A New Era: Why Major Power Conflict?
On today's episode, John Prysner interviews Brian Becker. The struggle between imperialism and the people of the world goes on every day and everywhere. But the form taken by imperialism and the strategies it pursues is always changing. What are the main epochs of this history, and what lessons can be learned for the contemporary movement for justice and self-determination? 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.
7 Juni 202234min
Official US Policy: We Can ‘Win’ a Nuclear War
Three decades after the end of the so-called Cold War the threat of all-out nuclear conflict – and therefore the annihilation of life on Earth as we know it – is a real and growing danger. But this time, the threat to human civilization is compounded by the crisis of climate change. We need a new system if humanity is to step back from the brink. Brian is joined by John Bellamy Foster, the editor of Monthly Review and a professor of sociology at the University of Oregon. He’s the author of several books, including Naked Imperialism: The U.S. Pursuit of Global Dominance, and The Return of Nature: Socialism and Ecology. Look at for his new book being published August 23 called “Capitalism in the Anthropocene: Ecological Ruin or Ecological Revolution.” 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.
2 Juni 202255min
Why do the Gun Capitalists Have Legal Immunity?
On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss how outrage is spreading across the country in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The complete failure and cowardice on the part of the police allowed the killer to carry out the massacre. And the gun manufacturers who profit while mass shootings devastate the country are given special legal protections. How are the arms industry capitalists shielded from accountability? 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.
1 Juni 202226min
Doves Die in Ukraine: When Did Liberals Turn On Peace? With Eugene Puryear
As the U.S./NATO proxy war in Ukraine against Russia rages, the imperialist establishment is increasingly united behind a strategy of escalation. Brian and Eugene Puryear trace the development of this increasingly hostile approach over the years and decades; and review the most important recent military, economic and political developments in the conflict. Eugene Puryear is the host of the BreakThrough News podcast The Punch Out, and co-host of the BT live video show The Freedom Side. 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.
26 Maj 20221h 3min
How the Ultra-Rich Hide their Billions
On today's episode Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the report from the Tax Justice Network, a well-known international organization, finding that the United States is now the country with the greatest degree of financial secrecy in the entire world. Banks and corporations move in the shadows, concealing their operations and vast wealth. What are the ultra rich up to behind the scenes? 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.
25 Maj 202226min
Planning for War Everywhere
On today's In the News roundtable, Brian Becker, Esther Iverem and Walter Smolarek discuss how Congress raced to pass a massive $40 billion spending package for the war in Ukraine at the same time as the foreign policy establishment contemplates the possibility of a military confrontation with China. They also discuss the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the racist massacre in Buffalo, the struggle for abortion rights as the Supreme Court ruling looms, and more. 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.
24 Maj 202254min
"We Are At A Crossroads." — Brian Becker Keynote Speech At L.A. Socialism Conference
Today's bonus episode is a recording of Brian Becker's keynote speech at the Los Angeles Socialism Conference on May 7th, 2022.
21 Maj 202224min
Summit of Americas Collapsing: Region Says NO to Exclusion of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua
The Summit of the Americas being held next month in Los Angeles is shaping up to be a humiliation for the Biden administration. In response to the United States’ attempt to exclude Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from the gathering, leaders in Bolivia, Mexico and Caribbean states plan to boycott. And activists in Los Angeles along with others throughout the country and the hemisphere are planning a People’s Summit for Democracy as a counter-event to demand an end to U.S. aggression against Latin America and highlight the people’s struggles against injustice inside the United States itself. Brian is joined by Manolo De Los Santos, the co-executive director of The People’s Forum in New York, and a longtime popular educator. 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.
19 Maj 202254min
