Jacobin Radio

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.

Bassam Haddad joins the discussion, bringing his expertise as the founding director of the Middle East program at George Mason University. He examines the rise and fall of Assad's regime and contrasts the poignant joy of Syrians during the regime's ouster with the looming geopolitical complexities. The conversation navigates through Syria's intricate political history, the role of external influences like Turkey and the U.S., and delves into the challenges facing civil society amidst ongoing conflict, revealing the multilayered dilemmas of power and resistance in the region.

Trita Parsi, an expert on U.S. foreign policy from the Quincy Institute, joins Joshua Landis, a professor of Middle East Studies, to dissect the chaotic landscape of Syria post-Assad. They delve into the surprising fall of Assad’s regime, the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and the competing interests of Turkey and Israel in the region. Tina Gerhardt critiques the recent UN climate conference, highlighting its failures amidst pressing climate issues faced by vulnerable nations. Together, they explore the intertwined fates of geopolitics and climate action.

Join Sarah Bond, a classics professor at the University of Iowa and author of "Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire," as she unveils the unseen struggles of the common people in ancient Rome. She discusses the harsh realities of enslaved labor and the emergence of labor associations akin to modern unions. Bond dives into the legacy of the Spartacus Rebellion, highlighting its significance for both individual freedom and systemic change. Discover how the voices of marginalized citizens pushed for societal shifts through petitions, shaping history from below.