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.
A radio and web media project whose aim is to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism.
In the aftermath of World War Two, as the United States consolidated its position as a global superpower, it was confronted with significant challenges from below and shifting political terrain — anti-colonial struggles around the world and civil rights struggles domestically. To handle both, the U.S state turned to the police, who were sent overseas … Continued
Zen master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh on how to generate and cultivate happiness, mindfulness, and compassion.
Why does the United States intervene militarily around the world? Supporters might claim that the U.S. acts in the interests of national security. For critics, a likely answer would be that the country wants to exercise influence and domination over others. Journalist Andrew Cockburn, however, argues that a great number of military decisions are based … Continued
Highlights from a five-hour documentary film series called Capitalism, in which thinkers like Noam Chomsky, David Graeber, and Thomas Piketty examine and critique the ideas of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, and many others.
Since September 11th, 2001, the United States has seemed bent on a course of endless war. But David Vine reminds us that constant war-making isn’t new — that the U.S. has been at war almost every year since its founding. Vine discusses the evolution of American imperial power and the network of extraterritorial bases that … Continued
Cataclysmic climate change may seem inevitable, but Cynthia Kaufman says it’s not too late. The only way to turn the tide is concerted political action taken by people of all skill sets and temperaments. Kaufman has packed a lot of analysis and advice into a new book about climate change, its causes and challenges, and … Continued
Commodification is essential to capitalism: turning the necessities of life, including education, water, and healthcare, into products for sale. But even under capitalism there are periods when the drive to commodify is particularly intense and other periods when there is a push back against commodification. Political economist Christoph Hermann discusses the origins of the concept, … Continued
What is anarchism? Many have discovered that it’s not about breaking windows or planting bombs, but what are anarchism’s core tenets, and what has anarchism looked like in practice? Dana Ward considers anarchist theory, history, and practice. Anarchy Archives, an online research center Dana Ward and Paul Messersmith-Glavin, “Why Anarchism is Dangerous” Agency The Institute for Anarchist Studies
He’s one of the most important African American leaders you’ve probably never heard of: Ben Fletcher was a trailblazing anti-capitalist and labor leader, heading up the powerful multiracial Philadelphia-based dockworkers union, Local 8. Historian Peter Cole has made it his life’s work to unearth the contributions of Fletcher, who was jailed for his politics, and … Continued
