Rev Left Radio [BEST OF 2025] On Technofeudalism: Rent Seeking in Late Stage Monopoly Capitalism
Jan 2, 2026
Alyson and Breht dive into the intriguing concept of technofeudalism, exploring how cloud capital reshapes production relations. They critique the nostalgic views of 'pure' markets, arguing that enclosure intensifies rather than revolutionizes capitalism. The discussion highlights the parasitic nature of private equity and its impact on everyday life, from landlords to tech giants. The hosts warn against claiming capitalism is over, suggesting such narratives may destabilize pro-worker movements. They advocate for tenant organizing and ongoing struggles through trade unions.
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Digital Enclosures Mirror Primitive Accumulation
- Digital 'enclosures' parallel early capitalist enclosures: internet commons became privatized platforms controlling access and markets.
- Alison notes Varoufakis argues markets themselves are being enclosed by algorithmic platforms like Amazon.
Update Theory, Then Localize Action
- Organizers must update Marxist analysis to new capitalist forms by studying rent-seeking and platform power.
- Use contemporary theory critically and apply it to local conditions rather than accepting novelty claims uncritically.
Rent Seeking Defined And Centralized
- 'Rent-seeking' means extracting income without producing new wealth, visible in landlords, insurers, and platform intermediaries.
- Alison and Breht stress this parasitic extraction is central to late financialized capitalism.