BRICS Breakthrough? Economists Richard Wolff & Patrick Bond on Growing Alliance, Challenge to U.S.
Will the BRICS economic and political alliance change the world's U.S.-centered balance of power? As the annual BRICS summit wraps up in Russia, Democracy Now! hosts a debate between American economist Richard Wolff and South African sociologist Patrick Bond over the significance of the conference. This year, the nine BRICS countries invited 13 new "partner states" into their alliance, which Wolff calls "historic" and "a serious economic competitor to the United States and its role in the world." Bond, on the other hand, argues that BRICS should be considered a "subimperial" formation, which expands and legitimates the existing world economic system rather than truly disrupting it.
Read moreDictatorship of the Elite: Big Tech Capitalists Decide for Us on Nuclear, Health & Climate Change
On today's episode of The Socialist Program 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.
Read moreRichard D. Wolff & Michael Hudson | How the U.S. Took Over the World: The End of International Law!
Hear from Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson on the U.S. foreign policy in this Dialogue Works interview. Throughout the discussion, various topics were touched upon, including the breakdown of international law, the impact of U.S. foreign policy on global dynamics, and the geopolitical tensions between the East and West. They highlighted the challenges faced by Europe in aligning with U.S. interests and the potential shifts in European politics. The conversation also delved into the current global power struggle and the need for reevaluation of international relations to prevent further escalation and conflict. Overall, the interview underscored the complex nature of contemporary international affairs and the potential for significant shifts in the global balance of power.
Read moreRichard Wolff: BEYOND IMMIGRATION PHOBIA—a Future Without Fear
Richard Wolf shares his thoughts about immigration, AI, and socialism in this interview with RJ Eskrow. The conversation delves into the benefits of immigration for the United States economy, ethical considerations, and the potential impact of AI on the workforce. They discuss how planned job maintenance and income guarantees can mitigate the effects of AI on unemployment. The interview highlights the need for a socialist approach to address economic challenges and create a future without fear. Wolf advocates for a shift towards socialism to ensure a more equitable and secure society for all.
Read morePI Summer School Class 5 — Richard Wolff: Finance
The rise of finance solved a specific problem that accompanied the rise of global systems of commodity exchange. An enterprising manufacturer, knowing that demand existed for his product but lacking the resources to make it, could go to a bank and borrow money to scale up his workshop or factory. In effect, the entrepreneur borrowed exchange value from the future. How has finance come to dominate the global economy? How has the function of lending changed over time? And how has finance become central to global imperialism?
Read moreHit by Hurricanes and Crushed by Insurance Companies
On this episode of The Socialist Program, Prof. Wolff and Nicole Roussell 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.
Read moreRichard D. Wolff & Michael Hudson: How the US United China, Russia, and Iran: A Global Power Shift!
Richard Wolff, along with Michael Hudson, join Dialogue Works to discuss why the United States appears uninterested in ending conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, despite its capacity to influence these situations. They present a perspective that the U.S. employs proxy forces, such as Israel and Ukraine, to exert control over strategic regions and resources, particularly oil. The dialogue traces the historical development of U.S. foreign policy strategies since the 1970s, highlighting the role of neoconservatives and economic policies like the petrodollar system in maintaining American hegemony. They argue that the U.S. avoids direct military intervention due to domestic constraints and instead relies on military support and economic leverage to sustain ongoing conflicts. The conversation also touches on the internal dynamics within Israel and Ukraine, the impact of these conflicts on global stability, and the challenges to international law and civilized norms.
Read moreBrink Of 'Nuclear' Conflict, Middle East Escalates To 'All Out War'
David Lin interviews Richard Wolff on the subject of global geopolitics, focusing on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and its neighbors. The discussion delves into the role of declining empires and the need for multilateral cooperation to avert global crises. The interviewee emphasizes the limitations of military power in the current geopolitical landscape, highlighting the growing economic competition with China. The conversation underscores the importance of moving towards multilateral governance and diplomacy. The interview concludes with a call for improved discourse and engagement in shaping international relations.
Read moreTrump Promises Global Trade War
On this episode of The Socialist Program, Prof. Richard Wolff and Brian 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.
Read moreSoaring U.S. Debt & Class Struggle
The Socialist Program welcomes Professor Richard Wolf to discuss the issues surrounding consumer debt as highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article. Professor Wolf critiques the article for ignoring the fundamental struggle of the working class to meet expenses without accumulating debt. The discussion delves into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the implications of government debt, highlighting the potential risks of excessive money printing leading to inflation. The interview also addresses the relationship between militarism and debt, emphasizing the significant economic burden of war preparations and maintaining a global military presence. Professor Wolf underscores the challenges faced by the US as a debtor country due to extensive military spending, posing critical questions about the allocation of resources and the impact of debt on society.
Read moreWest's Colossal Mistake: US Decline, BRICS Rise, Tariffs Destroy Dollar | Prof. Richard Wolff
Prof. Richard Wolff joins the program to discuss his reaction to the massive geopolitical and economic shifts taking place worldwide as a result of the rise of BRICS, the decline of the US empire and the growing influence of Russia and China.
Read moreLaw and Disorder September 16, 2024
Richard Wolff joins Law and Disorder to discuss the parallels between the rise of fascism in early 20th-century Germany and the current political climate in the United States. He explains that the defeat of Germany in World War I triggered an economic collapse, hyperinflation, and desperation, creating fertile ground for Adolf Hitler’s ascent. Wolff compares this to the U.S., where stagnant wages and job losses since the 1970s have fueled discontent. He highlights how scapegoating played a role in both contexts: Jews in Germany, and immigrants and people of color in the U.S. Wolff warns that, like Hitler, Donald Trump is an effective demagogue capable of manipulating public sentiment, raising concerns about the rise of fascism in America today.
Read moreRichard Wolff on Kamala Harris as a Marxist, Tariffs and Price Gouging
Letters and Politics interviews Richard Wolff on the subject of economics and the current election. Wolff discusses the false accusations of Kamala Harris being labeled a Marxist by Donald Trump. He explains the concept of tariffs, highlighting the misconception that tariffs are paid by the country imposing them, and emphasizes the negative impact of tariffs on American businesses and markets. Wolff also delves into the issue of price gouging, noting that while many states have laws against it, enforcement is often lacking. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the lack of focus on fundamental economic issues in the current political discourse and hints at the need for further discussions on these topics.
Read moreThe Decline of the U.S. Empire: Where Is It Taking Us All?
The evidence suggests that empires often react to periods of their own decline by over-extending their coping mechanisms. Military actions, infrastructure problems, and social welfare demands may then combine or clash, accumulating costs and backlash effects that the declining empire cannot manage. Policies aimed to strengthen empire—and that once did—now undermine it. Contemporary social changes inside and outside the empire can reinforce, slow, or reverse the decline. However, when decline leads leaders to deny its existence, it can become self-accelerating. In empires’ early years, leaders and the led may repress those among them who stress or merely even mention decline. Social problems may likewise be denied, minimized, or, if admitted, blamed on convenient scapegoats—immigrants, foreign powers, or ethnic minorities—rather than linked to imperial decline.
Read moreKPFA Special – Richard Wolff on Harris, Trump, & the Economy Part I
In this interview on KPFA's Letters and Politics, Richard Wolff discusses economic issues such as tariffs and price gouging. Tariffs are explained as taxes on imports paid by American importers, not by the countries of origin. He delves into how protectionist measures like tariffs can lead to negative consequences like higher prices and loss of market competitiveness. Wolff also delves into price gouging, highlighting how it reflects businesses charging what the market will bear, potentially impacting consumers during crises. Lastly, he touches on broader societal issues like the Lavender scare and current political rhetoric around communism and Marxism.
Read moreThe US Empire in Decline
On the show, economist and professor Richard D. Wolff provides insights on the United States' economic decline and the global geopolitical landscape. Wolff discusses the complexities of assessing an economy and the misleading nature of cherry-picking data. He highlights the historical context of the United States as a post-World War II empire and delves into the changing dynamics of global powers, emphasizing the rise of China. Wolff urges for a shift towards multilateral cooperation and diplomacy to avoid escalating tensions and detrimental conflicts. He encourages listeners to explore his work through websites like democracyatwork.info and rdwolff.com and mentions the release of his book titled "Understanding Capitalism."
Read moreA Crisis in Europe
Don't miss Professor Richard Wolff on The Socialist Program as he discusses Europe's declining economic competitiveness with the US and China. Wolfe explains how historical imperialism and colonialism have shaped Europe's current situation under capitalism. The interview delves into the struggle for Europe to adapt to the shifting global power dynamics and outlines the potential consequences of increasing military spending. It highlights a shift towards scapegoating immigrants and prioritizing military solutions over addressing societal needs or offering reparations to oppressed nations. Wolfe emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to address the challenges of declining empires and the dangers of denial.
Read moreResource Wars and the Economics of Scarcity with Richard D. Wolff
Join WaterWars Podcast as they explore the origins and implications of resource wars in the face of a changing climate and growing global population. From historical imperialism to modern-day struggles for resources like lithium, the interview questions the narrative of inevitable scarcity and competition for natural resources. Highlighting historical instances like the Spanish Empire's exploitation of Latin America and the 1943 Bengal famine, the conversation sheds light on how capitalist systems and imperialism fuel resource conflicts and inequality. Economist Amartya Sen's research on famines reveals that it is not absolute food scarcity but inequalities in access and distribution that lead to tragic outcomes. Ultimately, the interview advocates for a shift towards ecological and social justice, rejecting the narrative of unavoidable resource wars in favor of transformative societal change.
Read morePrinsights: Exclusive Interview with Professor and Author Rick Wolff
Don't miss Dr. Richard Wolf on Printsite's Global as he discusses his book "Understanding Capitalism" in an interview with Naomi. Dr. Wolf delves into why he chose to write the book, emphasizing the need for critical debate and analysis of the capitalist system. He highlights issues of democracy, inequality, and instability within capitalist enterprises, encouraging readers to question the norm. Dr. Wolf underscores the importance of workplace democracy and the impact of profit-focused systems on society, urging people to envision alternatives to capitalism. He concludes by directing listeners to the websites democracyatwork.info and rdwolf.com for more information on his work and the book.
Read moreWhere AI Isn't a Four Letter Word: China Builds Robots to Aid Workers
On the Socialist program, Professor Richard Wolff covers the topic of automation and its impact on workers in the United States and China. He contrasts how automation is used to maximize profits in the U.S. but can be harnessed to benefit workers in China. The discussion highlights the potential of automation to either worsen income inequality or boost global growth and productivity. Wolff emphasizes the importance of redefining work and finding a balance between efficiency and meaningful employment in the face of advancing technology. The interview underscores how different economic systems approach automation and the consequential societal implications.
Read moreHow Both Ruling Class Parties Use Taxes to Keep Corporations Wealthy
On The Socialist Program, Richard Wolff offers perspectives on Kamala Harris' tax proposals, emphasizing the need for more significant changes to address inequality in the United States. He highlights the historical roles of taxation in government functions and income distribution. Wolff calls for a reevaluation of the economic system to prevent unequal wealth distribution in the first place, rather than relying on post-distribution corrections through taxation. He criticizes government subsidies to corporations, pointing out how they perpetuate wealth inequality. Finally, the interview underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues rather than making minor adjustments at the edges to truly address economic inequality.
Read moreRichard Wolff: Israel, Ukraine, China, and the End of the American Empire
Richard Wolff joins Robinson's Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion, starting with his personal history and moving into critical global issues. He addresses Marxism's struggles in academia, the economic forces shaping history, and geopolitical topics like the Ukraine conflict, China's rise, and Israel's global role. Wolff explores the tension between socialism and capitalism, the impact of global capitalism on the Islamic world, and the economic challenges facing Europe and America.
Read moreFood Prices Under Biden-Harris Slammed Working-Class Families But Now They Pretend to Have an Answer
Hear from Richard Wolff on The Socialist Program about the alarming rise in college closures and the impact on students with overwhelming debt. Wolff criticizes the business-like approach to education and highlights the economic and societal consequences of shutting down universities. He also delves into the topic of price gouging and its political implications, emphasizing the need to address inequality and instability in the economy. Wolff discusses the decline of the U.S. empire and suggests looking at historical examples for guidance on navigating such a decline. The interview ends with a teaser for a future episode addressing solutions to the challenges posed by an empire in decline.
Read moreRichard D. Wolff & Michael Hudson: US Empire's Decline & Massive Economic Shifts!
Dialogue Works hosts Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson for a discussion on the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The interview delves into the complexities of the situation, including Ukraine's attack on Russian soil and the various perspectives on the conflict from different media sources. Wolff and Michael highlight the impact of the conflict on both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the broader implications for global geopolitics. They touch on Germany's involvement in the conflict, the economic consequences for European nations, and the shift in dynamics caused by US foreign policy actions. The conversation underscores the potential repercussions of the conflict and the need for a deeper understanding of its implications on a global scale.
Read moreU.S. Empire is Creating Its Own Demise with Growing Inequality, Endless Wars w/ Prof. Richard Wolff
Don't miss Richard Wolff on Rachel Blevins Podcast as they cover the latest US economic situation, focusing on issues like inflation, unemployment, and growing inequality. They delve into the challenges facing the US economy and the impact on average citizens. The conversation expands to US foreign policy, questioning the sustainability of the US empire's actions around the globe. They discuss the international conflicts, particularly the situation between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the moral and ethical considerations. The dialogue highlights the urgency for a reevaluation of US leadership, global engagement, and the need for significant societal and economic changes to address prevailing issues.
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