Jacobin Radio

Journalist Laura Jedeed discusses the tech moguls' influence on San Francisco, exploring how their so-called solutions often exacerbate local issues. Yasha Levine, co-director of Pistachio Wars, delves into the Resnicks' questionable philanthropic efforts and their role in California's water crisis. Together, they critique the growing power of elites and the impact of their self-serving ideologies on governance and society. The conversation highlights urgent concerns about water scarcity, political dynamics, and the need for a leftist alternative in the face of rising corporate interests.

Michael Denning, a Yale cultural critic and historian, dives into the socio-political landscape of 1970s Britain, examining the moral panic surrounding muggings and its racial implications. He connects historical crises to contemporary neoliberalism, analyzing how race and class intersect during socio-economic upheavals. Denning critiques the manipulation of societal fears to justify authoritarianism and explores the role of the Lumpen proletariat in revolutionary discourse. His insights illuminate the complexities of law, culture, and community support in the fight for change.

Nancy Fraser, a professor known for her insights on social justice, teams up with Trevor Ngwane, a South African activist. They tackle the harsh realities of neoliberalism in South Africa, exploring its impact on working-class movements and the pressing need for revitalization. Fraser questions how the Left can effectively engage with existing social forces and navigate the complexities of geopolitics today. Together, they envision a transformative working-class movement for the 21st century, highlighting the urgency of international solidarity amidst rising crises.

Colette Shade, author of "Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything," reflects on the cultural landscape at the millennium's turn, contrasting past optimism with today's disillusionment. Tim Shorrock, a journalist specializing in South Korea and U.S. foreign policy, discusses the current political crisis involving President Yoon Seok-yeol's controversial martial law declaration. He sheds light on public protests, impeachment proceedings, and the complicated dynamics of South Korea’s alliances with Japan and the U.S., set against rising tensions from North Korea.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, argues for the revival of materialism in socialist politics. He critiques neoclassical economics' view of humans as merely rational actors, emphasizing that material interests shape broader life goals. Chibber discusses the risks faced by leftist organizers and the disconnect between working-class needs and political movements. He advocates for a materialist approach to reinvigorate the left by focusing on immediate economic challenges and fostering direct engagement with the working class.

Michael Denning, a Yale professor, dives into the revolutionary thought of Stuart Hall, the founding figure of cultural studies. They discuss Hall's Marxism, which adapts to the complexities of capitalism and emphasizes the need for active political engagement rather than assumptions about class politics. The conversation also touches on the intersections of race, class, and ideology, particularly through the lens of Thatcherism. Denning reflects on Hall's materialist approach and the significance of understanding historical specificity in combating contemporary societal challenges.

Rashid Khalidi, a retired Columbia history professor and author, discusses the historical complexities of Zionism and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Pankaj Mishra, an essayist, critiques the implications of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. Aziz Rana, a law professor, reevaluates the U.S. Constitution, advocating for inclusivity in governance. Brooke Harrington, a sociology professor, delves into the offshore wealth management sector and the tax strategies of the ultra-rich, revealing the interplay between wealth and power.

Branko Marcetic, Jacobin staff writer and author of Yesterday's Man, delivers a critical farewell to Joe Biden, dissecting his presidency and public approval decline. He also critiques media figures like Joe Scarborough for influencing political discourse. Joining him, Santiago Perez, an economics professor at UC Davis, presents a revealing study on the unchanged socioeconomic dynamics in elite college admissions. Their conversation dives into the stark inequalities within higher education and the broader implications for society and democracy.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, critiques the Democratic Party's reliance on identity politics. He argues this approach fails to address systemic oppression affecting working-class minorities. Chibber delves into the party's historical shift from labor representation to elite urban interests and the overshadowing of economic justice in civil rights narratives. He calls for a renewed focus on genuine race and gender justice to bridge the gap between elite interests and the needs of the working class.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Bill Fletcher Jr., a seasoned activist and former president of TransAfrica Forum, and Alex Callinicos, an Emeritus Professor at King's College, tackle the decline of the left. They critique Boris Kagarlitsky's views on the challenges facing leftist movements and the rise of the right. The conversation delves into the failures of organized labor, the necessity for internationalism, and the intersection of class struggles with issues of race and identity. Their insights spark a call for a more inclusive and adaptive socialist strategy.