Benjamin Balthaser
Associate professor of multi-ethnic U.S. literature at Indiana University South Bend and author of Citizens of the Whole World, writing on Jewish radicalism, transnational left movements, and cultural histories of anti-Zionism.
Best podcasts with Benjamin Balthaser
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Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
Benjamin Balthaser, "Citizens of the Whole World: Anti-Zionism and the Cultures of the American Jewish Left" (Verso Books, 2025)
In a thought-provoking discussion, Benjamin Balthaser, an associate professor specializing in radical U.S. literature, explores the surge in American Jewish activism for Palestinian liberation. He traces roots of anti-Zionism back to the 1930s, highlighting the legacy of Jewish radicals and their critiques of nationalism and imperialism. Balthaser emphasizes the importance of Jewish solidarity with Black activists during the Civil Rights era and discusses how contemporary movements can learn from historical struggles to encourage new coalition building.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
Benjamin Balthaser, "Citizens of the Whole World: Anti-Zionism and the Cultures of the American Jewish Left" (Verso Books, 2025)
Benjamin Balthaser, an associate professor at Indiana University South Bend and author of Citizens of the Whole World, explores the deep-rooted history of American Jewish opposition to Zionism. He connects the 1930s Jewish left's labor and anti-imperialist stance to contemporary anti-Zionist movements. Balthaser emphasizes alliances between Jewish and Black radicals, critiques of nationalist narratives, and the complexities of Holocaust memory in shaping these politics. His insights offer valuable lessons for modern coalition building amidst evolving political landscapes.
