Upstream

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.

Joining the discussion are Kevin Li, a member of Qiao Collective and a public health expert, along with Creighton Ward and Alessandro Zancan. They delve into China's unprecedented Zero COVID strategy, highlighting its successes compared to Western mishandlings. The guests share insights on the impact of socialist policy in public health, emphasizing the importance of life expectancy and economic stability. They also address the innovative approaches used, such as contact tracing and mass testing, while tackling misconceptions and privacy concerns.

Join Richard Wolff, a seasoned economist and educator, alongside Shahram Azhar, a political economist and musician, as they unravel the complexities of Marx's Capital Vol. 2. They discuss the transition from understanding surplus value to examining the entire process of capital circulation. The conversation dives into economic nodes' dynamics, the contrasting worlds of merchant and productive capitalists, and the impacts of retail giants like Walmart on small producers. Tune in for insights that challenge common profit narratives and dissect the nuances of class dynamics in capitalism.

Pranay Somayajula, a writer and political educator, dives into the roots and relevance of Third Worldism and the Bandung Conference of 1955. He discusses how colonialism remains a persistent force in the Global South and its implications for modern anti-imperialism. Pranay shares his personal journey in activism and the significance of international solidarity in today's geopolitical landscape. The conversation also highlights how the lessons from the Bandung Conference can inform contemporary struggles for justice and equity.

Pawel Wargan, an organizer and researcher in Berlin, discusses NATO's controversial history and its impacts on the Global South. He links NATO to fascist roots and its role in sustaining colonial practices, highlighting the human consequences of these interventions. The conversation delves into NATO's influence on liberation movements in Africa and Poland, and its implications for international solidarity. Wargan also critiques U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics that shape current struggles against imperialism.

Inem Richardson, President and Co-Founder of the Thomas Sankara Centre for African Liberation and Unity, and journalist based in Burkina Faso, provides insightful perspectives on patriotism and hope in the Sahel. He contrasts the experience of national pride in Burkina Faso with Western perceptions. Richardson shares his transformative journey through Africa, shedding light on the complexities of imperialism and neo-colonialism. He also discusses his center's role in empowering youth through revolutionary education and community engagement, fostering a deep understanding of Pan-Africanism.

Elina Xenophontos, an international law and economic globalization expert, sheds light on NATO's imperialist roots. She discusses NATO's role in maintaining U.S. dominance, highlighting its interventions in Greece, Libya, and Ukraine. Elina challenges listeners to recognize NATO's impact on global capitalism and emphasizes its suppression of socialist movements. The conversation dives deep into Gaddafi's legacy and the repercussions of NATO's actions in Libya, encouraging a critical understanding of geopolitics and imperialism's enduring effects on world affairs.