Actually Existing Socialism

Alice and Dennis Bartels, authors of 'When the North Was Red: Aboriginal Education in Soviet Siberia', discuss their extensive research on the Indigenous peoples of the Soviet Union. They delve into the differences between their experience and the genocidal experience of Indigenous peoples in North America. Topics include living in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the impact of neoliberal reforms after the Soviet Union's dissolution, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the Soviet Union.

Julia Mead, co-author of 'What Has Socialism Ever Done For Women?', discusses the achievements of socialist feminism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries, including abortion rights and women's unions. The podcast explores the impact of the October Revolution on women's emancipation, the influence of socialist texts on Eastern European social states, the challenges faced in early Soviet Union, the concept of freedom under socialism, shifting gender roles, and the benefits experienced by women in state socialist countries.

Dr. Howard Waitzkin, a seasoned healthcare veteran and researcher known for his work on healthcare policy, dives into his landmark 1986 study comparing quality of life in capitalist and socialist nations. He discusses the study's groundbreaking findings showing socialism often yields better health outcomes. Waitzkin also explores how socialist nations successfully tackled COVID-19 through community mobilization, contrasting this with capitalist responses. Plus, he reflects on misconceptions surrounding socialism and shares insights on the origins of his pivotal research.