Politics Theory Other

Writer Sophie Lewis discusses the controversial use of feminist rhetoric to defend Israel's actions in Gaza and the historical ties between Zionist feminism and imperialism. The conversation explores the entanglement of feminism with whiteness, the debunking of claims of systemic sexual violence in Israeli media, and the complex intersection of feminism, nationalism, and militarism in defense of Israel.

In part one of a two-part episode Richard returns to give his thoughts on an apparent turn against Israel on parts of the American right, the significance of the protests against Netanyahu within Israel, the role of students in the Palestine solidarity movement, and his view of post-Marxist thought. To get access to the full episode become a £5 PTO supporter on patreon.com/poltheoryother

Yanis Varoufakis joins PTO to discuss his book, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism. We discussed why Yanis believes capitalism is no longer the appropriate term to describe contemporary economic and social relations. We also talked about the financial crisis, the Covid19 pandemic, and how central bank responses to both crises served to build the power of the tech giants. Finally, we also briefly discussed the situation in Gaza and why Yanis believes reports of the decline of US global hegemony are, for the moment, exaggerated.

If you'd like to hear the rest of this episode of PTO Extra! Please consider becoming a £5 supporter at patreon.com/poltheoryother Richard Seymour returns to discuss the likelihood of Israel launching its assault on Rafah (in the context of Israel's deliberate starvation of the Gazan population). We talked about the position of the United States and its recent resolution at the United Nations security council and the extent to which - if at all - it represents a shift away from unequivocal support for Israel. We also discussed the decline of liberal Zionism, as Israel increasingly becomes a pariah state, and finally we discussed "normie socialist" and post-left perspectives on the history of Israel-Palestine.

Exploring the radical movements of the 1970s, challenging misconceptions and highlighting diversity. Discussing the evolution of liberation movements, radical actions in France and Japan, and the legacy of World War II. Analyzing the dual strategy of the Black Panthers and the unity of diverse struggles for lasting change. Delving into power structures of capitalism, racism, and patriarchy.

Discussing the long-term revolutionary process in MENA post-Arab Spring, the challenges of counter-revolution and civil war, the root causes of political upheaval like youth unemployment, and the impact of the Gaza war. Examining state types and economic impact in the region, along with ongoing social struggles in Morocco and reasons for hope amidst turmoil.

In the latest PTO Extra! Richard Seymour returns to answer your questions on the impact of the Gaza protest movement, Israel's eroding international support, what a Trump presidency might lead to in US domestic politics, and where the late Christopher Hitchens' would have positioned himself in the current conjuncture. To listen to this episode become a £5 patron at patreon.com/poltheoryother

Naomi Klein discusses settler colonialism, doppelganger politics, and the adoption of anti-vaccine movements by struggles against racism. They also explore Israel's view of Palestinians and the influence of European colonial practices on fascism. The podcast touches on Holocaust representation, trucker convoys, the left's response during the pandemic, the relationship with small business owners, and the need for a radical voice for the working class.

In today's episode of PTO Extra! Sai Englert, author of Settler Colonialism: An Introduction returns to the show to answer listeners' questions. We talked about whether Zionism is distinct from other forms of settler colonialism, how struggles against settler colonial projects can tie together with socialist demands for the democratisation of the economy, and we also discussed the ruling of the ICJ and the effort to delegitimise and destroy UNRWA, - led by Israel but aided and abetted by the United States and Israel's other allies.

Palestinian-American legal scholar Noura Erakat joins PTO to discuss South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice and the utility of international law in struggles for global justice. With its roots in providing justification for European settler colonialism in the Americas, can International law ever serve the cause of liberatory movements? Is there a danger that in winning legal victories in forums such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, that radical causes - such as the Palestine liberation movement - can come to prioritise endorsement by prestigious multilateral bodies at the expense of other, and potentially more effective strategies? And how strong are the respective cases of South Africa and Israel in their dispute at the ICJ - and what is the legal, political, and moral significance of the case that South Africa has brought? Those are just some of the questions that Noura Erakat addresses in today's episode.