Jacobin Radio

Ilan Pappé, an Israeli historian and author of *Israel on the Brink*, offers a gripping analysis of the current ceasefire, emphasizing that it merely postpones deeper issues within Israeli society. He argues for the centrality of Palestinian voices in any resolution and critiques the dangers posed by the rise of religious extremism. Meanwhile, education journalist Jennifer Berkshire investigates the Trump administration's controversial education agenda, focusing on the threats to public schooling and rising inequality. Their insights delve into the complex intersections of politics and society.

Eoghan Gilmartin, an Irish journalist based in Madrid and a co-host of the Sobre Mesa podcast, delves into Spanish politics, focusing on the rise of President Pedro Sánchez. They discuss Sánchez’s bold stance on Gaza and his confrontation with Trump over military spending. Gilmartin recounts Sánchez’s tumultuous rise to leadership amid party crises and the impact of the Catalan crisis on national politics. The emergence of the left-wing party Podemos and its calculations during the 2018 no-confidence motion also come under scrutiny.

Jake Werner, Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute, discusses Trump's unexpected softening stance on China and challenges the prevailing hawkish U.S. foreign policy. He highlights internal divisions within Trump's coalition regarding China and examines China's aspirations on the global stage. Jeet Heer, National correspondent for The Nation, takes a deep dive into William F. Buckley’s legacy, exploring his controversial ties to the American right and the implications of his fusionist politics. Together, they shed light on complex issues reshaping U.S. politics and foreign policy.

Bill Gallegos, a veteran Chicano activist, shares how diverse groups in Los Angeles successfully resisted Trump's military deployment against immigrant communities, showcasing the power of broad solidarity. Meanwhile, Tom Alter, a tenured historian recently fired for his political views, discusses the violation of academic freedom and the rising trend of McCarthyism on campuses. Both guests emphasize the importance of collective action in the face of repression and stress strategies for building united fronts against authoritarianism.

In this engaging discussion, sociologist Melinda Cooper delves into the intricate relationship between fiscal austerity and neoliberal policies. She explains how balanced-budget conservatism emerged to control marginalized political power and how welfare reforms were used to discipline labor. Cooper highlights the tension between asset inflation and public welfare, revealing the powerful monetary tools at our disposal for potential socialist futures. Listen as she connects historical events to today's economic landscape and calls for a labor-driven transformation of fiscal policy.

Vivek Chibber, a prominent Marxist theorist and public intellectual, delivers an insightful keynote on the current state of the left. He argues that the left isn't just reviving but starting anew, facing the challenges of neoliberalism and the erosion of class struggle. Chibber highlights the importance of reconnecting with workers and rebuilding unions to strengthen a multiracial working-class coalition. He points to Zohran Mamdani’s campaign as a hopeful example of economic populism gaining traction. The conversation emphasizes reclaiming Marxist theory to advance socialist goals.

Ilya Matveev, a Russian political economist and dissident scholar, dives deep into the complexities of 21st-century imperialism. He explores the fierce inter-imperialist rivalry among Russia, China, and the U.S., highlighting China's industrial might and Russia's destabilizing actions in Ukraine. Matveev critiques existing imperialism theories and discusses how leaders' ideologies shape geopolitics. He emphasizes grassroots movements as crucial to preventing conflicts and examines India's pivotal role in U.S.-China dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, art crime expert Erin Thompson critiques the political implications of public monuments, especially in light of Trump's move to restore Confederate statues. Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani unpacks Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, revealing its lack of political solution for Palestinians and the troubling influence from figures like Jared Kushner and Tony Blair. Lastly, journalism professor Ted Hamm shines a light on Zoran Mamdani’s progressive mayoral campaign, emphasizing his proposals for rent freezes and community safety reforms.

Catarina Príncipe, a contributing editor at Jacobin and member of the Left Bloc, delves into Portugal's shifting political landscape since 2022. She highlights the alarming rise of the far-right Chega Party, which became the second-largest force in parliament through a coalition of voter mobilization. Príncipe discusses judicial polarization affecting left activists, the roots of Portugal's housing crisis, and the radical left's substantial decline. She argues for a strategic reorientation around housing and migration to reinvigorate leftist movements.

Melinda Cooper, a sociologist and author of "Counter-Revolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance," dives into the fiscal and monetary dimensions of neoliberalism. She describes how asset-driven capitalism arose post-1970s crisis, emphasizing tax cuts and anti-inflation policies that prioritized asset appreciation. Cooper explores the detrimental effects of class hierarchies fueled by property ownership, the cultural politics of the tax revolt, and the evolving dynamics of unions. This rich discussion connects economic shifts to broader social consequences.