Confronting Capitalism: Why Soviet-Style Planning Fails
Jacobin Radio · May 13, 2026 · 1:00:28
Jacobin Radio · May 13, 2026 · 1:00:28
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Over time, the Soviet Union developed a system of centralized planning that became synonymous with socialism. How did the system work? What did it get right? And why did it ultimately become so associated with shortages and stagnation?
On the latest episode of Confronting Capitalism, Vivek Chibber and Melissa Naschek discuss the ambitions and challenges of economic planners, and why the defects may be hardwired into the structure of central planning.
The latest issue of Catalyst is out and you can subscribe for just $20 using the code CONFRONTINGCAPITALISM: https://catalyst-journal.com/subscribe/?code=CONFRONTINGCAPITALISM
Read show transcripts here: confrontingcapitalism.substack.com
Have a question for us? Write to us by email: confronting.capitalism@jacobin.com
Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber is produced by Catalyst: A Journal of Theory and Strategy and published by Jacobin. Music by Zonkey.
