Jacobin Radio

Martin Empson, a historian focused on the German Peasants' War and the Radical Reformation, explores the complex legacy of Anabaptism following the rebellion's defeat. He discusses how radical religious ideas became a powerful tool for social change, sparking debate over concepts like shared wealth and adult baptism. Empson highlights the resilience of Anabaptist groups amidst persecution and the significant impact of millenarian beliefs on their ideology. He also sheds light on the dramatic rise and fall of Anabaptism in Munster, illustrating its lasting influence on European society.

David Cobb, a former Green Party presidential nominee, and Kali Akuno, co-founder of Cooperation Jackson, delve into the alarming rise of authoritarianism under the Trump administration. They discuss the immediate impacts on marginalized communities and the dismantling of government institutions. The duo shares their long-term vision for economic democracy and grassroots organization as a means of resistance. They emphasize the importance of building community infrastructure and fostering political engagement to cultivate a new society amidst growing fascistic threats.

Eoin Higgins, an author known for his insightful critiques in "Owned," discusses the startling influence of tech moguls on journalism. He analyzes how figures like Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi have reshaped their identities amid right-wing funding. Ronnie Grinberg, an associate professor and author of "Write Like a Man," dives into Jewish masculinity within New York's post-war intellectual scene, exploring the complexities of identity and father-son dynamics. Their dialogue reveals the nuanced intersections of media, politics, and cultural history.

Hannah Schreier, the dynamic president of the Connecticut Tenants Union, discusses innovative strategies for building tenant unions by drawing on labor organizing models. She emphasizes the importance of democratic decision-making and collaboration with unions like SEIU 1199NE. The conversation includes the triumph at Blake Street, where tenants achieved Connecticut's first collectively bargained lease, and highlights the challenges faced by tenant unions against eviction and corporate landlords. Together, they inspire hope for collective power in housing advocacy.

Victor Narro, a leading expert on immigrant rights from UCLA, joins Nana Gyamfi, a human rights attorney, and Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, director of the Pilipino Workers Center. They discuss the rise of xenophobic policies under the new administration and the crucial role of community solidarity in combating these threats. The trio highlights grassroots organizing, emphasizing the necessity of sanctuary policies and unity among diverse immigrant communities. They also address the importance of protecting workers' rights and building alliances to support vulnerable populations.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, delves into the complexities of wokeness and its political roots. He argues that the Right has adeptly exploited wokeness while revealing how cultural critiques may misrepresent leftist values. Chibber discusses the shift from class-driven social justice to identity-focused politics, critiques academic discourse, and warns about the potential decline of open dialogue within the Left. He emphasizes the importance of confronting these issues to prevent a drift towards conservative ideologies.

Leonardo Vilchis, a seasoned tenant organizer, and Tracy Rosenthal, an advocate engaged in a rent strike, co-author 'Abolish Rent.' They discuss the roots of America's housing crisis and the necessity for strengthened tenant unions. The conversation highlights community resilience in Los Angeles, linking tenant struggles with broader social dynamics. They emphasize grassroots organizing and solidarity for housing rights while urging action against displacement. Their insights reveal how collective efforts can reshape housing policies and empower marginalized communities.

Mouin Rabbani, a journalist and analyst focused on Middle Eastern affairs, dissects the implications of Trump's plans for the region, including a detailed analysis of the recent Gaza ceasefire. Angela Jones and Bernadette Barton, co-editors of 'Sex Work Today', discuss the intricate dynamics within the sex work industry, highlighting the impact of race and technology on workers. They also touch on the feminist sex wars, advocating for a unified approach to supporting sex workers' rights while navigating societal prejudices and economic challenges.

In this discussion, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, senior diplomatic correspondent for the Huffington Post and author of an upcoming book on U.S. foreign policy, dives deep into the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He analyzes how the evolving U.S. diplomatic strategies influence the humanitarian crises in Gaza. Ahmed critiques Biden's administration's contradictory stances on international law versus military actions. The conversation also explores how the Gaza conflict shifts global perceptions of U.S. policies, raising pressing questions for the future of American diplomacy.

Journalist Laura Jedeed discusses the tech moguls' influence on San Francisco, exploring how their so-called solutions often exacerbate local issues. Yasha Levine, co-director of Pistachio Wars, delves into the Resnicks' questionable philanthropic efforts and their role in California's water crisis. Together, they critique the growing power of elites and the impact of their self-serving ideologies on governance and society. The conversation highlights urgent concerns about water scarcity, political dynamics, and the need for a leftist alternative in the face of rising corporate interests.