Brett St Louis and Arun Kundnani discuss C. L. R. James, a figure in decolonial, Marxist, and pan-African thought. They delve into James' perspectives on revolution, the implications of the Haitian Revolution, challenges of governing the working class, internationalism and pan-Africanism, connections between violence, racialization, and imperialism, and the impact of 'Black Jacobins' in challenging traditional history.
CLR James's Black Jacobins challenges Eurocentric views of history and emphasizes the role of colonized peoples in revolutionary change.
Black Jacobins exposes the violence and racialization in colonial societies, highlighting the intertwined relationship between race and class.
James's commitment to internationalism urges the coordination of efforts and solidarity across various struggles against common enemies.
Deep dives
The legacy of CLR James: Exploring the life and work of a radical scholar
This podcast episode delves into the life and work of CLR James, a radical scholar whose influence extends to discussions on class, culture, empire, capital, race, and revolution. James's diverse interests and experiences, from novel writing to political organizing, shape his unique perspective. The episode highlights the importance of internationalism and the connections between different struggles across the globe. James's book, Black Jacobins, examines the Haitian revolution, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the role of enslaved peoples in creating radical change. The podcast also explores the relationship between race and class, the impact of violence in colonial societies, and the need for solidarity and cooperation in revolutionary movements.
Challenging Eurocentric Views of History: The Demolition of Plato to NATO Model
CLR James's Black Jacobins presents a powerful argument against the popular Eurocentric view of history, demonstrating that the ideals of democracy and enlightenment were realized in the Haitian revolution. The podcast discusses how James undermines the traditional view that attributes all progress to the West, showing that history is intertwined with the struggles and revolutions of colonized peoples. By highlighting the importance of understanding the connections between different movements and dispelling myths of superiority, James's work challenges prevailing narratives and encourages a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of history.
The Intersectionality of Race and Class: Unveiling the Systemic Violence in Colonial Societies
Black Jacobins sheds light on the systemic violence and racialization in colonial societies, particularly focusing on the plantation economy and the exploitation of enslaved peoples. The podcast emphasizes how James exposes the centrality of violence, surveillance, and control in maintaining and reproducing these systems of power. The analysis reveals the intertwined relationship between race and class, the impact of colonialism, and the resistance of enslaved peoples. By interrogating the historical context of racial discrimination and violence, James's work highlights the ongoing need for dismantling systemic oppression and fostering solidarity amongst marginalized communities.
The Power of Internationalism: Connections, Solidarity, and Collective Struggles
The episode explores James's commitment to internationalism and the importance of forging connections and solidarity across struggles. It argues that internationalism, as James envisions it, necessitates coordinating efforts against shared enemies and challenges the notion that solidarity requires complete understanding and empathy. By examining historical instances of internationalism, such as the coordination between enslaved peoples in Sandoming, now Haiti, and workers in France, the podcast underlines the importance of fighting hard where one is and recognizing the global dimensions of various struggles. James's work serves as a call for continued internationalist efforts in the face of global capitalism and imperialism.
Challenging Orthodox Notions and Reimagining History: Lessons from CLR James
This podcast episode explores the life, work, and legacy of CLR James, a groundbreaking scholar. It emphasizes James's critique of traditional historical narratives and Eurocentric views. His book, Black Jacobins, challenges prevailing ideas about progress and brings the Haitian Revolution to the forefront of discussions on class struggle and enlightenment. James's views on race, class, and internationalism continue to inspire contemporary debates. The podcast also highlights the relevance of James's ideas in understanding the intersections of race and class, the need for solidarity, and the reimagining of history from a global perspective.
After a short end-of-summer break we’re happy to bring you season two of the newly relaunched Verso Podcast. This week Brett St Louis and Arun Kundnani join our host Eleanor Penny to discuss the near foundational figure in the domains of decolonial, marxist, and pan-african thought - C. L. R. James.
You can find Sakina Karimjee and Nic Watts' graphic novel adaptation of a C. L. R. James play here: tinyurl.com/32hvfftu
And Arun's book "What Is Antiracism?: And Why It Means Anticapitalism" here: tinyurl.com/yp6rw5j2
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