The Dig

In this discussion, Aziz Rana, a law professor at Boston College and author, unpacks the deep-rooted connection between the U.S. Constitution and American imperialism. He dives into the Constitution's dual role as a revered document and a tool for perpetuating capitalism. Rana explores the tensions between radical movements and established norms, the complexities of representation, and ideological conflicts during the Constitution's formation. He also examines the impact of U.S. expansionism on identity and the contradictions that have shaped American freedom.

Jeff Schuhrke, a labor studies professor and author, teams up with Micah Utrecht, editor at Jacobin, to dive deep into the hidden histories of American labor's role in the Cold War. They discuss how unions often undermined left-wing movements both domestically and abroad, revealing the moral quandaries labor leaders faced. Schuhrke highlights the AFL-CIO’s collaboration with the CIA, and the detrimental impacts of anti-communist strategies on workers' rights. Their conversation underscores the need for a revived, progressive labor movement capable of addressing global inequalities.

Ilias Alami, a political economy professor at Cambridge, and Tim Sahay, a green economy advisor at Johns Hopkins, delve into the complexities of global geopolitics. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to green energy while navigating U.S.-China tensions and the consequences of fossil capitalism. Alami and Sahay highlight the IMF's neoliberal austerity measures impacting the Global South and dissect why economic sanctions failed against China and Russia. Their insights shed light on emerging fault lines in international relations and the quest for economic sovereignty.

Ilias Alami, a political economy professor at Cambridge, and Tim Sahay, co-editor of The Polycrisis, tackle pressing global issues. They dissect the unraveling of the liberal international order, U.S. foreign policy, and the implications of a rising Cold War with China. The duo also discusses the impact of tariffs and state capitalism on global inequities, questioning how power dynamics shift in today's geopolitical landscape. Their insights shed light on the challenges faced by the Global South amidst these turbulent times.

Gabriel Winant, a history professor at the University of Chicago and volunteer organizer, hosts Eric Blanc, an outspoken advocate for worker-led movements and author of 'We Are the Union.' They delve into the revitalization of labor movements through grassroots organizing, discussing the rise of younger workers’ involvement and innovative strategies for union engagement. The importance of solidarity to combat corporate dominance is emphasized, along with calls for coordinated action to empower workers and address contemporary challenges in the labor landscape.

Brace Belden and Liz Franczak, co-hosts of TrueAnon, delve into the absurdities of today's tech oligarchy. They humorously critique Elon Musk's managerial quirks while exploring Silicon Valley's ideological shift toward radicalism. The duo examines social media's role in political chaos and the unsettling rise of far-right movements. They also touch on AI's bizarre intersection with creativity, the organizational paradoxes in tech, and how traditional civic engagement is being overshadowed by viral content.

Joining the discussion are Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, a philosophy professor and author known for his work on reparations; Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a prominent scholar and author focused on Black liberation; and Mike McCarthy, a sociology expert addressing class struggle. They dive into the contemporary pushback against woke culture, scrutinizing the far-right's manipulation of racial narratives. The conversation critiques ineffective liberal identity politics and emphasizes the need for solidarity across various struggles against systemic inequalities.

Danielle Carr, a historian and professor at UCLA, delves into the evolution of psychiatry and its societal implications. She questions whether rising mental health issues reflect genuine crises or increased awareness. The conversation covers the cultural impact of Adderall, the pitfalls of deep brain stimulation, and the ethical concerns surrounding emerging technologies like Neuralink. Carr critiques trauma discourse and highlights the relationship between mental health and political activism, advocating for a collective approach to wellness and advocacy.

In this insightful discussion, Chris Newman, Legal Director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, tackles the far-right anti-migrant agenda under Trump. He highlights the bipartisan failures that have intensified immigration enforcement without real reform. The conversation dives into the historical roots of immigration policy, the importance of immigrant labor in recovery efforts, and critiques the Democratic Party’s shortcomings on immigration rights. Newman emphasizes the need for solidarity among marginalized communities to combat rising nativism.

Hannah Srajer, President of the Connecticut Tenants Union, discusses revolutionary approaches to tenant organizing by applying labor models. She highlights the power of collective bargaining, drawing from the success of the Blake Street Tenant Union, which achieved more equitable leases. Srajer emphasizes community resilience in the face of landlord aggression, showcasing the Concord Hills Tenant Union's fight for justice. The podcast also explores the broader impact of grassroots movements in reshaping tenant rights across the nation.