The Dig

Thea Riofrancos is a political scientist and author of "Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism," specializing in resource politics. She delves into the complexities of lithium mining and its geopolitical implications, connecting it to colonial history and indigenous rights. Discussion highlights include the impact of lithium extraction on water resources in Chile, global anti-mining resistance movements, and the balance between urgent climate action and local environmental concerns. Thea also explores how current mining practices interconnect with global economic shifts.

Fernando Haddad, Brazil's Finance Minister and former mayor of São Paulo, dives deep into the intricacies of Brazilian political economy. He links the neoliberal crisis to the rise of the far right, analyzing past political strategies and the PT's resilience. Haddad advocates a renewed class analysis and discusses Brazil's role in BRICS and global governance. He tackles the challenges of green industrialization, digital monopolies, and the importance of multilateralism, all while balancing practical finance work with his broader socialist vision.

In this engaging discussion, Walden Bello, a noted sociologist and critic of neoliberal globalization, joins Jane Nalunga, director of SIATINI, to share insights on the aftermath of Third Worldist movements. They dive into the civil society reactions to dictatorships and structural adjustments, emphasizing the debt's role in mobilization. The duo highlights the revival of South-South solidarity and critiques the far-right's capture of anti-globalization sentiments. Finally, they discuss deglobalization paths and the future of regional cooperation in the Global South.

Paul Adlerstein, a historian specializing in U.S. activism and global inequality, Gonzalo Berrón, a labor organizer from Latin America, and Alexandra Wandel, a trade and sustainability campaigner, dive deep into the 1999 Seattle protests against the WTO. They discuss the diverse coalitions of unions, environmentalists, and activism that fueled the global justice movement. Insightful reflections cover the impact of local struggles on global networks, the role of direct action, and the legacy of these movements in today's political landscape.

Melinda Cooper, a sociologist at the Australian National University and author of 'Counter-Revolution', dives into the intricate relationship between fiscal austerity and the rise of asset-focused monetary policies. She explores how welfare reform has disciplined labor and led to significant asset inflation, particularly in housing. The conversation touches on the Tea Party's emergence post-housing bust, the complexities of tax expenditures, and the implications of Greenspan's monetary strategies. Cooper argues for the power of organized labor to reclaim fiscal levers, paving a potential path to socialism.

In this discussion, Melinda Cooper, a sociologist and author, dives deep into her book on neoliberalism and its role in reshaping America’s fiscal landscape. She explores how this counter-revolution dismantled the gains of the 1960s, leading to class and racial hierarchies. Cooper highlights the significance of the 1970s fiscal crisis, the influence of Paul Volcker's policies, and the rise of asset appreciation over production. She also examines the politics behind property rights and the polarization within labor movements, shedding light on today’s economic disparities.

Alberto Toscano, a philosopher focused on fascism and race, and Stuart Schrader, a historian specializing in policing and immigration, dive deep into the authoritarian practices of the Trump era. They discuss how heightened police and ICE budgets strengthen repressive capacities, creating a future of unchecked state violence. The duo also examines the troubling role of police unions and the aestheticization of repression through media. They highlight grassroots resistance tactics in major cities, juxtaposing local activism with the challenges posed by the courts.

Alberto Toscano, a scholar of fascism and political theory, pairs with Stuart Schrader, a historian focused on policing and counterinsurgency, to explore the impact of Trump's intensified policing strategies on American society. They discuss the disturbing trend of federal-centralized law enforcement following 9/11 and the politicization of ICE as a tool of repression. The guests also analyze the carceral roots of fascization, connecting historical accounts of policing with contemporary authoritarian practices, revealing a chilling vision of America's governance.

Ian Gavigan, Executive Director of Higher Education Labor United and co-founder during his graduate days at Rutgers, sheds light on the fight against the neoliberal transformation of higher education. He discusses the importance of solidarity among campus workers and unionization efforts to reclaim academia as a public good. Gavigan addresses the ideological battles being waged in higher education and the impact of right-wing policies. He advocates for collective action in response to repression, stressing the need for equitable access and the preservation of the humanities.

Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA history professor and author known for his studies on social movements and radicalism, shares fascinating reflections on his interviews with 1930s Alabama sharecroppers. He emphasizes the significance of oral history in shaping collective memory and identity. Kelley also discusses the powerful grassroots activism of that era, highlighting the struggles of Black workers and the dynamics of labor movements amidst racial challenges. His insights reveal the enduring impact of community empowerment in shaping modern social movements.