Dig: Global Palestine Politics Ep. 2 w/ Richard Seymour
Nov 21, 2023
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Expert on global politics of the Palestinian struggle and Israel's war on Gaza, Richard Seymour, discusses the impact on American and British politics, tension between agency and victimhood of Palestinians, condemnation of pro-Palestine movement, dreams of Israeli military strategy, global political landscape, collusion between state liberals and far right, complex geopolitical forces, ambivalence on Russian invasion of Ukraine, and defeat of left populist parties.
The discourse surrounding the chant 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free' aims to dehumanize Palestinians and marginalize criticism of Israeli violence.
The conflict between Zionism and anti-Zionism in Gaza is shifting the narrative and challenging the two-state solution as the only respectable position.
The coarsening of discourse from Israel and the devaluation of Palestinian lives serve to normalize violence and maintain the status quo of oppression in Palestine.
The movement for Palestinian liberation intersects with global struggles against racism, imperialism, and authoritarianism, creating transversal coalitions for justice and liberation.
Deep dives
The Dehumanization of Palestinians: From the River to the Sea
The discourse surrounding the chant 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free' is an attempt to delegitimize anti-Zionism and make it pre-mafabetic. This discourse serves to establish acceptance of Zionism as the legitimate starting point for any discussion, while dismissing the agency of Palestinians. It is designed to dehumanize Palestinians and is part of a wider strategy to coarsen the discourse and marginalize any criticism of Israeli violence. The focus is shifted from the atrocities committed against Palestinians to the hurt feelings of Zionists, perpetuating the colonial double standard and reinforcing the belief that Palestinian lives are less valuable. This strategy of dehumanization and coarsening of discourse is intended to intimidate, humiliate, and degrade, and it is part of a deliberate effort to normalize violence and maintain the status quo of oppression in Palestine.
The Role of Zionism and Anti-Zionism in the Politics around Gaza
The conflict between Zionism and anti-Zionism is at the center of the politics surrounding Gaza. For years, the two-state solution was considered the only respectable position, but the movement for Palestinian liberation has challenged this narrative. The chant 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free' has become a rallying cry and a symbol of resistance against Zionism. It is an assertion of the Palestinians' right to self-determination and the decolonization of all of Palestine. The attempt to delegitimize this chant is an effort to establish acceptance of Zionism as the starting point for discussion, while labeling anti-Zionism as pre-Mafashed, outside the boundaries of legitimate discourse. This is a deliberate strategy to silence and dehumanize Palestinians, and it is crucial to recognize that anti-Zionism is not inherently anti-Semitic, but rather a legitimate critique of a colonial ideology and its oppressive practices.
The Coarsening of Discourse and the Normalization of Violence in Israel
The discourse coming from Israel, along with the violent actions taken, is deliberately coarsening in order to intimidate, humiliate, and degrade. This strategy is aimed at shifting the focus away from the atrocities committed against Palestinians and devaluing Palestinian lives. The discourse is also designed to establish acceptance and justification for Israeli violence, while painting any Palestinian resistance or defense as illegitimate. This normalization of violence and dehumanization is perpetrated by those in positions of power in Israel, and it reflects a broader pattern of extremist ideologies and actions worldwide. The aim is to maintain the status quo of oppression, and to prevent any meaningful change or resolution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Link Between Palestine and Global Movements
The movement for Palestinian liberation has resonated with people around the world because it represents a struggle against colonization, oppression, and injustice. The Palestinian cause intersects with various global movements against racism, imperialism, and authoritarianism. The solidarity expressed towards Palestinians is not just about freeing Palestine, but also about challenging and dismantling systems of power and domination. The mass movement in support of Palestine has brought together diverse groups and individuals, creating transversal coalitions and highlighting the interconnected nature of struggles for justice and liberation. This global movement has the potential to bring about significant change and may mark the end of Israel's legitimacy as a normal state.
Exploring the Complexities of Geoeconomics and Geopolitics
The podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between geoeconomics and geopolitics. It highlights that while capitalism pushes against boundaries, it also relies on them for subsidies, territorial organization, and workforce production. The discussion emphasizes the dialectic of de-territorialization and re-territorialization, as the capitalist economy simultaneously challenges and depends on territorial formats. The host argues that geoeconomic issues often intersect with state politics and cultural configurations. The current global geopolitical order is shown to be at a breaking point, with various complex forces at work, such as the new Cold War with China and proxy wars in Ukraine and Syria.
The Role of Internationalist and Anti-Racist Commitments for the Left
The episode also considers the significance of internationalist and anti-racist commitments for left-wing populism and electoral prospects. It notes that these commitments were crucial for the rise of left populism in the past decade, with a focus on issues like wealth redistribution and healthcare. However, the discussion acknowledges that these commitments can pose challenges for left populists in reaching broader electoral support, as seen in cases like Brexit, Corbyn's anti-imperialism, and Sanders' struggle to attract older black voters. The tensions between compromising to appeal to mainstream ideologies and maintaining radical principles are explored, along with the potential for mass movements to shift popular consciousness and enable greater electoral success.
Assessing the War in Ukraine and Its Global Implications
The episode provides analysis of the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications on both local and global levels. It highlights the fecklessness of Russia's warmaking prowess, challenging perceptions of its rational decision-making process and exposing underlying irrationality. The limitations and failures of political figures like Zelensky and their impact on the conflict are discussed, shedding light on the complexities of Ukrainian ruling class politics. The episode also touches on the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, including the effect of multiple fronts on the Biden administration's ability to pursue its desired agenda. It suggests that settling the conflict and focusing on other strategic concerns, such as China, may be crucial in preventing further escalation and allowing for triage of efforts.
