For most of the twentieth century, Trinidad and Tobago had a population of fewer than a million people. But this Caribbean nation made an outsized contribution to radical theory and political activism. C. L. R. James and Eric Williams published two of the most important works about slavery and its role in the development of capitalism. Williams went on to become the country’s first leader after independence.

Their fellow Trinidadian George Padmore took on a pivotal role in the struggle against racism and colonial rule. Padmore helped nurture a generation of activists who successfully challenged the idea that Europe was destined to rule the world.

Our guest today is Theo Williams. He’s a lecturer in history at Durham University, and the author of Making the Revolution Global: Black Radicalism and the British Socialist Movement before Decolonisation.

Read Theo's piece for Jacobin, "George Padmore Played a Vital Role in the Struggle Against Colonial Oppression" here: https://jacobin.com/2023/06/george-padmore-anti-colonialism-marxism-color-line-communism

Long Reads is a Jacobin podcast looking in-depth at political topics and thinkers, both contemporary and historical, with the magazine’s longform writers. Hosted by features editor Daniel Finn. Produced by Conor Gillies, music by Knxwledge.