Hostile Takeover: Tech Capital and the US Government | Part 1: The Privatization of Government

CPE is hosting a three-part series on tech capital and the administrative coup of the US government. Hostile Takeover: Tech Capital and the Coup of the US Government will feature a series of conversations among subject matter experts, strategists, and organizers trying to make sense of how and why the forces of capital—led by billionaire tech barons—are so determined to seize the administrative state and what its evisceration means for working-class communities in the near and long-term. In our first conversation in the series, Part 1: The Privatization of Government, we’ll lay out the scope and nature of the crisis actively working its way through the federal system; how tech capital and private equity are bringing to bear their playbook for upheaval; and identify what tools exist within the grasp of political forces on the left to stop or stymie the Musk-led smash and grab operation.

You can register for Part 1 here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I5NiWm5iQWWIzMXGKAkRPA#/registration

Speakers include:

Vasudha Desikan is a researcher studying the relationship between venture capital, crypto, and working communities in California. She has a long history of campaigning and advocacy in racial and worker justice movements. This includes over a decade at SEIU, AFSCME and LIUNA fighting against corporate and financial exploitation of workers. Through her advocacy, Vasudha helped retail workers draft and introduce the first federal bill to rein in private equity firms.

Chastity Murphy is a fellow and visiting scholar at the University of Manchester, researching technology’s impact on marginalized communities, with a focus on e-cash. She previously served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Financial Institutions at the US Treasury, overseeing AI, cryptocurrency, digital assets, consumer protections, and financial inclusion. She played a key role in the American Rescue Plan’s state and local fiscal recovery programs and advised Representative Rashida Tlaib on e-cash, stablecoins, and financial reform.

Alyssa Giachino has worked on economic justice for around two decades. Her background includes research, data analysis, media, organizing and policy development. She has focused on corporate accountability and sustainable investment practices, with particular emphasis on private equity. As part of her union work, Alyssa has organized for improved working conditions for low-wage workers in sectors such as hospitality, building services and manufacturing.