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The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

514 episodes — Page 4 of 11

Turkish Communist Leader on Middle East Politics After the Fall of Assad in Syria

Brian Becker and Kemal Okuyan -- the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) -- discuss Turkey's role in Syria, Turkish President Erdogan's aspirations for a neo-Ottoman era, and the dynamics of a changing Middle East region. Here is a link to the TKP statement mentioned in this show, on the fall of the Assad government in Syria: https://www.tkp.org.tr/en/agenda/tkp-cc-statement-following-the-success-of-the-imperialist-plan-for-disintegration-of-syria-we-will-win-our-country-not-lose-it/ 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jan 25, 202550 min

Trump’s Monroe Doctrine 2.0: Cuba, Venezuela Targeted in Hybrid War

Cuba and Venezuela are in the crosshairs of the new Trump administration, and Trump has already put Cuba back on the heavily sanctioned state sponsor of terrorism list without reason. With declarations of a “Monroe Doctrine 2.0” and threats to seize the Panama Canal, the sovereignty of all of Latin America is at stake. Brian is joined by Manolo De Los Santos, the executive director of The People’s Forum in New York, to discuss the tactics used in this hybrid war by U.S. imperialism against the country, which possesses the largest oil reserves in the world. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jan 23, 20251h 3m

The Billionaires Behind Trump

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Trump and the billionaires' priorities and plans now that Trump is in the White House. 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.

Jan 22, 202538 min

Gaza Ceasefire: Why the Israeli Right-Wing Feels Defeated [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and why Netanyahu was finally forced to sign the agreement. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Jan 18, 202512 min

Gaza Ceasefire Explained: Reading Between The Lines

A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been announced in Qatar. The Israeli cabinet is expected to formally approve the agreement Thursday morning. What does this mean for Palestine, the region, and the world? Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, popular educator, and the Education Director at The People’s Forum. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jan 16, 20251h 8m

Huge L.A. Fires: The Capitalist Connection

On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the mass fires engulfing many Los Angeles neighborhoods, killing 24 already and displacing over 100,000 people. As politicians and the media start to point fingers and find scapegoats to blame, Brian and Richard uncover the real culprit: capitalism and the profit motive. 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.

Jan 15, 202538 min

Greenland, Panama, Gulf of Mexico: Trump’s Cowboy Colonialism Isn’t a Joke

Trump previewed his priorities in a press conference this week, saying he would consider military force to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland, declare the Gulf of Mexico the ‘Gulf of America,’ and that “all hell will break out” if the Israeli hostages are not returned by the day he takes office on January 20, 2025. Brian Becker and Eugene Puryear discuss the real priorities and policies to expect from the incoming government of billionaires. Brian is joined by Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer, and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, a live video show every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jan 9, 20251h 15m

Global Politics Shifted in 2024, Multiple Crises Loom in 2025 [Preview]

2024 confirmed that there are three intersecting crises shaping world politics and shaking the capitalist system. Brian reviews how the Gaza genocide, and the mass movement in response to it, became the dominant geopolitical issue, and explains what he thinks is coming next. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Jan 7, 202511 min

How We Built a Mass Socialist Party in 10 Years, w/ Belgian MP Peter Mertens

Peter Mertens, Secretary General of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) sits for a wide-ranging interview with Brian Becker, longtime socialist organizer and founding member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. They discuss everything from Europe’s economic and political crisis, the window of opportunity for socialism, the U.S.’s goal of encircling China, to how the PYB renewed itself as a mass force in Belgian politics by changing its internal culture and digging deeper roots into the working class. The interview is full of lessons and insights from the movement in Europe and the United States. Mertens is a member of the Chamber of Representatives since 2019, and as a Municipal Councillor in Antwerp since 2013. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Dec 27, 20241h 36m

Trump’s Plan for NATO

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump‘s plans for NATO, Trump‘s threat to reconquer Panama, U.S. economic warfare against China, the U.S. bombing of Syria and Yemen—which continues—and who’s who in the Trump billionaire cabinet. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Dec 24, 202414 min

Where Is Syria Going After Assad and What’s Next for the Middle East?

What does the new government in Syria mean for the people of the country, Palestine, the region, and the new era of global politics? Brian Becker is joined by renowned journalist and author Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research and Chief Editor of LeftWord Books. 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.

Dec 22, 20241h 2m

Health Insurance Companies Rake in Billions While Health Care Is Ignored

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff unpack the news that health insurance companies raked in $9 trillion since 2010--including $120 billion to shareholders--while denying the health care that people pay dearly for. 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.

Dec 18, 202429 min

Israel Seizing Syrian Lands [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the latest in Syria, including Israel’s horrific attacks and seizure of Syrian territory, the new Syrian government’s demands against defending Palestine, and the response of the Palestinian resistance. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Dec 17, 20249 min

What the U.S. Media is Not Saying About Syria

The government of Bashar Al-Assad has fallen, and Israel has carried out more than 480 strikes in the last two days. The United States has been working for the past 15 years to topple the Syrian government. What comes next for Syria, the Middle East, and the people of Gaza? Brian is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer, a popular educator, and the Education Director at The People’s Forum. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Dec 12, 202457 min

The Fallout From UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassination

On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination and the reverberations across the country—not of sympathy, but with widespread outrage against the health insurance industry. 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.

Dec 11, 202431 min

Koreans Rise Up Against Martial Law: U.S. Ally Set Back By Mass People’s Movement

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, and South Koreans are demanding his impeachment. The US has maintained a close relationship with Yoon and plays a dominating role on the Korean peninsula. Brian and Jamie Tyberg, an organizer with Nodutdol, break through the lies about Korea, discuss the current unfolding situation, and bring out the history of Korea’s fight for democracy, unification, and against colonization. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Dec 5, 202455 min

Will the Overinflated U.S. Finance Bubble Burst?

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the overinflated U.S. financial sector and stock market, what will happen when that bubble bursts, and Trump's threats to hit BRICS countries with 100% tariffs if they support using non-U.S. dollar currency. 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.

Dec 4, 202429 min

Is the Lebanon War Really Over? A Ceasefire Analysis & Review of Trump’s Foreign Policy [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, whether it will hold, and what it means for Palestine, and also how Trump’s new foreign policy team has embraced the Biden administration’s pro-war foreign policy. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Nov 28, 202416 min

Billionaire Takes Charge of U.S. Treasury

On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Trump's pick for head of Treasury, billionaire and hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, who has promised a “global economic reordering.” 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.

Nov 27, 202435 min

Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu! [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the arrest warrant that the International Criminal Court issued for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for the war crimes they’ve waged against the Palestinians people, Biden’s dramatic escalation of the war against Russia and Russia’s retaliation, and China helping to build a mega-port in Peru. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Nov 23, 202411 min

Biden Pushes War with Russia [Q&A Seminar Preview]

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian and Nicole discuss Biden’s major escalation in the Ukraine war, his vetoing the UN ceasefire resolution to end the genocide against Palestine, whether it’s time for a third party in the U.S., how to fight the far-right Trump agenda, and more. This is a preview of the full Q&A seminar for members of our Patreon community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, submit questions and register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Nov 21, 202411 min

Europe, China & The World Economy

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Chinese companies outperforming the West in the electric vehicle industry, a new European Union announcement begging China to share its technology, and what the U.S. government could be doing instead of tariffs on China from Trump and Biden. 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.

Nov 20, 202434 min

Trump’s Foreign Policy, Marxists Win in Sri Lanka, Netanyahu’s Pretend Ceasefire Offer [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump's foreign policy, Netanyahu's so-called ceasefire 'gift,' the Marxist electoral sweep in Sri Lanka, Trump's cabinet picks, the fightback on Trump's first day in office, Jan 20. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Nov 16, 202412 min

Trump’s ‘Populism’ Fraud: Cabinet Stacked for Ultra-Right, Billionaire Agenda

Trump is filling key cabinet positions with a range of MAGA diehards. Some are Christian fundamentalists, some are fascistic, some are neocons, but nearly all are ultra-right extremists who want to implement his agenda for the billionaires. Brian and Walter Smolarek analyze his picks to enable us to defend our rights and fight for a better system. This was recorded hours before the announcement of Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard for Attorney General and National Director of Intelligence. Brian is joined by Walter Smolarek, editor of Liberation News and a producer of The Socialist Program. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Nov 14, 20241h 6m

Capitalism Is the Root of This Crisis

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the Democrats' failure to discuss the economy—despite it consistently being a vital issue for voters—and how to defeat Trump's far-right agenda. 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.

Nov 13, 202429 min

Does Trump’s Victory Signal a Major Political Realignment in the United States? [Preview]

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the election results, what they show us about the shifting political landscape, and how we can take action and move forward. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Nov 9, 202411 min

The Real Reason Trump Won: The Failure of the Democratic Party

Donald Trump won the presidency for a second time. Brian and Eugene discuss the Trump comeback, why it happened, and what to expect. Brian is joined by Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer, and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, a live video show every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News. 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

Nov 7, 202459 min

Wall Street’s View of the Election

On today's episode, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss world’s largest asset management firm Blackrock CEO Larry Fink’s comments that the presidential election “doesn’t matter.” How does Wall Street view the possible election outcomes? 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.

Nov 6, 202430 min

Israel’s Impact on the U.S. Elections [Preview]

On this special episode just a few days from Election Day, Brian & Layan discuss the effect Israel is having on the U.S. presidential election, what Israel thinks about the election, and whether there has been any Israeli interference. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Nov 2, 202413 min

Does a Trump Win Mean Fascism? The Socialist View

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump appear to be neck and neck in the presidential election, bringing the possibility of a second Trump term closer to reality. But would a Trump victory really bring the end of democracy and the rise of fascism? Brian Becker and Eugene Puryear put election 2024 in its historical context, reviewing key moments to understand this moment such as the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the rise of Hitler's Germany, and the George Floyd uprisings. Brian is joined by Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer, and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, a live video show every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Oct 31, 20241h 15m

Trump and Harris’s Economic Program: Is There a Difference?

On today's episode, one week from the presidential election, Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the proposed economic policies of Harris and Trump and what effect they will have on working people. 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.

Oct 30, 202431 min

Exposed: Israeli Spies in U.S. Media & How the Media Manufactures Consent for Genocide and Empire

Most people don’t know the extraordinary methods used to influence and shape a pro-Israeli narrative in the corporate owned mainstream media. Practices like banning the use of the word genocide allows U.S. policy makers to normalize imperialism and Israel’s killing spree in Gaza and Lebanon. Brian Becker is joined by Alan MacLeod, a journalist with a PhD in Sociology, senior staff writer for MintPress News, and author of several books including 'Misreporting and Propaganda in the Information Age: Still Manufacturing Consent.' He recently published the article 'Revealed: The Israeli Spies Writing America’s News' (https://www.mintpressnews.com/revealed-israel-unit-8200-spies-american-media/288457/) 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.

Oct 24, 202459 min

Dictatorship of the Elite: Big Tech Capitalists Decide for Us on Nuclear, Health & Climate Change

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the recent decisions by big tech capitalists to reopen old nuclear plants and fund research into new nuclear research, despite the huge health risks. Richard explains how monopolies use advertising to rebrand dangerous products like nuclear energy—evidence of the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie. 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.

Oct 23, 202428 min

The U.S. Seeks Global Supremacy Through New Middle East War w/ Vijay Prashad

The western capitalist media is deliberately misleading people about the US-Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon and the looming possibility of a war with Iran. Vijay Prashad and Brian discuss the true relationship between the U.S. and Israel, what lessons from history tell us about U.S. foreign policy goals, and the nature of imperialist expansion. Brian Becker is joined by renowned journalist and author Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research and Chief Editor of LeftWord Books. 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.

Oct 17, 20241h 7m

Hit by Hurricanes and Crushed by Insurance Companies

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss insurance companies dropping hurricane victims from their rolls and not paying out despite horrendous conditions from Hurricane Helene and with severe Milton on the way. 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.

Oct 8, 202428 min

Netanyahu Dragging US Into War With Iran w/ Mohammad Marandi

Regional war in the Middle East is rapidly expanding while Kamala Harris stated that Iran is the number one adversary of the United States and Donald Trump announced that he was ready to obliterate Iranian cities. Brian is joined by Mohammad Marandi, an expert on American studies who teaches at the University of Tehran. 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 and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Oct 8, 202453 min

Lebanon War Rages, Iran Hits Back, Middle East Explodes in Regional War, w/ Ben Norton

Israel is at war with Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran. More than 180 Iranian missiles struck Israel on Tuesday. For the last year Israel has carried out a non-stop killing spree in Gaza—that war is now part of a larger regional war in the Middle East. Brian Becker is joined by Ben Norton, an investigative journalist currently based in Beijing, and the editor of the independent news website Geopolitical Economy Report, at geopoliticaleconomy.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

Oct 3, 20241h 8m

Banks in 21st Century Capitalism

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss who the big banks are in today's economy and industry will always avoid regulations. 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.

Oct 2, 202437 min

After Assassinating Nasrallah, Israel Prepares Larger War in Lebanon and Beyond [Preview]

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, we focus on the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah and what it means, the prospects for the Israeli military invasion of Lebanon, and the real attitude of the Biden-Harris administration -- which is hoping for an all out victory for Israel and not a cease-fire. This is a preview of the full Q&A seminar for members of our Patreon community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, submit questions and register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Oct 1, 202411 min

Israel’s Killing Spree Expands to Lebanon: Why Lebanon Will Win

Israeli air strikes in Lebanon are creating carnage, and the death toll is now soaring—including many children. One week ago Israel turned thousands of people in Lebanon into human bombs by inserting explosives into their communication devices. Brian and Ghadi discuss the devastation, why Israel and the US can’t win, and the secret Sykes-Picot treaty. Brian Becker is joined by Ghadi Francis, Lebanese writer, war correspondent, and host of TV show The West Asia Post. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

Sep 26, 202453 min

Trump Promises Global Trade War

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Trump's economic program, including his threats to impose massive tariffs on Deere's farming equipment if they move operations to Mexico as planned. 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.

Sep 25, 202429 min

Will Pager Explosions Spark Regional War? Israel’s Long History of Terror in Lebanon

Israel turned thousands of people in Lebanon into human bombs on Tuesday with a sophisticated terrorist attack. Thousands of pagers exploded at the same time around the country, killing and injuring many, and the next day the Israelis carried out another major attack. Brian and Layan delve into the decades of Israeli terrorism against Lebanon, the U.S. corporate media’s “light-hearted” coverage, and the arrogant imperialist policies that started it all. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

Sep 19, 20241h 4m

Soaring U.S. Debt & Class Struggle

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the increasing debt in the working class, why we're in so much debt, and who is responsible. 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.

Sep 18, 202429 min

Blocked from Debate, Socialist Candidate Claudia De la Cruz Blasts ‘Spectacle’ of Democracy

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s first, and likely last, debate was held last night. America’s tortured form of “democracy” was on display for the whole world to see. Brian Becker is joined by Claudia De La Cruz, a presidential candidate for the Party for Socialism & Liberation, a lifelong community organizer and popular educator. 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.

Sep 12, 20241h 5m

A Crisis in Europe

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss a newly released report aiming to assess and fix Europe's economic decline against the United States and China. 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.

Sep 11, 202434 min

Where AI Isn't a Four Letter Word: China Builds Robots to Aid Workers

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss China's increasing use and production of robots to help workers amid a large population decline. 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.

Sep 4, 202426 min

How Both Ruling Class Parties Use Taxes to Keep Corporations Wealthy

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Kamala Harris's newly released tax proposals, Trump's 2017 tax cuts that will expire in 2025, and the role the capitalist system uses taxes to play in making the rich richer. 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.

Aug 28, 202433 min

Huge Israeli Strikes in Lebanon, Harris & Trump's Shared Militarism, & Ending the Genocide [Preview]

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian & Nicole discuss the massive weekend Israeli air strikes in Lebanon and the threat of a larger war, the Democrats' and Republicans' shared goal for militarism and war, Russia's position in global politics, U.S. ruling class analysis of multipolarity, Navajo protests for sovereignty and against dangerous plutonium on their lands, the political dynamics in the modern labor movement, and more. This is a preview of the full Q&A seminar for members of our Patreon community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, submit questions and register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Aug 26, 202412 min

Facts and Lies at DNC — The Democrats’ False Promise

On today's episode Nicole Roussell interviews Brian about the Democratic Party Convention, with Kamala as the new nominee, while the war in Gaza rages on and millions of people in the US continue to live in or near poverty. 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.

Aug 23, 202436 min

Food Prices Under Biden-Harris Slammed Working-Class Families But Now They Pretend to Have an Answer

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the Democratic National Convention and the Democrats' double talk on price gouging, as well as a new report showing that hundreds of for-profit and not-for-profit colleges have closed in the last decade. 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.

Aug 21, 202432 min