Meltdown Expected: Crisis, Disorder, & Upheaval at the End of the 1970's
Jun 17, 2024
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Author Aaron J. Leonard discusses the crisis and transition in the late 1970s, including the Iranian revolution, rise of neoliberalism, de-industrialization, FBI shifts, music/culture changes, and geopolitical impacts. Reflects on the relevance of historical lessons for navigating current crises in 2024.
Late 1970s marked pivotal shift with rise of neoliberalism and Iranian revolution.
Youth activism complexities in late 1970s reveal challenges within radical movements.
Deindustrialization impacts Marxist ideologies and American society evolution.
Deep dives
Key Insights about the 1970s from Aaron Leonard's Book
Aaron Leonard's book 'Meltdown Expected' delves into the significance of the late 1970s as a pivotal period that shaped the current American landscape. The end of the 1970s marked a crucial transition point characterized by the death of Mao, the Deng reforms, the rise of neoliberalism, and the Iranian revolution. These events underscored profound cultural and political shifts that continue to influence contemporary crises and upheavals.
Aaron Leonard's Personal Experience and Political Activism in the Late 1970s
Aaron Leonard's engagement in political activism in the late 1970s reflects a period of intense social and political turmoil. His involvement with the Revolutionary Communist Party amidst schisms over ideological differences highlighted the challenges of navigating radical movements during that volatile era. Leonard's account offers insights into the complexities and fervor of youth activism in the late 1970s.
The Impact of Deindustrialization and Shifts in Marxism on American Society
The podcast discussion underscores the impact of deindustrialization and changes in Marxist ideologies on American society. The decline of industrial jobs and the rise of a post-industrial, service-based economy present challenges for traditional Marxist strategies. The evolution of Marxism from prominence in the 1960s and 70s to its re-emergence in recent years reflects socio-economic transformations and the shifting landscape of activism and political ideologies.
FBI Operations in the 70s
During the 1970s, FBI underwent significant transformations in its operations. Changes in laws and guidelines allowed the FBI to conduct surveillance and break into locations if deemed a threat to national security. Informants like William O'Neill played crucial roles in controversial incidents, such as assisting in illegal activities. This era marked a shift towards legal mechanisms for surveillance and intelligence gathering, laying the groundwork for contemporary surveillance practices.
Music Scene Shift in Late 70s
The late 1970s witnessed a dynamic shift in the music scene, reflecting broader societal changes. Emerging from the punk movement, musicians like the Ramones and Sex Pistols challenged the rock music industry to be more rebellious and less commercialized. Bands like Bruce Springsteen and The Clash addressed socio-political issues, capturing the working-class struggles post-World War II. This period saw a mix of backlash against disco culture, racial tensions, and a renaissance in music culture, shaping the landscape for future musical expressions.
Aaron J. Leonard returns to the show to discuss his newest book "Meltdown Expected: Crisis, Disorder, and Upheaval at the End of the 1970s". The final years of the 1970's were a moment of crisis and transition for the United States, both at home and abroad. Today, in 2024, we are also in a moment of crisis and transition - though without the benefit of hindsight we struggle to see where this transition might lead; moreover, we still have the ability to learn from the past and influence this transition through political struggle. Aaron not only writes about this period as a historian, but also lived through this period as a Marxist and an organizer and has personal as well as professional reflections on it. Together, Aaron and Breht talk about the end of the 70's, the imperial crisis in the middle east (specifically regarding Iran) which still shapes regional politics to this day, The opening up of China and its consequences, Jimmy Carter and the rise of neoliberalism, de-industrialization inside the US, the shifts in and around the FBI, the changes in music and culture, and much more.
Check out all of Aaron's previous interviews on Rev Left HERE
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