
Aziz Rana
Professor at Boston College Law School, where his research and teaching center on constitutional law and political development. He is the author of The Two Faces of American Freedom and The Constitutional Bind.
Top 10 podcasts with Aziz Rana
Ranked by the Snipd community

22 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 53min
Behind the News: Best of 2024
Rashid Khalidi, a retired Columbia history professor and author, discusses the historical complexities of Zionism and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Pankaj Mishra, an essayist, critiques the implications of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. Aziz Rana, a law professor, reevaluates the U.S. Constitution, advocating for inclusivity in governance. Brooke Harrington, a sociology professor, delves into the offshore wealth management sector and the tax strategies of the ultra-rich, revealing the interplay between wealth and power.

21 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
Can the Constitution Serve as a Document of National Unity?
Authors Yuval Levin and Aziz Rana debate whether the Constitution can foster national unity, discussing critiques of constitutionalism, the evolution of presidential power, interpretations of the framers' goals, historical context, challenges of administrative agencies, the rise of originalism, and the limitations of originalism, advocating for constitutional reforms and mass mobilization to uphold democratic values.

18 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h
Trump’s War by Executive Order
Judith Butler, a distinguished philosopher from UC Berkeley known for her work on gender, and Aziz Rana, a law professor at Boston College and author focused on constitutional issues, delve into the impactful implications of Donald Trump's executive orders. They analyze Executive Order 14168, its consequences for trans rights, and how it aligns with broader authoritarian trends. The conversation covers the fragility of democratic principles, the role of protests, and the urgent need for innovative political strategies to defend marginalized communities and inclusive rights.

14 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 2h 41min
Dig: Liberal Hegemon w/ Aziz Rana
Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College and author, delves into the intricate relationship between American history and its constitutional framework. He discusses how hyper-nationalism from World War I and the Cold War shaped liberalism and anti-communism. Rana critiques the Supreme Court's role in protecting civil liberties and explores the psychological impact of McCarthyism. He also contrasts FDR's dynamic leadership with Obama's, while critically examining the legacies of racial and immigration policies within the ongoing struggle for rights in America.

12 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 2h 19min
Settler Empire w/ Aziz Rana
In this discussion, Aziz Rana, a law professor at Boston College and author, unpacks the deep-rooted connection between the U.S. Constitution and American imperialism. He dives into the Constitution's dual role as a revered document and a tool for perpetuating capitalism. Rana explores the tensions between radical movements and established norms, the complexities of representation, and ideological conflicts during the Constitution's formation. He also examines the impact of U.S. expansionism on identity and the contradictions that have shaped American freedom.

8 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 1h 37min
Black Power, Cold War w/ Aziz Rana
Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College, dives into the complexities of American constitutional politics and its resonance with black movements during the Cold War. He discusses how black activism shaped responses to the Vietnam War, revealing critiques of mainstream civil rights approaches. The conversation spans the contradictions of Cold War liberalism, connections to anti-colonial struggles, and the challenges faced by radical groups like the Black Panthers, emphasizing the need for intersectional coalitions in the fight against imperialism.

6 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 53min
Behind the News: The Constitution v. Democracy w/ Aziz Rana
Aziz Rana, a Boston College Law Professor and author of The Constitutional Bind, delves into how the U.S. Constitution may have paved the way for Donald Trump's rise and the ensuing political turmoil. He critiques the authoritarian tendencies embedded in the Constitution and explores the expansion of executive power during Trump's presidency. Rana warns of a potential constitutional crisis stemming from unilateral actions and advocates for the left to build collective power through alternative structures like unions to combat political extremism.

4 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 31min
"The Dig" Live: Internationalism After Third Worldism
Aslı Bâli, a scholar on left internationalism and neocolonialism, joins Aziz Rana, who examines global solidarity movements. They discuss the historical context of Third Worldism and its impact on contemporary movements, particularly concerning Palestine. The conversation highlights the importance of forming alliances against imperialism, explores the legacies of decolonization, and critiques the limitations of nation-states. They emphasize the need for transformative political action to confront ongoing neocolonial structures and foster genuine equity.

Apr 19, 2025 • 2h 41min
Liberal Hegemon w/ Aziz Rana
Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College and author of 'The Two Faces of American Freedom', dives into the making of the American project. He discusses the intersection of American liberalism and empire, highlighting the impact of the Supreme Court and McCarthyism. Rana also critiques immigration policies that reflect ethno-nationalism and examines the complex history of the Communist Party USA. With key insights on FDR's transformative leadership, listeners gain a fresh understanding of the paradoxes in American constitutionalism.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 16min
Aziz Rana, "The Constitutional Bind: How Americans Came to Idolize a Document That Fails Them" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
Aziz Rana explores how Americans revere the Constitution but overlook its flaws, impacting global power dynamics. He discusses the need for diverse voices in constitutional conversations and advocates for unity through coalition building for political change.
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