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The Deprogram

Episode 170 - The World After (Ft. Pankaj Mishra)

Feb 21, 2025
Pankaj Mishra, a critically acclaimed writer and public intellectual, delves into complex global issues. He discusses colonial legacies and their impact on current conflicts in Israel and Palestine, urging a move beyond simplistic narratives. The conversation critically evaluates the Americanization of Holocaust memory and its political implications. Mishra also draws parallels between Hindu nationalism and Zionism, revealing unexpected alliances. Concluding with insights from his book, he emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives for navigating the future.
53:01

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses how historical racial dynamics and imperialism continue to shape contemporary political relations, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian context.
  • It explores the troubling admiration some Indian nationalists have for Israeli state policies, highlighting the intersection of majoritarianism and human rights issues.

Deep dives

Foundations of Racial Imperialism

The analysis highlights that the foundations of the modern world, emerging in the 19th century, are rooted in white supremacy and racial imperialism. This hierarchy privileged white individuals and collaborations with ruling white classes while systematically denying rights to non-white populations. Recent political actions, such as Trump's potential sanctions against South Africa, exemplify how historical racial dynamics persist today. The discussion emphasizes the need to contextualize the Israeli-Palestinian issue within this broader history of racial imperialism and its implications.

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