Sayak Valencia's 'Capitalismo Gore' Analyzes Violence and Necropolitics in Neoliberal Capitalism
Sayak Valencia's book 'Capitalismo Gore: Violencia, necropotere, mercato della morte' examines the violent intersections of capitalism, masculinity, and necropolitics, using Mexico—particularly Tijuana—as a case study. The work draws on postcolonial and feminist theory to explore how hyper-consumerism and the erosion of state power have normalized extreme violence as a form of labor and economic survival. Valencia, a performer, poet, philosopher, and transfeminist activist, argues that criminal economies now account for 15% of global trade, with drug trafficking being the world's largest industry. The book posits that this 'gore capitalism' is not confined to borders but permeates the entire neoliberal project, creating a state of exception where life is disposable. Marco Petroni reviews the text, noting its intellectual rigor and urgency in addressing precarity, inequality, gender discrimination, and ecological crises. The review was published on Artribune.
Key facts
- Sayak Valencia is the author of 'Capitalismo Gore: Violencia, necropotere, mercato della morte'.
- The book uses Mexico, especially Tijuana, as a primary case study.
- Valencia applies postcolonial and feminist theory to analyze capitalism and violence.
- Criminal economies represent 15% of global commerce according to the book.
- Drug trafficking is described as the largest industry in the world.
- The concept of 'capitalismo gore' refers to the violent, out-of-control dimension of neoliberalism.
- Valencia is a performer, poet, philosopher, and transfeminist activist.
- The review was written by Marco Petroni for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Sayak Valencia
- Roberto Bolaño
- Marco Petroni
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- Mexico
- Tijuana
- Primo Mondo
- Terzo Mondo