Neoliberalism, Neofeudalism, and Precarity: A Response to Albena Azmanova and Jodi Dean

Authors

Panos Tsoukalis, The New School / World Inequality DatabaseFollow

Keywords

neoliberalism, neofeudalism, precarity, inequality, asset managers, big tech, rentier, brahmin left, platforms

Document Type

Radical Critical Theory Circle's Symposium 'Thinking Capitalism in the 21st Century'

Abstract

This is a response to the articles of Albena Azmanova and Jodi Dean included in this issue, exploring the intersections and divergences in their analyses of contemporary capitalism. I argue that the lens of neofeudalism that Jodi Dean invites us to entertain can offer a different explanation of Albena Azmanova’s diagnosis of contemporary capitalism. Notably, I propose that capitalism’s neofeudalising tendencies contribute to the rise of inequality, the decline of class politics, and the increase of monopoly power. Contrary to Jodi Dean though, I will claim that there were two crucial transformations of contemporary capitalism that spearheaded the emergence of neofeudalism: the rise to prominence of Big Tech and asset management companies after the 2008 global financial crisis.

Recommended Citation

Tsoukalis, Panos (2024) "Neoliberalism, Neofeudalism, and Precarity: A Response to Albena Azmanova and Jodi Dean," Emancipations: A Journal of Critical Social Analysis: Vol. 3: Iss. 3, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2765-8414.1109
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/emancipations/vol3/iss3/10