The story of capitalism, as told by its critics

The story of capitalism, as told by its critics

From The Rhodes Center Podcast with Mark Blyth by Rhodes Center

December 12, 2025 · 33 min

About this episode

Mark Blyth discusses the history of capitalism and its critics with John Cassidy, who explores these themes in his new book.

For as long as this thing we call “capitalism” has existed, it has had its fair share of critics. (You’ve heard more than a few of them on this very podcast.) On this episode, Mark talks with someone whose new book makes clear that when it comes to understanding this globe-spanning economic system - where it came from, how it’s shaped our world, and where it’s going – those critics might be some of our best guides. John Cassidy is a staff writer at The New Yorker covering politics and economics, and his new book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History from the Industrial Revolution to AI,” tells the story of capitalism in a way you haven’t heard before. Learn more about and purchase “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History from the Industrial Revolution to AI”

People in this episode

Host: Mark Blyth

Guest: John Cassidy

Topics covered

  • capitalism
  • critics
  • economics
  • history
  • politics
  • book discussion

Keywords

  • capitalism
  • critics
  • John Cassidy
  • Mark Blyth
  • economics
  • The New Yorker
  • book review

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The New Yorker

Books & works: Capitalism and Its Critics: A History from the Industrial Revolution to AI

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