/471/ Reforming the Deformed ft. Nathan Sperber & George Hoare
Feb 25, 2025
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Dive into Gramsci's legacy with fascinating insights from sociologists Nathan Sperber and George Hoare. They explore how Gramsci's ideas resonate in today's politics, including his surprising influence on the political Right. Discover the significant shifts in Gramsci's reception across Europe and the cultural implications of his concept of the 'national-popular.' The conversation also critically addresses the misuses of Gramsci's thought by both Left and Right, shedding light on contemporary radical democracy.
The podcast emphasizes Gramsci's cultural insights as collective constructions, which challenge traditional Marxist interpretations and remain relevant today.
The discussion critiques the appropriation of Gramsci's ideas by both the Right and Left, underscoring the importance of contextualizing his work in contemporary politics.
Deep dives
Trump's Atlanticism and Geopolitical Thinking
The discussion reveals how Trump's statements regarding the war in Ukraine reflect a unique interpretation of geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to the Atlantic community. His reference to the 'big, beautiful ocean' as a geographical separation underscores a traditional geopolitical perspective reminiscent of Mackinder's theories, which categorize political importance based on geographical divides. This perspective hints at a reductionist view of international relations, suggesting that distance mitigates the urgency of foreign conflicts for America. The conversation prompts a re-examination of what it means to be an Atlanticist in modern political discourse, especially when considering the implications of such views on transatlantic relationships.
Gramsci's Influence and Contemporary Relevance
The podcast delves into the life and legacy of Antonio Gramsci, particularly his significant impact on leftist thought and cultural studies. The newly published edition introduces fresh chapters that explore Gramsci's relevance to current political landscapes, challenging traditional Marxist interpretations. One pivotal insight is Gramsci's understanding of culture as a collective construction rather than merely a byproduct of commodification, marking a shift from other Marxist approaches. This perspective has gained traction among modern scholars and activists, illustrating how Gramsci's ideas can be applied to contemporary sociopolitical issues.
The Revival of Gramsci Studies
The conversation highlights the fluctuating interest in Gramsci's work across different geographical contexts, especially noting a resurgence in France after decades of neglect. While the Anglophone world saw a spike in Gramsci studies in the late 20th century, France experienced a stark decline in academic engagement with his ideas. This revival is attributed to a combination of new translations and the political landscape, which has brought Gramsci's insights back to the fore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding these dynamics to appreciate how Gramsci's thought is being recontextualized in contemporary politics, particularly as it is increasingly appropriated by various ideological factions.
Sociologist Nathan Sperber and our own George Hoare talk to Alex H and Lee Jones about the new edition to their book, An Introduction to Antonio Gramsci: His Life, Thought and Legacy, which includes a new chapter on Gramsci's relevance to contemporary politics and events and a new section on Gramsci's influence on the New Right. We discuss:
How does this book differ from other introductions to Gramsci?
What is wrong with the post-Marxist, post-colonial or culturalist version of Gramsci?
What are Gramsci's top 3 insights into politics?
How has Gramsci been taken up by the political Right?
How has Gramsci been used and abused by the Left? What to make of the post-Marxist radical democracy of Laclau and Mouffe ("left-populism")?
Why is the concept of the "national-popular" that Gramsci takes from the Jacobins so important to rediscover?
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