Richard D. Wolff

Richard Wolff discusses on Dialogue Works his perspective that both Western political ideologies and capitalism are in decline, as evidenced by election outcomes like Emmanuel Macron's defeat in France. He notes that neither the political right nor the left propose viable solutions to the systemic issues facing capitalist societies. Wolff highlights the growing economic might of China and asserts that the West's failure to establish partnerships with emerging powers is a strategic mistake. He views the BRICS countries' initiative for a North-South transportation corridor as a future economic powerhouse, with Europe potentially losing out for not being more integrated. Wolff concludes by expressing disappointment over Western denial of their declining global economic influence and calls for a more honest assessment of global economic shifts.

In this The Socialist Program episode, Richard Wolff and Brian Becker talk about the surprising victory of the left in France under the new popular front, challenging the Macron government and the far right. He criticizes the biased coverage of the elections in the United States, emphasizing the importance of the leftist victory as indicative of broader shifts in European politics. Wolff points out that young French voters mainly supported socialist candidates, signifying a potential sustained leftist presence in French politics. Addressing American politics, he highlights the comparative exclusion of socialism within the U.S. political system, where major media fails to present socialist perspectives, and meaningful choices are limited by the dominant parties. Finally, he discusses the potential impact of another Donald Trump presidency on American society, suggesting that it could signify a rightward shift enacted by Supreme Court decisions rather than reflecting the true will of the American people.

On The Critical Hour, Richard Wolff offers perspectives on the recent US presidential debate, critiquing the state of American capitalism and leadership. He scrutinizes the economic systems of the United States and other Western countries, noting a shift in global financial power to the BRICS nations. Wolff dismisses the personal economic claims of both candidates as irrelevant to the systemic issues facing the country, emphasizing the deeper structural failures such as the inability to provide adequate housing. He highlights the US's recent military and geopolitical losses as indicative of a declining empire, urging a more introspective national assessment. Additionally, Wolff challenges the notion that either Trump’s or Biden’s administration could single-handedly shape the economy, pointing to the complexities of global economic dynamics and growth disparities.

Don't miss Richard Wolff on Rachel Blevins show as they cover the state of the US economy, exploring the rising cost of living and Americans' dwindling optimism about the economic future. Wolff criticizes other economists and mainstream media for being out of touch with the average person's struggles, highlighting the inability of many Americans to afford housing and education costs. They discuss the global economic shift as the BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—surpasses the G7’s economic influence, reshaping world dynamics and lessening US power. With attention on the shift from dollar dependency and potential emergence of a collective global currency, Wolff proposes a future where instead of seeking dominance, leading countries like China might pursue a collective and more equitable global arrangement. Throughout the interview, both Wolff and Blevins emphasize a disconnect between government priorities and the needs of ordinary people, illustrated through domestic and international economic policies.

Watch Richard Wolff on Dialogue Works as they discuss the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its repercussions in the United States, particularly in the context of student demonstrations and university responses. Wolff highlights the historical struggles between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the imbalanced power dynamic and the controversial Israeli military actions, which he argues have only worsened the crisis. He expresses deep concern that U.S. universities and police have suppressed student protests against U.S. foreign policy through force, possibly curtailing civil liberties and igniting a wider student movement. Wolff also discusses the shifting global sympathies towards Palestine, fearing that Israel's actions are damaging its position and amplifying support for Palestinians as victims. Lastly, Wolff stresses the potential long-term impacts of these events, forecasting an energized movement among students and faculty that could influence future American politics and foreign policy.

On Dialogue Works, Richard Wolff covers the topic of global political dynamics, particularly focusing on the Ukraine conflict, the West's decline in influence, and the rise of China. He dissects the West's attempt to maintain control, despite the shifting economic balance towards Eastern powers like China and Russia, and criticizes the West's symbolic political gestures as ineffective. Wolff suggests that the efforts to break up Russia or isolate China are futile, as they form a strategic alliance with each other and with other nations turning away from Western alliances. He highlights the changing world order, where BRICS is expanding and the U.S. dollar's global role is waning, and describes the U.S. military spending and foreign policy rooted in a historical context of violence. Finally, Wolff argues that American politics is largely theatrical, failing to adapt to a world that no longer conforms to its narratives of dominance and seeing enemies everywhere.

Richard Wolff joins The Socialist Program to discuss the recent 233% surge in uranium prices over five years due to geopolitical tensions and a shift in energy demands. Wolff emphasizes that the price spike is being driven not only by increased interest in nuclear energy as an alternative to Russian fuels but also by speculators seeking capital gains. He critiques the capitalist system for prioritizing profit over environmental and public health, highlighting how massive subsidies for fossil fuels could be redirected to develop renewable energy. Wolff also touches on the pressures faced by countries like India and China, as they seek to develop while dealing with historical economic disparities. Ultimately, he underscores the need for mass movement and public engagement to overcome the capitalist interests dominating global energy policy decisions.

In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff discusses The Washington Post's exposure of the corporate rich sponsoring police repression against student protests and how Boeing rewards CEOs while it exhibits the airlines' worst safety record. In addition, the UAW loses union election as German capitalists and southern governors join forces to intimidate workers with job threats. Finally, we highlight why mass public transport is a better alternative to gas-powered vehicles than electric vehicles.

On David Lin's show, Richard Wolff covers the topic of escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict and the potential descent into World War III not being adequately addressed in mainstream media. He outlines how Western powers, by potentially allowing Ukraine to conduct strikes inside Russia and discussing the use of Russia's seized assets to fund Ukraine's war efforts, have drastically escalated the situation. Wolff suggests that this confrontation is the most severe since the Cuban Missile Crisis, with the potential to broaden into a direct conflict involving the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, he touches on economic dimensions, criticizing U.S. sanctions against Russia as ineffective due to strengthening Russia-China ties, and he also presents his views on domestic economic policies, recommending alternatives to interest rate hikes for combating inflation. Lastly, Wolff advocates for workplace democracy, arguing that it could resolve economic dysfunctions and promote a broader democratic ethos.

Richard Wolff provides insights on The Socialist Program regarding the problematic nature of profiteering in the American healthcare system, especially the impact on cancer patients. He criticizes the system's failure to provide essential services and the resultant medical bankruptcies that affect two-thirds of Americans. Wolff emphasizes the stark contrast between the U.S. healthcare model and universal healthcare systems in Europe and other countries, which manage to cover all citizens at a lower cost and with better health outcomes. Discussing the immense profits of insurance companies and pharmaceuticals, he sees a fundamental need for a systemic overhaul to achieve equitable healthcare access. Despite being achievable under capitalism, Wolff argues that entrenched interests make such health reforms difficult without significant political transformation.

Dialogue Works features Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson discussing the evolving geopolitical climate, specifically focusing on the shifts in global power dynamics involving Russia, China, and the West. He talks about the complex interplay between international trade, political ideologies, and the apparent failure of the U.S. to adapt to a multipolar world moving away from dollar hegemony. Both Wolff and his fellow speaker express doubts about the effectiveness of current U.S. foreign policies, criticizing their aggressive stance towards China and Russia. They predict worsening global relations unless there is a significant shift toward cooperation, and they highlight the potential for emerging economies to reset their financial and trade frameworks independent of the U.S. influence. Lastly, the interview touches on the diminishing impact of two-party political systems and the long-term implications of ongoing global conflicts.

Richard Wolff provides insights on The Critical Hour regarding the state of the U.S. labor market, dismissing the notion that low unemployment is a sign of strength when wages and purchasing power are not keeping pace with inflation. Wolff argues that the real measure of a strong labor market should include job security, adequate benefits, and living wages that can keep up with the cost of living. He criticizes the mainstream narrative that the economy is strong when many Americans are experiencing a deterioration in their economic conditions. Citing historical examples, Wolff suggests alternative measures to combat inflation, such as price controls, that don't rely solely on interest rate hikes which can exacerbate the problem. Lastly, he calls out the disconnect between official economic indicators and the reality faced by non-supervisory, working-class Americans.

In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff comments on US megabanks once again taking new off-the-books risks, Elon Musk endorsing right-wing undemocratic census proposals and Fossil Fuel industry executives bribe Trump with campaign donations. In addition, we highlight the many US and global labor unions and workers who have joined the movement in supporting of ending the Israeli military actions in Gaza.

In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff discusses the reasons why the official United States unemployment rate is currently low in comparison to historic rates; We also highlight why U.S. restaurants are losing business. We then turn to the hypocrisy of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the face of repression of growing American protest movement against Israeli policy in Gaza. In addition, we discuss Gabriel Zuckman's report on the economic impact of the dramatic cuts in taxes on billionaires vs rising taxes on the poorer half of the U.S.

In this interview with Lena Petrova, Richard Wolff shares insights on the United States' waning dominance in the global economy, exacerbated by tariffs, sanctions, and a changing international power landscape. He highlights how U.S. external and internal economic policies are failing to adapt to the rise of competing economies, such as China, and the resultant shift to protectionism which may stoke further inflation. Wolff also critiques the growing national debt, which he connects to a mismatch between government spending demands and an aversion to raising taxes, leading to unsustainable borrowing. He foresees a generational shift as younger Americans question capitalism and propose more democratic workplace structures as a solution to inequality and systemic problems. Throughout, Wolff emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing deep-seated economic issues rather than relying on political posturing or short-term fixes.

In this Dialogue Works Interview, Richard Wolff talks about the shifting global economic dynamics with the rise of BRICS nations challenging the longstanding dominance of the G7 countries. He argues that China's economic growth and strategic alliances have created a larger economic unit than the G7, compelling nations worldwide to realign their economic ties. Wolff highlights the risks of American decline and the importance of recognizing this shift, as illustrated by the United States' strategic missteps with Russia and the war in Ukraine. He suggests that internal economic systems and class struggles deeply influence global power dynamics, potentially overshadowing geopolitical conflicts. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the US policy responses, such as increased tariffs, as symptomatic of a failure to adapt to a changing world order where other nations are capitalizing on globalization more effectively.

Richard Wolff provides insights on The Socialist Program regarding the Biden administration's imposition of heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, particularly electric vehicles and green tech, as a protective measure for U.S. industries. Wolff argues that these tariffs are a response to American companies' failure to compete globally, particularly against China's advancements in electric vehicle production. The tariffs, he asserts, may lead to higher costs for American consumers and contribute to inflation, as it stifles competition and gives U.S. companies less incentive to innovate. Additionally, he criticizes the political motivations behind these tariffs, which are influenced by election politics and corporate lobbying rather than genuine concern for job creation or the climate crisis. Ultimately, Wolff suggests this protectionist strategy is indicative of a decline in American competitiveness and offers a critique of the capitalist system's approach to employment and environmental sustainability.

In this The Critical Hour interview, Richard Wolff talks about the false narrative presented by capitalism's proponents regarding its benefits and the historical struggle required for workers' advancements. He critiques the stagnant federal minimum wage in the U.S. and highlights the resistance of capitalist structures to improve workers' livelihood. Wolff also dismantles the notion that China's success is attributable to capitalism, crediting their socialist approach for lifting millions out of poverty. He further argues that criticisms of China's and Russia's political systems are rooted in their refusal to submit to Western hegemony, not their actual governance models. Lastly, Wolff insists that America's decline is the result of systemic economic issues rather than external factors, challenging listeners to critically assess the reality of global economic shifts.

This week’s Economic Update Professor Richard Wolff discusses the successful unionization drives that is sweeping across US universities (example: Boston University), We highlight the facts that disprove Biden's "great economy" claims and why inflation is much worse in the United States than in China. Finally we have an exclusive Interview with Jared Yates Sexton, writer and political analyst, on prospects for a left turn in US politics

In this address to Icelandic Labor Movement, Richard Wolff advocates for a radical reorganization of the workplace into worker cooperatives as a strategic solution to capitalism's deep-seated issues. He acknowledges the current unique struggles of American capitalism and the decline of the American empire, drawing parallels to Britain's historical economic descent. Wolff emphasizes that with capitalism in significant turmoil, there's an opportunity for strategic initiatives like worker co-ops, which are not a standalone solution but part of a broader goal for economic transformations. During the interview, Wolff also critiques capitalist strategies and highlights the increasing labor militancy in the United States as a response to systemic economic failures. Lastly, he suggests that the problems facing modern capitalism could be countered by government support of worker cooperatives, thus challenging the traditional profit-focused enterprise structure.

On The Socialist Program, Richard Wolff discusses the historical context and importance of Social Security and Medicare as critical safety nets for the American working class, born out of the economic struggles of the Great Depression and subsequent leftist political pressure. He examines the repeated narrative by corporations and the wealthy that these programs are insolvent, attributing this claim to ideological opposition to government-run programs and a desire to privatize them for profit. Wolff emphasizes that solvency concerns are largely manufactured and that the true issue is the unfair cap on contributions from the wealthy, as well as exemptions on various types of income which disproportionately benefit the rich. He warns against privatization, highlighting the risks and instability it would pose to individuals' retirement funds, contrasting private investment with the current system that relies on the more stable government bonds. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the pandering to rich individuals and corporate interests that undermine public trust and the effectiveness of these essential public welfare programs.

This week in honor of Karl Marx's birthday over this past weekend, Professor Richard Wolff offers a discussion of Marx's important theory of uneven development as central to capitalism. We show its widespread existence, using examples of it from past and present. We conclude by showing how uneven development helps cause key social problems in capitalism.

In discussion on The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow, Richard Wolff delves into the resurgence of labor movements and student activism, noting an increase in union organizing on campuses across the United States. Wolff reflects on the changing conditions in academia, particularly the exploitation of graduate students and adjunct professors who endure low wages and job insecurity, drawing parallels to an economic system that also supports foreign policies like those regarding Israel and Palestine. He emphasizes the historical importance of May Day, highlighting its connection to current struggles for labor rights and free speech. Wolff criticizes university administrations, such as Columbia's, for prioritizing property and financial interests over student expression and academic freedom. He concludes by expressing hope that the growing movements among workers and students are signaling a pivotal moment of challenge to established power structures.

Joining KPFA Evening News, Richard Wolff lends expertise by discussing the different economic and diplomatic stances between the United States and China. He highlights the faster growth rate of China's GDP compared to that of the United States and points out the competitive nature of recent US policies, such as the demand for a Chinese company to sell TikTok to non-Chinese buyers. Wolff notes the US's positioning against China demonstrates a desire to prevail rather than cooperate, despite rhetoric suggesting otherwise. He contrasts this with China's push for mutual success and shared progress. Additionally, Wolff finds the Chinese response to US actions to be relatively restrained given the circumstances.

In this Dialogue Works interview, Richard Wolff discusses the parallels between student protests in the U.S. against the situation in Gaza and historic student activism, such as during the Vietnam War era. He critiques political leaders and university officials for their ignorant and hostile reactions to legitimate student concerns. Wolff elaborates on the decline of U.S. global dominance and its impact on international relations, particularly regarding Israel's increasingly precarious position as the American empire wanes. He suggests that internal and external denial about these geopolitical shifts is leading to perilous decision-making. Lastly, Wolff emphasizes the need for greater historical awareness to understand and address current challenges, particularly in the Middle East, and predicts intensified domestic debate as young Americans return home from college and engage with their families on these issues.