

WHAT IS POLITICS?
WorldWideScrotes
Politics is one of the only practical disciplines where none of the main concepts have clear, coherent definitions.
We define ourselves with terms like "left” and "right" and we believe in things like "democracy," “markets,” "capitalism" and "socialism" even though we don’t really know what any of these words actually mean.
This series aims to make sense out of the political muddle that we've inherited from media, academia, and from decades of cold war propaganda, so that we can figure what it is that we want when it comes to politics, and how we can achieve it.
We define ourselves with terms like "left” and "right" and we believe in things like "democracy," “markets,” "capitalism" and "socialism" even though we don’t really know what any of these words actually mean.
This series aims to make sense out of the political muddle that we've inherited from media, academia, and from decades of cold war propaganda, so that we can figure what it is that we want when it comes to politics, and how we can achieve it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 0sec
12.2 The Secret History of Israel/Palestine pt.2: Fellahin and Bedouin in the Ottoman Empire
Who were the people of Palestine and what were their lives about in the late 19th century, before the first Zionists began arriving from Europe in the 1880s?
This episode focuses on the fellahin – the peasants of Palestine who comprised 70% of its population in the late 19th century, who are the first to clash with Zionist immigrants, and who later bore the brunt of the 1948 war which established the modern state of Israel.
We also look at the Bedouin, whose social structure and culture are the archetype for fellahin culture, and who were the founders of Arab civilization as a whole.
This is the 2nd in a multipart series about the “secret” or hidden origins of the Israel/Palestine conflict, focusing on episodes of history that both Israeli and Palestinian nationalist historians and partisans ignore and overlook because they don’t fit into either nationalist narrative.
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TRANSCRIPT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
VIDEO VERSION (includes high entertainment hi val-u images and memes)
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tweeter: @worbsintowords
ALL MUSIC BY STARSIXNINE
cover image: 19th century tatreez / embroidery on a dress from an unspecified village between Hebron and Jaffa
0:00 Hello fellow kids
1:53 Diaper Warning
3:25 Secret History?
6:51 Why focus on peasants and Bedouin?
10:59 Origins of Palestine
13:48 Origins of the Palestinians
14:45 Ottoman Palestine
15:48 Europe and the Ottoman Empire
26:35 The Millet System
30:27 Ottoman social structure
31:33 Intro to the fellahin
36:00 Tribes vs the state: Bedouin social organization
46:05 Material roots of Bedouin culture
57:44 Advantages/disadvantages of tribal organization
59:16 Urban vs Rural religion
1:01:13 Fellahin social organization
1:10:20 Fellahin attachment to land
1:15:01 Male dominance
1:26:22 Slavery
1:27:51 19thC population pressure
1:31:38 Communal land vs. economics 101 vs. Papa Smurf
1:47:13 Village religion
1:52:16 Village sectarian relations
1:55:17 Next time on Secret History of Israel/Palestine
https://archive.org/download/12.2-palestine-before-zionism/12.2%20-%20PALESTINE%20BEFORE%20ZIONISM.mp3

Sep 2, 2025 • 0sec
Dumbundance: can the “Abundance Agenda” fix the eternal housing crisis?
Dive into the intriguing concept of the 'Abundance Agenda' and how it potentially impacts the U.S. housing crisis. Explore the connection between wealth, deregulation, and the role of powerful donors in shaping housing policies. Through satire, discover the parallels drawn between elitism and societal issues, including a critique of bureaucracy. Unpack rising anti-elite sentiment and its implications for democracy, along with discussions about controversial housing taxes in California. This analysis offers a thought-provoking look at the complexities of housing in America.

Aug 4, 2025 • 0sec
How Inequality of Wealth and Power are like Obesity and Diabetes
Delve into the paradox of human greed and the hierarchical structures that shape our societies. Discover how ancient egalitarian norms of hunter-gatherers contrast with today's wealth disparities. Uncover the psychological impacts of wealth, revealing how it can lead to isolation despite material success. Explore the societal dysfunction that arises from extreme economic dominance and the disconnect between the ultra-wealthy and everyday realities. Finally, consider the balance between human desires and the increasing divide as technology evolves.

Jul 1, 2025 • 0sec
Hello, Fellow Jews! How Lies About Oslo led to the Destruction of Gaza
Dive into the complex narratives surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the moral implications of the war in Gaza. The discussion critiques how historical propaganda has shaped public perception and the justifications for violence. Listeners are urged to consider the humanitarian crisis and the ethical dilemmas faced by both sides. Insights into the failed Oslo Accords, the plight of Palestinian refugees, and the divisive role of identity politics add depth, while a hopeful call for peace resonates throughout.

24 snips
May 30, 2025 • 0sec
Why Elites Ruined the Meaning of the Left Right Political Spectrum (and we need it back!)
The outdated left-right political spectrum misrepresents modern dynamics, as elites distort its meaning to maintain power. The podcast exposes how this confusion fuels inequality and threatens democracy. It argues for a move away from superficial identity politics to a focus on genuine economic equality. The hosts discuss the contradictions in political figures' agendas and highlight the deceptive nature of right-wing populism. Finally, they stress the importance of organized movements to reclaim political identities and ensure voting aligns with economic interests.

14 snips
May 1, 2025 • 0sec
“Nationalism vs. Globalism”: Why is the Populist Right on the Rise?
The podcast delves into the surge of nationalist and populist right movements globally, connecting it to rising economic inequality and stagnant leftist responses. It questions why the far left isn't seeing the same success, focusing on how elite interests exploit nationalism to distract from social issues. The discussion critiques economic policies benefiting the wealthy, the disconnect between political narratives and everyday experiences, and the historical manipulation of nationalism as a tool for distraction.

22 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 0sec
12.1 – The Secret History of Israel / Palestine, Part I: the Jews of Europe and the rise of Zionism
Dive into the fascinating historical narrative of Jewish life in Europe and its pivotal role in the rise of Zionism. The discussion navigates the complexities of anti-Semitism, class structure, and cultural struggles, revealing hidden stories often overlooked by both sides. Explore how nationalism intertwined with economic hardships shaped Jewish identity and migration patterns. The critique of simplistic views on Zionism and colonialism invites a deeper understanding of power dynamics, encouraging a re-evaluation of contentious perspectives.

14 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 0sec
Q&A on the ABCs of Israel/Palestine
Dive into complex narratives of the Israel-Palestine conflict, as the host addresses pressing questions and critiques. Explore the moral dilemmas of warfare and the human cost behind the headlines. Analyze the rise of right-wing sentiment in Israel and its implications for violence against Palestinians. Discuss the challenges of navigating language and terminology in activism, and uncover the historical intricacies of settler responsibility. This conversation urges critical analysis and empathy amidst a polarized landscape.

12 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 0sec
Brainstorm: Israel/Palestine – Who Started It?
Dive into a raw brainstorming session that questions why society feels so chaotic. Explore the evolution of universities from elitist institutions to potential vehicles for change. Discover the powerful role of propaganda in shaping narratives around the Israel-Palestine conflict. The podcast tackles complex historical ties to land, identity, and the moral dilemmas facing both communities. It also emphasizes the urgent need for critical thinking in activism and the role of diverse perspectives in fostering understanding.

Mar 5, 2024 • 0sec
12: From “Never Again” to “There are No Uninvolved Civilians”: The ABC’s of the Israel/Palestine Conflict
Explore the intricate narratives driving the Israel-Palestine conflict, revealing how history shapes perceptions. Dive into the complexities of Zionism, the impact of the Holocaust on immigration, and pivotal events like the Great Arab Revolt. Discover the dynamic between opposing nationalisms and the rise of Hamas. Understand the humanitarian crises and global perceptions influenced by ongoing violence. The discussion highlights the interplay of elite strategies and grassroots sentiments, setting the stage for future exploration.


