Radicals in Conversation

Radicals in Conversation: 2024 Curated Highlights

Dec 12, 2024

In this engaging conversation, John Pring discusses the shocking failures of the UK's Work Capability Assessments and their impact on vulnerable populations. Robert Chapman explores the neurodiversity movement's achievements and its struggles within a capitalist framework. Riya Al'Sanah highlights labor solidarity efforts regarding workers in weapon factories tied to Palestine. Joy James critiques the militarization of policing and its societal consequences, calling for a transformative shift in resistance strategies. Together, they shed light on urgent social issues and the need for accountability.

58:24

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Quick takeaways

The UK's Department for Work and Pensions' work capability assessments have systemic flaws that disproportionately harm vulnerable individuals with disabilities.

The neurodiversity movement has achieved significant visibility but faces limitations under liberal reforms, necessitating a shift towards more radical political solutions.

Labor solidarity with Palestine highlights the effectiveness of grassroots organizing and union collaboration in opposing the arms trade and supporting marginalized communities.

Deep dives

Government Bureaucracy and Its Harms

The conversation highlights the damaging nature of the UK government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its work capability assessments, which have been criticized for their harmful effects on vulnerable individuals. It examines the history and continuity of policies across different administrations that prioritize budget cuts over genuine assessments of people's needs. The assessments were primarily based on arbitrary goals set by the government, which led to the unjust denial of support to many individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it underscores the tragic consequences faced by many who fell through the cracks of this bureaucratic system, including those who experienced dire ramifications like starvation due to benefit sanctions.

Intro

3min

The Failures of Work Capability Assessments

14min

The Neurodivergent Movement: Challenges and Progress

13min

Union and Community Collaborations

14min

Policing, Militarization, and Resistance

10min

Struggles of Political Resistance in Atlanta

4min

Our 2024 roundup features curated highlights from episodes released throughout the year:

We speak to John Pring, about the British government’s Department for Work and Pensions, and its horrific work capability assessment. We speak to Robert Chapman, about why the neurodiversity movement emerged when it did, its successes, and the limitations of a liberal orientation under neoliberal capitalism. We speak to Rafeef Ziadah, Riya Al'Sanah and Katy Fox-Hoddess about international labour solidarity with Palestine, and the need to try and organise with workers inside the factories that are producing weapons bound for Israel. We also speak to Kalonji Jama Changa and Joy James about 'Cop Cities', and why the militarisation of policing necessitates a cognitive and strategic shift within our movements.

All the books featured on the show in 2024 are 40% off through plutobooks.com until the end of the year - use the coupon PODCAST at the checkout.

You can browse the full list of eligible books at: plutobooks.com/podcastreading.

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