Jacobin Radio

In this thought-provoking discussion, Bill Fletcher Jr., a seasoned activist and former president of TransAfrica Forum, and Alex Callinicos, an Emeritus Professor at King's College, tackle the decline of the left. They critique Boris Kagarlitsky's views on the challenges facing leftist movements and the rise of the right. The conversation delves into the failures of organized labor, the necessity for internationalism, and the intersection of class struggles with issues of race and identity. Their insights spark a call for a more inclusive and adaptive socialist strategy.

Bassam Haddad joins the discussion, bringing his expertise as the founding director of the Middle East program at George Mason University. He examines the rise and fall of Assad's regime and contrasts the poignant joy of Syrians during the regime's ouster with the looming geopolitical complexities. The conversation navigates through Syria's intricate political history, the role of external influences like Turkey and the U.S., and delves into the challenges facing civil society amidst ongoing conflict, revealing the multilayered dilemmas of power and resistance in the region.

Trita Parsi, an expert on U.S. foreign policy from the Quincy Institute, joins Joshua Landis, a professor of Middle East Studies, to dissect the chaotic landscape of Syria post-Assad. They delve into the surprising fall of Assad’s regime, the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and the competing interests of Turkey and Israel in the region. Tina Gerhardt critiques the recent UN climate conference, highlighting its failures amidst pressing climate issues faced by vulnerable nations. Together, they explore the intertwined fates of geopolitics and climate action.

Join Sarah Bond, a classics professor at the University of Iowa and author of "Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire," as she unveils the unseen struggles of the common people in ancient Rome. She discusses the harsh realities of enslaved labor and the emergence of labor associations akin to modern unions. Bond dives into the legacy of the Spartacus Rebellion, highlighting its significance for both individual freedom and systemic change. Discover how the voices of marginalized citizens pushed for societal shifts through petitions, shaping history from below.

Patrick Blanchfield, a writer and associate faculty at the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research, dives into the chilling realities of assassination and political violence. He explores the powerful emotions behind violence, and how American society grapples with human disposability. The conversation touches on the repercussions of gun violence, public attitudes toward health insurance executives, and the often twisted perceptions of resistance versus sanctioned violence. Blanchfield also contextualizes political assassinations across cultures, questioning the morality behind state-sanctioned violence.

Vivek Chibber, an NYU sociology professor and editor of Catalyst Journal, dives into the evolution of socialist politics in contemporary America. He distinguishes between social democracy and socialism, while reflecting on the Bernie Sanders movement's impact. Chibber emphasizes the need for a cohesive leftist agenda focused on real economic issues, critiques capitalism’s role in perpetuating inequality, and highlights the importance of labor movements in shaping social welfare. His insights provide a roadmap for the Left moving forward.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives into the shifting political landscape where many workers, regardless of race, are turning away from the Democratic Party. He discusses how this trend reflects changes since Trump’s 2016 victory and critiques the party’s detachment from the working class. Chibber highlights the detrimental impact of NAFTA and the need for the Left to rethink its approach to grassroots organizing and class analysis to reconnect with alienated voters.

Larry Bartels, a political science professor renowned for his work on voting behavior, analyzes the rise of right-wing populism in contemporary politics. Sopo Japaridze, a Georgian-American journalist, sheds light on the democratic crisis in Georgia, revealing the aftermath of questionable elections and public protests. They discuss how local and global dynamics shape voter sentiments and the complex relationship between Georgia’s government and its aspirations for EU integration amid rising tensions with Russia.

Gilbert Achcar, a Professor at SOAS University and an expert on Middle Eastern politics, dissects the recent upheaval in Syria and the origins of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. He connects the dots between Israel's conflicts and the collapse of Assad's regime while critiquing the global rise of far-right movements. Achcar warns about the implications of another Trump administration for the Middle East and highlights the precarious balance of power in France amidst discontent with neoliberalism, showcasing the interconnectedness of these global crises.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst Journal, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Bhaskar Sunkara about the connections between capitalism and the recent political landscape. They delve into why Trump’s election was a wake-up call for socialists and the need for strategic alliances with liberals. Chibber critiques the Democratic Party’s disconnect from the working class, advocating for a focus on economic issues over identity politics as they explore navigating a united front against capitalism.