Bungacast

[Bungacast is on holiday, so we're unlocking/re-releasing a July 2021 episode that was previously only available to higher-tier subscribers] We discuss Michael Lind's The New Class War. Lind identifies new lines in the class war, between working class and managerial overclass, between those in the "heartlands" and those in the "hubs". How convincing is this account? What is his critique of technocratic managerialism and its symptom, populism? How convincing - and realistic - is his solution of "democratic pluralism"? And is this only achievable as a result of a new cold war with China?

On The National Interest. Aufhebunga Bunga co-founder and contributing editor Phil Cunliffe joins us to talk about his new book about politics after the age of globalisation. We ask questions about his book – and then put him on trial for wrongthink. SUBSCRIBE: PATREON.COM/BUNGACAST Who is the 'national interest' good for? Is it a domestic or a foreign policy concern? Why did the 'national interest' disappear from our political vocabulary? Is the national interest an abstraction anyone can rhetorically claim? Is that not dangerous? What happens if leading politicians – or elites in general – adopt the national interest? Would this be good or bad? Will Trump's re-assertion of US interests push others to defend theirs? Does the national interest stand against class interests? Is this anti-socialist? Was Stalin-style socialism-in-one-country actually correct? Has Phil come around to supporting Roosevelt-style social democracy? Links: The National Interest: Politics After Globalization, Philip Cunliffe, Polity

Jason Myles, host of This Is Revolution and writer for Damage Magazine, dives into the complexities of image-enhancing drugs. He explores the cultural implications of steroid use and the rise of 'fake natties.' The discussion touches on authenticity, revealing how societal views shape our understanding of body image. Myles questions the taboo surrounding drug use, the impact of SSRIs, and the conflicting attitudes towards the body in fitness and trans discourse. Listeners are invited to consider how performance-enhancing substances are reshaping personal and societal norms.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into Jakubowski's insights on ideology and how it shapes the middle classes. The speakers tackle whether ideology is merely a false consciousness and explore capitalism's ideological nature. Insights into the petite bourgeoisie reveal generational aspirations for social mobility amid economic challenges. They also dissect the evolving educational motivations of the middle class and its historical dynamics, all while critiquing traditional views on class through a Marxist lens.

In this discussion, historian Sean Fear, a lecturer at the University of Leeds and expert in Vietnamese history, shares insights on Vietnam’s journey post-American War. He examines how Vietnamese identity intertwines with resistance and the complexities of its nationalism today. Fear addresses contemporary views on the war and the nation’s economic transformation through market reforms. Additionally, he explores the balancing act of Vietnam amid global pressures, particularly concerning China and the U.S. trade landscape.

Exploring the end of modernity, the conversation dives into the significance of 1989 in both Berlin and Beijing. They boldly question whether Trump could be viewed as a benevolent Stalin. The discussion also highlights Russia's role as a revisionist power amidst rising geopolitical tensions. With a critical look at the choice between liberal democracy and authoritarian populism, the hosts engage with complex historical parallels and contemporary anxieties, especially concerning nuclear threats and the cultural backlash of our times.

The discussion revolves around the resurgence of religion among young people in Britain. It explores the evolving divides within Christianity and how cultural issues, particularly around sexuality, influence these dynamics. The appeal of rituals and the concept of 'new monasticism' are examined as sources of solace. Additionally, there’s a thought-provoking look at Gen Z's pessimism, connecting it to environmental concerns and apocalyptic ideas. Personal stories and humor enrich the exploration of modern faith and beliefs.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of the lower middle class and its often overlooked role in politics and society. The podcast examines whether this group serves as a primary consumer of popular culture and if their experiences are universal. It raises questions about their unity versus division and their position as a potential battleground for political conflict. Historical perspectives and contemporary relevance come together to dissect the class's influence and its connection to broader social struggles.

This discussion features Lee Jones, a geopolitics author, George Hoare, an OG Bunga boy, and Alex Gourevitch, all contributing editors exploring the theme of societal decay. They delve into the ongoing impact of neoliberalism and the decline of U.S. hegemony. The conversation highlights urban decay, political representation post-Brexit, and the erosion of democracy. Additionally, they question the effectiveness of populist movements while advocating for proactive political engagement as a remedy for societal stagnation, making for an insightful and thought-provoking dialogue.

In this engaging conversation, Taylor Hines, an editor at Damage Magazine and professor at Arizona State University, dives into themes of shame, guilt, and responsibility. He examines how Robert Eggers' *Nosferatu* symbolizes individual and collective shame. The discussion touches on Frédéric Gros’ insights and contrasting psychoanalytic perspectives from thinkers like Christopher Lasch. Hines also critiques the idea of re-evaluating guilt, pondering its potential to encourage genuine social awareness and responsibility in contemporary discourse.