Upstream

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Weatherbee Brito, a popular educator and coordinator for the International People's Assembly, sheds light on the political landscape of Mexico. She unpacks the rise of Morena and the concept of the Fourth Transformation, connecting it to Mexico's historical shifts. Stephanie discusses the impact of neoliberalism on earlier revolutionary gains and the fragmentation of the left. She also contrasts Morena's reformist agenda with the Zapatistas' autonomy project, highlighting the complex dynamics of contemporary Mexican politics.

Andrew Fanning, Research & Data Analysis Lead at Doughnut Economics Action Lab, dives into the transformative concept of Doughnut Economics. He vividly explains its evolution from Donut 1.0 to 3.0 and highlights alarming ecological overshoot trends threatening our planet. Fanning discusses the stark inequalities between country groups and the implications of continuing with GDP as a success metric. He advocates for a systems change towards a post-growth future, emphasizing the significance of localizing targets and using insightful indicators for actionable progress.

Cecilia Guerrero, chair and founding member of A Luta Sigue, offers a captivating exploration of Mexico’s rich history. Born into a family of Mexican steelworkers, she discusses pre-colonial civilizations like the Olmec and Maya, highlighting their innovations in writing and urban planning. Cecilia delves into the devastating impacts of the Spanish conquest, the chaotic transition to independence, and the emergence of revolutionary movements, weaving together stories of resilience and cultural legacy.

Tara Raghuveer, a tenant organizer from Kansas City, and Josh Poe, organizing director of the Kentucky Tenants Union, dive into the world of tenant organizing. They discuss the fight against corporate landlords and the root causes of the housing crisis, exposing how rising rents are often a manufactured issue. The pair share insights on building tenant unions, the challenges in Southern states, and the significance of political education in empowering tenants. They envision a future of universal housing and collective ownership that prioritizes people over profits.

Join John Smith, an author and researcher specializing in imperialism and globalization, as he explores the dynamics of modern imperialism. He reveals how capitalism evolved, incorporating imperialism through market mechanisms rather than military force. John shares personal stories of radicalization and the impact of witnessing revolution in Nicaragua. He tackles pressing issues like global inequality and the super-exploitation of workers in the Global South, advocating for a rejuvenated Marxist-Leninist analysis of today's capitalist structures.

Yueran Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, explores the complex legacy of Mao Zedong and Maoism. He delves into Mao's formative years and the rise of the Chinese Revolution. The discussion highlights Maoism's unique tenant of peasant-centered revolution and its implications for modern socialist movements. Zhang critiques China's current political economy, arguing that it leans towards capitalism while challenging traditional narratives around Deng Xiaoping and Mao's policies. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing in striving for true socialism.

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.