Upstream

In this discussion, Saheli Chowdhury, co-editor of Orinoco Tribune, and Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza, founding editor and expert in Venezuelan politics, dive into the complexities of U.S. aggression towards Venezuela. They reveal alarming recent military buildups and their potential implications. The duo also traces the history of U.S. interventions and discusses Venezuelan responses, including the growth of community-led defense efforts. Their insights into the far-right's alignment with U.S. interests add another layer to this deeply engaging conversation.

Economist Timothée Parrique, a researcher at HEC Lausanne and author of "Slow Down or Die," dives deep into the concept of degrowth. He explains its historical roots and critiques economic growth, advocating for downscaled production and consumption. Parrique distinguishes degrowth from recessions, arguing it can reduce poverty through better resource distribution. He also critiques GDP as a success measure, suggesting a focus on well-being indicators instead, and envisions a future with cooperative economies and more free time for all.

Cira Pascual Marquina, a researcher and popular educator at El Panal commune in Venezuela, discusses the impact of U.S. sanctions on her country. She defines sanctions as a siege, revealing their devastating effects on food and medicine, and highlights the human cost, particularly for vulnerable populations. Cira also compares Venezuela's situation with sanctions imposed on Cuba and Iran, noting their political objectives and historical origins. Her insights into the functioning of communes provide a glimpse into grassroots resistance and community resilience.

Immanuel Ness, a professor and political economist, dives into the complex dynamics of migration as a form of economic imperialism. He explains how global capitalism, wars, and ecological crises drive migration while harming originating countries. Ness debunks the myth that remittances foster development, highlighting their limited impact. He discusses the exploitation of migrant labor in multinational firms and critiques anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S., urging for a humane migration system centered around skills transfer and reduced exploitation.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Gilbert, a professor at Venezuela's Bolivarian University and author of Commune or Nothing, shares insights into Venezuela's socialist communes. He details his visit to the Maizal Commune, highlighting its revolutionary educational role and production activities. Gilbert also contrasts Marxist communes with alternative models, emphasizing their anti-imperialist significance. Exploring Marx's views, he connects the historical emergence of these communes to the broader Bolivarian process and revolutionary strategies.

Jo delAmor, author of Raising Children in the Midst of Global Crisis and a seasoned parenting coach, shares her insights on nurturing kids in today's world. She explores the shift from a power-over paradigm to one of mutual thriving, encouraging parents to see their children as wise partners. Jo emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness and critiques traditional children’s media for its separative narratives. With a focus on parenting as a form of activism, she invites us to learn alongside our children for a better, more compassionate future.

Mikaela Nhondo Erskog, a researcher at Tricontinental and a doctoral student in International Relations, dives into the complexities of hyperimperialism in the Sahel. She discusses Burkina Faso's anti-LGBTQ law and its ties to colonial legacies, highlighting the struggle for equality amidst rising conservatism. Erskog also examines the impact of colonialism on economic dependency in the region, particularly through the CFA franc, and sheds light on grassroots movements advocating for sovereignty against neocolonial forces.

Robina Khalid, a mother of four, midwife, writer, and activist, discusses the history of midwifery and obstetrics. She highlights how capitalism and systemic oppression have reshaped birthing practices, advocating for a return to home births and midwifery. The conversation also touches on the contradictions of modern medicine, reflecting on both its benefits and injustices. Robina envisions a post-capitalist approach to childbirth that emphasizes care and community, encouraging a transformative understanding of birth and parenting.

Vijay Prashad, a renowned journalist and Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, dives into Venezuela's tumultuous history and politics. He highlights the profound impact of U.S. sanctions on the nation's oil-dependent economy, debunking misconceptions around socialism. The conversation shifts to the Bolivarian Revolution and its promises of sovereignty, revealing how Venezuela's oil wealth was redirected towards education and healthcare. Prashad illuminates the socio-political changes that emerged from these policies and their significance in the fight against imperialism.

Joining the conversation are Chris Smalls, a labor organizer and founder of the Amazon Labor Union, and Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian-American human rights attorney and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement. They share riveting stories from the Freedom Flotilla mission to Gaza, highlighting the connection between labor rights in the U.S. and Palestinian liberation. The guests discuss international law, the complexity of activism against the Gaza blockade, and the need for a more global view in labor movements to truly support human rights in Palestine.