Jacobin Radio

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives deep into the role of USAID in U.S. foreign policy. He reveals how the agency, often seen as a humanitarian force, serves as a tool for expanding American influence. Chibber discusses USAID's controversial involvement in Vietnam, the duality of its actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ethical implications of its operations. He advocates for a reevaluation of foreign aid, urging a more humanitarian and multilateral approach to truly serve affected communities.

In this conversation, Ilya Budraitskis, a historian and political theorist, and Zakhar Popóvych, a leading Ukrainian researcher, dissect Trump's controversial peace talks regarding Ukraine that sidelined its representatives. They explore how this fuels pro-Putin narratives and impacts Ukraine's sovereignty amid rising authoritarianism. The duo delves into the complexities of modern imperialism, the challenges of the left in Ukraine, and the dire necessity for international solidarity to combat these geopolitical shifts. It's a thought-provoking dialogue on resilience and the left's role.

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University history professor and expert in neoliberalism, dives into the complexities of Trumpism and its implications. He discusses whether Trump embodies neoliberal principles and elaborates on the three strands of DOGE-ism. Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute, examines Europe's military response to the Ukraine conflict and the tangled dynamics of U.S.-European relations. Together, they unpack the contradictions of modern political discourse and the impact of neoliberalism on governance.

Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, delves into the alarming proposal by Donald Trump regarding the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. He discusses the implications of such rhetoric, particularly the humanitarian crisis for orphaned children and regional instability. The conversation also touches on the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the impact of U.S. sanctions on international relations, and the broader geopolitical tensions that threaten peace in the Middle East.

Danielle Carr, a historian and professor at UCLA, dives deep into the evolution of American psychiatry and its ties to societal issues. She discusses the rise of Adderall and its impact on digital addiction, critiquing the narrative surrounding ADHD. The conversation also highlights the controversial perspective on Elon Musk's Neuralink, analyzing the intersection of technology, ethics, and mental health. Additionally, Carr reflects on trauma discourse's socio-political implications and advocates for a collective approach to mental well-being in activism.

Colin Smalley, a geologist and IFPTE local president, discusses a national day of action for federal employees, urging community engagement against detrimental policies. He highlights the importance of solidarity among workers facing intimidation. Meanwhile, NDP MP Charlie Angus sheds light on Canada's grassroots resistance to Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing the unification of Canadians in a boycott against American goods. Both guests spotlight the power of community and the need for collective action in the face of political adversity.

Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown, and Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania, delve into the DEI phenomenon. They critique how corporate diversity initiatives often fail to address deep-rooted inequalities. The conversation touches on the tensions between tech workers and leadership, the superficiality of 'wokeness' among elites, and the historical evolution of choice in society. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of social justice and the changing dynamics of freedom in modern contexts.

Vivek Chibber, a Professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives into the complexities of Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. He critically examines how these tariffs, touted as support for American workers, differ from historical protectionist policies. Chibber argues that, unlike past practices that bolstered domestic industries, today's tariffs are politically motivated and unlikely to help workers. The conversation highlights the economic implications of these measures, suggesting they protect capital while burdening consumers.

Kristin Du Mez, a history professor and author of "Jesus and John Wayne," delves into the complexities of Christian nationalism and its entanglement with American politics. She examines how theological justifications influenced the political landscape during the Trump era. Alongside Jennifer Middlestadt, who specializes in U.S. history, they explore concepts of sovereignty in foreign policy, the evolution of American nationalism, and the intersections of faith and politics. Their insights reveal the gender dynamics and historical fears shaping today's political discourse.

Chris Newman, Legal Director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network and UCLA Labor Studies faculty, dives into Trump’s far-right anti-migrant policies and the Democrats' complicity. He critiques the use of fear in mass deportation tactics and examines the vital role of immigrant labor in disaster recovery efforts. Newman sheds light on the geopolitical implications of U.S. deportation policies on Latin American nations and discusses the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in advocating for immigrant rights amidst rising nativism.