[BEST OF] Understanding Settler Colonialism in Israel and the United States
Oct 8, 2023
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In this podcast, the speakers analyze the Israeli occupation of Palestine, settler colonialism, and imperialism. They discuss the recent attack on Gaza, ongoing Israeli settlements, and the importance of a one state solution. The podcast explores the concept of settler colonialism in the United States, the establishment of Bar Quiora, and the frameworks of colonialism provided by Cesaire, Fanon, and Lenin. It also delves into Lenin's theory of the national question, the relationship between settler colonialism and capitalism, and the feasibility of the two-state solution.
The history of settler colonialism in Palestine is marked by Palestinian resilience and resistance against displacement and colonization.
Zionism, the ideological foundation of Israel, played a significant role in the settler colonialism in Palestine, leading to mass Jewish immigration and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs.
The Nakba, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, resulted in the systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, causing large-scale displacement and destruction of Palestinian towns.
Israel's continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem obstructs the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, leading to ongoing discrimination, restrictions, and violence against Palestinians.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing the primary contradiction of settler colonialism versus the colonized in the Israeli-Palestine conflict and challenges the mainstream narrative by questioning and condemning Zionism and settler colonialism.
Deep dives
Palestinian resistance against settler colonialism
Throughout history, the Palestinian people have shown resilience and resistance against settler colonialism in Palestine. From the Arab revolts during Ottoman rule to the Great Arab Revolt against the British Mandate, Palestinians have fought to defend their land, culture, and rights.
The role of Zionism in settler colonialism
Zionism, the ideological foundation of Israel, has played a central role in settler colonialism in Palestine. The early Zionist settlers sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to mass Jewish immigration and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs. The Bar-Kocha paramilitary group, associated with the Zionist movement, played a crucial role in defending and expanding Jewish settlements.
The Nakba and ethnic cleansing
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War, known as the Nakba or catastrophe for the Palestinians, resulted in the displacement of around 700,000 Palestinians from their homes and the destruction of numerous Palestinian towns. It marked a deliberate and systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing by Israeli forces to create a majority Jewish state.
Continued Israeli expansion and oppression
Despite international calls for a two-state solution, Israel has continued to expand its settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, hindering the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. Palestinians continue to face discrimination, restrictions, and violence under Israeli occupation, leading to ongoing resistance and struggle for self-determination.
The Ideological Excuse-Making of Settlers and the Destruction of Humanity
The podcast discusses how the ideology of colonialism destroys the possibility for human interaction. The settler mentality in Israel is examined, highlighting the casual cruelty inflicted on Palestinians, such as the destruction of olive groves and the expulsion of families from their homes. This dehumanization of the colonized is essential for colonizers to justify the intense violence committed toward them. The mindset of Israeli settlers reflects a fascistic outlook, with genocidal and ethnonationalist rhetoric. This psychological monstrosity is a result of the dehumanization caused by settler colonialism.
The Two-State Solution and the Need for a Decolonized Single State
The idea of a two-state solution is deemed unattainable and unrealistic, as Israel itself does not believe in it. The settlements are an obstacle to a two-state solution and signal the desire for maximal territorial expansion. A principled Marxist analysis leads to the understanding that a decolonized single state is the best solution, rooted in equal human and civil rights for all citizens. The question of what the exact solution should look like must be determined by the Palestinian people themselves through their struggle for decolonization.
The Importance of the BDS Movement and the Growing Cultural Shift
The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement is seen as a powerful form of international solidarity with the Palestinian cause. It exposes the hypocrisy of capitalist ideology by challenging consumers' choices and the power of the dollar. BDS is not the end-all solution, but it plays a crucial role in highlighting the contradictions of capitalism and colonialism. Additionally, a cultural shift is happening, with more people becoming aware and opposed to the Israeli apartheid state. There is a growing sense of solidarity and a broader understanding of the realities faced by Palestinians.
The importance of identifying the primary contradiction
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of identifying the primary contradiction in the Israeli-Palestine conflict. It argues that reducing the conflict to a religious issue overlooks the fundamental contradiction between settler colonialism and the colonized. While religious and cultural factors may play a role, they are downstream from the primary contradiction. Recognizing this primary contradiction is crucial in understanding and effectively addressing the conflict.
The shift in perspective and growing solidarity
The podcast highlights a shift in perspective and growing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. It notes that the traditional mainstream narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestine conflict is being challenged and criticized, with more people questioning and condemning Zionism and settler colonialism. Liberal arguments in favor of a two-state solution are being met with greater skepticism, and there is a rising recognition that Zionism is a form of colonialism. This shift in thinking offers hope for the future and the possibility of a broader grassroots movement against colonialism in various contexts.
Originally aired on May 30, 2021 In this classic episode, Alyson and Breht use texts from Fanon, Cesaire, Mao, and Lenin to help make sense of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the history of zionism, the role of the United States in the conflict, and more. They define settler colonialism and imperialism, show how they are operative in the conflict, and then have a wide ranging conversation on the recent attack on Gaza, ongoing Isreali settlements, the principle contradiction of the conflict, why we should advocate for a one state solution instead of a two state solution, the importance of BDS, and more!
