The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

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.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, whether it will hold, and what it means for Palestine, and also how Trump’s new foreign policy team has embraced the Biden administration’s pro-war foreign policy. 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.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Wolff, an esteemed economics professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, delves into Scott Bessent's controversial nomination to lead the U.S. Treasury. They explore Bessent's ambitious vision for a global economic overhaul, while analyzing the political divide surrounding proposed economic policies. Wolff sheds light on the cyclical crises of capitalism and the often-overlooked role of undocumented workers, advocating for their rights and unionization over punitive measures.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the arrest warrant that the International Criminal Court issued for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for the war crimes they’ve waged against the Palestinians people, Biden’s dramatic escalation of the war against Russia and Russia’s retaliation, and China helping to build a mega-port in Peru. 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.