Henry Kissinger’s Reactionary Idealism
Historian Greg Grandin reflects on the ideology and practice of Henry Kissinger. (Encore presentation.)
Against the Grain
12:00 PM Pacific Time: Mondays - Wednesdays
Acclaimed program of ideas, in-depth analysis, and commentary on a variety of matters—political, economic, social, and cultural—important to progressive and radical thinking and activism. Against the Grain is produced and hosted by Sasha Lilley.
According to Terry Kupers, a culture of punishment and impunity pervades solitary confinement facilities around the U.S. Because many inmates in solitary suffer from serious mental illness, they can respond to escalating punishments in ways that invite more — and more brutal — punitive measures. Kupers discusses what can be done to promote, rather than … Continued
Peter Hudis discusses the Martiniquan philosopher, psychiatrist, and revolutionary Frantz Fanon, best known for his books The Wretched of the Earth and Black Skin, White Masks. (Encore presentation.) Resources: Peter Hudis, Frantz Fanon: Philosopher of the Barricades University of Chicago Press, 2015
In the wake of the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and while wildfires continue to rage across the West, it would seem like the perils of global warming are self-evident. And in fact, there’s one part of the U.S. government that, unlike President Trump, sees climate change as an undeniable danger: the military … Continued
In the face of the contemporary infatuation with democracy in the West, what should the left do with a term and a concept often used to mask injustices and inequities? Gabriel Rockhill discusses some of the key conjunctures in the history of democracy; he also asserts that a focus on democracy may actually distract us … Continued
Credit Agencies and the Commodification of Personal Information
If you think the collection and selling of personal data began in the last twenty years, think again. Consumer credit agencies like Equifax have been gathering information about people’s intimate details since they were created in the late 19th century. Scholar Josh Lauer discusses the history of credit agencies, their key role in capitalist consumer … Continued
Fund Drive Special: Alan Watts
Portions of two talks given by Alan Watts, the author, lecturer, and interpreter of Buddhist thought.
Fund Drive Special: The National Security State
The history of the 20th century is the history of empire. But did it have to be? A documentary series by award-winning director Oliver Stone examines various episodes in U.S. war-making, from World War One to World War Two and the development of the atomic bomb, to Vietnam and the wars of Clinton, Bush, and … Continued
Fund Drive Special: Birds and Birdwatching
Charles Hood discusses his new book A Californian’s Guide to the Birds Among Us.
Fund Drive Special: Israel’s PR Campaign to Influence the American Public
Frank Luntz thinks that Israel has a public relations problem in the United States, which may seem surprising given that a majority of Americans favor Israel’s actions against the Palestinians. The rightwing spin doctor, a longtime advisor to Israel on how to shape American public opinion, believes that such longstanding support is fraying. “The Occupation … Continued