Rev Left Radio Western Marxism and The Imperial Theory Industry
23 snips
Jan 14, 2026 
In a compelling discussion, Gabriel Rockhill, a philosopher and author known for his Marxist insights, delves into his book on Western Marxism's ties to imperialism. He argues that U.S. power created a 'compatible left' that distorts socialism. Rockhill reveals how the Frankfurt School and various intellectuals were co-opted into promoting ideologies that sidelined genuine Marxist struggles. They explore the implications of current events, including U.S. interventions in Venezuela, and stress the importance of reconnecting Marxism with anti-imperialism to foster a more authentic left.
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From Kansas Farm To Philosophy Professor
- Gabriel Rockhill recounts growing up on a Kansas farm and studying in France to escape manual labor.
- He became a philosophy professor and wrote Who Paid the Pipers of Western Marxism after a decade of research.
Media And Intelligence In Lockstep
- Modern imperial power uses intelligence agencies and media in tandem to shape policy and conceal operations.
- Rockhill links recent Venezuela events to longstanding media-state cooperation documented in archives.
Ideas As A Battlefield
- Ideology is integral to Marxist analysis and not separate from economics or state power.
- Rockhill applies a political economy of knowledge to show ideas are a decisive battlefield in late imperialism.
