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How can we develop ways of linking all the different elements of today’s “polycrisis” into a strong account of the contemporary world? One way might be to study what makes profit for capitalism – and what doesn’t. The Spring 2025 Arrighi General Seminar is titled “Value, Price and Profit in the Contemporary World System.” It explores the bridges between Marx’s theory of value and contemporary politics. We’ll begin by reading from Marx himself, then move on to a variety of contemporary case studies that link the dynamics of capitalist profitability to commodity speculation, the development of AI, the green transition, and the rise of right-wing populism. The final section of the course will feature in-person visits from alumni of the Arrighi Center seminars, who are doing cutting-edge research on political economy. Participants in the Arrighi’s Center’s weekly general seminar include faculty and students from a wide range of social science and humanities departments and programs. Undergraduates signing up under 230.376 will participate in both the main General Seminar with faculty and graduate students, followed by a special discussion section for undergraduates.