Jacobin Radio

In this lively discussion, guests Alex Hahn, Asha Ransby-Sporn, and Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor dive into Chicago's left political scene. Hahn sheds light on Mayor Johnson's tumultuous journey and the fierce labor movements behind his election. Ransby-Sporn critiques the challenges faced by grassroots organizers, while Taylor emphasizes the need for community unity against powerful opposition. They also explore educational reform, housing struggles, and the complexities of political identity in a city grappling with systemic issues. Together, they unravel the ongoing quest for genuine change.

Alex Vitale, a sociology professor and author of 'The End of Policing', discusses Zohran Mamdani's vision for NYPD reform and the heated debate around policing in NYC. He critiques how policing impacts public safety and immigrant rights, proposing community-driven alternatives. Dwayne Monroe offers insights into the AI hype, dissecting the stark difference between industry promises and actual capabilities. He highlights the limitations of AI in customer service and the critical need for a realistic understanding of technology's role in society.

Yoav Peled, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Tel Aviv University, discusses the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza. He highlights the devastating humanitarian toll, emphasizing the reality of starvation in Gaza amid political denial. Growing public sentiment for peace in Israel contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's grip on power, as protests surge against his regime. Peled warns of the authoritarian shift in governance and the implications for Arab political representation and upcoming elections. His insights shed light on the intersection of public opinion and political survival.

Phillip Rocco, an Associate Professor of Political Science and author, dives into the failings of the Democratic Party in confronting the right. He discusses how the abandonment of organized labor has driven the party into dysfunction and ineffectiveness. Rocco critiques the shift from grassroots mobilization to litigation, highlighting the fragmentation within the party. He also emphasizes the need for renewal, connecting grassroots left-wing campaigns to building a compelling political vision that can truly resonate with and engage voters.

Anatol Lieven, Eurasia Director at the Quincy Institute, and Samuel Moyn, Yale law and history professor, delve into the complexities of U.S. foreign relations. They discuss the Trump administration's fraught diplomacy with Russia and the pressing challenges of U.S. support for Ukraine amid rising public dissent. Moyn highlights the need for 'better elites' to ensure accountability in governance. The duo also critiques the current political landscape, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership and reform to engage the public and combat authoritarianism.

Ramaa Vasudevan, an economist at Colorado State University and an expert in crypto capitalism, dives deep into the mainstreaming of cryptocurrency. She discusses the growing ties between Congress and the crypto industry, emphasizing the impacts of lobbying and financial contributions. The conversation also covers the risks of a proposed Bitcoin reserve and the volatile landscape of the crypto market. Vasudevan highlights how cryptocurrency is reshaping global finance and examines the interconnected influences of technology, finance, and government in this new economic order.

Isabella Weber, an economics professor, Malcolm Harris, an author, and Paul Williams, a housing advocate, dive into the pressing theme of abundance in relation to economic policies and housing crises. They explore the clash between neoliberal and progressive views on abundance, and how historical approaches need rethinking. The trio critiques corporate power in the economy and champions public ownership for addressing housing needs. Their discussion also highlights innovative strategies for climate action and examines the linkage between grassroots activism and effective reforms.

Adam Gaffney, a practicing physician and Harvard professor, discusses the significant healthcare cuts during the Trump administration, revealing their dire consequences on vulnerable populations and public health. He emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reform. Alan Beattie, a Financial Times columnist, analyzes the chaotic trade policies under Trump and their implications for both healthcare and the economy, including Canada’s shift away from U.S. dependency and the unpredictable nature of market reactions to tariffs. It's a deep dive into the interconnections between health and trade.

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.