Jacobin Radio

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.

Thomas Ferguson, a political scientist and research director at the Institute for New Economic Thinking, dives into the intersection of tech and politics. He reveals how big money influences election outcomes and shapes Democratic priorities away from working people. Ferguson examines the rise of 'red tech,' the implications of a K-shaped recovery, and the bipartisan capture of crypto. He warns of a structural impasse for labor and suggests reforms like banning super PACs to revive trust in the party.

Mouin Rabbani, a seasoned journalist specializing in Palestinian affairs, discusses the recent surge in diplomatic recognition of Palestine, linking it to rising public pressure and critiquing the hollow nature of the two-state solution. He highlights the potential consequences of recognition including legal accountability and its implications for Gaza's future amid ongoing destruction. Ernesto Saman, an academic expert on Latin American politics, analyzes the U.S. support for Javier Milei's libertarian administration in Argentina, exploring the social ramifications of aggressive deregulation and the political shift among working-class voters.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives into the origins of capitalism and critiques the colonial plunder narrative often blamed for its rise. He argues that money alone doesn't create capitalism; it requires social structures that enable profit-driven investment. Chibber contrasts Spain and Portugal's wealth with England's capitalist development, emphasizing the role of dispossession in transforming societies. He also debates the myth that Protestantism triggered capitalism, highlighting the significance of ongoing structural changes instead.

Pema Levy, an investigative reporter at Mother Jones, dives deep into the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. United States. She reveals how this ruling grants Trump sweeping immunity, allowing him to weaponize the Justice Department against his critics and facilitate questionable ICE raids. Levy discusses the alarming convergence of legal and political practices that heralds a shift towards authoritarianism in America. This conversation highlights the erosion of institutional independence and the rising threats to democratic checks, especially for marginalized groups.

Alberto Toscano, a political theorist and author focused on fascism, joins Stuart Schrader, a historian specializing in policing and counterinsurgency. They discuss Trump's intensification of police and military repression, revealing insights into the MAGA agenda's authoritarianism. The conversation highlights how police unions amplify state impunity and how media narratives shape public perceptions of crime. They also address the dynamics of resistance and the blending of legal and political tactics against oppressive structures. A thought-provoking exploration of contemporary state violence!

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University professor and author focused on neoliberal thought, joins Molly White, a cryptocurrency expert. They delve into the unsettling intersections of neoliberalism and eugenics, exploring figures like Hayek and the tech-right's disturbing alliances. Molly breaks down stablecoins, their regulatory challenges, and the 19th-century roots of their issues. They also discuss the political implications of the Trump-UAE Binance deal, raising questions about the future of stablecoins and their economic impact.

Catarina Príncipe, a contributing editor for Jacobin and co-editor of Europe in Revolt, dives into the tumultuous decade of Portuguese politics. She analyzes the impact of Troika austerity and the formation of the 2015 'contraption' government that initially brought the left together. Príncipe discusses the ups and downs of the Costa administration, including modest gains against a backdrop of stagnation for radical left parties. She also examines the withdrawal of support from the left and the resurgence of social movements in response to pressing issues like housing and anti-racism.

Alberto Toscano, a scholar focused on fascism and race, joins Stuart Schrader, a professor specializing in the transnational history of policing, for a riveting discussion on the U.S. escalating authoritarianism. They explore the implications of Trump's federal policing and the politicization of ICE. The conversation dives into the historical ties between policing and U.S. fascist tendencies, revealing how liberal complicity has made Washington D.C. a testing ground for repression. Their insights connect the war on drugs and terror, underscoring the risks of state violence in contemporary society.