Unpacking the Southern Roots and Impact of Neoliberalism: A Discussion with Connor Harney

Can neoliberalism be truly understood without examining its Southern roots? In this episode, Marxist writer and thinker Connor Harney joins us to unpack the complex history and dynamics behind the rise and persistence of neoliberalism. We trace its origins back to the 1970s, focusing on the American Southeast, dissecting how anti-war sentiments, financial crises, and the defeat of unions have shaped this ideology. Through a critical examination of labor-intensive industries, racial segregation, and state violence, we reveal why the South resisted unionization and how this resistance influenced the national economic landscape.

We also explore the origins of corporate paternalism and its implications for modern work environments. By investigating North Carolina's Research Triangle Park and early public-private partnerships, we uncover how companies like IBM set the stage for what would become the Silicon Valley model. Our discussion highlights the broader implications of Southern industrialization, including the stark contrasts in worker wages and living conditions between the North and the South. We dive deep into the contradictions of Southern exceptionalism and its impact on American racial dynamics, exposing the myth that the South alone carries the burden of racism.

Finally, we tackle the rise and fall of neoliberalism and the collapse of social contracts. Through a historical lens, we connect the plantation system, feudal landholding, and modern labor exploitation, showing how these systems perpetuate economic serfdom. We reflect on the Southern influence on neoliberal policies, legislative movements to curtail collective bargaining rights, and the critical need for unionization in the South to ensure the success of labor movements nationwide. This episode challenges oversimplified narratives and provides nuanced insights into the economic and racial complexities that continue to shape the United States.

The following works are referenced:
Ending the Eternal Present: A Historical Account of the 1970s
Textile Mills to Mainframes

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Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
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