2024 confirmed that there are three intersecting crises shaping world politics and shaking the capitalist system. Brian reviews how the Gaza genocide, and the mass movement in response to it, became the dominant geopolitical issue, and explains what he thinks is coming next. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Peter Mertens, Secretary General of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) sits for a wide-ranging interview with Brian Becker, longtime socialist organizer and founding member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.  They discuss everything from Europe’s economic and political crisis, the window of opportunity for socialism, the U.S.’s goal of encircling China, to how the PYB renewed itself as a mass force in Belgian politics by changing its internal culture and digging deeper roots into the working class. The interview is full of lessons and insights from the movement in Europe and the United States. Mertens is a member of the Chamber of Representatives since 2019, and as a Municipal Councillor in Antwerp since 2013. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump‘s plans for NATO, Trump‘s threat to reconquer Panama, U.S. economic warfare against China, the U.S. bombing of Syria and Yemen—which continues—and who’s who in the Trump billionaire cabinet. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Vijay Prashad, a renowned journalist and Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, joins the discussion on Syria's evolving political landscape. They delve into the implications of Assad's potential exit and the resilience of local resistance. The duo analyzes Iran's strategic rise and the unintended consequences of U.S. interventions in the region. They also reflect on the historical roots of protests and the ongoing power dynamics that hinder self-determination in Syria, highlighting the struggle for democracy in the Middle East.

In this discussion, Professor Richard Wolff, a leading voice in economic justice and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the shocking $9 trillion earnings of health insurance companies since 2010. He highlights how these firms prioritize shareholder profits, such as $120 billion in stock buybacks, over patient care. Wolff contrasts the profit-driven U.S. healthcare system with Cuba's community-focused model, emphasizing the dire need for accessible health services and critiquing corporate greed's impact on public health.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the latest in Syria, including Israel’s horrific attacks and seizure of Syrian territory, the new Syrian government’s demands against defending Palestine, and the response of the Palestinian resistance. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

The government of Bashar Al-Assad has fallen, and Israel has carried out more than 480 strikes in the last two days. The United States has been working for the past 15 years to topple the Syrian government. What comes next for Syria, the Middle East, and the people of Gaza? Brian is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, a popular educator, and the Education Director at The People’s Forum. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Richard Wolff, a Professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the aftermath of the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He highlights the striking public outrage aimed at the healthcare industry rather than the victim. The discussion critiques profit-driven motives in healthcare, emphasizing how corporate interests often overshadow patient welfare. Wolff also touches on class consciousness and the potential for revolutionary change amidst systemic flaws, urging for a shift towards a more compassionate, socialized healthcare system.

Jamie Tyberg, an organizer with Nodutdol and an expert on South Korean politics, joins to discuss the recent martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol and the mass protests demanding his impeachment. They delve into the historical struggle for democracy in Korea and the impact of U.S. involvement on the political landscape. Tyberg highlights worker discontent over anti-labor laws and critiques Yoon's militaristic policies. The conversation also explores the cultural legacies of the Korean War and the urgent need for improved U.S.-North Korea relations.

Richard Wolff, Professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, shares his insights on the precarious state of the U.S. financial sector. He discusses the alarming bubble in the stock market and its potential burst consequences, particularly for the working class. The conversation touches on historical financial crises, the shift from production to finance in the U.S. economy, and global trade dynamics. Wolff also critiques recent tariff proposals against BRICS nations, highlighting the contradictions within U.S. economic policies that could further threaten stability.