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Embark on a captivating journey with Ralf Ruckus, esteemed author and co-founder of the Gong Chao Collective, as we dissect the complex tapestry of the Chinese Left and its evolution. Ralf's insights challenge conventional perceptions, revealing a shift from revolutionary fervor to a capitalist present, and the intricate dance between grassroots activism and state politics. We navigate through the seismic ripples of the Cultural Revolution, the post-Tiananmen birth of the 'New Left', and the nuanced political battles that have forged China's unique socialist experience.

Peeling back the layers of China's tumultuous march toward modernity, we traverse through the ideological maze of the country's left-wing movements. Ralph spotlights the courageous worker strikes, the internal party struggles, and the controversial reforms under Deng Xiaoping. The conversation illuminates the misunderstood goals of these reforms and the colorful spectrum within the democracy movement. By examining the Tiananmen Square protests, we trace the seismic shift from student-led to worker-dominated resistance, setting the stage for the New Left's emergence and its complex ideological identity.

As we probe the contemporary landscape of left-wing movements in China, Ralf delves into the contemporary challenges and transformations. We scrutinize the 'common prosperity' reforms and their diverse impact on society, and explore the ongoing class struggles, feminist debates, and the precarious balancing act of critiquing China's politics while remaining vigilant against global narratives and biases. Ralph's expertise offers a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone eager to truly grasp the pulse of left-wing politics in modern China.

Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf