The following interview originally appeared in German at Telepolis but this is the first publication of the English translation.
David Goessmann: In the book “Consequences of Capitalism,” you and Marv Waterstone point to three central consequences of capitalism: the environmental and climate crisis, military escalation, and the neoliberal hollowing out of the economy and society. To what extent is capitalism responsible for these developments? And: What role do politics, the media and other social groups play in the escalation of the crisis?
Noam Chomsky: A few preliminary clarifications are necessary. Adam Smith’s framework is a useful one for addressing the topic. As he discussed, the “Masters of mankind”–in his day, the merchants and manufacturers of England–are the “principal architects” of government policy, and ensure that their own interests are protected however “grievous” the effects on the population. Perceptive words, which continue to apply.
The Masters understand this, and act decisively to ensure that they are protected from the ravages of the market, while others are subjected to them.
— source commondreams.org | Jul 28, 2022