "direct democracy" or "citizen councils" in left-wing circles, to "challenge the corrupted and heavily lobbied" parliaments of representative democracy. I challenge that antagonising conceptualisation of democracy vs capitalism, based on Fritz Bartels's Book as one historical example. But also on empirical evidence. Switzerland, where I come from and live has extensive democratic possibilities for its citizens, which are primarily used to stimulate right-wing cultural grievances. In the last 20 years, so far every left-wing attempt, be it one additional week of holiday, 4000 $ minimum salary, max salaries, more pension etc. have all been rejected with huge margins (>60% NO). This, combined with continued support for low taxes and limited regulation makes Switzerland often the poster child for American rightwingers (not to forget our liberal gun laws relative to other european countries). While that undersells the huge public investments in infrastructure and a surprising amount of fixed prices, overall id argue Switzerland is a good case study that neoliberal capitalism and democracy can go hand in hand.

Blake

Been waiting for this book for half a year, Globalists was a great read. Lots of interesting details, especially with the inter-neoliberal feud on South Africa between Röpke and Hayek and Hayek's almost Taoist idea of the unknowability of the market.

Carson H

Best guest since Dylan Riley. I’m gonna have “zones” on the brain after this.