Breaking Bad: World-Systems Theory/Marxism
Vince Gilligan has constructed a show that can be viewed as a parable of world politics and inter-state relations. Yet it is possible to see the entire show as a discussion (and indictment) of power politics and the profit motive behind it -- that is, to take a Marxist look at world politics. Meth production is a business, and the politics that play out are driven by the need for increasing levels of profit. Walt has become a consummate capitalist: making a product, advertising it, increasing his market share after quite literally eliminating a rival and finally expanding overseas in the last season. His conflicts have stemmed from his role in this business, and were the source of Fring's fight with the Mexican drug cartel. Last season it reached a point where Walt was no longer simply concerned about money, but with dominating the meth market globally. Meth is produced in a factory, much like any other good. Walt and Jesse are initially forced to cook it in the periphery and ship it back to Albuquerque, but their employment by Fring puts them smack-dab in the middle of the urban core. The fight over turf and the shipment of goods looks much like capitalist trade relations -- from core, to semi-periphery, to periphery. There are even exploited proletarians who risk their lives for the well-protected owners of the business. Finally, as important and powerful as Fring or Heisenberg are to their businesses, the world-system guarantees their replacement with new capitalists stepping in to fill the power vacuum should they falter. Witness how easily Walt took over for Gus, and how quickly he was able to find new distributors after the departure of Mike. BACK TO BEGINNING OF LIST (Photo: AMC)
