The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the expansion of BRICS with six new members and its potential challenge to the dominance of Washington and Wall Street. The podcast explores the historical pattern of dominant powers, the impact of de-dollarization on poor countries, the erosion of US global dominance, and the changing global economy.

Mikaela Nhondo Erskog, member of secretariat of Pan Africanism, joins Brian Becker to discuss the BRICS Summit. They explore the impact of financial hegemony on national development, the argument over creating an alternative currency, China's Belt and Road Initiative, African colonization, and plans for the future.

Professor Richard Wolff discusses the alarming rise in auto loan defaults, the impact on the working class and the rising prices of cars. It explores the implications of unsustainable debt, the relationship between wages and raw materials, and the concentration of wealth. The podcast also touches on the rise of BRIC countries in the global economy, limitations on Chinese land ownership, and growing anti-Chinese sentiment.

Vijay Prashad and Manolo de los Santos discuss the new witch hunt against peace activists opposing the growing danger of war with China. They critique the media's role in fueling tensions and highlight the catastrophic consequences of a conflict between the US and China. The importance of unity in fighting against racism and fascism is emphasized, along with the need for mature discussions about China and US relations. Listeners are invited to join the campaign for defending free speech and democratic rights.

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian analyzes the newest indictment against Trump and the ensuing trial, artificial intelligence in the workplace, the new McCarthyism against people and organizations opposing U.S. foreign policy and war, who we should work with in the defense of Julian Assange, and more. This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Prof. Richard Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss the housing crisis in the US, skyrocketing rents, and increasing homelessness. They explore the impact of profit-driven motives in the housing business, the failure of ruling classes, and the need for grassroots action to address the homelessness crisis. The shocking disparity between vacant homes and homelessness is highlighted, with 28 vacant homes for every one person experiencing homelessness.

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian analyzes the January 6 Trump indictment and its effect on the 2024 presidential race and future politics, the dynamics of coups in several African countries, socialists in the 2024 race, the Teamsters' huge win, and more. This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss "Bidenomics" (which Professor Wolff calls "political theatre"), Biden's real economic record, and why his policies are so harmful. What has "Bidenomics" meant for the working class? Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

The blockbuster film “Oppenheimer” shows the lunacy of continued nuclear weapon development as the United States is preparing for war with major nuclear countries. What is the full history of nuclear weapons development and testing in the United States, what was the fallout, and how can the world stop a future nuclear war? Brian Becker is joined by Greg Mello, nuclear weapons expert and co-founder and Executive Director of the Los Alamos Study Group. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

On today's episode Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the new study showing that elite schools enroll wealthy students far more than the rest of us. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com, and more about this discussion in his article The World Economy Is Changing—the People Know, But Their Leaders Don’t. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.