Jacobin Radio

In this engaging discussion, Aziz Rana, a Boston College law professor and author, dives into the contradictions of American constitutional reverence. He examines how Black movements navigated the tumultuous landscape of the Vietnam War and civil rights, highlighting the challenges faced by leaders like Martin Luther King. Rana critiques the U.S. Constitution's role in perpetuating neocolonial dynamics, particularly in the context of anti-colonial struggles in Kenya. The conversation also explores the evolution of Black radical thought and the quest for systemic change in the face of oppression.

As the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaches, riveting insights explore its true imperialist history. The discussion challenges mainstream narratives while honoring the Vietnamese resistance and the U.S. anti-war movement. Topics include the complexities of American imperialism, the flawed domino theory, and the challenges of regime change under U.S. leadership. The impact of the anti-war movement on culture and foreign policy is also examined, revealing its crucial role in shaping American attitudes towards diversity and global responsibility.

In this engaging conversation, Alan Wald, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan and a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, delves into the Trump administration's war on free speech in academia. He discusses the alarming rise of governmental crackdowns on protests criticizing Israeli policies, including the manipulation of antisemitism to silence dissent. Wald reflects on historical parallels, such as McCarthyism, and emphasizes the urgent need for open dialogue and academic freedom against authoritarian pressures.

Quinn Slobodian, author of Hayek’s Bastards, talks about the IQ- and race-obsessed goldbugs of second generation neoliberalism. Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html

Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College and author, delves into the intricate relationship between American history and its constitutional framework. He discusses how hyper-nationalism from World War I and the Cold War shaped liberalism and anti-communism. Rana critiques the Supreme Court's role in protecting civil liberties and explores the psychological impact of McCarthyism. He also contrasts FDR's dynamic leadership with Obama's, while critically examining the legacies of racial and immigration policies within the ongoing struggle for rights in America.

For many years, Palestine had one of the strongest left-wing movements in the Arab world, represented by prominent figures such as Emile Habibi, Leila Khaled, and Ghassan Kanafani. At the beginning of the First Intifada in the 1980s, Palestinian left groups were still the main challengers to the hegemony of Fatah, although the Left has lost much of its influence in the period since then. Red Star Over Palestine: Histories of the Palestinian Left is a six-part series from Long Reads exploring radical movements and progressive organizations of the region. We’ll be looking at the experience of Palestinian communism and the left-wing currents inside the PLO, the Palestine Liberation Organization. We’ll also be looking at the outsized impact of the Left on Palestinian cultural life. This second episode examines the left-wing movement that took shape under the banner of the PLO, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the role of figures such as George Habash and Nayef Hawatmeh. Red Star Over Palestine is hosted by Daniel Finn and produced by Conor Gillies. Music provided by Fadi Tabbal.

Malcolm Harris, journalist and author of 'What's Left? Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis', joins economic sociologist Charlie Eaton for a deep dive into today's pressing global issues. They discuss the growing influence of hedge fund executives on university boards and its implications for governance. Harris outlines three innovative political paths to address the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for collective international strategies and public power to tackle environmental challenges and advocate for sustainable solutions.

Join Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College, as he delves into the making of the American settler empire and the complex legacy of the U.S. Constitution. He challenges mainstream narratives, showcasing the roles of abolitionists and labor movements in shaping American identity. Rana analyzes pivotal moments like the Dred Scott case and the ideological rifts among early elites, revealing how economic and political interests intertwine with constitutional development. Expect a thought-provoking journey through history's complexities and contradictions.

The discussion dives into the alarming surge in military spending across Europe, highlighting its links to waning social welfare and rising nationalism. Experts analyze the historical roots of NATO, revealing how it was shaped by post-World War II dynamics. The impact of U.S. leadership, particularly under Trump, and the shifting perceptions of security threats from Russia and China are explored. There's a call to revive peace movements, emphasizing the crucial need for prioritizing social welfare over militarization in these tense geopolitical times.

Jason Wade, a senior advisor to UAW President Sean Fain, shares insights on the union's surprising endorsement of Trump's auto tariffs. Sam Gindin, an economist and former advisor to the Canadian Auto Workers Union, dives into the complexities surrounding tariffs, arguing that they offer limited benefits to workers while obscuring broader economic issues. The conversation highlights the fragmentation within the labor movement and calls for increased solidarity and comprehensive strategies to address worker rights amid global trade tensions.