Capitalism is over | Yanis Varoufakis on digital dictators and techno-feudal economics

Aug 23, 2025

IAI Interviews Renowned economist and politician Yanis Varoufakis dissects the modern era of economics, analysing everything from Donald Trump’s trade wars to the end of capitalism as we know it. Have we handed over power and control to Tech Bros like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg? With a free trial, you can watch Yanis debate war crimes and international law with Jeremy Corby, Malcolm Rifkind, and Bronwen Maddox. Use this link: https://iai.tv/video/the-rules-of-war…

Capitalism has ended, and seemingly no one noticed – at least that’s what renowned economist Yanis Varoufakis believes. In this new era of technofeudalism, companies enclose their fiefdoms within which they decide how people enter the market and how sellers advertise their wares. In this interview, Yanis covers the method behind Donald Trump, how Trump’s understanding of global power makes some sense, whether a trade war with China can be won, and the massive opportunity Europe is about to miss. #capitalism #technofeudalism #trump #democracy #economics #politics Yanis Varoufakis is a leading critic of the economic establishment. He was the former Finance Minister of Greece, a professor, bestselling author, and current chair of the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025. Interviewed by the host of The Why Curve podcast and BBC presenter Roger Hearing. The Institute of Art and Ideas features videos and articles from cutting edge thinkers discussing the ideas that are shaping the world, from metaphysics to string theory, technology to democracy, aesthetics to genetics. Subscribe today! https://iai.tv/subscribe?utm_source=Y…00:00 Technofeudalism explained 01:11 Has capitalism really ended? 03:12 How would you define “cloud capital”? 05:42 Are we returning to the economic system that existed before capitalism? 07:00 How can we challenge the threat of technofeudalism? 09:54 What are the chances of a complete switch to technofeudalism? 10:53 How do you assess the early months of the new Donald Trump presidency? 14:29 Are Trump’s tariffs deepening the economic crisis? 16:34 How will Trump’s tariffs impact the United States’ relationship with China? 19:47 Can Europe take advantage of the Trumpian chaos and the economic changes it brings? 22:47 Would you go back into politics? For debates and talks: https://iai.tv For articles: https://iai.tv/articles For courses: https://iai.tv/iai-academy/courses

About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.

View all posts by michelleclarke2015 →