Sidney Rothstein
@sidneyrothstein.bsky.social
Political scientist. Author of π
πππππππ πππ€ππ (http://tinyurl.com/RePwr). Tech, labor politics, curiosities of capitalism.
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
Fantastic opportunity for PhD students working in the fields of political economy and economic sociology to receive valuable feedback and connect to other researchers in their field.
Organized by the wonderful PhD students of the @mpifg.bsky.social
Send them your abstracts!
Organized by the wonderful PhD students of the @mpifg.bsky.social
Send them your abstracts!
π£ Call for Abstracts!
Join the 4th Doctoral Conference on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy, March 19 -20, 2026 at the MPIfG in Cologne.
π We welcome abstracts by doctoral researchers in economic sociology, political economy and related fields by Dec 8, 2025.
s.gwdg.de/U27NQb
Join the 4th Doctoral Conference on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy, March 19 -20, 2026 at the MPIfG in Cologne.
π We welcome abstracts by doctoral researchers in economic sociology, political economy and related fields by Dec 8, 2025.
s.gwdg.de/U27NQb
November 26, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Fantastic opportunity for PhD students working in the fields of political economy and economic sociology to receive valuable feedback and connect to other researchers in their field.
Organized by the wonderful PhD students of the @mpifg.bsky.social
Send them your abstracts!
Organized by the wonderful PhD students of the @mpifg.bsky.social
Send them your abstracts!
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
A must read paper on how Big Tech uses start-ups from Spain and Brazil to advance their political interests
πππ
πππ
Out now in Competition & Change
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
October 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A must read paper on how Big Tech uses start-ups from Spain and Brazil to advance their political interests
πππ
πππ
Thanks! Your work was a big help!
October 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Thanks! Your work was a big help!
And if youβre interested in dependent development, youβll love the recent special issue published by @compchange.bsky.social (and guest edited by @aritassinari.bsky.social, @fbulfone.bsky.social, and Aldo Madariaga)
doi.org/10.1177/1024...
13/n
doi.org/10.1177/1024...
13/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
And if youβre interested in dependent development, youβll love the recent special issue published by @compchange.bsky.social (and guest edited by @aritassinari.bsky.social, @fbulfone.bsky.social, and Aldo Madariaga)
doi.org/10.1177/1024...
13/n
doi.org/10.1177/1024...
13/n
Speaking of other research, the article builds directly on existing research on Big Techβs power and political influence. See especially:
@lobbycontrol.bsky.social
@corporateeurope.org
@somoamsterdam.bsky.social
@margaridasilva.bsky.social
@maxheermann.bsky.social
@maximilianiras.bsky.social
@lobbycontrol.bsky.social
@corporateeurope.org
@somoamsterdam.bsky.social
@margaridasilva.bsky.social
@maxheermann.bsky.social
@maximilianiras.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Speaking of other research, the article builds directly on existing research on Big Techβs power and political influence. See especially:
@lobbycontrol.bsky.social
@corporateeurope.org
@somoamsterdam.bsky.social
@margaridasilva.bsky.social
@maxheermann.bsky.social
@maximilianiras.bsky.social
@lobbycontrol.bsky.social
@corporateeurope.org
@somoamsterdam.bsky.social
@margaridasilva.bsky.social
@maxheermann.bsky.social
@maximilianiras.bsky.social
(In ongoing research, I am exploring the character of this dependence β what exactly do the *economic* aspects of dependent development look like in digital capitalism?)
11/n
11/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
(In ongoing research, I am exploring the character of this dependence β what exactly do the *economic* aspects of dependent development look like in digital capitalism?)
11/n
11/n
But given startupsβ economic/technological dependence on Big Tech, it seems unlikely they would ever propose policies that would threaten Big Tech β because doing so would also threaten their own interests.
10/n
10/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
But given startupsβ economic/technological dependence on Big Tech, it seems unlikely they would ever propose policies that would threaten Big Tech β because doing so would also threaten their own interests.
10/n
10/n
β¦ because Big Tech can revoke support whenever their βclientsβ even think about threatening Big Techβs interests.
(See the case of the EDRi)
www.ft.com/content/7427...
9/n
(See the case of the EDRi)
www.ft.com/content/7427...
9/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
β¦ because Big Tech can revoke support whenever their βclientsβ even think about threatening Big Techβs interests.
(See the case of the EDRi)
www.ft.com/content/7427...
9/n
(See the case of the EDRi)
www.ft.com/content/7427...
9/n
(3) given that startupsβ political advocacy depends on Big Techβs resources, it is extremely unlikely that startups will promote policies that reduce dependence on Big Techβ¦
8/n
8/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
(3) given that startupsβ political advocacy depends on Big Techβs resources, it is extremely unlikely that startups will promote policies that reduce dependence on Big Techβ¦
8/n
8/n
(2) reviving analysis of the *political* character of dependency,
this isnβt just about economic relationships or access to certain technologies. Instead, in many contexts, startupsβ ability to even constitute a political actor depends on Big Techβs largesse β which leads to the 3rd upshot π
7/n
this isnβt just about economic relationships or access to certain technologies. Instead, in many contexts, startupsβ ability to even constitute a political actor depends on Big Techβs largesse β which leads to the 3rd upshot π
7/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
(2) reviving analysis of the *political* character of dependency,
this isnβt just about economic relationships or access to certain technologies. Instead, in many contexts, startupsβ ability to even constitute a political actor depends on Big Techβs largesse β which leads to the 3rd upshot π
7/n
this isnβt just about economic relationships or access to certain technologies. Instead, in many contexts, startupsβ ability to even constitute a political actor depends on Big Techβs largesse β which leads to the 3rd upshot π
7/n
There are 3 important upshots for dependent development and the politics of digital capitalism
(1) echoing research by @ceciliarikap.bsky.social and others, digital capitalism implies a broader periphery than in past eras β one that includes countries in the historical periphery, like Spain.
6/n
(1) echoing research by @ceciliarikap.bsky.social and others, digital capitalism implies a broader periphery than in past eras β one that includes countries in the historical periphery, like Spain.
6/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
There are 3 important upshots for dependent development and the politics of digital capitalism
(1) echoing research by @ceciliarikap.bsky.social and others, digital capitalism implies a broader periphery than in past eras β one that includes countries in the historical periphery, like Spain.
6/n
(1) echoing research by @ceciliarikap.bsky.social and others, digital capitalism implies a broader periphery than in past eras β one that includes countries in the historical periphery, like Spain.
6/n
In short, the Big Tech/startup relationship resembles the asymmetric reciprocity characterizing that between patron and client
5/n
5/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
In short, the Big Tech/startup relationship resembles the asymmetric reciprocity characterizing that between patron and client
5/n
5/n
Two detailed case studies (Brazil and Spain) show how Big Tech sponsors startup associations, giving them the resources to lobby national policymakers.
I diagnose the Big Tech/startup relationship as patron/client, since the relationship is:
- Dyadic
- Iterative
- Contingent
- Hierarchical
4/n
I diagnose the Big Tech/startup relationship as patron/client, since the relationship is:
- Dyadic
- Iterative
- Contingent
- Hierarchical
4/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Two detailed case studies (Brazil and Spain) show how Big Tech sponsors startup associations, giving them the resources to lobby national policymakers.
I diagnose the Big Tech/startup relationship as patron/client, since the relationship is:
- Dyadic
- Iterative
- Contingent
- Hierarchical
4/n
I diagnose the Big Tech/startup relationship as patron/client, since the relationship is:
- Dyadic
- Iterative
- Contingent
- Hierarchical
4/n
Where do startup policies come from?
Probably not from startups.
Most can hardly afford to keep the lights on, so how do they afford to lobby for changing national policy?
Answer: Big Techβs money
3/n
Probably not from startups.
Most can hardly afford to keep the lights on, so how do they afford to lobby for changing national policy?
Answer: Big Techβs money
3/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Where do startup policies come from?
Probably not from startups.
Most can hardly afford to keep the lights on, so how do they afford to lobby for changing national policy?
Answer: Big Techβs money
3/n
Probably not from startups.
Most can hardly afford to keep the lights on, so how do they afford to lobby for changing national policy?
Answer: Big Techβs money
3/n
Have you noticed the recent wave of startup policies?
See: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand... also in the historical core: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain β and more!
2/n
See: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand... also in the historical core: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain β and more!
2/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Have you noticed the recent wave of startup policies?
See: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand... also in the historical core: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain β and more!
2/n
See: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand... also in the historical core: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain β and more!
2/n
Out now in Competition & Change
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
October 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Out now in Competition & Change
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
@compchange.bsky.social
βDependent development in digital
capitalism: The politics of startup
policies in the new peripheryβ
@journals.sagepub.com
#polisky
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
1/n
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
Workers Governing Technologies: Collective Strategies Across Contexts. In-person workshop in Toronto on Sep 25 and 26 with 20 speakers from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Spain and US
Registration link and full schedule: www.eventbrite.ca/e/workers-go...
Registration link and full schedule: www.eventbrite.ca/e/workers-go...
September 2, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Workers Governing Technologies: Collective Strategies Across Contexts. In-person workshop in Toronto on Sep 25 and 26 with 20 speakers from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Spain and US
Registration link and full schedule: www.eventbrite.ca/e/workers-go...
Registration link and full schedule: www.eventbrite.ca/e/workers-go...
Find a correlation with something, publish a political science paper
August 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Find a correlation with something, publish a political science paper
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
A few things cooler than AI by Andy J. Pizza
May 7, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A few things cooler than AI by Andy J. Pizza
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
"UC Berkeleyβs Labor Center launches a new data tool, an inventory of union contracts, to empower labor in negotiating AI and emerging technologies. It provides crucial insights for unions to secure worker protections and shape the future of work." lngfrm.net/uc-berkeley-...
UC Berkeley Unveils AI Labor Bargaining Tool - LNGFRM
UC Berkeley's Labor Center launches a new data tool, an inventory of union contracts, to empower labor in negotiating AI and emerging technologies. It provides crucial insights for unions to secure wo...
lngfrm.net
August 5, 2025 at 1:12 AM
"UC Berkeleyβs Labor Center launches a new data tool, an inventory of union contracts, to empower labor in negotiating AI and emerging technologies. It provides crucial insights for unions to secure worker protections and shape the future of work." lngfrm.net/uc-berkeley-...
The UK gov or the car?
July 21, 2025 at 1:28 PM
The UK gov or the car?
Reposted by Sidney Rothstein
We are delighted that our Special Issue on "The Politics of Growth, Stagnation and Upgrading in Peripheral Economies" coedited w/ @fbulfone.bsky.social & Aldo Madariaga is now out in Competition & Change @compchange.bsky.social, Vol. 29(3β4).
π doi.org/10.1177/1024...
π doi.org/10.1177/1024...
July 18, 2025 at 10:01 AM
We are delighted that our Special Issue on "The Politics of Growth, Stagnation and Upgrading in Peripheral Economies" coedited w/ @fbulfone.bsky.social & Aldo Madariaga is now out in Competition & Change @compchange.bsky.social, Vol. 29(3β4).
π doi.org/10.1177/1024...
π doi.org/10.1177/1024...
Congratulations, Ben! Looking forward to the work from this
June 27, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Congratulations, Ben! Looking forward to the work from this