Jacobin Radio

Nina Turner, a progressive activist and former Ohio state senator, champions overcoming racism in the labor movement. Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage advocates for fair wages and ending subminimum wages for tipped workers, highlighting historical exploitation in the industry. Sara Nelson, president of the flight attendants union, emphasizes the power of unity among workers. Stacey Davis Gates discusses transformative labor activism, particularly the impact of the Chicago Teachers' Strike. Together, they celebrate the labor movement's revival and advocate for inclusive, collective action.

Rashid Khalidi, a historian specializing in Palestinian history and author of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, discusses the settler-colonial roots of Israeli nationalism and the imperial support that has historically shaped it. Aurélie Daher, a political science professor and expert on Hezbollah, analyzes the group's resilience following its leader's assassination and its strategic military dynamics. Together, they explore the complicated interplay of colonial history, U.S.-Israel relations, and the current political landscape in the Middle East.

Jake Werner, Acting Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute, delves into the New Cold War between the U.S. and China. He discusses the historical neoliberal policies fueling current tensions and the significant shifts in U.S. foreign strategy since 2008. Werner advocates for international cooperation, aiming to reshape public sentiment towards China. With insights on economic nationalism and the evolving geopolitical landscape, he emphasizes the need for solidarity movements to foster a more progressive international order.

Edwin Ackerman, a noted political analyst on Mexico's landscape, tackles the intricate politics as AMLO transitions power to Claudia Sheinbaum amidst contentious judicial reforms. Forrest Hylton dives into the wildfire crises in Brazil, revealing a political environment fraught with challenges for Lula's administration. They discuss the effects of organized crime and neoliberal policies on vulnerable communities, illuminating the pressing issues impacting both nations and the delicate balance between governance and environmental catastrophe.

Yoav Peled, Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University, shares his insights on the seismic shifts in Israeli politics since the October 7 attacks. He explores the growing domestic unrest against Netanyahu, fueled by public protests and rising anti-war sentiments. Peled dives into the complexities of Israeli society, revealing how recent events have heightened divisions, especially among the Mizrahim community. Additionally, he discusses the interplay of ethno-national populism and the impact of the ongoing Gaza conflict on U.S.-Jewish relations.

Hicham Safieddine, a historian and editor behind the new English translation of Mahdi Amel's works, dives into the influential life of this key figure of the Arab left. The discussion reveals how Amel adapted Marxism to address the complexities of colonial realities in the Middle East. They explore the Lebanese Communist Party's evolution, the balance of solidarity with Palestine, and Amel's insights on the intersections of class and national liberation. The relevance of his thought today is emphasized amidst contemporary political challenges in the region.

Aslı Bâli, an expert on left-wing internationalism and decolonization, joins scholar Aziz Rana to explore the historical context of Third Worldism and its relevance today. They discuss U.S. imperialism's impact on democracy and the importance of solidarity in the Palestinian liberation movement. The conversation delves into the challenges of forming anti-imperialist coalitions and fostering revolutionary activism amid neocolonial pressures. Listeners gain insights into the interconnected struggles for justice that span across global political landscapes.

Branko Milanovic, an economist renowned for his insights on inequality, joins Niobe Way, an author investigating the emotional lives of boys. They discuss the challenges boys face in expressing emotions within rigid cultural norms, leading to a crisis in male connections. Milanovic reviews economic theories from iconic thinkers like Adam Smith and Marx, exploring their relevance to today's inequality debates. The conversation also addresses how economic disparities impact social structures and relationships, challenging listeners to rethink societal values and norms.

In this engaging conversation, Senator Bernie Sanders, a staunch advocate for social justice, shares his vision for a progressive future. Joined by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a leader in the fight for racial, economic, and gender justice, they discuss grassroots activism's resurgence and the importance of diverse voter support. The duo addresses the economic struggles impacting the working class and the need for a more inclusive Democratic Party. Their insights spark a call to action for a bold, united movement to confront misinformation and corporate influence.

In this discussion, Abdel Razzaq Takriti, an expert on Arab radicalism, delves into a century of American intervention and its impact on the Middle East. He covers the Oslo Accords' disempowerment of Palestinian movements and the eruption of the Second Intifada. The conversation also explores the rise of radical groups amid U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the dynamics of the Arab Spring, and the emergence of ISIS. Takriti highlights the enduring hope for popular renewal despite decades of imperialist chaos.