
About this episode
Managerialism, not socialism or capitalism, dominated the West in the latter half of the 20th century. Nobody explained this better than James Burnham in his seminal 1941 book The Managerial Revolution: What is Happening in the World. Burnham challenges both Marxist orthodoxy on class (exploitation happens without capitalism) and libertarian orthodoxy on market firms (managerial control overtakes "owners"). This is hugely important book, and prescient to put it mildly: Burnham's thesis explains both the populist Trump revolution and the Deep State response. To understand modern politics and bureaucracy, and especially the DC Beltway, you need to read this book.
Edward Welsch, editor of Chronicles magazine, joins Jeff Deist for a thorough discussion of Burnham and his most influential work.
Watch Dan McCarthy on the history of Burnham at Mises.org/McCarthyBurnham
Read Samuel Francis's review of James Burnham's works at Mises.org/FrancisBurnham
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Human Action Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Human Action Podcast

Yes, Tariffs Reduce Imports, but They Also Reduce Exports
The Human Action Podcast
Oct 22, 202555:38pending

Why Rothbard Thought the Fed Eliminated Market Safeguards Against Bank Inflation
The Human Action Podcast
Aug 22, 20251:12:13pending

An Actual Plan to Close the Fed and Tie the Dollar Back to Gold
The Human Action Podcast
Jul 18, 20251:10:41pending

Essays in Austrian Economics: Honoring Joe Salerno
The Human Action Podcast
Jul 7, 202548:43pending