The Chris Hedges Report

Ramzy Baroud, Palestinian-American historian and author, traces three generations of his family’s struggle under occupation. He recounts mass family losses, Gaza’s decimated infrastructure, and the evolution of resistance into organized national movements. Short, personal stories illuminate wider themes of survival, steadfastness, and the politics shaping Palestinian resistance.

Richard D. Wolff, economist and professor emeritus known for Marxian analysis of capitalism, outlines fragile global supply chains and how offshoring magnifies risk. He discusses how oil shocks and rising fertilizer costs can ripple into recession or worse. He argues Middle East conflict is hastening U.S. decline and examines dangers of dollar weakness and cascading economic collapse.

Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi, historian of modern Iran and author, discusses Iran's deep revolutionary spirit rooted in 1953 and 1979. He explores how sanctions backfire, why Iran mistrusts the West, parallels with Cuba, regional deterrence strategies, and the political effects of recent strikes and Gaza on Iranian unity.

John Mearsheimer, noted University of Chicago political scientist and author on great power politics, breaks down the Iran standoff. He discusses who controls escalation and why the U.S. may struggle to compel concessions. Short takes cover Israel’s influence, naval seizures that backfired, economic risks from Gulf disruptions, and likely outcomes ranging from a deal to prolonged instability.

Laith Marouf, Beirut-based journalist known for frontline coverage of Lebanon and the Israel–Hezbollah conflict, shares vivid on-the-ground reporting. He describes ruined southern towns and tactical battles. He details drone and anti-tank tactics, propaganda ploys, and how militia structures adapted after leadership strikes.

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK and longtime U.S.-Cuba solidarity activist. She describes Cuba's dire humanitarian crisis from tightened U.S. sanctions. She recounts fuel shortages, blackouts, and collapsing services. She discusses international delegations delivering aid and the political forces in Washington driving the blockade.

Alastair Crooke, former British diplomat and Middle East analyst, discusses Islamabad talks and Iran’s ten-point plan. He contrasts Iran’s strategic strength with Israel’s multiple pressures. He frames Hormuz as a modern Suez and explains the economic and geopolitical stakes shaping the negotiations.

Trita Parsi, author and U.S.-Iran relations expert and co-founder of the Quincy Institute, outlines the grave risks of escalating confrontation with Iran. He discusses how targeting infrastructure could trigger regional strikes and long oil disruptions. He explores Israeli influence on U.S. strategy, the failure of phased ceasefires, and the dangers of desperate leaders flirting with extreme military options.

John Kiriakou, former CIA analyst and whistleblower on the agency's torture program. He discusses whether Iran’s support for proxies differs from longstanding US proxy practices. Short, sharp takes on terrorism versus liberation, Israel’s covert tactics, the MEK’s rehabilitation, and how labeling nations politicizes the term "state sponsor of terror."

Annemarie Jacir, Palestinian filmmaker and writer behind Palestine 36, reimagines the 1936–39 uprising and its role in shaping modern Palestine. She discusses British counterinsurgency, archival revelations of brutality, and how class divisions and divide-and-rule tactics shaped the struggle. Jacir also recounts the film’s fraught production, from disruptions and relocation to covert shooting under occupation.