Novara FM: The Decades Long Plan that Made Trump Possible w/ David Adler
Feb 27, 2025
auto_awesome
David Adler, Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International, dives deep into the long-term strategies that birthed Trumpism, framing it as part of a decades-long project. He critiques American hegemony and the intertwining of elite interests, highlighting the dangers posed by reactionary politics rooted in racism and inequality. Adler emphasizes the need for innovative political movements to counter entrenched interests, advocating for a shift in progressive strategies and political education to confront rising far-right ideologies effectively.
David Adler argues that Trumpism represents a culmination of a decades-long strategy by the Reactionary International, rather than a sudden political shift.
The podcast emphasizes that wealth inequality and economic disparities fuel the rise of far-right politics, necessitating a focus on structural economic issues.
Adler advocates for new political movements and grassroots efforts to effectively counter established oligarchs and promote progressive agendas in contemporary politics.
Deep dives
The Strategy of Overwhelm and Distract
The episode discusses the ongoing political turmoil in the United States under Donald Trump's second term and Elon Musk's influence, highlighting a strategy aimed at overwhelming and distracting opponents. This tactic mirrors methods used during Musk's takeover of Twitter, where a barrage of conflicting narratives creates confusion. The speakers note that the perception of unprecedented circumstances in America is misleading; rather, it is a continuation of deeper forces at play. These forces are identified as part of a coordinated effort known as the Reactionary International, encompassing a broad array of actors from the far right to influential political and financial institutions.
Unpacking Reactionary Forces
David Adler emphasizes that the disruptions caused by the Trump administration are part of a larger, long-standing reactionary trend rather than an isolated phenomenon. This perspective suggests that the combined efforts of various political, judicial, and media entities form an intricate support system for these reactionary forces. Adler insists that it's crucial to understand these dynamics as they relate to historical trends of neoliberalism that paved the way for today's political climate. The episode also emphasizes the importance of identifying the structural underpinnings that allow these reactionary movements to flourish globally.
American Hegemony and Its Implications
The discussion highlights concerns about U.S. hegemony and the evolving perceptions of American power on the global stage. There's a critical exploration of how the U.S. maintains its dominance through strategic investments and financial schemes, drawing parallels to past American-led initiatives such as the Marshall Plan. Adler argues that these strategies are not new but rather a more aggressive manifestation of existing power dynamics. Furthermore, the episode reflects on the recent sanctioning of Russia, posing questions about the ethical implications of using economic tools as weapons in international relations.
The Underlying Economic Structures
The conversation navigates the structural economic issues driving reactionary politics across nations, pointing to wealth inequality as a key factor. Adler provides examples of how financial interventions, such as the dubious practices of international financial institutions like the IMF, perpetuate cycles of poverty. These economic forces create fertile ground for the rise of far-right politics due to public discontent over economic disparities. The episode argues for the necessity of addressing these root causes to dismantle the reactionary tendencies and regain control over national policies.
The Need for Political Innovation
The episode advocates for the emergence of new political vehicles and parties to challenge established oligarchs and foster progressive agendas. Adler suggests that traditional party structures are increasingly unable to address contemporary issues and may perpetuate existing inequalities. He cites successful examples from Mexico as models for reclaiming political power through grassroots movements focused on social welfare. The importance of political education and mobilizing for substantial change is emphasized as a means to confront the growing tide of competitive authoritarianism and reinvigorate democracy.
Read any of the mainstream press at the moment and you’ll hear the same thing: unprecedented things are happening in America. But what if this sudden shift was an illusion? David Adler is co-general coordinator of the Progressive International, a group that brings together forces from across the progressive left. He tells Richard Hames that […]
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
