Jacobin Radio

Jacob Mundy, a peace and conflict studies professor and co-author on Western Sahara, delves into the region's tumultuous history. He discusses Spain's colonial motivations for controlling Western Sahara and the emergence of the Polisario movement, highlighting its guerrilla tactics and ideological shifts. Mundy also examines Morocco's irredentist claims and the impact of the ICJ's advisory opinion, which denied Moroccan sovereignty. The conversation sheds light on how international politics and regional crises shaped the struggle for Sahrawi self-determination.

Oleksandr Kyselov, a Ukrainian left-wing writer and activist, discusses how the so-called peace plans for Ukraine are often more about imperial bargaining than true restitution. Alyssa Oursler, a journalist and International Women’s Media Foundation fellow, shares harrowing on-the-ground stories from Kyiv, including how Ukrainians perceive the peace negotiations and the profound personal tragedies they've faced. Together, they analyze the implications of international diplomacy, the human costs of conflict, and what a real peace might look like.

Anatol Lieven, a foreign policy analyst at the Quincy Institute, dissects Trump’s 2025 national security strategy, highlighting its contradictions and the dubious achievements of his foreign policy. He warns of rising tensions, especially regarding Europe and China, while questioning the administration's commitment to international institutions. Susannah Glickman, a historian, examines the encroachment of private equity in governmental and military realms, raising concerns about its impact on governance and military infrastructure, and warns against the dangers of prioritizing short-term profits over long-lasting resilience.

Join labor activist Eric Blanc, Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg, and progressive strategist Waleed Shahid as they explore the recent leftward shift among liberals since Trump's return. They discuss the collapse of elite institutions fueling radicalization, the tension between a socialist left and liberal revolt, and the necessity of coalition-building against authoritarianism. The trio highlights youth radicalization, the implications of immigration politics, and the urgent need to transform grassroots energy into meaningful political action.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor and editor of Catalyst, dives into the evolution of social democracy. He discusses its historical roots and how its initial revolutionary ambitions shifted towards reforming capitalism. Chibber explores the impact of the welfare state, the debates between reform and revolution, and how democratic rights changed the landscape for radical movements. He critiques the contemporary American left's focus, advocating for a revival of class-struggle politics. A thought-provoking look at the intersection of social democracy and capitalism!

David Adler, a researcher with Progressive International, dives into the intricacies of the Honduran elections, explaining the impact of U.S. influence and crypto projects. Elfadil Ibrahim, a political analyst, provides a gripping look at the Sudan civil war, detailing the roles of international players and local factions. Lastly, Eric Blanc, a labor journalist, explores the concept of 'sewer socialism' from Milwaukee, highlighting its practical governance approach and its lessons for contemporary left politics. These discussions blend deep analysis with pressing global issues.

Tascha Van Auken, a lead organizer and field director known for her pivotal role in NYC DSA's electoral strategy, shares fascinating insights on effective grassroots campaigning. She discusses mobilizing a whopping 100,000 volunteers for Zohran Mamdani's mayoral race, the importance of democratic practices in organizing, and lessons learned from past campaigns. Tascha emphasizes the transformative power of canvassing, the relationship between activists and governance, and the future of replicating successful strategies across movements.

Malcolm Harris, a Philadelphia writer and author of "What's Left" and "Palo Alto," discusses the need for the Left to embrace a multi-faceted strategy in addressing planetary crises. He critiques capitalist structures, explaining how they drive ecological degradation. Harris advocates for 'public power' over mere market tinkering, emphasizing social provisioning and ethical considerations. He highlights the role of indigenous movements in anti-extraction efforts and calls for coordinated strategies to navigate contemporary challenges.

Join John Reynolds, a law professor at Maynooth University and an expert in international law, as he explores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent international legal developments. He discusses South Africa's groundbreaking ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide, the ICC's warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, and the challenges these bodies face amid political pressure. Reynolds also delves into innovative legal tactics being used against corporate complicity and shares insights on how U.S. dynamics might shape future ICJ rulings.

Eric Blanc, an assistant professor at Rutgers and a historian of municipal socialism, discusses Milwaukee's 'sewer socialists' who transformed local governance. He highlights how these socialists provided effective public services while grappling with the limits of municipal power. Blanc addresses critiques of their technocratic approach and draws lessons for today's left, emphasizing the importance of building grassroots power. He connects this history to Zoran Mamdani's campaign in New York, discussing strategies for balancing governance and activism in achieving social change.