In this episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Ken Hammond about the place of Chinese culture in the Chinese revolution more broadly. We touch on the role of Confucianism in Chinese history and through different phases of the Chinese revolution until today, we discuss language policy in China, how the study of Marxism is being revitalized, as well as the changing attitudes in China about the west.Ken Hammond is a Professor at the Department of History at New Mexico State University, he is an expert in Chinese and East Asian history, having worked and lived in China for several periods over the past 40 years. He is the author of several books including ‘From Yao to Mao: 5000 Years of Chinese History’ and ‘China’s Revolution and the Quest for a Socialist Future’.Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this episode, I talk to Atul Chandra about Kerala becoming the first Indian state that has eradicated extreme poverty. Throughout the conversation, we cover how Kerala’s socialist-oriented model of development over the past seven decades has laid the groundwork for this to take place, how exactly this program was conducted, how it compares to China’s targeted poverty alleviation strategy, and how it can inspire the rest of the global South."Communist-led Kerala is eradicating extreme poverty" – Atul Chandra: https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/05/26/communist-led-kerala-is-eradicating-extreme-poverty/Previous episode on China's poverty alleviation: https://youtu.be/tDjtEeWuFew?si=vXWIiQlIzXP07bXq/Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research: https://thetricontinental.org/Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this collaborative episode between Return To Bandung and the Intl Solidarity pod, Pranay Somayajula and I discuss navigating Western academia as Third World Marxists, we try to work through what the aims of our two respective podcasts are, what political education really means, who our respective audiences are, what our methods are, and more.Pranay Somayajula is an Indian-American writer, researcher, and political educator whose work focuses on the structures of global imperialism, as well as questions of decolonization, internationalism, and anti-imperialist resistance—both historically and in the present day. He is a PhD student in Political Science at the University of Minnesota, specializing in political theory and international relations from a Third World Marxist perspective, and is the host of the podcast Return to Bandung. Pranay’s writing has appeared in numerous outlets including Protean, Jacobin, and Monthly Review, as well as on his Substack blog, culture shock.Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
PLEASE SUPPORT:Lifeline4Gaza: https://lifeline4gaza.com/One of the Sameer Project's several campaigns across the Gaza Strip: https://linktr.ee/thesameerprojectIn this episode of our West Asia Series, we’re joined by Tara Alami for a discussion that covers the state of the “ceasefire” thus far, the state of Palestinian politics at this critical juncture, as well as how we must continue to resist against zionism in the west.Tara Alami is an organizer with the Palestinian Feminist Collective and writer. You can find her work at: https://taraalami.substack.com/Raven’s Substack: https://ravensreflections.substack.com/Raven’s Instagram: https:/instagram.com/indefenseofliberation/Journal of Intl Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this episode, I talk to Mimi Zhu about what China’s cities are like ad what socialism has to do with the development of these cities. We touch on public infrastructure, women’s safety, urban-rural connectivity, public washrooms, public transit, electric vehicles and more.Mimi Zhu is the host of the Roughly Chinese podcast on Wave Media, which can be found here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCCEbOA5sniwG9Wwryc1hwUX7s_wAUg5Y&si=XcJSBH9gsyzTKHaDThis is a collabrative episode between the International Solidarity Podcast and the Roughly Chinese Podcast. The full episode, including the first half where I was interviewed by Mimi about Canada-China relations, Hong Kong’s colonial legacy, and combatting western propaganda about China, can be found here: https://youtu.be/B-jFQ9h2Hhw?si=ggJNTdBecsNC1JeIThank you so much to Wave Media for the high quality editing on this episode and for making it available to cross-post on my channel as well!Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
PLEASE SUPPORT:Lifeline4Gaza: https://lifeline4gaza.com/One of the Sameer Project's several campaigns across the Gaza Strip: https://linktr.ee/thesameerprojectIn this 2nd episode of our West Asia Series, we talk with Max Ajl about Trump's so-called ‘peace’ plan and Hamas’ response to it, we discuss the two year anniversary of October 7, prospects for war with Iran, who is in charge between Israel and the US, and the role of China in West Asia.Max Ajl is a researcher at the Tunisian Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment. His work focuses on, among other things, settler colonialism, Palestine and the Arab-Iranian region. He is also an associate editor at the Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy and Middle East Critique.Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/ Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with Zahra Haider on patriarchy in South Asia, particularly Pakistan, its connections with colonialism and imperialism, feminist resistance in South Asia against patriarchy, as well as patriarchy in the west and its connections to capitalism more broadly.Zahra Haider is a multidisciplinary artist from Islamabad, Pakistan. Her work explores state fractures, otherness, nationalism, and identity, particularly in relation to Pakistan and its diaspora. She has been featured on BBC, CNN, VICE, and more, sparking conversations on class, gender, sexuality, and gender-based violence and women’s trauma in Pakistan. You can read her newsletter, Zero Point, on Substack or listen to her podcast, Armpit Intellectuals.'Zero Point' Substack newsletter: https://zahrahaider.substack.com/PLEASE SUPPORT:Lifeline4Gaza: https://lifeline4gaza.com/One of the Sameer Projects several campaigns across the Gaza Strip: https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject/Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/InternationalSolidarityPodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
This is the first episode of our new West Asia series, which is dedicated to covering the latest developments out of Palestine and the Arab-Iranian region more broadly.Please support:Lifeline4Gaza: https://lifeline4gaza.com/One of the Sameer Projects several campaigns across the Gaza Strip: https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject/In this episode, we cover:Ground invasion of Gaza CityUN Commission of Inquiry concludes genocide is occurring in Gaza CityWhat the airstrike on Qatar means for the ceasefire negotiations and the region. Dimitri Lascaris is an activist and lawyer based between Canada and Greece.Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/internationalsolidaritypodcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/ Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this episode, I’m joined by 2 members of the Qiao Collective to discuss a number of things related to the 80th anniversary of the victory against fascism in Asia. We first discuss the new Chinese film ‘Dead to Rights’ whose story looks at the Nanjing massacre, a key moment of World War 2 in China. We then discuss China’s broader role in WW2 and how its contributions are severely underappreciated in western narratives of the war. Finally we discuss the significance of China's victory day parade that took place on Sept 3, as well as the US’ drive for war against China today.Lifeline4Gaza is a vital resource for getting financial contributions to families that need it the most; please consider making a donation here: https://lifeline4gaza.com/Qiao Collective marks 80th anniversary of World Anti-Fascist War Victory (2 articles): https://www.qiaocollective.com/articles/victory-day-80th-anniversaryMake a contribution to the show: https://patreon.com/InternationalSolidarityPodcast/Journal of International Solidarity LinksPatreon: https://patreon.com/InternationalSolidarityPodcast/Instagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/
In this episode, I am joined by renowned Marxist scholar Radhika Desai to discuss India’s place in the world today, and particularly among the global south. We start off the conversation assessing the US threat of tariffs against India for purchasing Russian oil, why this has caused crisis among Indian political circles, why India’s economy is vulnerable to such threats, and whether this is pushing India closer to China, and closer to strengthening the political weight of the global south.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
In this episode, Carl Zha and I discuss the long trajectory of China’s socialist development, struggles within the Communist Party of China, as well as the US’ attempts so far to ‘contain’ China’s development trajectory.Carl Zha (@carlzha) hosts the Silk and Steel podcast on his Youtube channel; check it out if you haven't already.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
In this latest episode, I'm joined by Breht O'Shea (who many of you will know as the host of Revolutionary Left Radio) for a pretty wide-ranging discussion.We talk about the state of the left in the global north amidst the Gaza genocide and its inability to effectively do something about it, we talk about broader global shifts taking place at the moment, how the rest of this century is shaping up to look like, the role of spirituality or humanism in our left politics, combatting fear, cynicism, and individualism, the case for hope, and a whole bunch more.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
Jyotishman Mudiar, host of India & Global Left, joins me this episode to discuss the history of the communist movement and the left in India. We discuss the labour and peasant agitations during the colonial period, the splits between the different Indian communist parties, the Maoist movement in India, the successes of people-oriented reforms at the state level, and the path moving forward, among other things.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/JournalofIntlSolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
In this episode, we look at the history of class struggles on a world scale – including movements for decolonization and building socialism – and how to understand this history from our current moment. We discuss the changes that took place during the neoliberal period, how to understand our current political moment, and how to carry on the process of building socialism on a world scale.The book upon which this discussion is based is called 'The Long Transition to Socialism and the End of Capitalism', published by Iskra Books. This book really serves as a manifesto of sorts for understanding the current historical juncture in order for a socialist movement to advance into the future.You can find a full-length, high-quality PDF of the book on Iskra Books' website, as they do with all of their books: https://www.iskrabooks.org/the-long-transitionJournal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
In this episode, we look at recent developments in Gaza and the region – including the state of famine imposed by the israeli regime – and attempt to contextualize it within a broader history of colonialism/anti-colonialism. We also discuss the so-called 'ceasefire negotiations' that appear to pop up every now and then, giving people hope, but that never come to fruition. Also discussed is the key role western media plays in upholding the imperialist world-system, as well as the role leaders have played during anti-colonial and liberation struggles of the past, among other things.Note: This was recorded before France and the UK gestured to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/
In this episode, Jessa McLean of Blueprints of Disruption and I discuss recent developments in Canadian politics since the election of Mark Carney's Liberal government. We start by discussing Carney's two signature bills so far: the colonial and pro-fossil fuel Bill C-5 and the anti-migrant and pro-surveillance Bill C-2. We then discuss Canada's new NATO commitment of spending 5% of GDP per year on military spending and the public spending cuts that will accompany it. Finally, we discuss recent developments related to Palestine, including the the Hague Group's Emergency Conference on Palestine and Canada's continued support of the israeli regime. This episode was jointly developed, produced, and cross-posted between the International Solidarity Pod and Blueprints of Disruption. Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Links of Sources Carney Bends the Knee to Trump: https://www.readtheorchard.org/p/carney-bends-the-knee-to-trump-onBill C-2 Legislation – Parliament of Canada: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-2/first-readingOpenMedia: Withdraw Bill C-2: https://openmedia.org/press/item/over-300-organizations-unite-to-demand-complete-withdrawal-of-bill-c-2Bill C-5 Legislation – Parliament of Canada: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-5/first-readingFraser Institute: Bill C-5 Will Make Things Worse: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/commentary/carneys-bill-c-5-will-likely-make-things-worse-not-betterCAPE: Fast-Tracking Bill C-5 Concerns: https://cape.ca/bill-c-5-is-on-the-fast-track-to-federal-passage-here-is-why-it-is-very-concerning/AFN Bulletin on Bill C-5: https://afn.ca/all-news/bulletins/national-virtual-forum-on-bill-c-5-the-building-canada-act/CBC on BC Bill 15: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-ndp-bill-15-1.7546636Globe and Mail: FN Challenge to Bill C-5: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-first-nations-constitutional-challenge-bill-5-bill-c-5/CBC: Carney and Major Projects Fast-Tracking: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/major-projects-carney-fast-track-1.7552126CBC: FN Legal Challenge Against Ontario Bill 5: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/first-nations-legal-challenge-against-ontario-bill-five-1.7585361Global News: Carney on US Golden Dome: https://globalnews.ca/news/11190806/carney-golden-dome-us-trump-security/Global News: NATO 5% Target Explained: https://globalnews.ca/news/11260665/nato-five-percent-target-canada-carney-explained/APTN: NATO Target and Critical Minerals: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/carney-says-canada-will-meet-new-nato-spending-target-by-developing-critical-minerals/Ottawa Citizen: Carney and Public Service Cuts: https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/carney-spending-public-service-cuts-pboCMPAC: Commentary on Carney’s Zionist Remarks: https://canadianmuslimpac.ca/2025/06/29/cmpac-commentary-on-prime-minister-carneysremarks-on-zionist-palestine-and-iran/CBC: Carney Clarifies Genocide Remarks: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-clarifies-genocide-remarks-1.7506027The Maple: $19M in Arms Sales to Israel: https://www.readthemaple.com/canada-sold-18-9-million-of-military-goods-to-israel-despite-pause/DIRCO: Joint Statement from Bogotá Palestine Conference: https://dirco.gov.za/joint-statement-by-the-hague-group-on-the-conclusion-of-the-emergency-conference-on-palestine-at-the-bogota-conference-in-bogota-republic-of-colombia-from-15-to-16-july-2025/Esprit de Corps: DND Spared From Cuts: https://www.espritdecorps.ca/feature/dnd-spared-brunt-of-government-wide-cutsNetNewsLedger: $25B in Cuts Ordered by Carney Gov: https://www.netnewsledger.com/2025/07/16/carney-liberal-government-demands-25-billion-in-savings-broad-sweep-puts-departments-and-crown-corporations-on-notice/
Vijay Prashad joins me on this episode of the International Solidarity podcast for a wide-ranging discussion that covers the Iran-Israel conflict, the India-Pakistan conflict, Zohran Mamdani’s recent Democratic primary win, and the tasks of the global left today and prospects for socialism.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/ Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/@journalofintlsolidarity/ #palestine #israel #israelpalestineconflict #iran #india #pakistan #indiapakistan #zohranmamdani #socialism #antiimperialism #peace #war
This episode features a recent presentation podcast host Ashwin gave at an academic conference earlier in June. The presentation takes a Marxist approach in analyzing how 'Canadian multiculturalism' as a phenomenon came about, its relationship to settler colonialism, what its contradictions are today, and what it reveals about decolonization on this continent and globally.Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/#Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JournalofIntlSolidarity
Tings Chak joins me on this episode of the International Solidarity Pod to have a wide-ranging discussion on China's path in the 21st century. We discuss the poverty alleviation campaign in China and how it was conducted, the question of women’s liberation in China, and the future of the One Country, Two Systems policy in Hong Kong and Macau."Serve the People: The Eradication of Extreme Poverty in China": https://thetricontinental.org/studies-1-socialist-construction/"China’s Ecological Transition": https://thetricontinental.org/wenhua-zongheng-2024-2-china-ecological-transition/Wenhua Zongheng: https://thetricontinental.org/wenhua-zongheng/Tings Chak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingschak/Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/#Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JournalofIntlSolidarity
Raven from In Defense of Liberation joins me this episode for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the ongoing ge-nocidal war in Palestine and the global history of resistance and liberation struggles, among other things.In Defense of Liberation Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-defense-of-liberation/id1484422538Journal of International Solidarity LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journalofintlsolidarity/#Substack: https://intlsolidarity.substack.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JournalofIntlSolidarity