The recent launch of “Insidious Capital,” edited by Don Kalb, marked a significant moment in the ongoing academic discussions on globalised capitalism. This book, unveiled during the 10th anniversary of the Bergen Exchanges on Law & Social Transformation, brings together a team of anthropologists and geographers to explore the intricate concept of “value and values” within the context of contemporary capitalism.
The Insidious Nature of Capital
The book introduces the concept of “insidious capital,” highlighting the subtle and pervasive ways capitalism infiltrates and transforms various aspects of life. The book emphasises that while individuals may harbour moral critiques of the system, they are often deeply dependent on it, leading to a complex dialectic of collusion and resistance. This theme underscores the nuanced and often contradictory relationship between individuals and the capitalist system.
The book underscores the necessity of examining capitalism from a global perspective, considering the interconnectedness of different regions. This approach challenges the often-Eurocentric focus prevalent in academic discourse, advocating for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global capitalism.
Beyond Economic Analysis
“Insidious Capital” transcends traditional economic analysis to explore the cultural, social, and environmental implications of capitalist expansion. It examines how capitalism shapes values, identities, and social relationships, as well as its impact on the natural world. It also implicitly addresses the role of law and legal institutions. By examining how governments and social actors employ legal strategies to shape societies and advance their goals, the book contributes to our understanding of the intersection between law and social transformation. This holistic approach offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and contradictions inherent in contemporary capitalism.
Broader Context and Future Directions
The book launch featured insightful commentary from esteemed scholars – Carmeliza Rosario, Anwesha Dutta and Geir Henning Presterudstuen and engaging discussions on the themes addressed in the book. Carmeliza Rosario from the Chr. Michelsen Institute, in her remarks emphasised the need for a more inclusive approach to studying global capitalism, particularly in relation to marginalised regions such as Africa. Rosario called for further ethnographic research to explore people’s diverse experiences within the capitalist system.
Anwesha Dutta, also from the Chr. Michelsen Institute focused on the environmental and social consequences of capitalist development. She discussed the impact of urban expansion and resource extraction on landscapes and ecosystems, raising critical questions about resilience and adaptation in the face of capitalist transformation.
Geir Henning Presterudstuen from the University of Bergen highlighted the book’s contribution to understanding the dynamism of value in the global context. He emphasised the role of creativity and knowledge industries in shaping value and the potential for resistance within these spaces.
Conclusion
“Insidious Capital” is a timely and thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature and future of capitalism. It provides a rich and complex analysis of the concept of value, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its central role in shaping contemporary societies. By examining how capital operates on a global scale and its impact on individuals, communities, and the environment, the book offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists alike.