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Nathan Robinson’s case for socialism

Jan 6, 2020

Guest

Nathan J. Robinson

Nathan Robinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Current Affairs and author of "Why You Should Be a Socialist," dives deep into the essence of socialism. He clarifies the difference between socialist economy and ethic, advocating for a passionate commitment to social justice. Robinson discusses the significance of democracy in socialism and critiques figures like Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg. He envisions a utopian future with workplace democracy, highlighting the need for bold action on healthcare and climate change to address systemic injustices.

01:41:14

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insights

INSIGHT

Libertarian Socialism

Libertarian socialists emphasize civil liberties, free speech, and reduced state power.
They are wary of concentrated power, even in socialist systems.

insights

INSIGHT

Beyond Public vs. Private

Focus on who benefits and who decides, rather than public vs. private.
Analyze power dynamics and accountability in institutions like schools.

insights

INSIGHT

Democracy at the Core

Democracy means meaningfully participating in decisions affecting your life.
It requires accessible political processes, reasonable work hours, and local journalism.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Complexity of Socialism and Power Dynamics

05:43 • 3min

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Navigating Healthcare and Socialism

09:00 • 20min

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Envisioning Workplace Democracy and Utopian Futures

29:14 • 3min

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Utopian Thinking and Social Change

32:01 • 13min

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Bernie Sanders and the Rise of Socialism

45:31 • 20min

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Struggles Within the Democratic Party

01:05:13 • 6min

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Political Ideologies and Wealth Dynamics in the Democratic Party

01:11:01 • 27min

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Exploring Ethics Through Literature

01:38:29 • 2min

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#30981

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Understanding Power

the indispensable Chomsky

Peter R. Mitchell

John Schoeffel

Noam Chomsky

In 'Understanding Power', Peter Mitchell and John Schoeffel assemble the best of Chomsky's talks on the past, present, and future of power politics. The book covers topics from foreign policy during the Vietnam War to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration, offering insights into social change and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Chomsky critiques the concentration of power in the private economy and advocates for a more democratic control over economic decisions.

#34

• Mentioned in 274 episodes

How to Change

The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Katy Milkman

In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.

#2637

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

The dispossessed

Laura Longmore

Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Dispossessed" is a science fiction novel that explores themes of anarchism, utopianism, and social justice. The story follows Shevek, a physicist who travels between two planets with contrasting social systems: Urras, a capitalist society, and Anarres, an anarchist society. Le Guin's novel is a thought-provoking exploration of different social and political systems and their impact on individual lives. The novel's exploration of freedom, equality, and the challenges of creating a just society continues to resonate with readers today. It's a classic of science fiction.

Why You Should Be a Socialist

Nathan J. Robinson

“Socialism” is simultaneously one of the most commonly used and most confusing terms in American politics. Does being a socialist mean advocating for the complete abolition of capitalism, markets, and private property? Does it mean supporting a higher tax rate, Medicare-for-all, and Sen. Bernie Sanders? Or does it simply mean a deep hatred of systemic injustice and the institutions that perpetuate it?

In his new book Why You Should be a Socialist Nathan J Robinson, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Current Affairs magazine, attempts to shed light on these questions. In his writing, Robinson distinguishes between a “socialist economy” (think collective ownership, worker cooperatives, single-payer health care) and what he calls a “socialist ethic": a deep sense of moral outrage that animates agents of radical change. This distinction may sound like a dodge, but I think Robinson gets at something here that — while hard to understand from the outside — is crucial to understanding today's left politics. We also discuss:

- The central role of democracy to the socialist worldview

- What it means to be a “libertarian socialist”

- What Robinson's socialist utopia would look like

- Why so many socialists have turned on Sen. Elizabeth Warren in favor of Sen. Bernie Sanders

- Robinson’s special loathing for South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg

- What he believes Sanders’s “political revolution” would look like

- The lessons of Jeremy Corbyn

- Whether the deep difference between liberals and socialists is temperament

- Why “public vs. private” is often a false choice

- The challenge of economic growth

And much more.

Book recommendations: