CounterPunch Radio

This week Eric sits down with political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss Trump’s Russia problems, the real significance of the latest revelations, and what they mean for the future of the Trump administration. Eric and Anthony explore whether anyone should care about the Trump Jr.-Russian lawyer meeting, how to talk about Trump-Russia without legitimizing the Democratic Party and liberal establishment narrative, and what a post-Trump future could look like. The second half of the show features an in-depth exploration of the social phenomenon of Trumpism, and what the rise of the far right both in the US and internationally, means for the future of the Left, and of society. All this and so much more in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Music: GospelbeacH – “Strange Days” The post Anthony DiMaggio – Episode 91 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to the show author Ellen Brown to discuss the movement for public banking, and why a transformation of the US banking system is so necessary. The conversation begins with a discussion of public banking: What is it? Why is it important? What interests are threatened by it? From there, Eric and Ellen explore a wide variety of topics, from the Bank of North Dakota to the roots of the monetary debates of the late 19th Century and their impact on our financial system today. In the second half of the show, Eric and Ellen discuss some exciting developments in the public banking movement, including endorsements from progressive leaders and calls for states like New Jersey and California to form public banks. Ellen outlines some short-, medium-, and long-term goals for the public banking movement, and explains how and why they’re so attainable. These and many other subjects covered in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Music: The Flying Lizards – “Money (That’s What I Want)” The post Ellen Brown – Episode 90 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric returns with guest, political commentator and analyst Dan Glazebrook discussing the recent elections in the UK, the triumph of Corbyn and what it means for the future of British politics, and his recent article in CounterPunch Magazine examining the phenomenon of 21st Century fascism. The conversation begins with Eric and Dan discussing the recent UK election results and what Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s stunning showing at the polls means for the future of the Left and the Right in Britain. Eric and Dan discuss what led to Corbyn and Labour’s victory, and where this development fits into the broader international political context. The second half of the show sees Eric and Dan closely examine the nature of neo-fascism in Europe and the US: What are its features? Is it necessarily anti-democratic? What role are outside forces playing in promoting it? The discussion shifts to Russia and its support for the far right in Europe, with Russian media as a potent platform for disseminating reactionary and fascist politics. Finally, Eric and Dan touch on Russia, China, and the BRICS and whether this is a legitimate coalition, or merely a public relations and marketing creation. All this and so much more on this week’s CounterPunch Radio! Music: Linton Kwesi Johnson – “Fite Dem Back” The post Dan Glazebrook – Episode 89 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric chats with Brazil-based journalist Mike Fox about the ongoing protests against the right wing government, the volatile politics of the country, Brazil’s significance to the region, and much more. The conversation begins with an in-depth analysis of the recent scandals that continue to plague the Temer government, and what this means in the near- and long-term. Eric and Mike discuss the manufactured nature of the protests against the left wing government of Dilma Rousseff, and the role of big capital both in Brazil and the US in bankrolling them. The second half of the show highlights the broader implications for Latin America, and places Brazil in its proper regional and international context. From urban and rural protests to the role of Wall Street, from endemic corruption to the dangerous Trump Administration, Eric and Mike tackle this complex topic this week on CounterPunch Radio! Music: Max Romeo – “Socialism Is Love” The post Mike Fox – Episode 88 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric chats with syndicated columnist and author Ramzy Baroud to discuss the Palestinian prisoner hunger strike, the symbolic meaning of this act of resistance, the current political situation in Palestine and much more. The conversation opens with a discussion of the ongoing hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners, and why the timing and meaning of the hunger strike is so important. Eric and Ramzy discuss the ascendance of Trump and the impact that has had on Israeli policy vis-a-vis Palestinians, settlements, and a range of other issues. From the regional political situation to the prospects for a lasting piece, this week’s show covers many facets of one of the ongoing tragedies in the world today: Palestine. Don’t miss it! Also, apologies for the heavy breathing. Sometimes our technical equipment catches far too much. The post Ramzy Baroud – Episode 87 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch managing editor Joshua Frank to discuss the recent dangerous developments at the Hanford nuclear facility in Eastern Washington, the Left and the war in Syria, Le Pen and the rise of far right fascist politics, and more. The conversation begins with a detailed discussion of the collapse at Hanford, and what this tells us about the larger issues at play in what has become the most expensive cleanup operation in the history of the US. Josh and Eric cover everything from the history of Hanford to the media blackout of nuclear dangers from Hanford to Indian Point to Fukushima. They also touch on the necessity of solutions-oriented activism and the importance of rebuilding an anti-war, anti-nuclear movement. The second half of the show features a conversation on Syria, the lack of nuanced analysis from all sides on the Left, the nefarious role of Russian media in cementing Kremlin policy as a political line for some on the Left, and the importance of CounterPunch as a platform for competing views. All this and much more in this lively conversation. Music: Nouvelle Vague – “Guns of Brixton” The post Joshua Frank – Episode 86 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with Venezuela-based journalists Rachael Boothroyd-Rojas and Lucas Koerner to discuss the latest developments in that country, and the broader political, economic, and geopoltical implications. The conversation begins with a detailed analysis of the opposition protests, responsibility for the violence, and the role of the domestic private media, and international corporate media in stoking tensions. From there, Rachael and Lucas explain some of the methods and tactics employed in the ongoing economic and propaganda war, as well as who is behind them. Economic destabilization and mismanagement, political assassinations, and psychological war all figure prominently in understanding the complex reality of life and politics in Venezuela today. What will the US policy toward Venezuela be in the Age of Trump? Will the Maduro government survive? Will the Bolivarian Revolution continue? These and many other questions tackled this week on CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it! Music: Rebel Diaz – “Work Like Chavez” The post Rachael Boothroyd-Rojas and Lucas Koerner – Episode 85 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with author and peace activist David Swanson to discuss war and peace in the Age of Trump. Eric and David examine whether Trump’s early days in office represent an escalation of the war machine, and how Trump is both continuing Bush-Obama policies while also taking them in dangerous new directions. The conversation explores how issues of war and imperialism are intimately connected to economic and environmental justice, and the importance of linking them in movement-building. Eric and David also touch on the importance of community-based activism and the development of independent political and economic power. This and so much more this week on CounterPunch Radio! The post Laura Carlsen – Episode 84 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with author and peace activist David Swanson to discuss war and peace in the Age of Trump. Eric and David examine whether Trump’s early days in office represent an escalation of the war machine, and how Trump is both continuing Bush-Obama policies while also taking them in dangerous new directions. The conversation explores how issues of war and imperialism are intimately connected to economic and environmental justice, and the importance of linking them in movement-building. Eric and David also touch on the importance of community-based activism and the development of independent political and economic power. This and so much more this week on CounterPunch Radio! The post David Swanson – Episode 83 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week, Eric welcomes back to the show veteran peace activist Kathy Kelly to discuss the increasingly deafening drumbeat of war, and the reality of life in the war zones which she has witnessed with her own eyes. The conversation begins with a discussion of the Trump Administration’s ratcheting up of hostilities, and what this tells us about both Trump and US foreign policy in 2017. Eric and Kathy examine a number of global hot spots, with Kathy giving her first-hand account of the tragic reality of everyday life in Afghanistan after more than 15 years of US occupation. From Yemen to Iran, Syria and Iraq to the Horn of Africa, imperialism is on the march. Thankfully there are brave voices like Kathy Kelly raised to try to stop it. Visit vcnv.org to follow Kathy’s work, and that of other courageous peace activists. Music: Devendra Banhart – “Heard Somebody Say” The post Kathy Kelly – Episode 82 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.