On New Terrain: How Capital is Reshaping the Battleground of Class War

In On New Terrain, labor activist Kim Moody examines the transformation of capitalism and class relations in the United States over recent decades. The book analyzes changes in production, logistics, and the composition of both capital and labor. Moody traces the impact of lean production methods, supply chain reorganization, and capital concentration on American workers and unions. His research spans manufacturing, logistics, service industries, and emerging sectors of the economy to map the shifting landscape of class struggle. The text investigates the potential for working class power by studying new choke points in the economy and evolving patterns of worker organization. Specific focus is placed on the strategic role of logistics workers, the growth of worker centers, and changing dynamics in major urban areas. The work presents a materialist analysis of contemporary capitalism while making the case for the continued relevance of class-based organizing and resistance. Through detailed economic analysis, the book challenges popular narratives about the decline of working class power.

Readers view this book as a data-driven analysis of modern labor and capital, with most appreciation focused on Moody's research into supply chain logistics and the potential for worker organizing. Positive reader notes: - Clear explanation of how logistics and technology changed class dynamics - Strong data and statistics to support arguments - Detailed analysis of Amazon's distribution networks - Useful insights into modern union organizing opportunities Critical feedback: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some sections drag with excessive economic details - Could use more concrete organizing recommendations - Limited discussion of gig economy workers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (40 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Excellent analysis of how capital has reorganized production and logistics... but requires patience to get through the technical portions" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Author Kim Moody co-founded Labor Notes, an influential project supporting union democracy and reform that has been active since 1979. 🔹 The book challenges the common belief that globalization has permanently weakened the US working class, presenting data showing that logistics workers now have more strategic power than ever. 🔹 Moody's analysis reveals that modern supply chains have created massive logistics clusters where tens of thousands of workers are concentrated, with 60% of all warehousing jobs located in just 20 metropolitan areas. 🔹 The book documents how capital has become increasingly concentrated since the 2008 financial crisis, with the top 30 US companies now controlling one-third of all corporate assets. 🔹 Despite focusing on serious economic analysis, the book's title is a play on words - "terrain" refers both to physical geography and to Marx's concept of the terrain of class struggle in society.