Bad Faith: How Does the U.S. Pay for TWO Wars?
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.
Read moreThe Socialist Program: Cutthroat Bankers' New Scheme: Why Banks Are Suddenly Closing Accounts
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.
Read moreEconomic Update: Social & Labor Movements Claim Real Victories
[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
Dialogue Works: Reversing Roles: When the Tail Leads the Dog
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.
Read moreWhy Capitalism Cannot Finally Repress Socialism
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."
Read moreEconomic Update: What Socialism Needs to Succeed
[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
Inconvenient Truth of Our Failed Economic System
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.
Read moreZero Hour: Why Not Democratize Big Auto Companies?
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.
Read moreDialogue Works: Proudly Ignorant
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.
Read moreThe Socialist Program: $106 Billion for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan: How War Spending Subsidizes Capitalism
Professor Wolff and Brian Becker discuss President Joe Biden's proposed $106 billion military spending package, analyzing its implications. They delve into the origins of the military-industrial complex in the Korean War and how it has evolved into a taxpayer-funded subsidy for defense contractors. Economic challenges in the United States, such as inflation and high interest rates, are examined, alongside the paradox of political leaders touting economic success. Systemic dysfunctions within American politics and the decline of the American empire are highlighted.
G7 Vs. BRICS: Power Struggles are not Class Struggles
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."
Read moreThe Socialist Program: Opioid Epidemic & Capitalism: Rite-Aid Goes Under From Opioid Lawsuits But Opioid Overdoses Soar
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.
Read moreEconomic Update: Today's Agents of Change: Strikes, Unionization & Labor Militancy
[ 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
Robinson's Podcast: Karl Marx and the Myths of Marxism
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.
Read moreThe Dr. Economy Show with Prof. Richard Wolff - Episode 234
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.
Read moreThe Socialist Program: U.S. Healthcare Fails Patients But Nurses Fight Back
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.
Read moreEconomic Update: Corporate Greed VS Labor: The Struggle Intensifies
[ 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
Dialogue Works: Russia & China Sanctions: EU's Desperate Measures
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.
Read moreThe Socialist Program: Government to Student Loan Borrowers: Time to Pay Up!
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.
Read moreDangerous Ideas: Richard Wolff & Lee Camp on How to Fix The Economy!
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.
Read moreDialogue Works: The UN's Dysfunction - Belt and Road Forum
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.
Read moreDialogue Works: BRICS and the Prospect of a Novel Reserve Currency
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.
Read moreThe KPFA Evening News – September 24, 2023
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.
Read moreThe Socialist Program: The Politics of the Government Shutdown
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.
Read moreEconomic Update: Private Profits vs Public Treasure with Eleanor Goldfield
[ 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