The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

Professor Richard Wolff discusses the possibility of a massive strike by autoworkers demanding fair pay and protection from mass layoffs. The podcast explores the challenges facing the auto industry, the resurgence of the labor movement, and the impact of economic competition. It also highlights the struggles of auto workers and the potential of worker co-ops to empower workers.

The podcast discusses U.S. media coverage of Medicare costs and the Ukraine war, the U.S. pivot toward war with China, Putin and Kim Jong Un meeting, and the rising cost of car insurance. It explores the role of US corporate media as a propaganda machine and advocates for a socialist program to address challenges of bourgeois democracy. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of alternative media in countering propaganda and highlights China's progress and the United States' preparations for war.

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the intense labor struggles against inequality and corporate greed happening nationwide. Topics include workers fighting back, potential strike at the Big Three automakers, unionization efforts at Starbucks, challenges faced by workers forming unions, and the impact of new technology on employment.

Brian Becker is joined by Walter Smolarek, the editor of Liberation News, to discuss the high number of casualties in the Ukraine war. They explore the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential resolutions, China's motives behind the Belt and Road Initiative, and the implications of the BRICS summit. They also touch on the changing geostrategic landscape and the transition of liberals in the US towards supporting militaristic policies.

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the expansion of BRICS with six new members and its potential challenge to the dominance of Washington and Wall Street. The podcast explores the historical pattern of dominant powers, the impact of de-dollarization on poor countries, the erosion of US global dominance, and the changing global economy.

Mikaela Nhondo Erskog, member of secretariat of Pan Africanism, joins Brian Becker to discuss the BRICS Summit. They explore the impact of financial hegemony on national development, the argument over creating an alternative currency, China's Belt and Road Initiative, African colonization, and plans for the future.

Professor Richard Wolff discusses the alarming rise in auto loan defaults, the impact on the working class and the rising prices of cars. It explores the implications of unsustainable debt, the relationship between wages and raw materials, and the concentration of wealth. The podcast also touches on the rise of BRIC countries in the global economy, limitations on Chinese land ownership, and growing anti-Chinese sentiment.

Vijay Prashad and Manolo de los Santos discuss the new witch hunt against peace activists opposing the growing danger of war with China. They critique the media's role in fueling tensions and highlight the catastrophic consequences of a conflict between the US and China. The importance of unity in fighting against racism and fascism is emphasized, along with the need for mature discussions about China and US relations. Listeners are invited to join the campaign for defending free speech and democratic rights.

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian analyzes the newest indictment against Trump and the ensuing trial, artificial intelligence in the workplace, the new McCarthyism against people and organizations opposing U.S. foreign policy and war, who we should work with in the defense of Julian Assange, and more. This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Prof. Richard Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss the housing crisis in the US, skyrocketing rents, and increasing homelessness. They explore the impact of profit-driven motives in the housing business, the failure of ruling classes, and the need for grassroots action to address the homelessness crisis. The shocking disparity between vacant homes and homelessness is highlighted, with 28 vacant homes for every one person experiencing homelessness.