Predatory Formations Dressed in Wall Street Suits and Algorithm Math — Professor Sassen’s 2019 Montesquieu Lecture Summary

Abstract

Professor Sassen opens the lecture 1 with the discussion of the rise of extractive logics. According to Sassen, once something—like value—has been extracted, it no longer matters what happens in the site where the extraction has taken place, even if the site is left void or deprived of something. Extractive logics have an absolute effect and are the opposite of creating something to grow, especially in terms of long-term effects on a place. Extraction logics have a negative nature, and Prof. Sassen provocatively asks: ‘How do we make it into a positive?’. Professor Sassen continues the lecture by discussing extractive According Sassen, they are a and visible Here Prof. Sassen introduces the associated by asking: ‘What She argues thought as according