The Global Industrial Complex: Systems of Domination

(Paperback)

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The Global Industrial Complex: Systems of Domination is a groundbreaking collection of essays by a diverse set of leading scholars who examine the entangled and evolving global array of corporate-state structures of hegemonic powerwhat the editors refer to as the power complexthat was first analyzed by C. Wright Mills in his 1956 classic work, The Power Elite. In this new volume edited by Steven Best, Richard Kahn, Anthony J. Nocella II, and Peter McLaren, the power complex is conceived as co-constituted, interdependent and imbricated systems of domination. Spreading insidiously on a global level, the transnational institutional relationships of the power complex combine the logics of capitalist exploitation and profits and industrialist norms of efficiency, control, and mass production, While some have begun to analyze these institutional complexes as separate entities, this book is unique in analyzing them as overlapping, mutually-enforcing systems that operate globally and which will undoubtedly frame the macro-narrative of the 21st century (and perhaps beyond). The global industrial complexa grand power complex of complexesthus poses one of the most formidable challenges to the sustainability of planetary democracy, freedom and peace today. But there can be no serious talk of opposition to it until it is more popularly named and understood. The Global Industrial Complex aims to be a foundational contribution to this emerging educational and political project.

Reviews

This volume consists of high-quality essays addressing "the global industrial complex dominated by capitalist growth and profit imperatives, bureaucratic efficiency requirements, technological mass production of standardization, and hierarchical administration." A beginning essay by Noam Chomsky sets the stage. The following 11 essays treat topics such as the corporate war economy, the security industrial complex, and the linkage between the media and the military. Ward Churchill's outstanding chapter on the history of government repression is a high point of the volume. Surprisingly, Churchill, famous for his extensive analysis of government mistreatment of Native Americans, does not address this subject except for including the American Indian Movement in a list of organizations that have been targeted. Toby Miller's much shorter study also requires special notice. Miller shows how the government has been able to influence the media, which has been more than willing to produce material that serves propagandist purposes. Singling out these two contributions is not intended to diminish the importance of the other contributions. The essays are well written and devoid of unnecessary jargon. The book's structure is such that students will find it especially useful in terms of research in these subjects, and specialists will also profit from this collection. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * Choice Reviews *
With capitalism battering the Third World and forcing the First World to lower its expectations of opportunity, human rights and a future, getting an unflinching, intelligent look at so-called recessions, superprofits and resistance is needed more than ever. Who better to illuminate politics, social movements and finance than this constellation of authors None better can present matters of such urgency as accessibly or sharply. -- Ernesto Aguilar, Program Director, KPFT, Pacifica Radio
The Global Industrial Complex makes an immense contribution to the literature by engaging the key thoughts and ideas of some of the most important, influential and outspoken public intellectuals of our time. In doing so the book provides not only a searing and devastating critique of contemporary capitalist society, but also engages in a full frontal assault on the poverty of imagination evident in those who refuse to believe that there are real alternatives, and that active resistance is necessary to achieve them. It deserves to be read widely. -- Richard White, Reader in Economic Geography, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
At a time when it is increasingly more difficult to find insightful and accessible work challenging the structural and ideological foundations of neoliberal economic savagery, The Global Industrial Complex: Systems of Domination provides a key resource for such a task. This is a wide ranging and thoughtful book that not only critically analyzes the deepening and myriad forms of global market authoritarianism but also offers the theoretical tools to challenge it. A must read for anyone concerned about the promise of a real democracy and the economic, political, and cultural forces subverting it. -- Henry Giroux, McMaster University and author of Beyond the Spectacle of Terrorism: Global Uncertainty and The Challenge of the New Media
Human society is organized in a way that privileges a tiny minority at the expense of the vast majority of humanity and to the detriment of the entirety of the non-human world. With this collection, Best, Kahn, Nocella, and McLaren intervene in that and ask the question: 'Might things be done another way' The answer, of course, is a resounding 'Yes!' Read this book and join us in creating a world free of the constraints placed on us by domination in all of its myriad forms! -- Deric Shannon, co-author of Political Sociology: Oppression, Resistance, and the State
This penetrating, insightful book written by a collection of the worlds most prominent public intellectuals, is a skilled combination of lucid explanation and cogently argued critique of what the contributors term the 'global industrial complex'. The authors combine scholarship with insight, erudition with moral passion as they critique the fundamental direction in which our world is moving financially, politically and economically. The conclusions are radical and profound. No activist, academic or student can afford to ignore their arguments. -- Susan L. Thomas, Director, Gender and Women's Studies; Associate Professor, Gender and Women's Studies and Political Science, Hollins University
In this book, leading American radical scholars provide important insights into interlocking networks of power under global capitalism. This fine collection of essays is a useful tool for those seeking to understand and alter the corporate structures that dominate our world. -- John Sorenson, Professor of Sociology, Brock University
An excellent, well-researched, and richly informed compendium on the nature of global exploitation and power, a nourishing corrective to the vapid evasions we are usually fed. -- Michael Parenti, author of The Face of Imperialism and God and His Demons

Author Bio

Steven Best is associate professor of humanities and philosophy at University of Texas, El Paso.
Richard Kahn is core faculty in education at Antioch University Los Angeles.
Peter McLaren is a professor in the school of critical studies in education at University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Anthony J. Nocella II is visiting professor in the School of Education at Hamline University.