In this discussion, Jeremy Corbyn, a former Labour Party leader, joins activists and scholars, including Asad Rehman, a climate justice advocate, and Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist. They dive into the urgent need for radical politics amid global challenges. The conversation juxtaposes past political optimism with today's grim economic realities. The group emphasizes international solidarity, critiques mainstream economic narratives, and advocates for a collective rethinking of climate policy, highlighting the interconnected struggles of communities worldwide.
The resurgence of radical politics globally is seen as essential for addressing deepening crises and fighting systemic injustices.
Critiques of capitalism highlight its failures in tackling economic disparities, revealing a disconnect between traditional indicators and people's experiences.
Emerging global solidarity movements illustrate the potential for uniting labor struggles and climate justice in the pursuit of transformative change.
Deep dives
Re-emergence of Radical Politics
As global crises deepen, there is a resurgence of radical politics, seen as essential for survival and liberation. Movements from Palestine to the US are redefining their strategies and visions in response to these challenges. The Socialism Conference serves as a crucial gathering for leftist activists, providing a space for learning from history and shared struggles. This revival of radical politics reflects a broader recognition that systemic change is necessary in the face of overwhelming inequalities and injustices.
The Impact of Economic Systems
The discussion highlights the fundamental flaws in the current economic systems, particularly capitalism, which are failing to address persistent crises. From rising living costs to the climate crisis, traditional economic narratives often overlook the structural exploitation inherent in capitalism. Speakers discussed how normal economic indicators fail to resonate with the average person, as many struggle to afford basic necessities despite claims of economic recovery. There is a growing awareness that these economic failures are interconnected with global exploitation.
Global Perspectives on Economic Inequality
The conversation emphasizes that the global economic crisis is not a new phenomenon for the majority of the world's population, particularly in the Global South. Historical injustices, from colonialism to neoliberalism, continue to shape economic relationships, exacerbating inequality. The exploitation of resources and people in the Global South has long supported the wealth of the Global North, creating a permanent crisis for many. As conditions worsen for working-class populations everywhere, there is a common struggle emerging that can unite movements across borders.
Challenges of Green Capitalism
The term 'green capitalism' is explored as inherently contradictory, as the technologies touted to combat climate change are often reliant on harmful extractive practices. Mining for resources needed in renewable energy technologies perpetuates existing inequalities and exploitation, particularly towards communities in the Global South. Furthermore, the push for local mining initiatives in the Global North raises questions about environmental impacts and conflicts of interest. The need for greater public ownership and accountability in green initiatives becomes increasingly urgent to avoid repeating historical exploitation under a new guise.
Hope for New Economic Models
The dialogue concludes with a sense of optimism about potential transformative movements that challenge the status quo. Collective initiatives centered on well-being, equity, and environmental stewardship are deemed crucial in crafting alternative economic models. The emergence of global solidarity movements, particularly those connecting labor struggles and climate justice, offers a path forward. Activists emphasize the importance of learning from past movements while also envisioning diverse, inclusive futures that prioritize social and environmental justice.
Dan just did a live Dig in London with Jeremy Corbyn and Laleh Khalili. It was part of a podcast doubleheader that included this recording of the economics podcast Macrodose featuring Asad Rehman, James Meadway, and Thea Riofrancos. The live Dig with Corbyn and Khalili on internationalist and anti-imperialist politics will be posted in a few days.
Subscribe to Macrodose at linktr.ee/macrodosepodcast or wherever you get podcasts
Support Macrodose at patreon.com/Macrodose
The Socialism Conference will be held in Chicago from Aug 30 - Sept 2. Learn more and register at socialismconference.org
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode