Richard D. Wolff

Prof Wolff joins Dialogue Works in discussing various global issues, highlighting the shifting dynamics of capitalism and the emergence of socialist critiques. He acknowledges the significance of figures like Jill Stein, Cornel West, and Mary Ann Williamson, emphasizing the need for a unified left opposition to bring about meaningful change. Wolff points out the failures and mistakes of old capitalism, citing recent geopolitical events and the inability of the ruling class to grasp the unfolding revolutionary situation. The growing labor organizing and alliances between social and labor movements are seen as crucial forces challenging the status quo. Overall, Wolff envisions a revolutionary shift driven by both intellectual figures and grassroots movements, signaling a profound transformation in the socio-political landscape.

On this episode of The Socialist Program, Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the number of people in the U.S. living paycheck to paycheck and the level of disconnect the elites in government have from the working class.

[EU S13 E43]

Updates on the closing of a Florida plant that should be converted to worker co-op, oil company profits VS the social damage they do, how mega-corporations (Walmart, Amazon) are taking over the grocery business and the social purpose and the meaning of the "middle class". In the second half of this week's episode, Prof. Wolff interviews Jared Yates Sexton. The discussion focuses on his latest book, "Midnight Kingdom" and how the U.S. practices social control by spinning stories the public sees and hears. Read More

[EU S13 E42]

Updates on U.K.’s King Charles in Africa, the unionization struggles at Starbucks, a growing strike against Musk’s Tesla and the Bangladeshi women’s labor strike. An analysis of the economic concept of "surplus" and how capitalism makes it possible. Read More

Professor Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss contrasting views on inflation. The Wall Street Journal suggests that a slowdown in inflation, as indicated by the recent report, could lead to the Federal Reserve halting interest rate hikes. However, UBS bank offers a starkly different prediction, anticipating a potential 2.75 basis points cut in interest rates by 2024, citing risks of disinflation and rising unemployment. Professor Wolff criticizes the Federal Reserve's historical failure in achieving both price stability and maximum employment. The conversation also touches on the U.S.-China relationship, exploring how their economic integration is unraveling, partly due to the perception of China as a growing economic threat to the declining American empire. Professor Wolff emphasizes the need for the U.S. to confront economic realities and adapt to the changing global landscape.

[S13 E41] 

Update on Nobel Prize in economics to Harvard Prof. Claudia Goldin; comment on Maine/Halloween shootings, global financial secrecy index and President Biden's pursuit of money for war. Major segments on (i) UAW strike victories at Ford, GM and Stellantis, and (ii) abortion access victory in France. Read More

Prof Wolff joins Briahna Joy Gray to address Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's attempt to reassure the public regarding America's investment in Israel amid the Gaza siege. Yellen's statement suggested the feasibility of sustaining two wars—the conflict in Ukraine and Israel's actions in Palestine. In this discussion, the focus revolves around the inflationary consequences linked to military expenditure. The conversation delves into alternative strategies to combat inflation, such as implementing a wage or price freeze, and their potential implications for labor-related goals. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the future trajectory of the Cornel West campaign.

In this episode, Professor Richard Wolff and Brian Becker discuss sudden US bank account closures, revealing the profit-driven complexities within the banking system. They explore risk strategies tied to rising interest rates and tighter regulations, highlighting potential economic instability. Comparing the US profit-centric banking with the community-focused approach seen in public banking models in certain European countries and North Dakota, the episode proposes public banking as an alternative solution to prioritize community welfare over profit.

[S13 E40] New

Update on Nobel Prize in economics to Harvard Prof. Claudia Goldin; comment on Maine/Halloween shootings, global financial secrecy index and President Biden's pursuit of money for war. Major segments on (i) UAW strike victories at Ford, GM and Stellantis, and (ii) abortion access victory in France. Read More

In this interview, Prof Wolff emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between capitalism and socialism, framing socialism as a response to the failings of capitalism. The fall of the Soviet Union doesn't signal the end of socialism but a shift towards capitalist systems. Dissatisfied employees excluded from decision-making will lead movements for change, aiming to democratize workplaces by erasing the employer-employee divide. A future society with diminished state involvement and power redistributed among workers to serve collective interests is envisioned. Additionally, merging experienced voices with younger generations is advocated to construct a future beyond capitalism.

Article by Richard D. Wolff

"Socialism is capitalism’s critical shadow. When lights shift, a shadow may seem to disappear, but sooner or later, with further shifts of light, it comes back. Capitalism’s ideologues have long fantasized that capitalism would finally outwit, outperform, and thereby overcome socialism: make the shadow vanish permanently. Like children, they bemoan their failure when, in the light of new social circumstances, the shadow reappears clear and sharp. Recent efforts to dispel the shadow having failed again, the contest of capitalism versus socialism resumes. In the United States, young people especially applaud socialism so much recently that think tanks like PragerU and the Hoover Institute at Stanford University urgently recycle the old anti-socialist tropes."

[S13 E39] New

This week's episode features a discussion of (1) the crisis of today's real left; (2) the need to acknowledge, build upon, but also go well beyond the successful socialisms of the 19th and 20th centuries; (3) the macro focus on the state and the omission of a microfocus on the workplace; and (4) democratizing workplaces as 'what is to be done'. Read More

The interview with Prof Wolff covers a range of topics, including healthcare systems, capitalism's inefficiencies, inflation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and global geopolitical issues. Various economic concepts, the failures of capitalism in healthcare, government influence on inflation, and the call for a ceasefire in international conflicts are discussed. Dr. Wolff emphasized the need for alternate approaches to problem-solving, beyond the current reliance on military intervention and wars.

Prof Wolff joins Zero Hour with RJ Eskow to discuss the recent agreement between the Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers and how it relates to the larger issues of labor, capitalism, and democratizing workplaces. The conversation delves into the undemocratic nature of corporations, stock market fluctuations, and the challenges of changing the narrative around workplace democracy. They also explore the idea of democratizing companies and the importance of questioning the current hierarchical structure of corporate governance.

In this interview, Professor Wolff discusses the challenges at the United Nations, the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the need for a global conference involving major powers to find a resolution. He also touches on how capitalism perpetuates global inequality, the obstacles to international agreements, and the significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in Greece, for economic autonomy.

Article by Richard D. Wolff

"The newly emerging socialist focus challenges both the US and China, the G7 and BRICS, despite the different balances of state and private enterprises among them."

In this episode of The Socialist Program, the focus is on the bankruptcy of the pharmacy giant Wright Aid, driven by lawsuits related to its role in the opioid crisis. Professor Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the consequences of this corporate collapse and the broader issues related to capitalism and monopolization. They highlight how capitalism's pursuit of profits can lead to the loss of human lives, as seen in the opioid crisis. The episode also emphasizes the trend toward monopoly capitalism in various industries and how it sets the stage for public ownership of key sectors. The episode ends by highlighting the impact on the 51,000 workers at Wright Aid and the need for alternatives to protect jobs and serve the public's interests.

[ S13 E37 ] New

Updates on how Social Security makes African-Americans subsidize whites, lessons from a new survey of young Americans' politics, the injustice of Europe's central bank raising its interest rates, Taylor Swift publicly supports Hollywood strikers, and Coco Gauff publicly supports climate change activists. Interview Mike Elk, Editor of The Payday Report, tracking the strike wave across America and especially the huge autoworker's strike. Read More

Professor Richard D. Wolff joins Robinson's podcast in a conversation that delves into various aspects of socialism, Marxism, and critical perspectives. They address common misconceptions about socialism, emphasizing its diverse interpretations, from social democracy to the Soviet Union and China.

Prof. Wolff joins the Dr. Economy Show, where he delves into the critical issues of economic inequality and the paradox of vacant homes alongside homelessness. The conversation explores the stark contrast between immense wealth and poverty and highlights the urgent need for profound economic reform. Tune in to gain valuable insights on reshaping our economic systems for a more equitable future.

Professor Richard Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the historic strike of 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers. They highlight the workers' concerns over staffing levels and pay, shedding light on issues within the capitalist healthcare system. This strike is part of a wider labor resurgence, with workers pushing back against being shortchanged. The episode emphasizes how the U.S. healthcare system differs from other capitalist countries, treating healthcare as a commercial product rather than a public good. It delves into the historical context of how the right-wing labels opposing ideas as socialist or communist and how a new generation is increasingly open to socialist ideas. Support for The Socialist Program is encouraged to provide quality news, analysis, and history for those seeking change.

[ S13 E36 ] New

Updates on writers (WGA) strike, auto-workers (UAW) strike, failure of US Federal Reserve, US govt subsidizes private capitalists. Interview Pete Dolack on his new book "What Do We Need Bosses For? Toward Economic Democracy". Read More

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.