Red Menace

Donald Parkinson from Cosmonaut Magazine joins Breht to talk about the life, political theory, and legacy of Lyndon LaRouche. In our own time we see LaRouche-type deviations manifesting on the so-called socialist left, and by studying LaRouche and his movement, we can better comprehend - and thus combat - its modern day iterations, while avoiding similar errors.   Check out Donald's article in Cosmonaut on LaRouche here: https://cosmonautmag.com/2019/03/larouche-a-warning-for-us-all/

Alyson and Breht reflect on the recent online stir caused by "MAGA Communism" and analyze the ideas of some of its main represenatives and proponents.   Together they discuss and clarify core marxist concepts, criticize and explain the specific errors being made, shine light on its intellectual influences, explore its connection to previous iterations in american history (like the movement that formed around Lyndon LaRouche), laugh at the extremely predictable response they recieved from Trump supporters, and then they reflect on what it all means and what we can learn from it.  Support Red Menace on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

In this episode, Alyson and Breht use Devin Zane Shaw's work (specifically his Philosophy of Antifascism) as a jumping off point for exploring the concept of the three way fight, and how principled Marxists and revolutionaries can avoid falling into reaction or tipping into liberalism by understanding and adhereing to it.  Check out the Rev Left interview with Devin about his book here: https://revolutionaryleftradio.libsyn.com/antifascism Support Red Menace on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

Alyson and Breht respond to questions from our patrons. Topics discussed include: how to properly evaluate uprisings abroad, important virtues for communists to try and cultivate, and finding hope and solidarity in the face of tragedy and despair... Mao on Dialectics as mentioned by Alyson: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-8/mswv8_48.htm Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

Alyson and Breht summarize, discuss, and criticize Carl Schmitt's famous work of political philosophy, The Concept of the Political. Schmitt was a German jurist, political theorist, and prominent member of the Nazi Party. Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

Breht and Alyson discuss the recent barrage of mass shootings, how Marxists should think about these issues, what the root causes of american mass shootings are, policies/reforms that the socialist left might be able to support, and much more.  Outro music: 'Pray for Newtown' by Sun Kil Moon Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

On this episode of Red Menace, Alyson and Breht discuss the recent Supreme Court leak and the implications of Roe's dismantling, then they turn to George Friedman's thesis in his book "The Storm Before the Calm: America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond" - responding to it, criticizing it, and reflecting on what its predictions might mean for the revolutionary left.    Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

 Alyson and Breht summarize, respond to, and discuss "Ride the Tiger", a major work of the Italian fascist/traditionalist/reactionary intellectual Julius Evola.  In part 1, they introduce and summarize the text. In part 2, they respond to Evola's critiques of Marxism directly. In part 3, they discuss the text, its relationship to Hinduism and Buddhism, Evola's legacy, and much, much more!    Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

 Alyson and Breht discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and wrestle with the following questions: Is Russia imperialist, and is this an inter-imperialist conflict? What is the nature of the Ukrainian State? Is Ukraine really fighting for democracy? Are we entering a multipolar world order? What do these events tell us about NATO and US hegemony? How should we understand revolutionary defeatism in this conflict? What role do nazis play in all of this? What is Putin's endgame?   Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace

On this episode of Red Menace Alyson is joined by Rey and Esperanza to address the transgender question.   Support Red Menace and get access to bonus monthly content on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRedMenace