Millennials Are Killing Capitalism

Recently the US Military has been bombing boats in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. This marks a major escalation, and a new development in the US Empire’s hybrid war on Venezuela that has been waged over the last 20 years. In this episode we speak with Joe Emersberger who along with Justin Podur authored the book Extraordinary Threat: The US Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela for Monthly Review Press. "All Elements in Place for a US Strike on Venezuela" by Joe Emersberger and Richard Harris on Venezuelanalysis We talk about the origins of this tactic of aerial assassinations, its deployment in international waters, and whether we could see the US expand its assassination program to target government leaders like Nicolas Maduro as we have seen the so-called state of Israel do - with full US backing - across West Asia. We also discuss the merging of war on drugs policies with the policies of the war on terror, and contextualize these so-called wars. Finally, we talk about some of the dynamics that hem in progressive and socialistic projects in Latin America, using Joe’s long engagement with Ecuador as an example. Joe Emersberger is based in Canada. He is co-author of Extraordinary Threat: The US Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela. His work can be found on Substack “Unedited Anti-Imperialism”. Older articles of his can be found on VenezuelAnalysis, Counterpunch, Fair.org, Znet and Mint Press News As always if you like the work that we do, the best way to support the show is through either to become a patron of the show at patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism or through either an ongoing pledge or one time donation through BuyMeACoffee.

In this episode, we speak with Iker Suárez, who authored a searing piece in the Monthly Review titled "The Migrant Genocide: Toward a Third World Analysis of European Class Struggle." In it, he challenges the dominant humanitarian framing of migrant deaths at sea, arguing that it isn’t a moral crisis but a structural necessity of late imperialism. What unfolds on Europe’s shores, he contends, is but a violent expression of global capital’s unraveling. Further, diving into the works of scholars like Ali Kadri and Samir Amin, we explore how unresolved agrarian contradictions in the Global South, the accumulation of waste, and the labor-capital contradiction are converging in the form of the systemic genocide of migrants. We unpack why immigration is not a peripheral issue, but the return of capital’s deepest contradiction to the imperial core—and how this rupture shapes Europe’s ideological terrain, from the failures of social democracy to the rise of fascism. Iker Suarez is an author and doctoral researcher. He studies neocolonialism in Europe and organizes in socialist, anti-racist and anti-imperialist movements in Madrid and New York. His work revolves around European borders, class struggle, and immigration politics from a political economy perspective grounded in the Third World. He co-authored a book on Spain's southern border enclave in northern Morocco (Melilla), focusing on the neocolonial dynamics that undergird European social democracies. His current research focuses on linking European state racism with a holistic understanding of imperialism to better think through strategy. You can follow his work at @ikersuarz. If you like what we do and want to support our ability to have more conversations like this. Please consider becoming a Patron. You can do so for as little as a 1 Dollar a month.  Related: “War Is the Basis of Accumulation” - Ali Kadri on Genocide, Waste, Imperialism, and the Commodification of Death Study Group Ali Kadri's Accumulation of Waste (only about 5 spots left)

Tara Alami, a Palestinian writer and researcher, shares her insights on Jordan's role in the U.S.-led imperial system. She delves into her family's history amidst the Palestinian exodus and explores the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Jordan. The conversation shifts to the implications of Jordan's monarchy, its portrayal of Palestinian identity, and the impact of foreign influences. Alami critiques the custodianship of al-Aqsa and highlights the historical interplay of U.S. imperialism with Jordanian politics and society.

Corinna Mullin, an anti-imperialist academic and member of the Anti-Imperialist Scholars Collective, dives deep into the intersection of Zionism, U.S. imperialism, and global fascism. She explores the complexities of anti-Zionism versus anti-Semitism and emphasizes the significance of historical parallels in understanding contemporary social repression. Mullin discusses the role of education and activism at CUNY in advocating for Palestinian liberation, while critiquing media biases in coverage of global conflicts. Her insights draw connections between colonialism, capitalism, and the fight for justice.

This is the lightly edited audio from a recent livestream episode we hosted with Nora Barrows-Friedman. Nora Barrows-Friedman is a staff writer and associate editor at The Electronic Intifada, and is the author of In Our Power: US Students Organize for Justice in Palestine (Just World Books, 2014). She hosts the Electronic Intifada (EI) Livestreams that we all watch on Thursdays at noon eastern time.  In this discussion, we talk about some of Nora's background as a journalist, her work covering student organizing around Palestine, and her recent piece, "Israel abducted starving children at Gaza “aid” sites, then tortured them."  Nora also shares some of EI’s journalistic methodology covering a war that is so highly propagandized. We also get into some of the differences between "Israeli" media and US corporate media in terms of how they cover the acts of the Israeli military and government and the genocide and war crimes that have taken place in Palestine. And we talk about how merely comparing reporting from the two contexts tears their atrocity propaganda narratives to shreds. As many public officials, media personalities, and governments, who have facilitated and supported the genocide in Gaza shift their tone in recent days, we talk about what we think about this phenomenon. And we discuss concepts of accountability and justice as they relate to this horrific phase in human history. If you appreciate the work that we do, until August 29th we are offering 30% off the first month of a monthly subscription or 30% off the first year if you sign up for a yearly subscription at patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism. This discount is available for all tiers starting with $5 a month, use discount code: 06E4A. We hear from families in Gaza that prices have gone down a bit as some food has reached the markets in the last couple of days. There is a new tool called Lifeline4Gaza.com that some mutual aid organizers have put together that I wanted to share with folks as well. It allows people to find peer-to-peer authenticated campaigns from Gaza that have not received necessary support. At the top of the page will be campaigns who have received the least over the last 5 days. In a time where many families are in desperate need and where there is food available or purchase, a few dollars - and you sharing these campaigns - can make a critical difference for families in need.

We hosted an emergency livestream with Hala Sabbah of the Sameer Project back on July 21st to talk about the absolutely horrific situation in Gaza as a result of the US-funded and supported Israeli enacted genocide. Since conditions have not changed substantially, I wanted to also make sure to get a lightly edited version of that conversation out to our audio podcast feed. Just a reminder that due to our own limitations these days most of our work is on our YouTube page, where we host multiple conversations per week.  This is our third conversation with Hala Sabbah from the Sameer Project since its founding during this genocide. We have a playlist with all three.  You can support the Sameer Project via their linktree which we will include in the show description as well Another conversation we held this week that I will link in the show description is our interview of Nora Barrows-Friedman of the Electronic Intifada, which we just hosted on Monday.  Please continue to do what you can, wherever you can, to support people in Gaza and to put political pressure on all of those complicit in this genocide to make their position untenable. Tomorrow, Thursday August 7th at 10 AM EDT we will host a livestream with socialist and Pro-Palestine barrister Franck Magennis. We encourage people to tune into that conversation as well. And on Monday August 11th we’ll have a livestream with Abdaljawad Omar once again. For the month of August if folks contribute at the $5 per month level or hiring we’re offering a 30% discount to new patrons for their first month, or if you do a yearly subscription you can get 30% off the entire year. You can do that at patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism or if you prefer to make a one-time contribution you can do so via our buymeacofee page: https://buymeacoffee.com/makcapitalism  

Alana Lentin, a Professor of Cultural and Social Analysis in Sydney, discusses her book, which explores the concept of the 'New Racial Regime' and its implications for contemporary society. She tackles the backlash against Critical Race Theory and the complexities of racial capitalism. Lentin reflects on the role of Zionism in academia, scrutinizes corporate authenticity in diversity initiatives, and critiques the evolving discourse on antisemitism. This insightful conversation challenges listeners to reconsider ideological battles surrounding race and identity in today's world.

Eric Mann, a veteran civil rights organizer and co-director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center, shares his journey through the transformative 1960s. He discusses his key role in the Columbia University student strike and his experiences as a political prisoner, shedding light on the carceral system and activism's emotional toll. Mann highlights the necessity of building a black-led united front against imperialism and reflects on George Jackson's legacy while advocating for empowerment in urban communities. His insights underline the importance of strategic alliances in the fight for social justice.

Eric Mann, a veteran civil rights organizer and co-director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center, shares his remarkable journey from New York to pivotal 1960s activism. He reflects on his early influences, like his activist parents, and his work with CORE and SNCC, highlighting significant campaigns such as the Trailways boycott. Mann discusses his experiences as a political prisoner and the impact of incarceration on activism, emphasizing the need for a united front against imperialism and the importance of grassroots organizing and strategic alliances in the ongoing struggle for liberation.

Garrett Felber, an educator and author, discusses his latest book on Martin Sostre, a pivotal but often overlooked activist. They explore Sostre's journey as a jailhouse lawyer and his influence on civil rights, weaving through themes like nationalism and armed struggle. Felber shares insights on Sostre’s grassroots organizing efforts and innovative legal strategies, highlighting how individual acts of resistance can fuel collective movements. The conversation underscores the legacy of community activism, mirroring the struggles of various political ideologies.