On the 8th December 2024, the Assad regime in Syria fell, replaced by a group of former jihadists called Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. In the north east of the country, in a territory called Rojava, a feminist socialist revolution has been ongoing for since 2012. Then a few weeks ago, Abdullah Öcalan, a Kurdish leader who has been imprisoned by Turkey for 26 years, called on the PKK, the Kurdish Worker’s Party, to disband. Elif Sarican is a writer, organiser and activist with the Kurdish woman’s movement. She spoke to Richard Hames about how to make sense of this new world, and whether or not the Kurdish revolution will survive.

Khem Rogaly, a Senior Research Fellow at Common Wealth and author of 'A Lucas Plan for the 21st Century', discusses Europe's military rearmament amid diminished U.S. support for Ukraine. He examines Germany’s removal of the debt brake and France's push for a European army. Rogaly advocates for redirecting military budgets toward climate action and sustainable practices, challenging the current military-industrial complex. He argues for transitioning to civilian manufacturing focused on renewable energy and emphasizes the need for a collaborative, climate-focused foreign policy.

When we talk about politics – whether it’s the climate, the economy or constitutional reform – the thing that’s at stake is an idea of ‘the future’. These days, the idea of imminent societal or ecological breakdown necessarily means adopting the framing of the present as being a ‘state of emergency’. This is an obvious way for political actors to attempt to generate consensus – but does this ostensibly well-intentioned way of viewing the future actually narrow political discourse in favour of far-right and authoritarian politicians? To discuss this, Aaron is joined by Jonathan White, Deputy Head of the European Institute and Professor in Politics at the LSE and author of In the Long Run: The Future as a Political Idea.

What’s the point of the arts when the world is on fire? To follow the pipeline from creativity to activism and back again, Nadia Idle is joined by Amber Massie-Blomfield, former chief of theatre company Complicité and the author of Acts of Resistance: The Power of Art to Create Better World. They discuss Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powell’s Power Station, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot, the Gaza Free Circus,
Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark, Blood of the Condor (1969), the writer Edouard Louis, Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit’ and the artist-activist Jay Jordan. Sign up to the ACFM newsletter: https://novaramedia.com/newsletters Help us build people-powered media – pledge your support from as little as £1 a month: https://novara.media/support

Lockdown was one of the defining experiences of our lives, but it was far from unique in history. From the plantation to the infirmary and from the leper colony to the stay at home order, contagion and confinement are inextricably intertwined. In The History of the World in 6 Plagues, Edna Bonhomme investigates how fear, power, race science and colonial violence have shaped six of the most powerful plagues in history, and shaped our societies in turn.

Josephine Quinn, Chair of Ancient History at Cambridge and author of "How the World Made the West," dives into the complexities of Western civilization's history. She challenges the simplistic view of the West as a homogeneous entity, highlighting its rich tapestry woven from diverse cultures and ancient kingdoms. Discussions span from the interconnectedness of civilizations to the implications of technology on societal evolution. Quinn also examines the narratives shaped by historical figures and the impact of modern media on our understanding of the past.

David Adler, Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International, dives deep into the long-term strategies that birthed Trumpism, framing it as part of a decades-long project. He critiques American hegemony and the intertwining of elite interests, highlighting the dangers posed by reactionary politics rooted in racism and inequality. Adler emphasizes the need for innovative political movements to counter entrenched interests, advocating for a shift in progressive strategies and political education to confront rising far-right ideologies effectively.

In this discussion, Philip Pilkington, a columnist and podcaster with a keen eye on geopolitics, shares insights on Europe's waning global influence. He delves into the decline of the political elite, criticizing their response to geopolitical shifts. The conversation highlights Europe's dependency on the U.S. for security, the ascent of China, and the implications of Russia's resurgence. Pilkington also questions the integrity of current leaders and calls for a new political generation amidst growing military and economic challenges.

James Schneider, former Director of Communications for Jeremy Corbyn, advocates for a new left party to address the challenges in British politics. Meanwhile, Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, argues that the Greens are already a vehicle for socialist change. They delve into the importance of strategic coalitions, grassroots movements, and global solidarity. The conversation highlights the need for authentic political engagement to combat right-wing populism and empower marginalized voices in the quest for social and environmental justice.

Ash Sarkar, a prominent British left-wing journalist and author of 'Minority Rule', dives into the complexities of identity politics and its impact on progressive movements. She critiques how identity politics evolved from its anti-capitalist roots to a focus on individualism, questioning its effectiveness in fostering social change. Sarkar discusses the disconnect between elite education and working-class realities, alongside the media’s role in polarizing political discourse. With sharp insights, she addresses the challenges of navigating modern political landscapes and cultural movements.