The Dig

Sumathi Kumar, a key figure in tenant organizing and a former co-chair of NYC DSA, joins Palestinian writer Sumeya Awad, and Nathan Gustorf, Executive Director of the Fiscal Policy Institute. They delve into the challenges of socialist governance, highlighting the importance of mass participation in building political power. The group discusses balancing tenant rights with broad governance strategies, navigating political constraints, and the potential of local movements in the face of federal threats. Rhetoric around Palestine also surfaces as a critical point of political consistency.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Blanc, a labor scholar and professor, along with Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, and Waleed Shahid, a progressive political strategist, delve into the radical shift in the liberal base since Trump's return. They explore how institutional collapse has fueled this change, revealing liberal voters' increasing embrace of socialism. The trio examines the influence of the Palestinian struggle on youth radicalization, the importance of coalition-building in electoral strategies, and the vital role of grassroots organizing in the current political landscape.

Tascha Van Auken, a leading field strategist for NYC Democratic Socialists of America, shares her experiences in grassroots organizing. She discusses how Zohran Mamdani’s campaign mobilized 100,000 volunteers and knocked on three million doors. Tascha reflects on the transformation of volunteers through direct voter contact and the DSA's role in fostering a democratic culture. She also highlights key campaigns, the importance of strategic endorsements, and the need for effective governance post-victory. Her insights illuminate the power of community engagement in driving political change.

In this discussion, Malcolm Harris, a Philadelphia-based author known for his insights on leftist politics and climate issues, offers a nuanced view on strategies for the left. He critiques intra-left sectarianism and stresses the importance of debate and collective action. Harris explores the complexities of capitalism, particularly oil's unique role, and advocates for a threefold strategic approach. He emphasizes the integration of Indigenous values in public planning while defining communism's practical implications. His vision calls for collaboration across various fronts to address pressing societal challenges.

Join Gabriel Winant, a historian and organizer, as he highlights the podcast's vital role in education and empowering 'organic intellectuals.' Aziz Rana, a law professor, shares heartwarming words from his mother, emphasizing the show's impact on leftist culture. Thea Riofrancos, a political thinker, gives a heartfelt tribute to the host's dedication and meticulous attention to detail. Toasts and laughter fill the air as hosts Brace Belden and Liz Franczak celebrate 500 episodes, reminding listeners of their collective journey and the show's mission.

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.