Counterpunch Radio

This week Eric welcomes to the show Iraq war veteran, antiwar activist, and filmmaker Mike Prysner to help us understand what's going on in the minds of soldiers with the US on the brink of another war. Mike tells us about his journey from enlisting to finding himself on the ground in Iraq to coming home and organizing against the war and US imperialism. Eric and Mike discuss the reasons young people join, the myth versus reality, and the coercive nature of military recruitment. Mike also reminds us the history of war resisting, from the Philippines to Vietnam, and the historical tradition from which he comes. As we careen over the cliff into another war, it's all the more important to listen to voices like Mike Prysner. Don't miss this conversation. Music: Minutemen - "The Big Stick"

After a hiatus, Counterpunch Radio returns with an urgent new episode on the crisis with Iran. Joining Eric this time is Oxford senior researcher and founder of Hands Off the People of Iran, Yassamine Mather. Eric and Yassamine discuss the assassination of Soleimani and the crisis it has sparked, the internal politics and protests in Iran, the complicated regional picture, and more. Recorded January 8, 2020 Music: Devendra Banhart - Heard Somebody Say

This week Eric welcomes to the show Marxist economist and blogger Michael Roberts to discuss the latest global economic issues. The conversation begins with the interesting moves by the US Federal Reserve in late September and what they might mean for the US domestic, and ultimately global, economic outlook. From there the conversation shifts to macroeconomic trends and how Trump's trade war with China might impact the depressed global situation, including laying the groundwork for a technology and supply chain war. The second half of the show focuses on the oil price and global oil markets, and how they are impacting the geopolitics and economic interests of the world's power blocs. Finally, Eric and Michael discuss financialization and the rentier economy, and explore whether these are sufficient to explaining the current economic crisis. Music: Lee Scratch Perry & Errol Walker - "In These Times"

This week Eric welcomes to the show investigative journalist and editor of Sludge, Alex Kotch, to talk Trump, Ukraine, campaign finance violations, and much more. Naturally, the conversation begins with a discussion of the latest in Trumplandia, including the opening of the impeachment inquiry and what that might mean for Trump and the Democrats. From there, Alex discusses his latest investigation into Facebook's profiting from far-right propaganda, including the broader implications of social media as a platform for such politics. Finally, Eric and Alex discuss the death of David Koch and the legacy of the Koch Brothers' insidious, decades-long right wing project. Don't miss this week's show! Music: Mission of Burma - "That's When I Reach for My Revolver"

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political analyst and all around news vandal, JP Sottile, curator of the Newsvandal daily newsletter. Eric and JP discuss oil, oil, and more oil; how global politics and economics are being shaped by it, and what the future may hold. JP explains why he refers to this period as "Donald Trump's Oily Presidency" and what the rule of Big Oil has meant for the geopolitical chessboard in the Middle East and beyond. Eric and JP discuss the recent drone strike against Saudi oil facilities, who might have been involved, how the war in Yemen is related and so much more. The second half of the show features an in depth discussion of Russia, the strategic calculus in the era of late stage oil, and much more. A quick episode summary won't do this discussion justice. Don't miss it! Music: John Mayall - "Gasoline Blues"

This week Eric welcomes political analyst Dan Glazebrook back to the show to discuss the latest in the wild world of British politics. Eric and Dan begin with an overview of the developments of recent months and the political context within which they've taken place. With Brexit looming over everything, Boris Johnson is now PM and all hell has broken loose. Dan explains why he thinks Steve Bannon is an important key to understanding Johnson's political calculation, and why Corbyn and Labour remain so politically weak even as Rome burns around them. Dan explores some of the possible scenarios that could play out and gives his best guess as to what comes next. Don't miss this in-depth examination of UK politics this week on Counterpunch Radio. Music: XTC - "Roads Girdle the Globe"

This week Eric welcomes to the show New Delhi-based journalist Sumedha Pal to discuss the situation in Kashmir and the political context within which it should be understood. The conversation begins with important background on the conflict: the history, stakeholders, and domestic politics. Sumedha explains the rise of PM Narendra Modi, the forces backing him, and why he and the far right Hindu nationalists have made this move on Kashmir now. From there, the conversation explores everything from the role of capital and the ruling class in backing Modi, the actions and mobilization by the left in India, the reactions from Pakistan and China, and so much more. Don't miss the in-depth discussion of one of the most important and dangerous conflicts in the world today. Music: FONTAINES D.C. - "The Lotts"

This week Eric welcomes to the show singer, songwriter, and composer Dean Wareham to talk music, politics, and CounterPunch. Dean tells us about his rock and roll journey, including his bands Galaxie 500 and Luna, and what he learned about contacts, money, and "The Industry." Eric asks Dean about the state of music today, how it changed with mp3s and streaming, and whether things are better or worse than "the good old days." Dean explains how he first found CounterPunch and why music with a political edge is so important. This was a fun conversation with a great CounterPuncher, don't miss it! Music: Luna - "Chinatown"

This week Eric welcomes back journalist and CounterPunch contributor Robert Hunziker to discuss his recent articles on Greenland and sea level rise. Hunziker explains how a recent Arctic heatwave paints a terrifying picture of our climate change future. Melting ice, rising seas, a world in chaos...and the President doesn't even believe it's real. How do we live for the future through this nightmare? Eric and Robert counsel each other through it all on CounterPunch Radio this week.

This week Eric welcomes to the show Ohio-based activist and teacher Kelly Weber to discuss her successful infiltration of the Trump rally in Cincinnati, what it was like demonstrating amid a sea of racist hate, and why she and her friends felt compelled to do it. Kelly gives us a glimpse into the nightmarish reality of Trumpism, including the casual racism, the violence, etc. Eric and Kelly discuss the trajectory of the rallies, and whether Kelly sees them getting more extreme (Hint: she does, and they are). Finally, Eric and Kelly discuss her upcoming trip to the border to provide food, medical care, and other necessities to migrants languishing in the purgatory of Border Patrol's jurisdiction. We are on the brink of a truly terrifying new world. Kelly's seen it and she's here to tell us CounterPunchers all about it.

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and academic Samuel Stein to discuss his new book "Capital City: Gentrification and the Real Estate State." Eric and Samuel explore the rise of the real estate state, the role of capital in urban planning, and the connection between real estate and financial speculation. Samuel explains how zoning and other tools are utilized by capital to enforce political and social order. The second half of the show examines gentrification, land use and profitability, and the recent struggle in NYC against Amazon which was in large part a tenants rights struggle. And, of course, Eric and Samuel place Donald Trump in proper context as the ultimate real estate scumbag turned Commander-in-Chief. That and so much more in the latest CounterPunch Radio! Music: Leadbelly - "The Bourgeois Blues"

This time Eric welcomes back to the show journalist and author Arun Gupta to discuss the No More Concentration Camps movement which he helped organize. Eric and Arun discuss the impetus behind the call to action and the immediate response both from social justice advocates and corporate and independent media. The conversation covers a lot of ground: the failures of the corporate press on this issue and throughout the Trump era, the role of tech companies in providing the tools and know-how for ICE and the deportation machine, the historical precedents of what we're witnessing today, and so much more. Don't look away! Don't scroll past it! This issue cuts to the heart of what it means to have compassion and a commitment to social justice, and we're glad to air it here on CounterPunch Radio. Music: Heaven 17 - (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang

This time Eric welcomes to the show Andom Ghebreghiorgis, a progressive educator in NY running to unseat the pro-war democrat Elliot Engel in NY's 16th congressional district. Andom discusses his political outlook and why he's made antiwar politics central to his platform and campaign. Eric and Andom explore some of the power behind Engel, why it's so critical to defeat him, and whether foreign policy and issues of war and empire even have a place in a local race. From there Andom explains his perspectives on education policy, Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Party, US policy in Africa and much more. A fun conversation with a young progressive candidate this week on CounterPunch Radio. Music: The Coup - "Ride the Fence"

This time Eric welcomes back to the show Brazil-based multimedia journalist Mike Fox to discuss all the latest political earthquakes coming from Brazil in the wake of The Intercept's blockbuster reporting on leaks within the government. Mike explains the background of the scandal that led to former President Lula's imprisonment and the rise of the fascist Jair Bolsonaro, and why these recent leaks seriously damage the credibility of the government itself. Eric and Mike explore everything from the response of the social movements and activists to the erosion of Bolsonaro's base in the face of this scandal. Mike also presents some important information to consider moving forward in the weeks and months ahead, including how students and others are organizing around Lula and against pension reforms. So much packed into this conversation. You won't find this analysis anywhere but CounterPunch. Music: Linton Kwesi Johnson - Fite Dem Back

This time Eric sits down with author and publisher Michael Yates whose new book asks the critical question: Can the working class save the world? Michael helps us understand the questions his book set out to answer, including how we define the working class, how the working class has changed in recent decades, and how it can be organized to change the world. Eric and Michael discuss the importance of internationalism in uniting struggles and fighting global capitalism, including the centrality of anti-imperialist, anti-racist, and anti-patriarchy politics in any labor struggles. The conversation touches on a wide range of subjects related to workers, the working class and class consciousness, all so critical in this time of ever worsening exploitation. Don't miss this week's CounterPunch Radio! Music: The Coup - Laugh/Love/Fuck

This week Eric welcomes to the show Boris Kagarlitsky: Marxist theoretician, sociologist, political dissident, and chief editor of the Russian-language online journal Rabkor.ru (The Worker). Boris provides his analysis of the current political landscape in Russia including the recent upsurge in protests around pension reform and other economic and social issues. He also explains how Russia in 2019 is not like the Soviet Union but Mexico in the 1970s; how Putin's Russia is free but not democratic; and how there may be an opening for left politics in Russian political life as Putin's popularity and control begin to slip. The second half of the show features a discussion of Ukraine's recent election, how Russian propaganda around Ukraine is both accurate and also distorts the reality of the country, and how the contradictions at the heart of Ukraine remain at the heart of the conflict in the East. You'll find this level of analysis on Russia, Ukraine and many other issues nowhere else but CounterPunch! Music: M

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and economist Mark Weisbrot who serves as Co-Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Mark comes on the show discuss his recent study co-authored with Jeffrey Sachs entitled Economic Sanctions as Collective Punishment: The Case of Venezuela which details the real-world consequences of the US sanctions. Mark explains some of the data and methodology behind the study, and what the results reveal about the nature of the crisis. From there, Eric and Mark discuss some of the motivations behind Trump, Bolton & Co.'s actions, and how Venezuela is paying a price for a cynical political game. Is war on the table? What's next? Listen to CounterPunch Radio this week to hear Mark Weisbrot's take.

This week Eric welcomes to the show Brian Mier. Brian is a Brazil-based journalist, editor of BrasilWire, and author of the new book "Year of Lead: Washington, Wall Street, and the New Imperialism in Brazil." Eric and Brian begin by discussing the changes on the streets and in institutions of power since the election of the far right President Jair Bolsonaro. Brian highlights some of the disturbing trends, and provides insights into the escalating war on LGBTQ, Afro-Brazilian, and indigenous communities. The conversation also touches on Trump, Bannon, and the connection between Bolsonaro's power and the rise of the far right all over the Global North. The second half of the show touches on the failure of analysis from much of the western left, the importance of the movements to free former president Lula and oppose the neoliberal austerity measures and attacks on pensions, the rise of the Marielles, the role of commodity price collapse in ushering in the political instability in Brazil and so much more. Don't

This week Eric welcomes to the show Dave Zirin: sports editor at The Nation, host of the Edge of Sports podcast, author of numerous books including the recent "Things that Make White People Uncomfortable," co-authored with football star and activist Michael Bennett. Eric and Dave begin with a discussion of Colin Kaepernick's impact on the NFL and society, as well as what his story says about America in the Trump era. From there the conversation focuses on brain injuries and football's existential crisis, among other issues. The second half of the interview explores a racially charged incident in baseball, the plight of deeply exploited minor league players, the growing movement to break the NCAA's exploitative monopoly over young players, and so much more. This was a fun, enlightening chat whether you love sports or not. Music: Mission of Burma "That's When I Reach For My Revolver"

This week Eric welcomes to the show consumer advocate, progressive leader, and author of the new book How the Rats Re-formed the Congress, Ralph Nader. Listen to Ralph talk about his idea for the fiction book, how he intended it to be received, and why he thinks it's so important in this moment. Eric and Ralph then discuss the argument that Clinton-Bush-Obama paved the way for Trump. From there, the conversation turns to the Boeing 737 Max 8 and Ralph's personal connection to the tragedies. The great consumer advocate explains why significant reforms AND criminal charges must come in the wake of these preventable disasters. Eric manages to sneak in a question about the 2000 election and the concept of "spoiler" in left politics in the US, because of course he did. Ralph is cool, as always.