Ones and Tooze

Adam Tooze, a history professor and foreign policy columnist known for his incisive analysis, joins for a deep dive into U.S. involvement in Venezuela. He challenges the notion that oil is the main motivator behind U.S. actions, arguing that the economics and logistics of Venezuelan oil make exploitation unfeasible. The discussion navigates complex themes of imperialism, domestic political theater, and the real impacts of military interventions, shedding light on who truly benefits in this geopolitical chess game.

In this insightful discussion, Cameron and Adam explore Stalin's role as both a pragmatic political economist and a theorist. They delve into his intellectual style and the transformation of Marxism into state developmentalism. The conversation highlights Stalin's policies, from socialism in one country to the violent realities of collectivization. They examine the economic implications of rapid industrialization driven by military needs, and ponder the paradox of Stalinism’s initial successes versus its later struggles.

This discussion dives deep into the life and legacy of Leon Trotsky, exploring his revolutionary journey and the concept of permanent revolution. The hosts unpack his critical role during the turmoil of 1917-1921 and contrast his internationalism with Stalin's isolationist strategies. They also examine Trotsky's thoughts on art, highlighting his materialist criticism and disdain for Soviet cultural norms. The conversation touches on Trotskyism's enduring impact and speculates on what might have happened if Trotsky had led a state.

Europe's decision to loan Ukraine over $100 billion instead of utilizing frozen Russian assets reveals a paralysis in addressing geopolitical challenges. The podcast dives into the political stakes behind Europe's reluctance to share financial risk, and how failure to fund Ukraine could lead to a financial crisis. Discussions also touch on the implications of Germany's new leadership, the stalled EU-Mercosur trade deal, and the pressing need for Europe to assert its political agency amidst potential decline.

Dive into the revolutionary life of Rosa Luxemburg, a Polish Jewish thinker who reshaped social democracy. Discover her critiques of nationalism and capitalism, emphasizing class solidarity over ethnic identity. Explore her unique views on imperialism and the necessity of non-capitalist 'others.' Compare her ideas with Lenin's, particularly around innovation and mass movements. Luxemburg championed spontaneity in proletarian politics and believed in a pragmatic approach to theory and practice. Her stark slogan 'socialism or barbarism' warns of the perils of unchecked capitalism.

Explore the revolutionary ideas of Rosa Luxemburg, a pivotal figure rejecting nationalism for a broader internationalism. Discover her unique critique of economic nationalism and the challenges she posed to traditional socialist thought. The discussion delves into her theories on capitalism's reliance on external 'others' and the importance of mass strikes for political learning. Interesting contrasts with Lenin's views enrich the narrative, shedding light on her enduring relevance in today's radical politics.

Adam Tooze, a Columbia University professor and Foreign Policy economics columnist, dives into the life and ideas of Vladimir Lenin. He explores how Lenin's mixed background influenced his revolutionary thinking and his interpretation of capitalism's emergence in rural Russia. Tooze discusses Lenin's theory of imperialism and contrasts his activist approach to Marx's scientific views. Additionally, he analyzes Lenin's pragmatic shifts in economic policy and assesses his lasting impact on the Soviet state and its eventual trajectory.

The turmoil of the Russian and Ukrainian economies amidst the ongoing conflict is the centerpiece of the discussion. Key insights include the impact of U.S. oil sanctions and how China and India influence Russia's export dynamics. There's an intriguing examination of Russia's wartime economic mobilization and the internal rivalries within its defense industry. Ukraine faces significant financial challenges, relying heavily on external support while navigating political hurdles in Europe. Finally, the podcast delves into corruption in Ukraine and how patronage networks are adapting to wartime needs.

Diving into the booming $17.59 billion podcast industry, the hosts discuss its origins and rapid growth since 2003. They explore who listens to podcasts, breaking down demographics and listening habits. The conversation highlights the costs and time involved in production, alongside advertising mechanics and CPM pricing. The duo examines how podcasts are discovered through algorithms and platforms like TikTok. Finally, they ponder the shift towards video formats and the emergence of a secondary oral culture, emphasizing community building and monetization strategies.

The discussion kicks off with the U.S. contemplating military action against Venezuela, prompting a deep dive into the country's collapsing oil production and living standards. The hosts dissect the complex relationship between U.S. sanctions and internal mismanagement. They also evaluate President Maduro's governance in comparison to Chávez and question the validity of drug trafficking claims as a justification for U.S. intervention. The potential consequences of regime-change efforts hint at a looming civil war, revealing a tangled web of loyalties within Venezuela.