Accumulation of Death: How Israel’s Genocide in Gaza Serves U.S. Imperialism, w/ Prof. Ali Kadri
Jan 18, 2024
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Prof. Ali Kadri, author of many books, joins Rania Khalek to discuss Israel's genocide in Gaza, role of Zionism, US wars in Middle East, China's escape from neoliberalism, and misconceptions of Western Marxists. They delve into the destructive nature of capitalism, imperialism, accumulation of waste, and the commodification of death. They explore the impact of capitalism, imperialism, and China's economic success. Comparisons are made between a certain country's development approach and the United States.
Late stage imperialism is characterized by the rising accumulation of death and waste, driven by capitalism's pursuit of profit at any cost.
Imperialism in the Middle East involves the use of war and genocide to secure resources and generate profits, aligning with the accumulation of waste in late stage imperialism.
Certain Western Marxists mistakenly overlook the power dynamics and historical context that shape global imperialism, failing to comprehend its destructive consequences.
Deep dives
The Phenomenon of Accumulated Waste in Late Stage Imperialism
Late stage imperialism is characterized by the rising accumulation of death and waste. This is seen in the increasing use of war and genocide as not just means to an end, but as part of the end itself. The author argues that capitalism's pursuit of profit at any cost is at the root of this phenomenon. As capitalism prioritizes making money over creating useful things, it leads to the production of excessive waste, both in terms of material goods and the destruction of nature and human lives. This waste, along with the exploitation of people and resources in the third world, contributes to the social and environmental damage we see today.
Imperialism, War, and Genocide
Imperialism in the Middle East is driven by the need to secure resources, particularly oil. War and genocide play a significant role in this process, as they allow for the extraction of resources at a lower cost and also generate profits. Wars, in particular, are seen as a form of waste, where resources are invested into destruction rather than production. The mass killing of people and the devastation caused by war are considered forms of genocide and align with the overall accumulation of waste in late stage imperialism. This capitalist system of exploitation and waste perpetuates a chauvinistic ideology that justifies the unequal distribution of resources and a disregard for human life.
Debunking Western Marxist Critiques of Imperialism
Certain Western Marxists mistakenly argue that countries like Russia and China are also imperialist powers akin to the United States. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the unequal power dynamics and historical context that shape global imperialism. The Western Hemisphere, led by the United States and Europe, holds a dominant position in the global capitalist system. These countries have accumulated wealth and power through centuries of exploitation, resulting in the current late stage imperialism. Western Marxists who claim otherwise overlook the structural power imbalances and the continuous aggression and subjugation of the third world by imperialist forces. Their misguided analysis fails to comprehend the destructive consequences of imperialism on nations like Syria and Palestine.
Imperialism and Constant War
The podcast discusses the relationship between imperialism and constant war as a means for powerful nations to maintain control and profit. It highlights how powerful nations, such as Europe and the US, engage in wars and perpetuate extractivism to strengthen their global dominance. The speaker emphasizes that constant war is a profitable industry that allows these nations to manipulate and dictate terms to weaker nations, leading to exploitation and unequal trade relationships. Furthermore, it argues that the colonial settler project of Israel is an extension of Western imperialism, and those fighting against Israel are fighting against US imperialism.
China's Path to Development
The podcast explores China's alternative path to development and its divergence from Western imperialism. It highlights China's focus on agriculture, infrastructure development, and prioritizing the welfare of its people as key factors in its success. Unlike Western policies that prioritize extraction and resource theft, China's model emphasizes self-reliance, investment, and building strong local industries. The speaker argues that China's socialist approach has allowed it to overcome poverty, improve living standards, and increase life expectancy. Additionally, it emphasizes China's role in supporting the development of other nations through infrastructure investments and fostering economic growth instead of exploiting them.
Where does Israel’s genocide in Gaza fit in to our late stage global imperialist order? What does it mean about the role of Zionism in the Middle East? How do the U.S. wars on other Middle Eastern countries factor in? How has China managed to escape this and the neoliberal rot that has consumed so much of the world? And how come some Western Marxists get it so wrong?
To discuss this and more, Rania Khalek was joined by Ali Kadri, author of many books including “Arab Development Denied: Dynamics of Accumulation by Wars of Encroachment,” “The Unmaking of Arab Socialism,” “China's Path to Development: Against Neoliberalism,” and his most recently published book “The Accumulation of Waste: A Political Economy of Systemic Destruction.”
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