Planet: Critical

The Green Democratic Revolution | James Schneider

Nov 23, 2023

James Schneider, Communications Director for Progressive International, discusses the need for a green democratic revolution to address the failures of the ruling class. He critiques the Green New Deal and emphasizes the importance of fast and profound change in response to the climate crisis. Schneider explores the influence of media and the challenges of getting people excited about politics. He also delves into the distinction between free radical capital and fossil capital, highlighting the exploitation embedded within the system. This podcast provides an acute analysis of the crises we face and the potential for collective action.

01:11:24

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James Schneider

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Quick takeaways

The world is facing three types of crises - system-normal crises, social system crises, and crises related to the mode of production and the energy system - that need to be collectively addressed.

To address the crises and achieve true systemic change, it is important to have a fully anti-systemic posture, build radical democratic institutions, and focus on fast and profound transformations with technical and political solutions.

A green democratic revolution requires recognizing the power of the social majority, building a united front across different struggles, and demanding radical democratic changes to challenge the ruling class and pave the way for a more sustainable and just future.

Deep dives

Recognizing the Three Levels of Crisis

The world is facing three types of crises that need to be addressed. Firstly, there are system-normal crises that are a permanent feature of the system and include environmental destruction, undervaluing certain types of work, and poor living conditions. Secondly, there are crises within the social system, such as class conflict and the lack of support for the social settlement. Lastly, there is a crisis related to the mode of production and the energy system. Fossil capitalism is facing intense strain due to the limitations of fossil fuels and the need to transition to renewable energy. These three levels of crisis are interconnected and need to be collectively addressed.

Introduction

2min

Critique of Reform versus Revolution and the Vision for a Green Democratic Revolution

3min

The Multiple Levels of Crisis

11min

Fast and Profound Change: Addressing the Climate Crisis

17min

The Urgency of Taking Action on Climate Change and the Need for a Collective Effort

15min

The Influence of Media and the Need for Radical Social Change

19min

The Difference Between Free Radical Capital and Fossil Capital

2min

The Ineffectiveness of Providing Information for Change

3min

All the money and power in the world—but still the ruling class is failing.

James Schneider, Communications Director for Progressive International, explains how crisis is a permanent feature of fossil capitalism, which is currently cannibilising itself. He reveals a strategy for progressive movements around the world to unite around energy rights, before explaining how we need revolution over reform, including an anti-regime campaign to overthrow the ruling class. This is an acute and scathing analysis of the ruling class—and why hope lies with a green democratic revolution.

James Schneider is the cofounder of People’s Momentum, author of Our Bloc: How We Win, and Labour’s Head of Strategic Communications under Jeremy Corbyn.

Planet: Critical investigates why the world is in crisis—and what to do about it. Support the project with a paid subscription.

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Planet: Critical

The Green Democratic Revolution | James Schneider

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Recognizing the Three Levels of Crisis

Obstacles in Addressing the Crises

The Path to a Green Democratic Revolution

The need for emergency plans for rapid transformation

Challenging the existing political system and uniting for change

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts