Politics Theory Other

Richard Seymour discusses the abrupt increase in Western criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, China's energy transition, and how to understand the Trump administration. If you'd like to hear this episode in full please consider becoming a £5/pm PTO supporter on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/poltheoryother

Radhika Desai returns to PTO to talk about the latest round of violence between India and Pakistan, following the terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists in Indian administered Kashmir on April 22nd. We discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when the Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modi revoked the territory's special status under the Indian constitution and brought it under direct rule amid a wave of violent repression. We also talked about fears in Kashmir about the Indian government seeking to change the demographic balance in the territory, and about the scale of the fighting Pakistan and India - which far exceeded the previous round of the conflict in 2019. Show notes: Our previous conversation can be listened to here: https://soundcloud.com/poltheoryother/peak-hindutva-w-radhika-desai Read more about Radhika's work here: https://radhikadesai.com/ And Radhika's 2002 paper on India, Pakistan and the war on terror can be read here: https://www.academia.edu/281710/Tryst_with_Fate_India_and_Pakistan_in_the_War_on_Terrorism_2002_

In this thought-provoking discussion, Natasha Lennard tackles the harrowing escalation of the Gaza genocide and its global implications. She dives into the potential for a federal ban on abortion in the U.S., analyzing the fallout from the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. Additionally, the emergence of a new, liberal brand of transphobia in the U.S. sparks a critical conversation. Lennard's insights challenge listeners to think deeply about pressing social issues.

Jake Werner, a historian of modern China and director at the Quincy Institute, shares insights on the deepening complexities of US-China relations. He discusses the trade war, highlighting why 'decoupling' fails to capture the economic fallout. The conversation turns to military tensions, with a focus on the rising influence of military officials in China and the risks of proxy wars. Werner also explores the historical contexts of liberalism and authoritarianism under Xi Jinping, painting a vivid picture of the geopolitical landscape ahead.

Amjad Iraqi, a senior editor at 972 Magazine, discusses the renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza and the collapse of the recent ceasefire. He reveals the growing dissent among Israeli reservists and the shifting perceptions of the war as a shield for Netanyahu’s corruption charges. The conversation also delves into the worsening situation in the West Bank and the urgent need for Palestinian self-determination. Despite the bleak outlook, Iraqi explores whether there remains hope for resilience and resistance amid the turmoil.

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.