Jacobin Radio

In this engaging discussion, sociologist Melinda Cooper delves into the intricate relationship between fiscal austerity and neoliberal policies. She explains how balanced-budget conservatism emerged to control marginalized political power and how welfare reforms were used to discipline labor. Cooper highlights the tension between asset inflation and public welfare, revealing the powerful monetary tools at our disposal for potential socialist futures. Listen as she connects historical events to today's economic landscape and calls for a labor-driven transformation of fiscal policy.

Vivek Chibber, a prominent Marxist theorist and public intellectual, delivers an insightful keynote on the current state of the left. He argues that the left isn't just reviving but starting anew, facing the challenges of neoliberalism and the erosion of class struggle. Chibber highlights the importance of reconnecting with workers and rebuilding unions to strengthen a multiracial working-class coalition. He points to Zohran Mamdani’s campaign as a hopeful example of economic populism gaining traction. The conversation emphasizes reclaiming Marxist theory to advance socialist goals.

Ilya Matveev, a Russian political economist and dissident scholar, dives deep into the complexities of 21st-century imperialism. He explores the fierce inter-imperialist rivalry among Russia, China, and the U.S., highlighting China's industrial might and Russia's destabilizing actions in Ukraine. Matveev critiques existing imperialism theories and discusses how leaders' ideologies shape geopolitics. He emphasizes grassroots movements as crucial to preventing conflicts and examines India's pivotal role in U.S.-China dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, art crime expert Erin Thompson critiques the political implications of public monuments, especially in light of Trump's move to restore Confederate statues. Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani unpacks Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, revealing its lack of political solution for Palestinians and the troubling influence from figures like Jared Kushner and Tony Blair. Lastly, journalism professor Ted Hamm shines a light on Zoran Mamdani’s progressive mayoral campaign, emphasizing his proposals for rent freezes and community safety reforms.

Catarina Príncipe, a contributing editor at Jacobin and member of the Left Bloc, delves into Portugal's shifting political landscape since 2022. She highlights the alarming rise of the far-right Chega Party, which became the second-largest force in parliament through a coalition of voter mobilization. Príncipe discusses judicial polarization affecting left activists, the roots of Portugal's housing crisis, and the radical left's substantial decline. She argues for a strategic reorientation around housing and migration to reinvigorate leftist movements.

Melinda Cooper, a sociologist and author of "Counter-Revolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance," dives into the fiscal and monetary dimensions of neoliberalism. She describes how asset-driven capitalism arose post-1970s crisis, emphasizing tax cuts and anti-inflation policies that prioritized asset appreciation. Cooper explores the detrimental effects of class hierarchies fueled by property ownership, the cultural politics of the tax revolt, and the evolving dynamics of unions. This rich discussion connects economic shifts to broader social consequences.

Thomas Ferguson, a political scientist and research director at the Institute for New Economic Thinking, dives into the intersection of tech and politics. He reveals how big money influences election outcomes and shapes Democratic priorities away from working people. Ferguson examines the rise of 'red tech,' the implications of a K-shaped recovery, and the bipartisan capture of crypto. He warns of a structural impasse for labor and suggests reforms like banning super PACs to revive trust in the party.

Mouin Rabbani, a seasoned journalist specializing in Palestinian affairs, discusses the recent surge in diplomatic recognition of Palestine, linking it to rising public pressure and critiquing the hollow nature of the two-state solution. He highlights the potential consequences of recognition including legal accountability and its implications for Gaza's future amid ongoing destruction. Ernesto Saman, an academic expert on Latin American politics, analyzes the U.S. support for Javier Milei's libertarian administration in Argentina, exploring the social ramifications of aggressive deregulation and the political shift among working-class voters.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives into the origins of capitalism and critiques the colonial plunder narrative often blamed for its rise. He argues that money alone doesn't create capitalism; it requires social structures that enable profit-driven investment. Chibber contrasts Spain and Portugal's wealth with England's capitalist development, emphasizing the role of dispossession in transforming societies. He also debates the myth that Protestantism triggered capitalism, highlighting the significance of ongoing structural changes instead.

Pema Levy, an investigative reporter at Mother Jones, dives deep into the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. United States. She reveals how this ruling grants Trump sweeping immunity, allowing him to weaponize the Justice Department against his critics and facilitate questionable ICE raids. Levy discusses the alarming convergence of legal and political practices that heralds a shift towards authoritarianism in America. This conversation highlights the erosion of institutional independence and the rising threats to democratic checks, especially for marginalized groups.