The Chris Hedges Report

Kshama Sawant, a socialist activist and former Seattle City Council member renowned for her work on workers' rights, discusses the pivotal 2024 election and the formation of Workers Strike Back. She argues for a strong anti-war movement and critiques the complicity of major parties in ongoing conflicts. Sawant emphasizes the importance of honest campaigning, suggesting even a small vote for candidates like Jill Stein can galvanize the working class. She shares insights from her victory for a $15 minimum wage, highlighting grassroots activism's power in transforming political landscapes.

Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired Army colonel and former chief of staff to Colin Powell, joins the discussion with his wealth of experience on American foreign policy. He predicts a Trump presidency will emphasize a reluctance for war yet notes his unwavering support for Israel, raising fears of a potential conflict with Iran. The conversation delves into the ideological rifts within Trump’s administration, the U.S. military’s discontent, and the complex impact of nationalism on foreign policy strategy, particularly concerning Ukraine and the Middle East.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, details her findings on genocide against Palestinians. She discusses the systematic violence and destruction faced by the population in Gaza, emphasizing the psychological and physical torture inflicted. Albanese critiques the narratives of self-defense used by Israel and highlights the urgent need for international accountability. The conversation also touches on historic parallels to genocide and the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging listeners to recognize the ongoing struggle for human rights.

John Mearsheimer, a prominent political scientist and University of Chicago professor, brings his realist perspective to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. He discusses Israel's ongoing violence and its impacts on regional dynamics, highlighting unexpected alliances forming between Shia and Sunni groups against Israel's actions. Mearsheimer also critiques U.S. support for Israel, examining its historical roots and geopolitical implications. The conversation reveals how current events are shifting long-standing political landscapes and fostering new coalitions.

Renowned political activist Cornel West joins the discussion, bringing his profound insights as an independent presidential candidate. He critiques the American political duopoly, arguing both parties perpetuate systemic injustices. West emphasizes the need for grassroots movements to challenge oppression and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities. He explores the moral failures in leadership, the importance of youth activism, and the impact of Black intellectuals on American identity, calling for unity against rising fascism and a more equitable future.

Lara Marlowe, a seasoned journalist and author, shares her profound insights into the world of reporting from conflict zones, shaped by her collaboration with the legendary Robert Fisk. She reflects on Fisk's meticulous methods, like sweet-talking a Telex operator to file an urgent story during a crisis. Marlowe explores the complexities of covering tragedies, such as the Iranian Airbus shootdown, and emphasizes the importance of empathy in journalism. Their experiences reveal the intricate dance between human suffering and the pursuit of truth in the Middle East's tumultuous landscape.

George Monbiot, a British journalist and environmental activist, delves into the complex roots of neoliberalism. He critiques how this system prioritizes profit over human and environmental well-being, labeling it 'totalitarian capitalism.' Monbiot discusses the erosion of public services, particularly the UK's NHS, and highlights the manipulation of concepts like freedom and consumerism under neoliberal policies. They explore the paradoxes of this ideology, including wealth consolidation and the rise of chaos-driven leaders, while warning against the allure of conspiracy theories that distract from systemic issues.

The world has failed Palestine. The United States and European Union pay lip service to principles of human rights and democracy while providing limitless support to Israel’s genocidal project of ethnic cleansing and apartheid. Western media outlets censor reporting of Israeli atrocities, and international humanitarian organizations require that Palestinians prove their victimhood over and over again. Arab states, on the whole, remain silent and complicit.  In the context of so much injustice, the new documentary Where the Olive Trees Weep offers a rare view into the everyday experience and psychological ramifications of occupation. Filmed in 2022 in the West Bank, the film follows Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, Israeli journalist Amira Haas, activist Ahed Tamimi, Dr. Gabor Maté, and others. On this episode of The Chris Hedges Report, Chris Hedges speaks with Ashira Darwish and with the film’s directors and producers, Zaya Ralitza Benazzo and Maurizio Benazzo.  Zaya & Maurizio’s intention for the project was to explore the cycles of trauma inflicted by the Zionist occupation. Since long before the present genocide, Israeli forces have been using violence with impunity to punish popular and nonviolent resistance, and to inflict terror on Palestinian men, women, and children going about everyday activities such as attending school. Consequently, the Palestinian experience is marked ubiquitously by violence and loss, and by the constant fear of further violence.  Darwish, who herself has been detained and seriously injured by Israeli soldiers while participating in nonviolent protest, observes how the violence of everyday life shapes attitudes towards death. For children in Gaza and the West Bank, “being in the hands of the divine” becomes a safer, easier option than life under occupation. Amidst endless loss, “death is a celebration also because you’re going home to your beloveds.”  As Palestinians embrace death, so do they embrace life. While filming in the West Bank, Maurizio and Zaya were moved by Palestinians’ joyful celebrations of life, deep sense of community, and fearless commitment to fighting for their freedom. Faith, community, and resistance are deeply intertwined, and integral to the process of healing collective trauma. As Darwish affirms, “the liberation of Palestine is our healing.” 

Gideon Levy, an Israeli journalist and outspoken critic of apartheid in Israel, joins the conversation to share his insights on the dire situation in Gaza. He emphasizes the spiritual destruction affecting both Palestinians and Israelis due to the ongoing violence. Levy argues that empathy for victims is nearly nonexistent in Israeli society, highlighting a troubling loss of humanity. He critiques the decline of the two-state solution and advocates for a one-state approach, while tackling the rising nationalism and moral decay shaping the region’s future.

Christian Parenti, a professor and journalist, dives deep into how 'wokeness' transforms from liberating ideals into tools that suppress true class politics. He critiques identity politics for diverting focus from material struggles, arguing that it serves elite interests over genuine societal change. Parenti highlights the dangers of reducing complex ideas into oversimplified narratives, ultimately advocating for a revival of universal class politics. He also touches on how younger generations are increasingly disillusioned with established ideologies, seeking systemic change.