Novara Media

Guy Shrubsole, an author and campaigner, dives into the troubling legacy of the British elite regarding land ownership. He unpacks the oppressive disparities, where just 1% owns half the land, and their detrimental effects on biodiversity. The conversation touches on the historical roots of this inequality, critiques harmful practices like grouse shooting, and calls for urgent land redistribution. Shrubsole also emphasizes the importance of accountability in land management and highlights the hypocrisy of wealthy landowners failing to fulfill their environmental responsibilities.

Dr. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, sheds light on the plight of Palestinian Christians, a community with roots tracing back to Jesus. He discusses Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and the complex identity of Palestinians, highlighting the diversity and historical coexistence of religious groups. The conversation critiques Western hypocrisy towards Palestinians and Christian Zionism, emphasizing the need for social justice. Isaac calls for grassroots movements to promote coexistence amidst ongoing struggles for rights and identity.

Jem, Nadia, and Keir dive deep into the troubling rise of fascism and antifascism in Britain. They explore how recent riots reflect a dangerous return to street politics and question the Labour Party's silence on these events. The discussion sheds light on the motivations behind far-right protests and rising extremism among disillusioned youth. With insights into the impact of social media and misinformation, they advocate for inclusive strategies to counteract this societal menace while fostering a resilient anti-fascist narrative.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Sarah Jaffe explores the intricate ties between grief and activism, drawing from her upcoming book. She reflects on personal and collective experiences of loss, examining its impact on social issues like COVID-19 and climate change. Jaffe addresses how grief can inspire vengeance and solidarity, particularly in movements against systemic injustice. Delving into the haunting narratives of marginalized communities, she underscores the transformative power of grief in fostering empathy and driving social change.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for her insights on global power dynamics, discusses the rise of Putin and the repercussions of misinformation. She explores the coalition of autocratic regimes, highlighting their shared interests in undermining democracy. The conversation delves into the complexities of Israel's political landscape and its relation to global autocracy. Applebaum also critiques the erosion of liberal values in a multipolar world and emphasizes the need for international cooperation against oppressive regimes.

Helen Charman, a literary scholar and historian, delves into the political history of motherhood in the UK and Ireland. She examines the historical and modern use of maternal metaphors in politics, discussing how figures like Margaret Thatcher impacted perceptions of motherhood. Charman critiques the austerity measures affecting marginalized families while highlighting the liberatory potential of motherhood. The conversation also touches on activism at Greenham Common, the challenges faced by diverse parenting structures, and reimagining maternal roles within feminist movements.

The hosts delve into the allure and ethics of holidays, exploring how travel can both liberate and entrap us. They tackle the history of the Grand Tour versus modern gap years, while also examining the stereotypes of British tourists abroad. Cultural dynamics in vacation hotspots like Ibiza reveal the societal rituals tied to escapism. Environmental impacts of travel are critiqued, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism. Personal reflections highlight the tension between enjoyment and the ethical dilemmas of exploring underprivileged regions.

Thea Riofrancos, associate professor of political science, delves into the paradox of mining's role in the green energy transition. She discusses the staggering 100 billion tonnes of waste produced by mines in 2019 and the environmental toll of resource extraction. The conversation highlights the conflicts facing local communities, especially in Latin America, and reconsiders the ethical implications of lithium mining. She also examines how young generations are driving progressive change amid a complicated political landscape.

Dr. Paul Morland, a demographer and author of "No One Left," dives into the looming concerns of declining fertility rates and population collapse. He explores how urbanization and gender equality have impacted birth rates and discusses the vital role of demographics in economic stability. The conversation also covers controversial proposals, like taxing childless individuals, and the need for innovative family planning solutions. Morland highlights the importance of immigrants in maintaining labor supply and the societal implications of an aging population.

In this discussion, Malcolm Harris, an insightful author focused on California and capitalism, breaks down the cultural shift in Silicon Valley towards right-wing ideologies. He connects military tech between California and Israel, revealing surprising links. The conversation also dives into the influence of tech CEOs in politics, particularly with figures like Elon Musk and the implications of their entwined interests. Harris critiques how technology often serves oppressive ends and examines the dissonance between investor motives and real societal benefits.