Alexander Aviña

In this compelling discussion, Alexander Aviña, an associate professor of Latin American history, sheds light on the Haitian Revolution—the globe's first successful slave revolt. He explores the brutal realities of plantation life in Saint-Domingue and the rise of monumental leaders like Toussaint Louverture. The conversation uncovers how this insurrection challenged colonial rule and served as a major inspiration for abolitionist movements. Furthermore, Aviña connects historical legacy to modern struggles for justice, emphasizing the importance of Black agency in revolutionary narratives.

In this discussion, Alexander Aviña, an associate professor of Latin American history, dives into Donald Trump's aggressive tactics against drug cartels, framing them as foreign terrorist organizations. He highlights the controversial U.S. military actions and their ethical implications, including a recent drone strike on a Venezuelan boat. The conversation critiques the effectiveness of these strategies, examines the historical context of U.S. interventions, and reveals how these actions influence nationalism and sovereignty in Latin America.

Join Alexander Aviña, an expert in Latin American history, and Michael Fox, a journalist based in Brazil, as they delve into the volatile situation in Venezuela. They discuss the implications of recent U.S. drone strikes and the history behind the war on drugs narrative used to justify intervention. The conversation also touches on economic influences, Venezuela's military alliances, and the geopolitical significance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at imperialism, regional resistance, and the complexities of international relations.

Alexander Aviña, a historian specializing in modern Mexico and Latin America, joins the discussion to unravel the intricate connections between Israel's Cold War actions in Latin America and the emergence of 'narcoterrorism.' He highlights the shared challenges faced by pro-Palestine and anti-ICE movements, advocating for unity against repressive policies. Aviña also critiques traditional drug war strategies, examines the role of Israeli military technologies in the US-Mexico border security, and calls for coalition-building among diverse leftist movements.

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Aviña, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and Ahmad Shokr from Swarthmore College, dive into recent controversies within the American Historical Association. They tackle the organization’s response to political issues like the Gaza resolution and the concept of 'scholasticide,' highlighting a broader conversation on institutional accountability. The duo advocates for democratic reforms in academia, critiques the corporate shift in higher education, and emphasizes historians' ethical obligation to engage with pressing global struggles.