Richard D. Wolff

Professor Wolff discusses the impact of sanctions, focusing on recent ones against Russia, and emphasizing the complexity of sanctions, their varying outcomes, and the challenges of enforcement and monitoring. Sanctions on Russia haven't achieved their goals but have unintentionally harmed the European economy by raising energy prices. These sanctions have strengthened the BRICS alliance and signaled the decline of the G7's dominance in the global economy.

Prof. Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the resumption of student loan repayments in the United States and its broader implications for the economy and society. They analyze how the student debt crisis has evolved over time and how it reflects deeper issues within the capitalist system. Prof. Wolff emphasizes the importance of education as a public good and contrasts the US approach to higher education with that of other countries where it is considered a fundamental right. They also critique the Supreme Court's role in overturning policies aimed at student debt relief, highlighting the influence of wealthy interests. The conversation underscores the need for systemic reforms to address the burden of student debt and ensure fair access to education.

In their discussion, Prof. Wolff and Lee Camp address the significant disparity between officially reported low unemployment rates and the fact that housing costs have become evident as unaffordable for the majority of Americans. The need for an immediate boost in wages and a reduction in housing costs is clear. They delve into the concept of workplace democracy, highlighting that corporations are undemocratic in nature and that there's a growing demand for employee empowerment and participation. Additionally, they point out the paradox of tech companies advocating internal collaboration while aggressively patenting their innovations externally, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and democratic economic system that values worker input and nurtures creativity. Their conversation revolves around the urgency for change in workplaces and raises questions about the sustainability of the current economic model.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works, delving into the UN's functionality and the obstacles it faces in bringing together superpowers. He highlights the concept of "uneven development" from Karl Marx, explaining how capitalism perpetuates global inequality. The impediments to international treaties and agreements stem from the conflicting interests of unequal nations. Emphasis falls the emergence of China's Belt and Road Initiative as a means for countries to assert economic autonomy and reduce dependence on Western decision-making. Lastly, the significance of this initiative, particularly in Greece, is underscored as it offers nations greater agency in shaping their economic futures.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works to discuss the evolving landscape of global reserve currencies, highlighting the historical context and how countries like China, India, Brazil, and others aim to gain recognition for their currencies worldwide as the relative dominance of the United States wanes. The conversation explores lending, international trade, and the potential emergence of a new multinational currency among the BRICS countries, all while considering the impact on global politics and ideologies.

Prof. Wolff joins the KPFA Evening News program to address the impending federal government shutdown, emphasizing the necessity of raising taxes on the wealthy to tackle the growing national debt and criticizing both political parties for their reluctance to consider this solution. The discussion also covers the United Auto Workers' strike against major U.S. car manufacturers, where workers demand improved wages and retirement benefits amidst record industry profits.

Prof. Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss the looming threat of another government shutdown as the September 30th deadline for passing a federal budget approaches. They highlight the absurdity of this recurring political theater, where both Republicans and Democrats fail to address the root issue: raising taxes on corporations and the rich to solve the deficit problem.

[ S13 E35 ] New

In this week's Economic Update episode, topics include the successful unionization efforts at Starbucks stores across the U.S., challenges within the British university system, the United Auto Workers (UAW) gearing up for negotiations, and the vital importance of preserving the Redwood forests, featuring an interview with filmmaker and activist Eleanor Goldfield. These discussions shed light on workers' rights, education, labor solidarity, and environmental conservation. Read More

Article by Richard D. Wolff

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a profit opportunity for capitalists, but it presents a crucial choice for the working class. Because the working class is the majority, that crucial choice confronts society as a whole. It is the same profit opportunity/social choice that was presented by the introduction of robotics, computers, and indeed by most technological advances throughout capitalism’s history. In capitalism, employers decide when, where, and how to install new technologies; employees do not. Employers’ decisions are driven chiefly by whether and how new technologies affect their profits."

In this interview with Prof Wolff on the Project Censored radio show, the discussion focuses on two-tiered worker systems in various industries, the implications for both corporations and workers, and recent strikes and labor union tactics. The conversation also touches on the potential for worker cooperatives to empower employees and reshape workplace dynamics.

Prof Wolff debates Arthur Laffer on the David Lin Report in a discussion comparing capitalism and socialism in the context of the U.S. economy. They explore topics such as economic performance, income inequality, taxation, and government intervention. Wolff emphasizes the need to question the organization of workplaces, while Laffer advocates for low taxes, sound money, and free trade as solutions to economic challenges. The debate centers on the role of government and the effectiveness of different economic systems.

Prof Wolff joins The Backstory in a discussion about the ongoing auto worker strike, highlighting income inequality, economic crashes, and rising inflation as key concerns. Workers are demanding cost-of-living pay raises, reflecting a broader movement for change in the capitalist system.

Prof. Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the criminal inaction of the White House and Congress against inflation and the rising costs of basic goods we need to live.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works to discuss the evolving concept of socialism in the 21st century, emphasizing the shift away from traditional definitions. Instead, the focus is on transforming workplaces into democratic communities, where every worker has an equal say in decision-making. This vision of socialism, centered on workplace democracy, is gaining traction as the defining aspect of socialism in the future, irrespective of geographical boundaries.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works to delve into the intricacies of China's economic evolution, delving into the multifaceted nature of China's socialist-inspired, market-driven economic model. Examining its historical roots, unique blend of state intervention and private enterprise, and its global impact, Prof. Wolff provides valuable insights into the dynamics shaping the future of socialism and the complex backdrop of China-U.S. relations in a rapidly changing world.

Prof Wolff joins Zero Hour with RJ Eskow to discuss the ongoing housing crisis in the United States, shedding light on the systemic issues plaguing the housing market and advocating for a government-led approach to address the issue.

Joining Dialogue Works, Prof Wolff delves into the G20 Summit's outcomes and missed opportunities, as well as the absence of the leaders of Russia and China.

Prof Wolff and Brian Becker engage in a discussion about the impending possibility of a massive strike. The contract for approximately 150,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members is scheduled to expire this Thursday, and the union members are steadfastly demanding fair compensation and protection against mass layoffs. However, the Big Three auto giants – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis – have yet to reach an agreement with the UAW, intensifying concerns about a potential labor action.

[ S13 E34 ] New

Updates on economists favoring rent control, leading global capitalists resent/resist US's China-bashing, urgent drug shortages in US and a public pharma industry. Major discussion of causes of rising US economic inequality since 1960s and its socially explosive political effects. Read More

Prof Wolff and Dialogue Works discuss the ongoing economic conflict between the United States and China, offering valuable insights into the global implications, China's unique economic system, and the need for fresh approaches in today's evolving world.

Prof Wolff joins the KPFA Evening News to weigh in on federal reserve chairman Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole.

On this episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Wolff mark Labor Day with a discussion on how workers are fighting back with intensity not seen in many years. From UPS to academic workers to writers and actors, major labor struggles have been erupting nationwide in a revolt against mounting inequality and corporate greed. And the next major fight on the horizon is a potential strike at the Big Three automakers.

Article by Harriet Fraad and Richard D. Wolff

The real left is not the caricature crafted by the U.S. right. Alongside parallel right-wing political formations abroad, that caricature tries hard to revive and recycle Cold War demonizations no matter how far-fetched. Nor is the real left what Democratic Party leaders and their foreign counterparts try hard to dismiss as tiny and politically irrelevant (except when electoral campaigns flirt with “progressive” proposals to get votes). The real left in the United States and beyond are the millions who at least vaguely understand that the whole system is the core problem. As those millions steadily raise their awareness to an explicit consciousness, they recognize that basic system change is the needed solution.

Prof Wolff joins Dialogue Works to discuss global economic shifts.

Prof. Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, which resulted in the historic expansion of the bloc. With six new members, will the BRICS be able to mount a more formidable challenge to the dominance of Washington and Wall Street over international finance and diplomacy? What does this mean for the working people of the world?