Bungacast

On the mass-production of loyalty. *** We are exceptionally making this episode of the Reading Club freely available. See the full syllabus here: 2024/25 Reading Club. If you'd like to join, subscribe at patreon.com/bungacast/membership. *** The second reading in this block on Inter/Nationalism in the 21st Century is The Invention of Tradition (eds. Eric Hobsbawm & Terrence Ranger, 1983), specifically Hobsbawm's chapter "Mass-Producing Traditions: Europe 1870-1914". How much did ordinary people buy into invented national traditions? Why did industrialisation allow for mass-producing traditions? Does the sense of belonging fostered then still exist today? If nation-states don't require active participation any more, what does this mean for the mass-production of loyalty? Are things like social media campaigns, national holidays for diversity, or even global events like the Olympics the new “mass-produced” traditions?

In this conversation with Walden Bello, a renowned public intellectual from the Philippines, listeners dive into the turbulent world of Filipino politics. Bello discusses the implications behind Duterte's arrest and the concept of 'lawfare.' He offers insights into the entrenched political dynasties, describing the Philippines as an 'anarchy of families.' The dialogue also touches on the challenges of left-wing activism, geopolitics in the South China Sea, and lessons for the future amidst changing global dynamics.

Corey Robin, a political theorist and professor at Brooklyn College, joins the discussion on Trump's administration and the evolving American political landscape. They explore whether Trump's reliance on executive orders signifies a lack of strength. The conversation dives into the complexities of oligarchy, questioning if the U.S. has transitioned into one, and how economic sanctions and immigration policies reflect deeper issues within democracy. The dialogues also touch on the fractures within the Republican Party and the implications of power dynamics in shaping governance.

The discussion dives into the tug-of-war between nationalism and internationalism, highlighting their evolving dynamics amidst today’s geopolitical tensions. Cultural aspects of internationalism are examined, raising questions about its perception in a post-9/11 world. Personal journeys reshape understandings of national identity, with experiences revealing the complexities of belonging. The tension between these ideologies is explored, emphasizing the transformation of nationalism from unity to division in contemporary society.

The discussion dives into Trump's tariffs, likening them to retro-80s economic strategies and questioning their effectiveness. Experts assess whether these policies signal a return to high tariff walls and simulate 19th-century economic models. Historical analogies play a significant role, as they explore how lessons from the past are either misguided or relevant today. The complexities of global trade dynamics and the potential impact on nations like China, Brazil, and the UK create an engaging debate about the future of American economic strategy.

Orlando Reade, a Professor of English at Northeastern University London and author of 'What In Me Is Dark,' dives into the revolutionary themes of Milton's 'Paradise Lost.' He explores whether the poem speaks of darkness and its relevance today, especially regarding the age of Trump. The discussion also highlights how figures like Malcolm X interpreted Milton's insights on freedom and rebellion. Reade challenges listeners to consider the moral complexities of disobedience as embodied by Satan and Eve, linking epic poetry to modern political discourse.

Djene Bajalan dives into the complexities of Erdogan's Turkey, examining protests and the dynamics of opposition against his long-standing rule. The discussion explores Erdogan's blend of repression and modernization, revealing why he remains a formidable figure in world politics. Insights into geopolitical shifts, including Turkey's pivot from traditional alliances, highlight its growing global influence. The rise in gold prices and its economic ramifications also come into focus, alongside reflections on the youth's discontent and the cultural divides shaping Turkey's future.

Jensen Suther, a junior fellow at Harvard specializing in philosophy and literature, dives deep into the intersections of art, culture, and socialism. He critiques the concept of immediacy in contemporary culture, juxtaposing it with Hegelian thought. Suther discusses the autonomy of art from society, tackles the implications of cultural forms tied to economic shifts, and examines the response to the historical defeats of the working class, emphasizing the necessity of collective responsibility and agency.

On class formation, fragmentation, pessimism and optimism. George and contributing editor Leigh Phillips talk to Dan Evans, a writer and academic based in South Wales. We discuss his piece in the New Socialist, ‘Is the Working Class Back?’ and themes emerging from it. How important are definitions of class? If the working class remains weak and fragmented, and its politics increasingly chaotic, what is to be done? How does Gabriel Winant's pessimism about the industrial working class compare to Evans'? What are the class contradictions of the contemporary Left? Who is the real oppositional class today? Should we be more positive about the petite bourgeoisie? Links: Is the Working Class Back?, Dan Evans, New Socialist A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petty Bourgeoisie, Dan Evans, Repeater Books /349/ The PMC & Their Politics ft. Dan Evans & Catherine Liu

Ben Bradlow, assistant professor at Princeton, dives into urban politics and inequality, drawing from his book on São Paulo and Johannesburg. He discusses the contrasting realities of slum conditions in rapidly urbanizing cities and reflects on the tension between democratic ideals and neoliberal outcomes since the 1990s. The role of social movements in shaping housing policies is explored, along with the global implications of China’s industrial influence and the rise of the radical right in both the Global North and South. A thought-provoking look at the future of urban living!