The Prospect Podcast Yanis Varoufakis on Mamdani, hope and resistance
Nov 5, 2025
Yanis Varoufakis, renowned economist and former Greek finance minister, discusses his latest book, highlighting themes of resistance and hope. He delves into the feminist history behind his writing, influenced by the stories of the women in his life. Varoufakis tackles pressing issues, such as the allure of the far right for young men, Ukraine's complexities amid current conflicts, and the dangers of increasing authoritarianism. He also shares insights on Zohran Mamdani's political ambitions and how to cultivate hope in today's turbulent political landscape.
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Personal Therapy Became A History
- Yanis wrote Raise Your Soul as therapy, starting with a memory of his mother visiting his tortured uncle under the 1970 Greek dictatorship.
- He expanded personal chapters into a hundred-year history through five women after finding diaries and family records only he could access.
Talk, Don’t Condemn Young People
- Do engage with disaffected young men through listening and non-condescending dialogue to prevent them drifting to the far right.
- Recognize people are complex and counter fascist drift by fighting bad views while appreciating other qualities.
Insecurity Drives Authoritarian Creep
- Varoufakis argues insecure regimes — both authoritarian and liberal — slide toward authoritarian measures when threatened.
- That creeping authoritarianism creates a doom loop that erodes liberal institutions and civil liberties.
