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Jacobin Radio

Behind the News: The Niger Coup w/ Samar Al-Bulushi

Oct 3, 2023
Anthropologist Samar Al-Bolushi discusses the Niger coup, political unrest in France's former colonies in Africa, and the US-led 'war on terror.' They explore the failures of elections, US military presence, and training of African troops. Additionally, the podcast explores the history and politics of biological explanations of sexuality and the Christian right's response.
53:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The coup in Niger and political unrest in France's former colonies in Africa highlight the crisis of Western hegemony and the inadequacy of formal democratic institutions in addressing people's needs.
  • Biological explanations of sexuality, while useful in fighting for the legal rights and acceptance of sexual minorities, have the potential to reinforce social norms and inequalities.

Deep dives

Overview of the Coup in Niger and Political Unrest in France's Former African Colonies

This podcast episode discusses the recent coup in Niger and the broader political unrest in France's former colonies in Africa. It emphasizes the crisis of Western hegemony in the region, particularly French and US rule, as well as the crisis of democracy, where formal democratic institutions are inadequate in addressing people's basic needs. The coup in Niger, like other coups in the Sahel region, has garnered popular support due to deep frustration with the status quo and the inability of deposed leaders to meet people's needs. The military leaders tap into popular anti-imperialist sentiments and strategically use language that resonates with the populace. Although there may not be significant popular pushback against the military juntas due to initial support, this sentiment could change considering the potential for abuse of power and a lack of positive change. Anti-French sentiment varies based on social class, with popular levels rooted in long-standing memory and experiences of French exploitation in the region. However, skepticism is warranted towards leaders themselves, as they may use anti-colonial rhetoric as a cover for their own incompetence or failings. The episode also highlights the need to move beyond a reflexive analysis of US imperialism and recognize the complex dynamics and politics of African countries and actors on the ground. The crisis of capitalism and imperialism, alongside a crisis of democracy, is seen as driving the wave of coups in the region. Regional bodies like the African Union and ECOWAS face challenges due to their reliance on funding from external powers, constraining their autonomy and shaping their interests. The effectiveness of humanitarian interventions, often driven by exceptionalist narratives and an emphasis on exposing secrets, is also questioned. Finally, the podcast suggests that change in the region is unlikely to come from those in power or US policymakers. Instead, it will be driven by grassroots movements and the people on the ground, marking a second struggle for independence.

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