Current Affairs

In this discussion, Richard Wolff, host of Economic Update and author of multiple books on economics, takes listeners on a deep dive into the complexities of capitalism. He argues that economics is intentionally obfuscated, hindering public understanding. Wolff critiques the myth of capitalism's prosperity, revealing its roots in instability and inequality. He analyzes America’s imperial decline and challenges the economic narratives fueling anti-immigrant sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact of immigrants on the economy. A thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and economic truths!

Amy Goodman, a trailblazing journalist and host of Democracy Now!, shares insights into Noam Chomsky's critique of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing its relevance today. Bev Stohl reflects on personal anecdotes from her time working with Chomsky at MIT, revealing his warmth and humor. Greg Grandin provides historical context, examining how Chomsky's ideas challenge mainstream narratives. Victor Pickard discusses the media's role in shaping public perception, highlighting the need for critical engagement with journalism. Together, they uncover the enduring legacy of Chomsky's activism in today's political landscape.

John Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Capitalism and Its Critics,' dives into the multifaceted critiques of capitalism throughout history. He highlights the evolution of criticism from economic figures like Adam Smith and Karl Marx, and shines a light on often-overlooked female critics like Joan Robinson and Rosa Luxemburg. Cassidy explores the complex relationship between capitalism and technology, critiques from the right, and the urgent need for a re-evaluation of capitalism's future amidst modern socio-political challenges.

The podcast dives deep into the Democratic Party's self-inflicted wounds, highlighting a troubling disconnect between party elites and everyday voters. Critics argue that Joe Biden's presidency is just a symptom of larger issues within the party, emphasizing how insiders evade accountability. There's a notable contrast between the party's defense of Biden and the electorate's dissatisfaction. The discussion also exposes media complicity in obscuring these failures, showcasing a complex landscape of political delusion.

Chas Freeman, a retired Foreign Service officer and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, shares his extensive knowledge on U.S. diplomacy. He critiques America's approach to global conflicts, arguing against the 'China threat' narrative and emphasizing the complexities of U.S.-China relations. Freeman discusses how U.S. actions have worsened the Russia-Ukraine crisis and calls for a more balanced strategy in the Middle East, urging a shift away from enabling Israel's expansionist policies to foster true peace.

Ted Rall, an influential political cartoonist and author of "What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems," discusses the shortcomings of the Democratic Party in representing true leftist ideals. He emphasizes the need for a cohesive left-wing movement that prioritizes healthcare, livable wages, and social justice. Rall critiques the disproportionate military spending while advocating for reallocated resources to combat homelessness. With humor and insight, he explores how simplifying complex ideas can broaden the appeal of leftist policies to Americans seeking meaningful change.

In this engaging discussion, journalist and lecturer Natasha Hakimi Zapata explores solutions to social and economic challenges facing the U.S. Drawing from her book, she highlights inspiring successes like the UK’s NHS for universal healthcare, Norway’s paid parental leave, and Singapore’s innovative public housing. Zapata also examines Estonia’s digital democracy and Uruguay’s green energy initiatives. Her insights prompt a thought-provoking question: are Americans ready to fight for the transformative changes already seen around the globe?

Dive into a critical analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict as a prominent commentator's viewpoint is put under the microscope. Explore how misinformation shapes narratives, with misrepresentations of Palestinian leaders' stances being highlighted. The podcast emphasizes the importance of sourcing and evidence in geopolitical discussions, challenging the legitimacy of claims made by self-proclaimed experts. It's a thought-provoking exploration of truth, credibility, and the complexities of modern conflicts.

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 6, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsLorne Michaels might be the most powerful figure in American comedy — and yet, most people barely know who he is. In this episode, New Yorker editor Susan Morrison joins us to discuss her new book Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, a deeply reported, wildly entertaining biography of the man behind SNL. We explore how Michaels built a cultural institution from scratch, reinvented the variety show format, and launched the careers of generations of comedy legends — all while staying deliberately out of the spotlight. Morrison explains how Michaels has shaped American humor and politics, maintained control over a live show for nearly 50 years, and earned a reputation as one of the most inscrutable and effective bosses in showbiz.0:00–1:55 Spy Magazine vs. Trump1:55–14:54 Why Lorne Michaels?14:54–28:50 Reinventing the Variety Show28:50–31:28 How SNL Shaped Comedy31:28–34:21 SNL and Politics34:21–38:01 Lorne’s Management Style38:01–43:20 Favorite Sketches🎭 Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/532520/lorne-by-susan-morrison/🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on April 29, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!Liberalism and socialism are often treated as opposites — but what if they’re actually part of the same fight for freedom, equality, and democracy? We’re joined by political theorist Matt McManus, author of The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism, a new book that challenges conventional narratives about liberalism, socialism, and the history of political philosophy.McManus explains how thinkers from John Stuart Mill to John Rawls argued that true freedom requires not just political rights, but freedom from domination in the workplace and economy. He also addresses the deep confusion around the word "liberal" today — why many leftists recoil at liberalism after decades of association with hollow technocrats like Matt Yglesias — and why the older liberal tradition, rooted in egalitarian principles, is worth retrieving.0:00–6:45 Why Political Philosophy Matters6:45–23:34 Recovering the Radical Roots of Liberalism23:34–27:20 John Rawls Was More Radical Than You Think27:20–32:30 Can Liberalism Be Saved From Its Hypocrisy?32:30–38:42 What Separates Liberal Socialists From Other Socialists38:42–46:06 Why Understanding Liberalism and Socialism Still Matters Today🌹 The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism: https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/