Novara Media

Samaneh Moafi, Assistant Director of Research at Forensic Architecture, dives into the cutting-edge field of investigating state violence and environmental destruction. She discusses their latest report on the Gaza genocide, showcasing innovative methodologies like 3D modeling and spatial analyses. Moafi highlights the challenges of evidence collection and censorship, particularly in sensitive political contexts. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaborative truth-seeking to hold states accountable and pursue justice.

In a compelling discussion, Peter Hitchens, a Mail on Sunday columnist and conservative commentator, delves into the current state of British politics. He critiques the legacy of Thatcherism and the Tories’ stagnation, while pointing out Labour's challenges. Hitchens highlights the disconnect between political promises and public dissatisfaction. With thoughts on the decline of Britain's national identity and the implications of educational reforms, he argues for a focus on genuine prosperity rather than the elites' obsession with status.

Celebrate a milestone as the hosts explore the multifaceted concept of 'acid' in politics and culture. They reflect on the joyousness of collective movements and how terms like 'Acid Communism' have evolved in contemporary discourse. The interplay of psychedelics in music culture, especially 'acid rock,' reveals changing societal attitudes. They also discuss the significance of Acid House culture and its transformative potential, while navigating complex Marxist thought and the emotional connections fostered through football fandom.

Laurie Laybourn, Executive Director of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative and co-author of "Planet on Fire," delves into the pressing realities of climate change and the challenges of energy transition. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of geoengineering as a tempting solution, the global implications of breaching the Paris Agreement, and the precariousness of food security amid climate impacts. Laybourn emphasizes the need for community resilience and the importance of systemic changes to address the intertwined crises of climate change and national security.

Matt Kennard, an investigative journalist from Declassified UK, sheds light on Britain's role in the Gaza conflict, suggesting potential complicity in war crimes. He critiques the historical misuse of foreign aid, especially under Trump's administration, and examines the hidden ties between UK military operations and corporate interests. The conversation also touches on the pressing need for a rejuvenated left in politics and the impact of media narratives on public perception, advocating for transparency and accountability in global affairs.

Jodi Dean, a political theorist and author of "Capital's Grave: Neo-Feudalism and the New Class Struggle," dives deep into the current shift towards a neo-feudal system. She discusses the rise of a servant vanguard and the implications of gig economy dynamics. Dean highlights the stark contrasts of labor in today's economy and advocates for a reevaluation of centralized power. She also explores hinterlandization, shedding light on social rifts between urban centers and their declining areas, and champions the idea of service workers as key players in ushering change.

In this captivating discussion, Angus Hanton, a businessman and author of 'Vassal State: How America Runs Britain', challenges the notion of the UK's 'special relationship' with the US. He argues that this alliance may be more harmful than beneficial, compromising Britain's autonomy and living standards. Hanton delves into the implications of American influence on British politics, military capacity, and economic security. He raises crucial questions about shifting loyalties, national identity, and the future of UK-US relations amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

In the wake of Assad’s regime collapse and the call for the Kurdish Worker’s Party to disband, Elif Sarican talks to Richard Hames about how to make sense of this new world, and whether or not the Kurdish revolution in Rojava can survive. Comments, corrections, suggestions? fm@novaramedia.com

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 […]