Politics Theory Other

In today's episode Richard Seymour responds to more of the great questions sent in by PTO supporters. Those questions covered topics including degrowth, the extent to which Green party's can be vehicles for radical change, the left's impasse in the UK and Richard's appearance in the audience on BBC Question Time at the tender age of twenty-one. Become a £5 supporter of PTO on patreon to get access to this and all other episodes of PTO Extra: https://www.patreon.com/c/poltheoryother

Nihal El Aasar, an Egyptian writer and researcher specializing in the Arab political landscape, discusses the absence of mass uprisings in Arab states amid the Gaza crisis. They analyze the aftermath of the Arab Spring, highlighting the demoralization affecting public sentiment and political mobilization. El Aasar critiques the influence of Israeli actions on regional instability and delves into themes of melancholia stemming from historical defeats. The conversation provides critical insights into the complex dynamics of solidarity, repression, and evolving Arab identities.

Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi, a historian specializing in Iran's modern political history, and Nathaniel George, an author focused on Lebanon, analyze Israel's escalating conflict with Hezbollah. They discuss the implications of Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination for Hezbollah's future, the effectiveness of Iran's missile retaliation, and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon amidst ongoing violence. The conversation also critiques U.S. involvement and highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, emphasizing resilience amid turmoil.

In part one of a two part listener's questions episode Richard responds to questions on Israel's murderous attack on Lebanon, the prospects for Gaza, the appointment of Michel Barnier as French prime minister and psychoanalytic insights into nationalism. Become a £5 supporter of the show at patreon.com/poltheoryother to get access to this episode and all other episodes of PTO Extra

Jeremy Gilbert, a cultural commentator and music expert, returns to share insights on Oasis's reunion and its significance. He explores the overwhelming nostalgia for the 90s and why Oasis became the forefront of that era's music scene. The conversation highlights how their unique sound resonated with a diverse audience, uniting fans across various rock subgenres. Gilbert discusses the media's vital role in crafting the band's public image and the lasting impact of their music on contemporary culture.

Jake Romm, a keen observer of political theory, dives deep into the controversial ties between Zionism and anti-semitism, highlighting influences of European colonialism. He discusses how Zionism has historically sought to undermine Palestinian identity rather than merely exploit their labor. The conversation also touches on themes of machismo in Israeli society, the fallout of the October 7th event on masculinity, and the grim possibility of a permanent occupation of Gaza, framed within the socio-political dynamics of the region.

Phil Burton-Cartledge joins PTO to discuss the first few weeks of Keir Starmer's Labour government. To get access to this episode of PTO Extra please consder becoming a £5 supporter on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/poltheoryother

On July 30th, a week of Islamophobic and racist violence broke out in England and Northern Ireland, following a mass stabbing even in the seaside town of Southport in which three children were murdered. The subsequent racist attacks were fuelled by misinformation, spread by far-right groups, that the perpetrator was a Muslim and an asylum seeker. In today's episode Nesrine Malik joined PTO to talk about how best to characterise the week of violence and intimidation, and the degree of culpability of Britain's main political parties in fostering racism and Islamophobia. We also talked about the network of new right wing media organisations, think tanks and influencers and how they synergise with the old and established conservative press.

Richard Seymour returns to the show to respond to more listener's questions and to address the recent outbreak of racist and Islamophobic violence in the UK. Become a £5 supporter on patreon to get access to all episodes of PTO Extra: https://www.patreon.com/poltheoryother

Bue Rübner Hansen, an insightful essayist, explores the complex history of the German-Israeli alliance. The discussion reveals how public attitudes in Germany toward Israel vary widely, often influenced by political elites. Hansen examines the pervasive memory culture surrounding Nazism and the Holocaust, illustrating its impact on contemporary views, particularly regarding Palestinians. He also sheds light on the emergence of anti-German sentiments within the left and the marginalization of historical working-class opposition to the Nazis.