CIIS Public Programs cover image

CIIS Public Programs

Charlotte Saenz and Zara Zimbardo: On Community Building and the Zapatista Movement

Aug 1, 2024
Charlotte Saenz is deeply involved in community building related to the Zapatista movement, while Zara Zimbardo adds her insights on its influence on global liberation. They discuss the innovative 'Zapatista Seed Pedagogics', emphasizing mutual education and autonomy. The conversation explores the Zapatistas’ resistance against colonial capitalism, their journey of reverse colonization, and the significance of decolonizing knowledge and identity. They highlight the interconnectedness of communities and the power of collective action in fostering resilience.
01:04:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Zapatista movement exemplifies a unique implementation of autonomy through communal governance and self-determination, rooted in collective participation and rotation of leadership.
  • Zapatista seed pedagogics emphasizes decolonization and interdependence, fostering solidarity through shared knowledge and practices that address systemic struggles against global capitalism.

Deep dives

The Zapatista Movement's Historical Context

The Zapatista uprising began on January 1, 1994, coinciding with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which threatened the livelihoods of indigenous peasants in Chiapas, Mexico. This group of Mayan peasants, rising in arms, sought to reclaim their autonomy and challenge the oppressive structures stemming from colonial capitalism and cis-heteropatriarchy. The movement gained global attention as the first 'internet revolution,' with real-time updates shared through communiques, establishing a unique connection between the Zapatistas and the global community. Their struggle is characterized by a commitment to autonomy and solidarity with other oppressed peoples, as they emphasize the importance of self-determination and dignified living.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode