Jacobin Radio w/ Suzi Weissman: Economic Weirdness w/ Robert Brenner
Suzi talks to economic historian Robert Brenner to get his understanding of this strange economic moment. What makes it strange? Inflation has dampened spending, the economy is shrinking, and many call it "shaky." Yet profits are strong and soaring, especially in the energy sector, in part because of Russia’s war on Ukraine. And job growth continues. Despite wage increases, workers’ wages overall are still lagging, but CEO pay is skyrocketing—and the Fed continues to raise interest rates to curb inflation. Are they trying to induce a “mild” recession, avoid one, or what? The moment is unique…
The skinny
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