Bungacast

Catherine Liu, a contributing editor and scholar on media and political theory, joins co-host George Hoare to dive into the intriguing realms of conspiracy culture and the paranoid style. They explore Richard Hofstadter’s seminal work, revealing how conspiratorial rhetoric continues to shape political discourse today. Liu discusses the rise of the alt-right, the challenges faced by journalism, and how a fragmented media landscape affects the public's perception of power. Their insights draw connections to current conspiracies, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Dustin Guastella, a research assistant at the Center for Working Class Politics and director for Teamsters Local 623, delves into C. Wright Mills' 'White Collar.' He explores the evolution of the middle class and its political malaise, questioning the relevance of Mills' insights today. The conversation covers the rise of bureaucratic management, the distinctions of cultural classes in a leveling society, and the state of white-collar unionism. Guastella argues that despite historical similarities, modern white-collar unions are increasingly political, raising questions about the future of the middle class.

Eli Sennesh, a postdoctoral neuroscience researcher, and James Hughes, Executive Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, dive deep into technology's future. They critique the TESCREAL acronym, arguing it misrepresents the complexity of transhumanist ideas. The duo discusses how fears of transhumanism overshadow critical tech issues of today, the political divides in futurism, and the impact of AI. They highlight the need for the left to engage with technology to foster real change, rather than getting lost in abstract dystopias.

Geoff Shullenberger, managing editor at Compact, dives into the complexities of free speech, cancel culture, and online behavior. He debates whether 'right-wing cancel culture' truly exists and how it differs from the left's approach. Exploring René Girard's ideas, Shullenberger discusses mimesis and scapegoating, delving into their relevance in today’s digital age. He analyzes the intersection of libertarian thought, Silicon Valley, and new state-capitalist dynamics, all while reflecting on how troll culture embodies both transgression and moralism.

In this engaging discussion, architect and professor Pier Paolo Tamburelli explores his project cataloging modern wonders—overwhelmingly large, ancient-pretending structures that are often deemed kitsch. He questions how architecture has lost its ritual essence and discusses the allure of these sites as contemporary places of wonder amid global conflict. Tamburelli also shares personal anecdotes from visits to iconic locations, highlighting the coexistence of beauty and failure, and critiques how these structures reflect political histories and cultural narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Fred Lyra, a Parisian philosopher and musicologist, delves into France's political upheavals since 1995. He analyzes the significance of the 2005 riots, linking them to broader societal fractures and the normalization of urban violence. Lyra explores the duality of France's peripheries—racialized suburbs versus neglected smaller towns—highlighting an ironic excess of state presence in the former and a troubling absence in the latter. Their conversation touches on failed integration models and the shifting tides of protest movements from Nuits Debout to the Gilet Jaunes.

Ilias Alami, a political economist and assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, dives into the dynamics of state capitalism. He argues this phenomenon isn't limited to China but reflects a global trend influenced by stagnation and neoliberal legacies. Alami discusses how state capitalism signals systemic fragility rather than strength. He explores its implications for domestic politics and the potential for democratic reclaiming of state assets, all while navigating through the complexities of current economic structures and their effects on future governance.

Richard J Williams, a Professor of contemporary visual cultures at the University of Edinburgh, discusses his new book, The Expressway World. He explores how expressways influenced urban life, revealing why many despise them while others admire their utilitarian beauty. The conversation delves into class struggles, the tension between ecological initiatives and gentrified public spaces, and how expressways can reflect social inequalities. Williams highlights the complexity of these infrastructures, urging a nuanced understanding of modern cities.

Join Guilherme Casarões, an Associate Professor of Brazilian Studies and expert on the far right, as he delves into the fascinating interplay between Brazil and the U.S. He discusses Bolsonaro's sentencing and the strategic motives behind Trump's tariffs on Brazil, revealing limited economic rationale. Casarões highlights Eduardo Bolsonaro's role in connecting Latin America's radical right with MAGA. Explore how Bolsonarismo mirrors MAGA and what a potential Populist International Order might look like in today's political landscape.

The discussion dives into Göran Therborn's analysis of the world's middle classes, questioning the sustainability of middle-class dreams in a changing economic landscape. Is being middle-class defined by consumption rather than income? The hosts explore shifting fears of economic stagnation and the evolving role of political populism among middle-class communities. They also debate the impact of automation on white-collar jobs and whether the professional managerial class will define the 21st century.