Richard D. Wolff

(Photo: Susannah Kay / The New York Times)

This article originally appeared at Truthout.org

Capitalism as a system is now increasingly challenged. Critics proliferate and steadily deepen their opposition (alongside, of course, the persistence of capitalism's defenders). Yet capitalism's traditional "other" -- namely, socialism -- has also been widely devalued. It has lost its position as the goal (however variously interpreted) for anti-capitalist social movements. When not simply ignored, socialism (and even more its derivative "communism") is often treated as utterly passé. When taken seriously, it is mostly a vague rhetorical gesture expressing criticism of the capitalist status quo, not advocacy of a concrete alternative. Socialist parties now mainly support capitalism but with a human face -- i.e. with the social supports and safety nets that their "conservative" counterparts disdain. 

On this week's show, Prof. Richard Wolff presents updates on Australian government taxes, big banks funding of Dakota Access Pipeline, meaning of French elections, Trump/GOP's plan to end estate taxes, and...READ MORE

This article originally appeared at Truthout.org 

Over the last century, capitalism has repeatedly revealed its worst tendencies: instability and inequality. Instances of instability include the Great Depression (1929-1941) and the Great Recession since 2008, plus eleven "downturns" in the US between those two global collapses. Each time, millions lost jobs, misery soared, poverty worsened and massive resources were wasted. Leaders promised...READ MORE

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Prof. Wolff provides updates on mistreated homeless, keeping millions from voting, 'I, Daniel Blake,' 3000 water systems like,Trump's foreign employees, unequal retirement USA, Sen Whitehouse on anti-science. READ MORE

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Prof. Wolff provides updates on politicians lying about economics, fines for big banks, Maine votes left, int students come less to US, Pebble Mine struggle, fading American dream. READ MORE

On this week's Economic Update, Prof. Wolff provides updates on cutting vaccine costs, shameful Harvard economics, Icelandic women on strike, and corporate merger mania. Major discussions of US medical care...READ MORE

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Prof. Wolff provides updates on US workers' productivity rising while wages flat since 2009, US corps evading taxes, Gallup Poll on poor US job picture, wealth of  billionaires enough, if redistributed, to change...READ MORE

Prof. Wolff joins BBC World Service's Business Matters to discuss capitalism, Marxism and worker co-ops.

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Prof. Wolff provides updates on Macy's closing 141 stores, Clinton campaign economics...READ MORE

“The Great Emerging Conflict: Capitalism vs Worker Coops”

Co-sponsored by Democracy at Work, Left Forum, and Judson Memorial Church

These programs begin with 30 minutes of short updates on important economic events of the last month. Then Prof. Wolff analyzes several major economic issues. For July 2016, these will include...READ MORE