The Dig

In this insightful conversation, tenant organizers Leonardo Vilchis and Tracy Rosenthal discuss their experience fighting for housing justice in Los Angeles. They share powerful anecdotes from their book, 'Abolish Rent,' emphasizing the importance of tenant unions and collective action. The duo covers the struggles of marginalized communities and the impact of gentrification on tenants. They shed light on successful rent strikes and grassroots movements, advocating for community solidarity as a means to combat the ongoing housing crisis.

In a compelling discussion, Michael Denning, a Marxist cultural critic from Yale, dives into the moral panic surrounding mugging in 1970s England and its impact on marginalized communities. He links this historical crisis to the rise of neoliberalism and authoritarianism, emphasizing how societal fears shape narratives around law and order. Denning also explores the complexities of race, class, and the evolving relationship between crime and state authority, urging a reassessment of traditional Marxist frameworks while advocating for community engagement and support.

Michael Denning, a Yale professor and author, dives into the revolutionary ideas of Stuart Hall, a pioneering figure in cultural studies. They explore Hall's unique Marxist perspective that critiques traditional doctrines while emphasizing the complexity of race, class, and ideology. Denning discusses the lasting effects of Thatcherism and Trumpism on contemporary politics and the importance of a nuanced understanding of racism within class struggles. Their conversation reveals Hall's innovative method of historical specificity, crucial for reshaping socialist politics today.

In this discussion, Bassam Haddad, a distinguished professor and director of Middle East studies, unpacks the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the rise and fall of Assad's regime. He delves into the mixed emotions Syrians felt post-ouster, balancing joy with the unsettling aftermath. Haddad also examines the Syrian civil society's struggles, the complex dynamics of sectarianism, and the impact of regional players like Turkey and Iran. Additionally, he critiques the deceptive nature of terrorism definitions and explores the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Blanchfield, a writer and associate faculty at the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, explores the intertwining of assassination, political violence, and societal norms in America. He delves into public anger towards healthcare executives, the implications of gun violence, and the complexities of impunity. Blanchfield also examines historical acts of political violence, ideological motivations for extremism, and the legacy of these events on today's societal landscape. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on human disposability and the quest for justice in a turbulent world.

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University historian, and Wendy Brown from Princeton, delve into the intricacies of the MAGA movement. They explore the tensions between economic nationalism and libertarianism within Trump’s cabinet, and discuss Project 2025’s focus on executive power. The duo analyzes the rise of cryptocurrency and its appeal to younger voters, alongside the cultural impacts of professional wrestling on American politics. They critically examine the evolution of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy and social issues.

In a captivating discussion, Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher from Mexico, and Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth professor specializing in Central American studies, dive into the complexities of contemporary Central America. They analyze Bukele's controversial crypto policies in El Salvador and Ortega's authoritarian turn in Nicaragua. The conversation highlights grassroots movements' resilience in Honduras and Guatemala against corruption, while unpacking the driving forces behind mass migration. Their insights reveal the intricate relationship between local struggles and U.S. foreign policy.

In this engaging discussion, Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher and editor, joins Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth professor specializing in Latin American studies. They delve into the revolutionary struggles in Central America, revealing how U.S. policy fueled violence and migration. The rise of neoliberalism after peace accords is scrutinized, shedding light on its social impacts. They also explore the emergence of gangs, the contentious governance of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, and the intricate ties between faith and politics during Reagan's era.

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, co-founder of Hammer and Hope and Princeton professor, dives into the political turmoil facing the Democratic Party. She discusses the alarming trend of working-class voters shifting towards populist ideologies and critiques the party’s failure to address economic insecurities. Taylor emphasizes the need for an inclusive movement that connects issues beyond race, including the disconnection felt by younger voters. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots organizing and building a unified left to confront rising political challenges.

Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth College professor, dive into the turbulent history of Central America. They discuss the rise of export-crop oligarchies and US military interventions that reshaped the region. The conversation highlights key events like the CIA-backed coup in Guatemala and the Sandinista Revolution. They also explore the socio-political impacts of American imperialism and the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in Central America.