Jacobin Radio

Tascha Van Auken, a lead organizer and field director known for her pivotal role in NYC DSA's electoral strategy, shares fascinating insights on effective grassroots campaigning. She discusses mobilizing a whopping 100,000 volunteers for Zohran Mamdani's mayoral race, the importance of democratic practices in organizing, and lessons learned from past campaigns. Tascha emphasizes the transformative power of canvassing, the relationship between activists and governance, and the future of replicating successful strategies across movements.

Malcolm Harris, a Philadelphia writer and author of "What's Left" and "Palo Alto," discusses the need for the Left to embrace a multi-faceted strategy in addressing planetary crises. He critiques capitalist structures, explaining how they drive ecological degradation. Harris advocates for 'public power' over mere market tinkering, emphasizing social provisioning and ethical considerations. He highlights the role of indigenous movements in anti-extraction efforts and calls for coordinated strategies to navigate contemporary challenges.

Join John Reynolds, a law professor at Maynooth University and an expert in international law, as he explores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent international legal developments. He discusses South Africa's groundbreaking ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide, the ICC's warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, and the challenges these bodies face amid political pressure. Reynolds also delves into innovative legal tactics being used against corporate complicity and shares insights on how U.S. dynamics might shape future ICJ rulings.

Eric Blanc, an assistant professor at Rutgers and a historian of municipal socialism, discusses Milwaukee's 'sewer socialists' who transformed local governance. He highlights how these socialists provided effective public services while grappling with the limits of municipal power. Blanc addresses critiques of their technocratic approach and draws lessons for today's left, emphasizing the importance of building grassroots power. He connects this history to Zoran Mamdani's campaign in New York, discussing strategies for balancing governance and activism in achieving social change.

Mosaab Baba, a researcher and activist focused on Sudanese politics, dives into the complexities of Sudan's civil war, its historical roots, and the role of foreign powers. He highlights the impact of the 2019 uprising, the humanitarian catastrophe, and the external actors prolonging the conflict. Joining him is Jake Adelstein, an investigative journalist in Japan, who reveals insights into the Liberal Democratic Party's power dynamics, the rise of Sanae Takaichi, and the implications of Japan's remilitarization efforts amid economic concerns.

Guests Brace Belden and Liz Franczak host the lively celebration featuring Aziz Rana, a law professor who shares a heartfelt message from his mother about The Dig's impact on leftist culture. The highlight includes Gabriel Winant discussing the intersection of reading and organizing, while Sumaya Awad emphasizes The Dig's historical significance for new leftists. The night is filled with laughter, bloopers, and insights into how the podcast shapes political knowledge and fosters a sense of community across generations.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst Journal, delves into the current crisis facing the Democratic Party. He discusses how recent polls reveal that working-class voters favor economic issues over divisive cultural ones. Chibber critiques the party's focus on identity politics, arguing it alienates potential supporters. He explores the tension between centrist strategies and the need for bold, social-democratic reforms to truly engage the electorate and ensure long-term success.

Alina Shen, Organizing Director at CAAAV, brings her experience in building tenant unions among immigrant communities. Jagpreet Singh, Political Director of DRUM Beats, shares insights on grassroots mobilization within South Asian and Indo-Caribbean populations. Alicé Nascimento of NYCC discusses neighborhood canvassing and accountability strategies. They highlight how grassroots organizations expanded the electorate, mobilized diverse communities, and strategized for political victory while preparing for potential pushback from real estate interests.

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and author of "Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism," shares insights on the complex dynamics of lithium mining essential for green energy. She discusses the ecological destruction and community struggles in places like the Atacama Desert and the impacts of colonialism on resource extraction. The conversation explores the connection between mining and capitalism, the rise of anti-mining protests, and the global challenges in balancing climate action with local environmental concerns.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Press, a labor organizing expert, and Luke Savage, a political analyst, dive into Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking New York City mayoral campaign. Press shares on-the-ground experiences with late-night workers, highlighting Mamdani's connections with taxi drivers and healthcare staff. Savage critiques the elite backlash against Mamdani's socialist agenda, which includes affordable transit and wages. They explore how this unexpected campaign feared by the establishment could spark similar movements nationwide.