Jacobin Radio

Simon Pirani, a historian and activist focusing on Russia and Ukraine, joins Ilya Budraitskis, an exiled scholar and political theorist, to discuss the plight of political prisoners in Russia. They shed light on Boris Kagarlitsky's unjust imprisonment and the broader context of dissent under Putin's regime. Ksenia Kagarlitskaya shares a poignant message from her imprisoned father, emphasizing the emotional toll of political repression. The panel calls for international solidarity and urges global leaders to address the crisis of political prisoners in both Russia and Ukraine.

The discussion delves into America's military interventions, focusing on the chaotic regime change in Iraq and its troubling implications for Iran. Historical parallels reveal the disturbing pattern of prioritizing U.S. interests over genuine democratic aspirations of local populations. The chat critiques the idealistic illusions of democracy presented by imperial narratives and highlights the dangers of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Ultimately, it challenges the moral justifications for such interventions, urging recognition of self-determination.

Juliet Schor, a Sociology professor at Boston College and author of 'Four Days a Week', discusses the positive impacts of a shortened workweek on well-being and productivity. Catherine Moose, an Assistant Professor at UMass, adds insights on teacher stress and the urgent need for better working conditions. They dive into successful experiments with reduced hours across various industries, examine historical labor movements, and propose reforms particularly beneficial for educators. All this reveals a compelling case for redefining traditional work norms.

Gabriel Winant, a history professor at the University of Chicago, and Aslı Bâli, a law professor at Yale, engage in a lively discussion about the current political landscape. They dissect the resurgence of authoritarianism and the Democratic establishment’s failures, highlighting the energy from the socialist left. The guests explore the resilience of the millennial left against a chaotic right-wing coalition, the intertwining of race and politics, and the impact of national security on civil liberties. Their insights challenge listeners to rethink political strategies and solidarity movements.

Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, sheds light on the 2015 Oxi Referendum that saw 61% of Greeks vote against austerity measures. He discusses the emotional and historical significance of the referendum, the U-turn by Syriza that led to his resignation, and the critical financial negotiations with the EU. Varoufakis also reflects on the socio-economic devastation caused by vulture funds in Greece and calls for radical political change in Europe, highlighting the need to prioritize public welfare over financial markets.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Lily Lynch shares her observations from the NATO summit, shedding light on its chaotic and costly nature. Megan Greenwell, author of 'Bad Company,' delves into the destructive impact of private equity, drawing attention to its ruthless practices and the detrimental effects on workers and communities. Together, they highlight the urgent need for political action and state legislation to regulate this powerful industry and protect vulnerable sectors like healthcare. It's a compelling exploration of today's pressing socio-economic issues.

Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America, shares insights on the remarkable victory of Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, who defeated Andrew Cuomo in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. They discuss Mamdani's grassroots campaign strategies, powered by a massive volunteer base, and his commitment to tackling economic inequality and immigrant rights. Minsky emphasizes the significance of Mamdani's win as a testament to Bernie-era politics and urges the Democratic Party to embrace its leftist roots to navigate today's political landscape.

Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Mausser, co-chairs of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, share insights on Zohran Mamdani's historic victory in the Democratic primary. They discuss how grassroots mobilization, empowered immigrant communities, and effective communication led to unprecedented voter turnout. The duo examines the shifting dynamics within the Democratic base, labor union endorsements, and the pivotal role of economic messaging. Their strategies offer a model for leftist movements aiming to drive real political change.

Sohrab Ahmari, US editor of UnHerd and author of *Tyranny, Inc.*, dives into the complexities of the Iran-Israel conflict, dissecting U.S. foreign policy's unpredictable nature and the resilience of Iran amidst external pressures. Leigh Claire La Berge, Professor and author of *Fake Work*, humorously reflects on her journey through the dot-com boom and exposes the darker sides of corporate life, critique of capitalism, and the absurdities of Y2K. Together, they navigate the intricate intersections of politics and economics.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, delves into the complexities of Trump’s transformation from a populist figure to a neoconservative leader. He discusses how Trump’s policies align more closely with traditional Republican ideologies, shedding light on the discontent among his MAGA base. The conversation also critiques the Democratic Party’s failure to present a genuine alternative, while contemplating the potential for a united left-wing movement in the current political landscape.