The Dig

Aziz Rana, a professor at Boston College Law School and author of insightful works on American freedom, dives into the complexities of the U.S. Constitution and its historical implications. He discusses the transformation of America from a settler colony to a global empire, the rise of radical right movements, and the challenges faced by leftist movements today. The episode critiques how neoliberalism has influenced political dynamics and examines the evolution of presidential power, advocating for a reevaluation of the Constitution to better support democracy and social justice.

Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College, dives into the complexities of American constitutional politics and its resonance with black movements during the Cold War. He discusses how black activism shaped responses to the Vietnam War, revealing critiques of mainstream civil rights approaches. The conversation spans the contradictions of Cold War liberalism, connections to anti-colonial struggles, and the challenges faced by radical groups like the Black Panthers, emphasizing the need for intersectional coalitions in the fight against imperialism.

Aziz Rana, a Professor of Law at Boston College and author of 'The Two Faces of American Freedom', dives into the making of the American project. He discusses the intersection of American liberalism and empire, highlighting the impact of the Supreme Court and McCarthyism. Rana also critiques immigration policies that reflect ethno-nationalism and examines the complex history of the Communist Party USA. With key insights on FDR's transformative leadership, listeners gain a fresh understanding of the paradoxes in American constitutionalism.

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.