Politics Theory Other

Quinn Slobodian tackles listener questions about his provocative book on the ideological roots of the populist right. He delves into the global implications of dollar dominance, discussing its role as the world’s reserve currency. The conversation also critiques U.S. economic policies and examines emerging alternatives that challenge American financial supremacy. Slobodian’s insights spark thought-provoking discussions on the future of global finance.

Quinn Slobodian returns to PTO to talk about his new book 'Hayek's Bastards: The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right'. Whilst politicians and thinkers of the new right are typically characterised as fierce opponents of neoliberalism, Quinn explains how the emergence of the populist right developed through a split within the neoliberal movement itself. We talked about the intellectual development of the new right, why their neoliberal heritage is often ignored, and how their racism and obsession with borders - though often seen as merely irrational and atavistic - contains its own form of economic rationality.

Natasha Lennard joins PTO to talk about her recent writing on how the Democrats are making sense of their electoral defeat in November and how the mainstream of the party is adopting conservative social policy while flirting with far-right activists and influencers. We also talked about the enduring and ever more bizarre democrat obsession with civility and bipartisanship.

Richard Seymour dives into the chaotic meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and JD Vance, exploring the implications of such high-stakes diplomacy. The discussion highlights the U.S. foreign policy shift under the Biden administration, noting a blend of past approaches with a newfound pragmatic twist. Seymour critiques America’s evolving role on the global stage, suggesting a shift from a hegemonic power to a more self-interested empire, raising questions about future international relations.

Hannah Proctor joins PTO to discuss her book Burnout: The Emotional Experience of Political Defeat.  Amongst other aspects of the book, we discussed the practice of Maoist self-criticism and its influence on the American and European New Left, the accounts of women involved in the 1984-85 miners strike following its defeat at the hands of the Thatcher government, and about the Paris Commune of 1871 and the fate of the communards who were exiled to the French penal colony in New Caledonia.

Dive into the shifting alliances in American political resistance, exploring how society is reacting to the aftermath of the Trump era. The discussion critiques the Biden administration's challenges in unifying democratic factions. Key topics include the ongoing crises in Gaza and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments, revealing the complexities of contemporary political dynamics.

Richard tackles pressing topics like the recent Gaza ceasefire and its implications. He delves into the controversial dynamics of Bible study in American schools, scrutinizing the rise of Christian nationalism. The discussion also explores what can be learned from Mexico's Morena party, offering insights into political strategies and movements. Join him for a thought-provoking analysis that connects education, politics, and global events.

This week features Muhammad Shehada, a Palestinian writer and analyst known for his insightful commentary on Gaza's complex dynamics. He discusses the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing conflict, shedding light on widespread suffering and Israel's military strategies. Shehada examines Hamas's unexpected resilience amidst significant losses. He also delves into the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a future Trump administration, while highlighting the growing international solidarity movement's impact on shaping discourse and policy.

Will Davies joins PTO to talk about his recent article in the London Review of Books on the UK government's economic agenda. We discussed the policies that Labour has adopted in its attempt to break out of the low growth and low productivity rates that have characterised the UK economy in recent years. We also chatted about the extent to which the Starmer-Reeves project emulates and diverges from the Biden administration's economic policies, and the left de-risking critique of so-called 'modern supply side economics'.

Richard Seymour dives into the complexities surrounding the overthrow of Assad in Syria and the surprising public sympathy for Luigi Mangione, tied to the assassination of a healthcare CEO. The discussion explores the idea of the social bandit and its relevance to America’s class struggles and political challenges. Seymour also touches on ‘normie socialism’ and what fascinating books have caught his interest this year, providing a thoughtful reflection on contemporary political discourse.