Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader known for his socialist ideals, joins a panel that includes activist Asad Rehman, economist James Meadway, and political ecologist Thea Riofrancos. They discuss the pivotal role of internationalism in labor movements, and the struggles against capitalism's economic despair. The conversation highlights the intersection of environmental justice with social movements and critiques modern economic policies while envisioning a more equitable future. Insights also touch on the importance of solidarity in global struggles against inequality.
Activists are redefining strategies to foster international solidarity, emphasizing the urgency for change from Palestine to the U.S.
The podcast reveals a significant gap between economic indicators and the harsh realities of working-class citizens struggling to afford necessities.
A united global movement for social and economic justice reflects the belief that collective experiences are essential for equitable solutions.
Deep dives
The Need for Radical Politics in Times of Crisis
Amidst deepening global crises, there is a resurgence of radical politics aimed at survival and liberation. Activists and social movements are redefining their strategies, emphasizing the necessity for change and solidarity across borders, particularly from Palestine to the U.S. The upcoming Socialism Conference in Chicago serves as a critical gathering for leftist activists to exchange ideas, learn from historical contexts, and assess ongoing struggles in a live environment. Such events foster a sense of community and collective action essential for navigating the challenges ahead.
Experiencing Economic Disparities and the Housing Crisis
The conversation highlights a profound disconnect between reported economic health and the lived experiences of citizens, particularly in the U.S. While some indicators, like employment rates, may suggest prosperity, many individuals struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing. This situation underscores a failure of policy, as the vast housing crisis remains unaddressed, leaving many unable to meet rent payments despite rising wages in low-wage sectors. The narrative illustrates how traditional economic indicators often do not align with the realities faced by working-class individuals.
Challenging Historical Economic Exploitation
The discussion frames the contemporary economy as not merely broken but rigged, highlighting historical patterns of exploitation rooted in colonialism and neoliberal policies. The extraction of resources continues to benefit the global north at the expense of the global south, perpetuating inequalities that date back centuries. Recent trends show that, while countries in the global north are becoming involved in domestic extraction industries, the same exploitative patterns are re-emerging. This positions the global south's struggles as not isolated but reflective of a larger, interconnected fight against systemic inequality.
Reconciling Traditional Economics with Current Crises
Traditional economic frameworks often fall short in addressing the complexities of the current climate crisis, struggling to account for the relationship between ecological degradation and economic systems. The discussion points to the inadequacies of mainstream economics, which has historically justified exploitation and inequality while failing to confront the urgent realities of climate change. This disconnect leads to inadequate policy responses, as institutions struggle to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by climate impacts. The need for new economic understandings that integrate environmental realities emerges as vital for creating an equitable and sustainable future.
Movements for Change and Global Solidarity
The conversation concludes by emphasizing the potential for unity and cooperation among global movements fighting for social and economic justice. The inspiration drawn from current protests, labor movements, and international solidarity reflects a shift towards a collective approach in addressing global issues. The essence of a global working-class movement is highlighted, advocating for shared struggles across borders in response to crises. This interconnected approach underscores the belief that solutions must emerge from collective experience and solidarity, leading to a more equitable and inclusive future.
Dan just did a live Dig in London with Jeremy Corbyn and Laleh Khalili. It was part of a podcast doubleheader that included this live episode of the economics podcast Macrodose featuring Asad Rehman, James Meadway, and Thea Riofrancos. The live Dig with Corbyn and Khalili on internationalist and anti-imperialist politics will be posted in a few days.
