Cable Street

This week I'm joined by the other co-founder here at The Cable, Taylor Scollon, to talk about this week world. We discuss the unhinged attacks on Ilhan Omar, new polling on a progressive American agenda, the vacuousness of Mayor Pete, what Finish elections can teach us about today's politics and a segment called The Book Club™ (patent pending) where we talk about books we're reading this week. 

In 2016 you were likely subjected to pepe memes - that little green frog with the shit-eating grin. It turns out he was a far-right trojan horse used to propagate far-right ideas.Memes are huge part of politics, especially on the far-right. These people who otherwise would be considered extremists, have increasingly used memes, or meme magic, or memetic warfare (the list goes on) to subversively push their far-right ideology on otherwise normal people.Memes are themselves not inherently bad. But when harnessed by harmful actors, they can be incredibly dangerous. To discuss memes and how the far-right has weaponized them, I was joined by Dr. Heather Suzanne Woods from Kansas State University and Leslie A. Hahner from Baylor University to talk about their book Make America Meme Again: The Rhetoric of the Alt-Right.We talked about how memes have created a new universal way of communicating between online communities, how the far-right has weaponized memes, how people go from sharing memes to marching in white supremacist rallies and whether the left can hope to match this new way of communicatingShow NotesMake America Meme Again - ebookHow mainstream media helps weaponize far-right conspiracy theories - The ConversationDr. Heather Suzanne Woods - TwitterLeslie Hahner - Twitter

This is a sneak peek of our members-only episode. To get access to all members content, join The Cable today. Teachers in America are leading the fight against neo-Liberalism and the erosion of public institutions. Strikes in West Virginia, Oakland, Los Angeles and Chicago have to lead to real improvements in public schools. Teachers unions are winning and winning big.Who are these people leading these fights? Is this part of a union resurgence around in America? And what does this tell us about the prospects of the broader fight against privatization?In this episode, I'm joined by Lois Weiner. She's a teacher, union activist and researcher who writes about teachers’ work, urban education, and labor. Her book, “The future of our schools: Teachers unions and social justice," is widely read by activists in the Anglophone world. It explains the nature of neoliberalism’s global project to destroy public education and the role of transformed teachers unions in reversing the attacks.Show NotesThe Future of Schools: Teachers Unions and Social Justice - purchase hereTwitter profileAdditional ReadingsWhat a Teachers Movement Can Look Like - read hereLabour Renaissance in the Heartland - read hereA Lesson Plan for Organized Labour - read here

It's not a stretch to say the Green New Deal, a radical proposal to address climate change and inequality, would not be where it is today without the efforts of the Sunrise Movement. They're an upstart environmental activist group lead by young people uniting to solve climate change and, in the process, are upending American politics. I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunrise Movement organizer Mile Goodrich and the author of The Climate Movement's Decades-Long Path to the Green New deal (link) from Dissent.We talked about why the broader environmental movement is so afraid to build political power needed to win, the importance of moving fast and breaking things, the influence of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and what the future holds for the Sunrise Movement. Show NotesMiles Goodrich - TwitterSunrise Movement - Website

Political parties are stale, old and white. Big bold progressive ideas that are reshaping politics and, hopefully, the world are not necessarily coming from traditional political parties. And if they are, it's because of insurgent political forces, many times powered by outside groups. It's clear that these outside groups are exerting an incredible amount of influence to drive political party agendas, including groups like the Justice Democratcs who helped elect Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and the Sunrise Movement who've single-handidly put the Green New Deal on the political agenda.In this episode of Cable Street, I talk to Natasha Josette a working group member and spokesperson for Momentum. They describe themselves as a people-powered, grassroots movement working to transform Britain in the interests of the many, not the few.We discussed why she got involved in the organization, the role in plays vis-a-vis the Labour Party and the importance of Momentum in engaging with traditionally non-political people.

Here's a member's-only episode from last August 2018.Why are progressives bad at storytelling? Is there a way to harness left-wing nationalism that isn't xenophobic or insular? And is the left too concerned with definitions instead of winning?In this episode of Cable Street, I’m joined by professor Richard Sandbrook to discuss how progressives must harness nationalism and storytelling to win elections.I encourage everyone to listen to Episode 29 before or after this one. In it David Adler explains why the left shouldn't embrace insular-focused nationalism that shuts out outsiders. Richard's argument isn't to embrace xenophobic nationalism, but an inclusive nationalism to counter the right.

Europe is under siege by populist right-wing political movements. But Nordic countries have withstood much of the political pressure we see throughout Europe. Why is that?One theory I have is because of the nordic welfare state. I've wanted to explore this idea, and learn more about the nordic welfare state model, for a long time. My guest in this episode is Mikko Kuisma. He's a Research Fellow in Comparative Public Policy from University of Tübingen who specializes in political economy of European welfare states. We dive deep into the Nordic welfare state, Nordic politics and why these countries have held off the rise of populist political forces. TwitterMikko's website

Right-wing nationalism opposes refugees, immigrants and outsiders and is arguably the fundamental feature that defines modern right-wing western political parties and movements. So why is the left trying to copy them?David Adler from Diem25 joins me to explain the rise of left-wing nationalism in places like Germany and France, why these leaders are embracing it, why it’s wrong and how it ignores the very traditions left-wing movements were founded upon. We also discuss why we must focus on taking control of international institutions if a progressive agenda is to be successful. Show NotesMeet Europe's Left Nationalists - The NationWe shouldn't rush to save the liberal order. We should remake it - The GuardianRelated EpisodesA path forward for refugees w/ François Crépeau - listenDebunking Misinformation About the UN Migration Compact w/ Sharry Aiken - listen

This is a teaser clip of a members-only episode. If you want access to the full episode, subscribe to Cable Street for as little as $5 per month.Borders define our world, for good and bad. Far-right authoritarian leaders and political parties increasingly use borders as a weapon to further their own quest for power. Unfortunately, progressive responses have verged on outright adoption of that frame, delineating groups as friend and enemy based on where they were born. Results show adopting these ideas tend to help far-right parties.My guest Daphne Büllesbach from European Alternatives believes the transnationalism is the answer to far-right authoritarianism. We explore what this means in the context of Europe, whether it’s possible and what transnationalism looks like in practice. We also discuss the upcoming European elections and the chances for a progressive alternative. Show NotesEuropean AlternativeThe Nation State Must be Overcome - read the article

The 2020 democratic primary is quickly approaching. The UK could be plunged into an election. Far-right parties are ascendent in the European elections. In this look-forward to 2019, I share the interesting and important ideas that I believe that will shape power, politics and policy throughout 2019. Scroll down to see the full list.This episode is the very first interview on Cable Street (how time flies!). I talk to pollster Frank Graves about popuslim, the far-right, anti-elite attitudes and other broad-based forces shaping Canada and the world. It’s a great place to start as we ease into 2019.Don't worry, we have a new episode coming out this week, so stay tuned :) Here are other episodes I recommend:#16: Why Did Progressive Parties Abandon Working-Class Voters? - listen hereThroughout the 1990s, leftwing parties abandoned working-class voters. Why did this happen? And what does it mean for progressive parties today? I talk to political scientist Tom O’Grady about his research on working class parties.We also talk about Tom's fascinating analysis about how politicians can shape public opinion, and why progressives need to lead and shape ideas rather than follow.#13: Why Progressives Suck at Telling Stories (Members-Only) - listen hereWhy are progressives bad at storytelling? How can we harness leftwing nationalism? And is the left too concerned with definitions instead of winning? The far-right is winning but that doesn't mean progressives are doomed. Guest Richard Sandbrook offers some compelling arguments for how the left can win in the long-run.#12: Monopolies are Destroying The World - listen hereUS Democrats are increasingly adopting anti-corporate language and policies. My guest Matt Stoller explains why the root cause of inequality, corporate power and declining middle class is linked to the rise in corporate monopolies, and what politicians can do about it. 

Hi all. 2019 is shaping up to be a tumultuous year. The far-right is gaining power around the world, the economy is facing headwinds, Trump is going crazy - you get the idea.Rather than look back at 2018, I want to look to the future. Over the next few days, I'll be sharing older episodes on topics I believe will shape 2019 and beyond.This first episode is about leaders who will play a major role in world politics in 2019. This first episode is an interview with Edwin Ackerman from Syracuse University about Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the leftwing President of Mexico. When we first talked, Obrador wasn't yet President. After a short time in office, he's already leaving a mark. The interview is based on an article Edwin wrote for Jacobin titled A Potential Breakthrough in MexicoI won't ruin the episode, but Obrador is already leaving a mark. As one of the few leftwing leaders to succeed in 2019 by offering a truly leftwing vision, his success could have a lasting impact around the world. Here's a list of other episodes I recommend listening about leaders to watch in 2019.#5: Remember the Name Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez w/ Raina Lipsitz - listen hereAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez has quickly become the voice of a generation as the youngest person ever elected to Congress. She singlehandidly put the Green New Deal on the national agenda and is shifting the overturn window in a progressive direction. I talk to reporter Raina Lipsitz about her experience covering Ocasio-Cortez's insurgent campaign.#14: Italy's Donald Trump w/ Vito Laterza - listen hereMatteo Salvini, Italy Deputy Prime Minister, is Italy's Donald Trump, if Trump was actually effective. Salvini is a leading figure in Europe's anti-immigrant/refugee movement and will shape not only Italy, but Europe for years to come. Guest Vita Laterza breaks down Italian politics, and discusses Matteo Salvini, the Five Star Movement and what Italy's rightward, anti-immigrant shift means for the rest of Europe.#15: Is Abdul El-Sayed the Answer to Far-Right Populism? w/ Maximillian Alvarez - listen hereAbdul El-Sayed lost his insurgent primary campaign to become Michigan Governor. Understanding his campaign and eventual loss is valuable as we move into the Democratic Presidential primary season. The forces that shaped his campaign - progressive outsider versus institutional insider, leftwing populism versus centrism, materialism - will be the forefront of US politics. 

Katy Lee from Agence France-Presse joins me to discuss the yellow vest movement. She's a reporter living in Paris who has first-hand experience covering these protests.The movement began as a response to French President Emmanuel Macron's increase in the gas tax. But is has grown far beyond that. Rather than a protest against climate change, Katy explains the yellow vests are fundamentally a response to growing inequality and austerity that have disproportionately targeted the poor and middle class. It's not a revolt against government, rather a revolt against government inaction. We talk about how the yellow vests started, their demands, breaking down misconceptions and examine how France's political actors are responding.

Why is it a bonus? Because I'm dropping another episode later this week. So stay tuned!Lots of misinformation is flying around about the United Nations Global Migration Compact that was passed this week. Immigration and refugee lawyer Sharry Aiken joins the show again (our first repeat guest!) to break down the facts and debunk far-right misinformation about the Compact. Sharry is an Associate Professor at Queen’s Law with a cross appointment to Cultural Studies. She is an expert on immigration and refugee law and has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in a number of precedent setting immigration cases. She teaches immigration law, refugee law, administrative law, law and poverty, public international law, and international human rights law. Show NotesGlobal Compact TextAn overview of the CompactData sources relevant to migrant rightsPrevious episode with Sharry where we discussed Canadian and American immigration policy

Nationalism apps, Nelson Mandela and a radicalized youth movement - welcome to Poland's far-right political movement.Christian Davies is a writer for the Guardian and is based out of Poland. He joins me to discuss how Poland is careening ever closer to far-right authoritarianism. In fact, it may be farther along the path than countries like Hungary which receive far more media coverage. Yet there's also signs of hope (shocking I know!). We talk about how EU integration has radicalized a generation of Polish youth, the fluid nature of Polish far-right movements and political parties, the app-ification of Polish nationalism, how the far-right has co-opted the left's economic arguments and the dreary prospects of a progressive alternative to Poland right-wing Law and Justice Party.Thanks again to everyone fo listening to the show. If you have any questions or show ideas, email them to me at geoff@thecable.co or DM me on Twitter at @geoff_sharpeShow Notes and ReadingsChristian Davis - The GuardianDon’t judge Poland by what has happened here since 2015 - The GuardianPoland's first openly gay politician says progressives can win - The GuardianHead of Polish supreme court defies ruling party's retirement law - The GuardianHero’s welcome in Poland awaits hitman who killed Mandela’s ally - The Guardian

Unlocked means I'm making a members-only episode available to everyone. Enjoy!Episode DescriptionCan history explain the future? If not, it sure looks similar.Historian Benjamin Hett painstakingly outlines Hitler's rise to power and the conditions that led to the fall of the Weimar Republic, including the rise of globalization, post-World War One myths and the failure of existing norms and political parties.The conditions chronicled by Hett appear eerily similar to our current political climate. Hett offers his insight if 2018 is our generation's 1920s, and what we can do about it. And yes, Trump is discussed.Show Notes: Death of Democracy: Hitler's Rise to Power and the Downfall of the Weimar Republic = purchaseNew York Times Book Review of Death of Democracy

In this teaser clip from our other podcast Family Compact, Geoff speaks with media commentator, activist and Anti-Hate Canada Chair Bernie Farber about the history of anti-Semitism in Canada and how it's evolved over time. This clip is about Bernie's personal experience growing up with anti-Semitism in Ottawa, Canada.Show NotesListen to the episode on iTunesListen on other podcast networks 

It's doubtful our grandparents fighting in WW2 expected fascism to return almost 80 years later, but here we are...In this episode of Cable Street, I talk to Mark Bray, author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, about the rise of fascism around the world.He explains the historical context of fascism and Antifa, why there is no moral equivalency between the two, and why centrist political forces and liberal democratic institutions struggle to deal with the rise of fascism within their own borders.-----We've launched a new membership tier at TheCable.co/join. Head over to website to learn more and help keep The Cable running. 

This podcast can be depressing. I promise this episode isn't as bad!My guest this week is François Crépeau. He's a professor from McGill  and is the Director for the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism.François joined me to discuss the complex issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers. Between 2011 and 2017, François was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants where he gained first-hand experience meeting asylum seekers and visiting refugee camps Francois explains the historical context of the current refugee and asylum seeker situation, why democracies have difficulty dealing with non-citizens and share a positive outlook on the current migrant challenges around the world. Show NotesFrançois Crépeau - biography

That title isn’t a lie. Brazil is on the cusp of electing Jair Bolsonaro as President, a man who many are calling a fascist. Alex Hochuli joins me to explain Brazilian politics, the rise of Jair Bolsonaro, what his election means for Brazil and why the most popular politician in Brazil is locked up in prison.Show NotesAlex Hochuli - Twitter, WebsiteAlex’s podcast Aufhebunga BungaBrazil’s Ultra-PoliticsBrazil’s Anti-Politics Election

<p>In this week's members-only episode, <a href="https://thecable.co/join/">available only to Cable members</a>, Geoff sits down with Cynthia Miller-Idriss for part 2 (or part 1 since this part was recorded first) of our interview, where they discuss the state of German politics.</p><p>Like the rest of Europe, far-right populism is rising in Germany. Cynthia gives a detailed overview of German politics, the far-right AFD, the failure of traditional German political parties, and a far-right rally in Chemnitz that shocked the entire country.</p><p>In this teaser clip, Cynthia explains what caused the recent rise in support for AFD.</p><p>Make sure to catch Geoff's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/19-branding-the-far-right-w-cynthia-miller-idriss/id1393061874?i=1000420432132&mt=2">previous interview</a> with Cynthia where they discussed how far-right white supremacists use branding to normalize their ideas.</p><p>Support our work and get access to this full episode by becoming a Cable member today: <a href="https://thecable.co/join/">https://thecable.co/join/</a>