

Politics Theory Other
Politics Theory Other
A podcast on radical politics, critical theory, and history. Hosted by Alex Doherty.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/poltheoryother
Contact: politicstheoryother@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/poltheoryother
Contact: politicstheoryother@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2025 • 3min
Excerpt - Sebastian Budgen on collapsing trust in the French state
 Sebastian Budgen returns to provide an update on the political situation in France. 
If you'd like to hear the rest of this episode of PTO Extra! please consider becoming a £5 supporter at patreon.com/poltheoryother 

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
The roots of the Korean far-right w/ Kevin Gray
 In December of last year, the then South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol - of the right-wing People Power Party - attempted to impose martial law on the country in what was described as a 'self-coup'. Kevin Gray joins PTO to talk about his recent article in the New Left Review on the Korean far-right. We chatted about the background to the attempted coup and the history of the Korean far-right and broader conservative currents. Kevin explained the far-right's roots in the Japanese occupation of Korea and the role of the United States in supporting those conservative elements that collaborated in Japanese rule. We also talked about how the far-right has developed a capacity for large-scale, militant street protest and why it is that young Korean men are increasingly supportive of the far-right. 

Oct 8, 2025 • 56min
When the party's over w/ Phil Burton-Cartledge
 Phil Burton-Cartledge, a political commentator, dives into the turmoil of the British Conservative Party and the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party. He critiques Kemi Badenoch's leadership, pinpointing her failings as symptomatic of deeper issues. The discussion touches on why Reform has gained traction, emphasizing Farage's charisma and media prowess. Phil also explores the Conservatives' fixation on culture wars versus hard economic policies, and the long-term structural challenges they face in rebuilding voter coalitions. 

Oct 1, 2025 • 46min
France's political impasse and Macron's legacy w/ Sebastian Budgen
 Sebastian Budgen returns to PTO to talk about the political crisis in France where Emmanuel Macron has appointed his third prime minister in a year. We talked about the political background of the new prime minister, and long-time Macron ally, Sebastien Lecornu and whether the French Socialist Party is likely to prop up the new government. We also talked about the 'Block Everything' protest movement and how the radical left have handled the campaign of demonisation they have been subjected to by the French media. Finally, we talked about the legal troubles of Marine Le Pen and the electoral prospects for the far-right National Rally. 

Sep 17, 2025 • 53sec
Richard Seymour responds to listener questions
 If you'd like to listen to the rest of this episode of PTO Extra! become a £5 supporter at patreon.com/poltheoryother 

Aug 31, 2025 • 37min
Britain's new left party w/ James Schneider
 In this conversation, James Schneider, co-founder of Momentum and former Communications Director for Labour, explores the urgent need for a new left party in Britain. He argues that Labour's drift and declining living standards create a unique opportunity for a left electoral breakthrough. Schneider discusses the importance of rebuilding grassroots social institutions while maintaining a democratic party structure. He also critiques the liberal establishment and stresses the need for a joyful, participatory political culture to energize organizing efforts. 

Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 19min
Resisting Erasure w/ Adam Hanieh, Rafeef Ziadah and Robert Knox
 Adam Hanieh, Rafeef Ziadah, and Robert Knox on their new co-authored book, 'Resisting Erasure: Capital, Imperialism and Race in Palestine'. We spoke about the inadequacy of framing the question of Palestine and the Gaza genocide solely as a humanitarian issue and how the Israeli project of settler-colonialism has been part and parcel of the expansion of European and American capitalism. We also talked about why Israel was so crucial to the creation of a US-dominated order in West Asia and whether there is any prospect of US and Israeli interests significantly diverging. We went on to speak about the so-called Oslo Peace process of the early 1990s and finally Adam, Rafeef, and Robert spoke about the current catastrophic situation in Gaza. 

Aug 6, 2025 • 60min
Digital Sovereignty and resisting the tech giants w/ Cecilia Rikap
 Cecilia Rikap, an Associate Professor in Economics at University College London, dives into the interconnectedness of tech giants and government policies. She critiques Keir Starmer's Labour Party for yielding to tech monopolies, questioning the implications for digital sovereignty. The discussion highlights how U.S. tech dominance affects global economic disparities and explores the complex ties between Silicon Valley and political power, advocating for a public-led approach that empowers citizens and promotes sustainability. 

Jul 25, 2025 • 40min
Understanding Iran-China relations w/ William Figueroa
 Expert on China-Iran relations William Figueroa joins PTO to talk about the relationship between China and Iran in the wake of the twelve day war between Iran and Israel. We chatted about why China's backing for Iran has been - and is likely to continue to be - relatively limited as China balances support for Iran with its other interest in West Asia. We also talked about the extent to which Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership are happy to see the US bogged down in the Middle East, and we spoke about whether the scale of Israeli violence and expansionism may lead China to take a more overtly pro-Iran position. 

Jul 20, 2025 • 1min
Excerpt - Owen Hatherley responds to listener questions
 if you'd like to listen to full episode of this episode of PTO Extra! become a £5 supporter at patreon.com/poltheoryother 


