The Dig

No new episode this week, but upcoming interview with Osama Makdisi and future interviews teased. Peruse vast archives at thedigradio.com.

Ussama Makdisi, expert on the late Ottoman Empire's Arab culture of coexistence, discusses the impact of European colonialism and Zionism on sectarianism in the region. Topics include missionary movements, the decline of the Ottoman Empire, European intervention, post-Ottoman mandate states, colonial Zionism, and the making of the modern world.

Shaul Magid, expert on post-1948 Jewish Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionism, discusses the transformation of Zionism after the rise of Nazism, Jewish activism in the American New Left movement, the crisis of liberal Zionism, the evolution of liberal Zionism in relation to the Israeli occupation, the transformation of Israeli society, the defamation and delegitimization of anti-Zionists, the examination of Biden's remark and the Zionist narrative, the Zionist civil war and its impact on Zionism.

Shaul Magid, an expert on Jewish Zionism and anti-Zionism, discusses the history and crisis of Jewish Zionism, importance of conversation amidst Gaza violence, Orthodox Jewish groups opposing Zionism, differences in anti-Zionist movements, diverse perspectives on Zionism, and the role of Mizraki Jews in the Zionist project.

Featuring Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian poet, journalist, and organizer, this podcast discusses the current situation in Gaza, the devaluation of Palestinian life under Israeli rule, and the role of Palestine solidarity in reviving internationalism. It also explores possibilities for a free Palestine, different perspectives on the goal of activism, and the impact on students' freedom of speech. The podcast includes an interview with Mohammed el-Kurd and a call-to-action for support.

Richard Seymour discusses the global politics of the Palestinian struggle and Israel's war on Gaza. They explore the tension between agency and humanitarianism, the complexity of understanding Hamas, and the impact of Zionism on antisemitism. They also discuss the devaluation of Palestinian lives, the need for transversal coalitions, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. The podcast covers the relationship between geoeconomy and geopolitics, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and concludes with an introduction and acknowledgment of Richard Seymour.

Richard Seymour, expert on global politics of the Palestinian struggle and Israel's war on Gaza, discusses the influence of factors on the mass response against Israel, the role of the nation state in revolutionizing society, and the contradiction between the public and political class. The chapter explores the recent protests in support of Palestine, highlighting their magnitude, frequency, and global nature.

Beverly Gage, an expert on J. Edgar Hoover, discusses his role as the Director of the FBI, his membership in Kappa Alpha fraternity, the Palmer raids, McCarthyism, FBI tactics to suppress left-wing ideas, the relationship with Joseph McCarthy, and the revelation of secret FBI operations.

Tareq Baconi, expert on Hamas, discusses the importance of understanding its political aspirations separate from violence. They also explore the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas's shift towards armed struggle, the emergence of suicide bombings, their rise to power in Gaza, and the challenges they face as a governing authority.

The podcast explores various topics related to Palestine and Israel, including the history and displacement of Palestinians, the concept of self-determination, the impact of the Great Revolt, the motivations behind the establishment of a Jewish state, the new nationality law in Israel, the role of media in legitimating Israeli apartheid, discussions on Zionism's civil war, the nature of Israeli democracy, and personal accounts of living through Israel's bombing of Gaza.