logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
52m 27s

Capitalism: What Makes Us Free?

NPR
About this episode
What's the role of government in society? What do we mean when we talk about individual responsibility? What makes us free? 'Neoliberalism' might feel like a squishy term that's hard to define and understand. But this ideology, founded by a group of men in the Swiss Alps, is a political project that has dominated our economic system for decades. In the name of free market fundamentals, the forces behind neoliberalism act like an invisible hand, shaping almost every aspect of our lives.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Jul 30
The lightbulb conspiracy is both real and everywhere
Over the next few episodes, we present Hidden Histories: stories that will make you rethink how the world works. First up, the conspiracy behind the lightbulb—and how it came to shape the entire consumer economy. If you ever wondered why your tech outdates so quickly or just plai ... Show More
31m 49s
Jul 28
The license to be funny in America
One of the most fundamental aspects of American democracy has been the public’s ability to critique power, whether that’s through protest, legislation, or a really funny joke. Today, we take a romp into the history of American comedy, showing no matter how crude, rude, or distast ... Show More
20m 1s
Jul 23
The architect of modern China
From impoverishment to global superpower, China’s supremacy happened at a breakneck speed thanks to the visionary strategy of the man who took power in 1978. Over the next decade, under leader Deng Xiaoping’s firm leadership, China flirted with capitalism and transformed its soci ... Show More
37m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
Anarchy & Socialism | Mark Lance
<p>Can we construct a society free of state coercion and inequality? Is there a place for Capitalism in that society? &nbsp;</p> <p>Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail</p> 
1h 1m
Jan 2000
Economic Rights
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss economic rights. Is democracy the truest conduit of capitalism, or do the forces that make us rich run counter to the democratic institutions that safeguard our rights? The economist Milton Friedman once said, “If freedom weren’t so economically ef ... Show More
27m 41s
Dec 2020
Free Market Capitalism
For much of its history, America is a country that has valued free markets, allowed people to pursue their interests, and created opportunity for anyone, without too much government intervention.  But now, as capitalism falters, and the rich move their money out of the country, v ... Show More
36m 1s
Jun 2024
Episode #202 ... Why we can't think beyond capitalism. - Neoliberalism (Mark Fisher, Capitalist Realism)
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Mark Fisher surrounding his concept of Capitalism Realism. We talk about the origins of Neoliberalism, it's core strategies, some critiques of Neoliberalism, and the hyperfocus on individualism and competition that has come to define a ... Show More
35m 16s
May 2020
Season 1, Ep 2 - Creative Destruction Illusion of Control
We have lost a sense of control in our lives.  How will political and business leaders approach the future and more importantly how will we refocus our financial growth as individuals and as a nation?  What we choose to do now will shape our future. Hear from Futurist Mark Pesce, ... Show More
30m 49s
Aug 2020
Intro Econ 5: Trade & Santa
The economics of free trade and what happens when governments get involved. | Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy ... Show More
24m 55s
Oct 2024
FDR’s New Deal: Good or Bad?
Is it time for conservatives to rethink free markets? What’s the proper role of tariffs? And is the administrative state really that bad? Author and New Right intellectual Sohrab Ahmari joins me to discuss the legacy of the New Deal and what it means to pursue the common good. Le ... Show More
51m 38s
Oct 2021
Freedom
Freedom: Laurie Taylor explores an unruly & disputed concept. Annelien de Dijn, Professor of Modern Political History at Utrecht University, asks how it came to be identified with limited government. Does our view of freedom owe more to the enemies of democracy than the liberty l ... Show More
28m 12s
Apr 2025
110 | What is Liberalism? Part VI. Possessive Individualism and the Collapsing Order
<p>In this episode, the boys talk about C.B. Macpherson’s insightful text <em>The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism</em>. Macpherson holds that liberal political theory from Hobbes to Locke is correct in its premises, since like it or not we basically all are defined b ... Show More
54m 47s