Palestine - War, Occupation, and Proletarianization w/ Ali Kadri
Dec 1, 2023
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Ali Kadri, author of 'A Theory of Forced Labour Migration: The Proletarianisation of the West Bank Under Occupation (1967-1992)', discusses themes including war as a method of capital accumulation, indigenous labor extirpation, calculating the value of human life, exploitation of labor, forced migration and dispossession, and the contradiction of profit. The episode explores the impact of politics on the region, changes in life expectancy and societal factors, and the destructive power of advanced weaponry. The hosts express gratitude and discuss future topics with Ali Kadri.
War is used as a method of capital accumulation and reduction of life expectancy.
Forced labor migration in Palestine is a result of imperialism and serves to eradicate indigenous economies.
Propaganda and imagery are used to legitimize the actions of imperialist powers like Israel and maintain dominance.
Deep dives
The impact of war on labor and society
War plays a crucial role in shaping labor and society, with its main goal being the exploitation of labor and the reduction of life expectancy. The capitalist system thrives on the waste of people's lives, shortening life expectancy relative to the potential that exists with modern technology. This is achieved through constant warfare, which not only reduces life expectancy but also results in the destruction of societies, the exploitation of resources, and the control of strategic commodities like oil.
The relationship between imperialism and forced labor migration
Forced labor migration, such as the case in Palestine, is an offshoot of imperialism. The creation of Israel through settler colonialism involved forced expulsions and ethnic cleansing, establishing a state that serves as an extension of Western imperialism. Migration becomes a tool to create dependency on the wage system, further eradicating indigenous economies and maintaining control over resources. The issue of forced migration ties into the larger framework of imperialism, with Western powers ensuring that their dominance and profit-making continue.
The role of propaganda and imagery in maintaining power
Imperialist powers like Israel use propaganda and imagery to legitimize their actions and secure their dominance. The creation of mythical narratives, such as the perpetual existence of Israel and the Palestinians, aids in justifying the erasure of the Palestinian population. This power structure is reinforced by institutions like universities and media, which generate symbols and imagery that shape people's perception of reality.
The exploitation of labor and the industry of wasting lives
Capitalism thrives on the exploitation of labor and the shortening of lives. The goal is to waste labor and create an industry of extracting surplus value. This is achieved through various means, including low wages, dependency on the wage system, and forced migration. Migration becomes a mechanism to impoverish the South, resulting in extreme poverty, shortened life expectancy, and the accumulation of surplus value.
The Structural Violence and Resistance in the Palestinian Conflict
The podcast episode delves into the continuous assault on the Palestinian people and the broader concept of settler colonialism. It highlights that the assault is not just about territorial disputes, but about the power spectrum and the class power dynamics at play. The Palestinian right to return is discussed, emphasizing that it is not only about people returning to their homeland but also a struggle for humanity and the dismantling of the settler colonial state. The episode explores how resistance to this system is crucial, but it requires shifting the global power balance against the West and challenging the underlying capitalist relationship.
Understanding the Connection between War, Capitalism, and Global Power
The podcast delves into the intertwined relationship between war, capitalism, and the global power structure. It highlights that war serves as a key tool for maintaining the power dynamics and social reproduction within the capitalist system. It emphasizes the need to demilitarize societies, challenge the ideology that justifies war, and shift the global power balance to create a more equitable world. The discussion also touches upon the rise of China and the potential for a revolution that challenges the colonial settler state and the Western-centered militaristic system.
In this critical episode of Guerrilla History, we bring the esteemed and critically important Ali Kadri onto the show to discuss Palestine. This episode is largely based off of Ali's terrific book A Theory of Forced Labour Migration: The Proletarianisation of the West Bank Under Occupation (1967-1992). In this conversation, we discuss themes including war as a method of capital accumulation, indigenous labour extirpation, and much, much more. We want to thank friend of the show Max Ajl for helping connect us with Ali, whose work has been something we have wanted to discuss for quite some time. We also hope to bring Ali back on soon to discuss more of his work, on a variety of topics he studies.
Ali Kadri is an esteemed Professor at various institutions around the world, as well as the author of many important books including Arab Development Denied: Dynamics of Accumulation by Wars of Encroachment, The Accumulation of Waste: A Political Economy of Systemic Destruction, and The Unmaking of Arab Socialism.
