Examining the Historical Relationship Between Capitalism and Race

A book review in The Nation examines Sylvie Laurent's 'Capital and Race: The History of a Modern Hydra,' exploring how capitalism and racial oppression have been historically intertwined. The review traces this intellectual history through figures like Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party, and George Padmore, who argued these systems cannot be separated. The analysis addresses ongoing debates within leftist movements about whether class politics and anti-capitalism can adequately address racial and colonial oppression.
The Nation publishes a book review examining Sylvie Laurent's work on the historical connections between capitalism and racial systems. The reviewer traces their own intellectual journey from studying the Black Freedom movement through exposure to Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party, who rejected the idea that race and capitalism developed independently. The review highlights George Padmore's 1937 statement that progressive movements must simultaneously fight fascism, imperialism, and colonialism, arguing that 'no people who oppress another people can themselves be free.' The piece engages with a longstanding debate within leftist and socialist movements about whether universal class politics can adequately address specific concerns of racial oppression, national liberation, and colonialism, or whether these must be treated as separate strategic priorities.
What's missing
The review excerpt is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, making it impossible to assess the full argument or conclusions about Laurent's book. No information is provided about the book's publication date, specific thesis, or critical reception beyond this single review.
What different sources said
- The NationFar Left
The Entwined History of Capitalism and Race in the Americas and Beyond
Related
Metropolitan Museum Opens 'Musical Bodies' Exhibition Exploring 4,000 Years of Human-Shaped Instruments
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has opened a new exhibition called "Musical Bodies" featuring approximately 130 instruments from around the world that incorporate human body shapes and forms. The show explores why musicians across cultures and centuries have designed instruments to resemble or represent the human body, from ancient Egyptian ivory clappers to Aztec death whistles. The exhibition demonstrates how music-making has been fundamental to human identity and expression throughout history.

Rush Delivers Spectacular Second Night of 'Fifty Something Tour' with New Lineup
Rush performed the second night of their first tour since 2015 at Los Angeles' Kia Forum, featuring a completely different setlist from night one and marking their first shows without drummer Neil Peart since 1974. The band, now featuring touring drummer Anika Nilles and keyboardist Loren Gold, played the full album '2112' for the first time since 1997 and debuted 10 new songs. The performance is significant as it demonstrates the revamped band's ability to honor Peart's legacy while establishing themselves as a functioning unit with new members.

New York Knicks Generate Unprecedented Cultural Phenomenon During 2026 NBA Finals
The New York Knicks are experiencing an extraordinary level of cultural attention during the 2026 NBA Finals, with measurable metrics showing search interest and ratings far exceeding typical sports events. The team's prominence has become so significant that it has drawn involvement from major political figures, including President Donald Trump and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The phenomenon reflects a rare convergence of factors that has made the Knicks inescapable across American culture in ways comparable to few other recent sports moments.