> So how does this great leap forward in entertainment
> manifest itself in progressive political action?
It's the cultural expression of (1) the increasing might of developmental states, and (2) the power-shift away from the US and towards the EU/East Asia.
> What are the great subversive lessons that are taught
> by Grand Theft Auto?
Allow me a shameless plug: see my article "Grand Theft Video: Running and Gunning for the US Empire" in the edited volume, "The Meaning and Culture of Grand Theft Auto," (Edited by Nathan Garrelts), available here: http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Culture-Grand-Theft-Auto/dp/0786428228
You can also read it online for free, right here:
http://www.efn.org/~dredmond/GrandTheftVideo.rtf
-- DRR