Politics Theory Other

Alexander Gallas, an Assistant Professor in Political Science at the University of Kassel and author of 'The Thatcherite Offensive', delves into the nuances of Thatcherism. He discusses the contrasting views of Stuart Hall and Bob Jessop on hegemony. Gallas distinguishes between one-nation and two-nation hegemonic strategies, revealing the divide exploited by Thatcher's policies. He also examines the enduring influence of Thatcherism on New Labour, the rise of a finance-led economy, and the lessons this holds for contemporary politics, especially in relation to union strategies.

Sofia Menemenlis joins PTO to chat about her recent article in The Breakdown on the concept and history of solar geoengineering - or “solar radiation management" as it has become known. We talked about how the implementation of SRM is imagined, what the potentially catastrophic side effects of such a project might be, and who the key players are in terms of research and potential deployment of the technology.

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

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.

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.

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.

If you'd like to listen to the rest of this episode of PTO Extra! become a £5 supporter at patreon.com/poltheoryother

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.

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.

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.