The War on Terror, or the War on Workers? Global Capitalism’s Investment in Supply Chain Security

• In Event: 3483 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 16. Fresh Perspectives on Owners, Industry, and Labor

Abstract

The twin forces of the global ‘war on terror’ coupled with today’s just-in-time logistics-driven global economy have combined in shaping one of the fastest growing privatized industries in the world: the supply chain security industry. The authors argue that the logic of supply chain security industry -- an aspect of both the neoliberal supply chain management paradigm which emphasizes the smooth circulation of goods around the world and the global war on terror -- relies upon the prevention of two primary forms of disruptions to the global circulation of capital: (1) terrorist attacks; and (2) labor conflicts. Together, these ‘dual threats’ have become the main sources of focus for logistics security firms.

Authors

• Jake Alimahomed-Wilson, California State University-Long Beach

• Sabrina Alimahomed-Wilson, Californa State University-Long Beach