Jacobin Radio

Join Paul Adlerstein, associate professor and expert on global inequality, Gonzalo Berrón, a seasoned advisor in labor-led coalitions, and Alexandra Wandel, a trade justice advocate, as they unpack the 1999 Seattle WTO protests. They discuss the origins and diverse tactics of global activism against neoliberal policies, the critical role of unions, and the powerful impact of their coalitions. Dive into how the movement sparked regional responses across Latin America and shaped trade justice discussions in Europe, while exploring its lasting legacy amidst evolving political landscapes.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, takes on listener questions with engaging insights. He discusses how socialists can address discrimination within their organizing efforts. The conversation dives into the concept of monopoly capitalism and its implications on class dynamics. Vivek challenges the notion of homeownership as a class determinant, emphasizing income over property. He also explores the nuances of workplace organizing and critiques popular slogans around police and prison abolition.

Jesse Baum, a freelance reporter focusing on retail organizing, and David Williams, a Dollar General worker and organizer with Step Up Louisiana, discuss the labor struggle in 'right-to-work' states. They delve into the power of pre-majority unionism, highlighting how Dollar Store workers achieved safety audits and wage increases despite significant challenges. David shares compelling stories from the front lines, including a shareholder protest that made waves. Together, they explore how small victories can ignite broader labor movements across low-wage sectors.

Ilan Pappé, an Israeli historian and author of *Israel on the Brink*, offers a gripping analysis of the current ceasefire, emphasizing that it merely postpones deeper issues within Israeli society. He argues for the centrality of Palestinian voices in any resolution and critiques the dangers posed by the rise of religious extremism. Meanwhile, education journalist Jennifer Berkshire investigates the Trump administration's controversial education agenda, focusing on the threats to public schooling and rising inequality. Their insights delve into the complex intersections of politics and society.

Eoghan Gilmartin, an Irish journalist based in Madrid and a co-host of the Sobre Mesa podcast, delves into Spanish politics, focusing on the rise of President Pedro Sánchez. They discuss Sánchez’s bold stance on Gaza and his confrontation with Trump over military spending. Gilmartin recounts Sánchez’s tumultuous rise to leadership amid party crises and the impact of the Catalan crisis on national politics. The emergence of the left-wing party Podemos and its calculations during the 2018 no-confidence motion also come under scrutiny.

Jake Werner, Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute, discusses Trump's unexpected softening stance on China and challenges the prevailing hawkish U.S. foreign policy. He highlights internal divisions within Trump's coalition regarding China and examines China's aspirations on the global stage. Jeet Heer, National correspondent for The Nation, takes a deep dive into William F. Buckley’s legacy, exploring his controversial ties to the American right and the implications of his fusionist politics. Together, they shed light on complex issues reshaping U.S. politics and foreign policy.

Bill Gallegos, a veteran Chicano activist, shares how diverse groups in Los Angeles successfully resisted Trump's military deployment against immigrant communities, showcasing the power of broad solidarity. Meanwhile, Tom Alter, a tenured historian recently fired for his political views, discusses the violation of academic freedom and the rising trend of McCarthyism on campuses. Both guests emphasize the importance of collective action in the face of repression and stress strategies for building united fronts against authoritarianism.

In this engaging discussion, sociologist Melinda Cooper delves into the intricate relationship between fiscal austerity and neoliberal policies. She explains how balanced-budget conservatism emerged to control marginalized political power and how welfare reforms were used to discipline labor. Cooper highlights the tension between asset inflation and public welfare, revealing the powerful monetary tools at our disposal for potential socialist futures. Listen as she connects historical events to today's economic landscape and calls for a labor-driven transformation of fiscal policy.

Vivek Chibber, a prominent Marxist theorist and public intellectual, delivers an insightful keynote on the current state of the left. He argues that the left isn't just reviving but starting anew, facing the challenges of neoliberalism and the erosion of class struggle. Chibber highlights the importance of reconnecting with workers and rebuilding unions to strengthen a multiracial working-class coalition. He points to Zohran Mamdani’s campaign as a hopeful example of economic populism gaining traction. The conversation emphasizes reclaiming Marxist theory to advance socialist goals.

Ilya Matveev, a Russian political economist and dissident scholar, dives deep into the complexities of 21st-century imperialism. He explores the fierce inter-imperialist rivalry among Russia, China, and the U.S., highlighting China's industrial might and Russia's destabilizing actions in Ukraine. Matveev critiques existing imperialism theories and discusses how leaders' ideologies shape geopolitics. He emphasizes grassroots movements as crucial to preventing conflicts and examines India's pivotal role in U.S.-China dynamics.