Jason Hickel explains the foundation of capitalism in colonialism and imperialism and shows why they’re inextricable. He goes on to unpack neoliberalism as a response to decolonialism that exorcised the terrifying spectre of the global south using its resources and labour for its own development. Discusses the empire striking back, with particular emphasis on Thomas Sankara and his assassination after calling for debt default, and how the Sahel states are now hanging together to prevent that from happening again. Finishes by discussing China’s industrial planning, why it can’t happen in the US despite Trump’s protectionism, and the military encirclement of Asia.

Overall a great synthesis of the last 500 years of world history and what it means for the current moment.