Naomi Klein, co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice, and Seth Klein, team lead at the Climate Emergency Unit, tackle the evolving political landscape in Canada. They discuss the rise of right-wing populism and its implications for climate policy. The siblings explore the role of social movements, nationalism, and the challenges of fostering international solidarity. They emphasize the need for transformative climate actions and critique the influence of neoliberalism on public imagination, all while navigating the complexities of the upcoming federal election.
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insights INSIGHT
Canada's Shock Election
The current political climate is a "shock election" due to Trump's actions and Canada's reaction.
This shock creates uncertainty, leading to a desire for simple solutions like nationalism.
insights INSIGHT
The Canadian Flag's Shifting Symbolism
The Canadian flag's symbolism has shifted due to its use by different groups.
Petronationalism, linking national identity with oil and gas, is a carefully cultivated culture.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Pushing Back Against Trump
Push back against Trump's bullying tactics, even if it's painful.
Impose an export tax on oil and gas exports to the US, raising funds for a transition.
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In this book, Naomi Klein argues that neoliberal economic policies, promoted by Milton Friedman and the Chicago School of Economics, have risen to global prominence through a strategy she calls 'disaster capitalism.' This involves exploiting moments of shock and extreme violence to implement radical privatization and deregulation policies. Klein traces the origins of these tactics back to the University of Chicago and CIA-funded experiments, and documents their application in various parts of the world, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia, and Iraq. The book exposes how these policies have been used to advance corporate interests at the expense of public welfare, often resulting in significant social and economic disparities.
This Changes Everything
Colin Gillespie
In this essay, Colin Gillespie examines the significant scientific advancements of the 20th century and how they have transformed our lives. He also delves into what factors might be hindering further progress and presents a startling conclusion on how to overcome these obstacles. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of science, society, and human potential.
Doppelganger
A Trip into the Mirror World
Naomi Klein
In this special election episode, co-hosts Anjali Appadurai and Erin Blondeau interview siblings Naomi Klein and Seth Klein to discuss the current political climate in Canada leading up to the federal election, unpacking the nuances of a nationalistic response, the role of fossil fuel corporations, and the need for effective and transformative climate policies.
Seth and Naomi provide insights into the shock doctrine, right-wing populism, and what we’re hearing (and not hearing) from the main party leaders. The conversation emphasizes the importance of organizing for climate justice and the need for imaginative policy solutions. The speakers discuss the role of social movements in shaping political vision, the impact of neoliberalism on public imagination, and the question of strategic voting in this federal election.
The discussion also touches on the influence of conspiracy culture on climate action, the significance of Palestinian resistance and global solidarity, and the challenges of fostering internationalism in Canadian politics.
This episode aired on April 4 2025.
Credits:
Produced by Doug Hamilton-Evans, Emiko Newman, Erin Blondeau and Anjali Appadurai. Hosted by Anjali Appadurai and Erin Blondeau. Featuring Naomi Klein and Seth Klein. Music by Anjali Appadurai. Audio editing by Blue Light Studios. Artwork by Geoff Smith.
Break In Case of Emergency 
