The Rise & Fall of Capitalism

In this episode of Diabolical Lies, the hosts delve into a critical analysis of capitalism, questioning its fundamental assumptions and promises. They discuss the podcast's business plan to redistribute a third of their net profits to progressive causes, starting with donations to Run for Something and a reproductive justice collective. The hosts challenge the notion that capitalism is natural or the sole driver of innovation, highlighting the role of government investment in major technological advancements and the system's reliance on exploitation and historical injustices like slavery and colonialism. They critique the idea that socialism has never worked, pointing to U.S. interventionism and the violent suppression of socialist movements globally. The conversation explores the inherent contradictions within capitalism, such as the prioritization of exchange value over use value, the conflict between capital and labor, and the tendency towards monopoly power, ultimately questioning whether capitalism has already failed and what alternative economic systems might offer a more equitable and sustainable future.