The Dig

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.

Astra Taylor, a writer and filmmaker known for co-founding The Debt Collective, and Leah Hunt-Hendrix, co-founder of Solidare Network, delve into their book on solidarity. They explore the historical significance of solidarity in social movements, emphasizing collective action's necessity to tackle global challenges. The discussion critiques individualism, highlights transformative solidarity, and reimagines it in public discourse. They also tackle immigration issues and the role of philanthropy in progressive movements, stressing the need for united efforts against systemic barriers.

Naomi Klein, a renowned journalist and author of "Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World," discusses the surge of far-right conspiracist politics post-pandemic. She highlights the historical contradictions driving current societal violence and oppression. Topics include the rise of multiracial right-wing nationalism, vaccine profiteering, and the ethical dilemmas in public health. Klein critiques the left's response to pandemic-related challenges and underscores the need for solidarity among low-wage workers amidst growing inequality.

In this insightful discussion, historian Abdel Razzaq Takriti, an expert on Arab revolutionary movements, explores the tumultuous history of Palestinian resistance. He delves into Hamas's 2006 electoral victory and the subsequent siege on Gaza, drawing connections to the recent escalation of violence on October 7. Takriti critiques the normalization of violence against Palestinians and examines the geopolitical dynamics involving U.S. policies and Iran's regional alliances, all while advocating for global solidarity in the face of colonialism.

Jake Werner, Acting Director of the East Asia program at the Quincy Institute and co-founder of Justice is Global, delves into the escalating New Cold War between the US and China. He explores how rising nationalism and economic shifts have influenced relations, advocating for a cooperative international order. Werner discusses the complexities of Biden's foreign policy versus historical context, critiques anti-China sentiment as a manufactured trend, and emphasizes the urgent need for global solidarity to address economic inequalities.

Aslı Bâli, an expert on left-wing internationalism and decolonization, teams up with Aziz Rana, a scholar of contemporary anti-neocolonial struggles. They dive into the history of Third Worldism and its relevance today, particularly in relation to the Palestinian liberation movement. The discussion spans the complexities of forming coalitions against US imperialism, the legacy of anti-colonial efforts during the Cold War, and the evolving nature of activism in response to global injustices. Their insights emphasize the need for solidarity in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the second of what has become a three-part epilogue to Thawra (Revolution), our series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. This episode takes us from the disastrous Oslo Accords through the 2000 Camp David Summit and the eruption of the Second Palestinian Intifada. Then the 9/11 attacks, the War on Terror, the US destruction of Iraq, the Arab Spring, the Syrian Civil War, and the rise of Islamic State. A century of Western imperialism had undermined Arab revolutionary movements and governments; the new millennium brought two decades of US-led war that destroyed the Arab state system. Atop its wreckage was the explosion of sectarian violence and murderous authoritarianism across the Arab East. Hope still resides in the power of popular renewal. Support The Dig at Patreon.com/TheDig Buy Visualizing Palestine at haymarketbooks.org Buy Exit Wounds at UCPress.edu