Guerrilla History

Ali Kadri, an esteemed professor and author known for his influential works on Arab development, dives into the future of resistance. He discusses the historical significance of opposition to capitalism and imperialism, highlighting humanity's intrinsic rebellious spirit. The conversation explores the fraught relationship between labor and capital, emphasizing the burdens of debt on developing nations. Kadri also connects historical frameworks to contemporary struggles, advocating for revolutionary solidarity and the importance of anti-colonial movements in today's geopolitical landscape.

In this episode of Guerrilla History, we are joined by returning guest Michael Fox (whom you may remember from our episodes The Rise of Fascism, Bolsonaro, & the Brazilian Elections and  American Imperialism's Shadow on Latin America w/ Michael Fox) to discuss his fantastic new series Stories of Resistance, a collaboration with The Real News Network and provides short surveys of resistance throughout history and in the contemporary world.  Be sure to check this one out! Michael Fox is a Brazil-based journalist, contributor to The World, former Editor of NACLA, and the host of the podcast series Under the Shadow and  Brazil on Fire, and now also Stories of Resistance. Michael can be followed on Twitter @mfox_us, you can support his project on his patreon and follow his band Monte Perdido. Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory  We also have a (free!) newsletter you can sign up for, and please note that Guerrilla History now is uploading on YouTube as well, so do us a favor, subscribe to the show and share some links from there so we can get helped out in the algorithms!! *As mentioned, you will be able to find Tsars and Commissars: From Rus to Modern Russia on YouTube.

In a captivating discussion, Ali Kadri, a globally recognized professor and author, dives deep into the complex concept of surplus populations and the political economy of waste. He critiques the traditional overpopulation narrative, arguing for a Marxist perspective that views humanity as a crucial resource. Kadri highlights how scarcity is often manipulated within capitalist frameworks to exert control over the working class. The conversation ends with a provocative look at the future of resistance and the need for systemic change.

Max Ajl, an associated researcher focused on food sovereignty and environmental issues, shares insights into the agrarian question's significance in national liberation struggles. He discusses the historical and ongoing impacts of rural politics on movements in Algeria and Palestine, emphasizing land rights and colonial legacies. The conversation dives into the intersection of agriculture with revolutionary theory in Russia and China, and how modern conflicts exacerbate global food security. Ajl's expertise shines through as he explores these vital topics impacting today's socio-political landscape.

Isa Blumi, a historian and Professor of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies at Stockholm University, dives deep into Yemen's robust history of resisting colonialism and its geopolitical significance. He discusses Yemen's encounters with empires, especially British colonial ambitions, and emphasizes the cultural resilience amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. Blumi connects Yemen's struggles to contemporary movements, showcasing its solidarity with Palestine and critiques foreign interventions, particularly U.S. policies that have shaped its quest for independence.

Shireen Al-Adeimi, an expert on Yemen's war and humanitarian crisis, and Rune Agerhus, a political commentator and founder of Hamra Books, dive into Yemen's turbulent history and its fight against imperialism. They illuminate how colonial legacies shape modern challenges and emphasize the impact of foreign interventions. The discussion highlights Yemen's resilience amid conflict and critiques media narratives that dehumanize victims. Their insights connect Yemen's struggles with broader global issues, especially in support of Palestinian rights.

In this fascinating remastered episode (originally released Jul 8, 2022), we talk with Professor Brandon Wolfe-Hunnicutt about the numerous coups of Iraq from 1953-1968 (and the CIA/State Department role in these) amidst the background of rising Arab nationalist politics and pushes by several groups for nationalization of Iraqi oil.  A fantastic discussion based off of Brandon's equally fabulous book The Paranoid Style in American Diplomacy: Oil and Arab Nationalism in Iraq! Brandon Wolfe-Hunnicutt is a historian at California State University, Stanislas.  You can (and should!) get The Paranoid Style in American Diplomacy: Oil and Arab Nationalism in Iraq from Stanford University Press https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=26330  Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory  We also have a (free!) newsletter you can sign up for, and please note that Guerrilla History now is uploading on YouTube as well, so do us a favor, subscribe to the show and share some links from there so we can get helped out in the algorithms!

In this excellent conversation (originally released Apr 14, 2023), we talk with Comrade Booker Omole of the Communist Party of Kenya about their book release - The Building of the Communist Party of Kenya!  A great conversation about building a Communist Party, the book is a tremendous resource, and all proceeds of it go towards supporting the CPK! Booker Omole is the National Vice Chairperson and National Organizing Secretary of the Communist Party of Kenya.  He can be found on Twitter @BookerBiro. Support the Communist Party of Kenya!  You can contribute to their fundraising drive on PayPal.  You can follow them on Twitter @CommunistsKe, on Facebook, YouTube, or on Instagram.  You can also support them by buying something from their Propaganda Shop or getting the book we talked about today!  You can also check out their website at https://www.communistpartyofkenya.org/. Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory  We also have a (free!) newsletter you can sign up for, and please note that Guerrilla History now is uploading on YouTube as well, so do us a favor, subscribe to the show and share some links from there so we can get helped out in the algorithms!

In this remastered episode (originally aired 18 December 2020) of Guerrilla History, we are joined by Hisila Yami to talk about The People's War in Nepal, and the role of women in it. Hisila Yami was a leader in The People's War, a three times minister of Nepal, a former member of the Constituent Assembly, and the author of People's War and Women's Liberation in Nepal.  She can be followed on twitter @HisilaPost.    Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory  We also have a (free!) newsletter you can sign up for, and please note that Guerrilla History now is uploading on YouTube as well, so do us a favor, subscribe to the show and share some links from there so we can get helped out in the algorithms!!

Nina Farnia, a legal historian and law professor, dives into the chilling concept of lawfare, revealing how legal systems are weaponized to stifle dissent and maintain control. She discusses the historical evolution of this manipulation from colonial times to modern practices in the U.S. The conversation touches on American imperialism's financial motives and its repercussions on global populations. Farnia also highlights the interplay between law and resistance movements, emphasizing the potential for transformative change amid legalized oppression, while foreshadowing her forthcoming book.