Economy & Work
The Decline of American Journalism – Robert McChesney
In remembrance of Robert W. McChesney, the esteemed media scholar and activist who passed away on March 25, 2025, we are republishing an interview that delves into his profound insights on media, democracy, and society. McChesney, co-founder of the media reform organization Free Press and author of influential works such as “Rich Media, Poor Democracy,” dedicated his life to challenging corporate control of the media and advocating for a more democratic communication system. Through this conversation, readers can revisit McChesney’s enduring contributions and the critical perspectives he shared throughout his career.
Can Iran Kick Its Oil Addiction? – Djavad Salehi Isfahani Pt. 2/2
In part two, economist Djavad Salehi-Isfahani outlines what’s necessary for Iran to have a just energy transition and sustainable future. Salehi-Isfahani urges a reversal of destructive U.S. sanctions in order for Iran to better tap into its highly-educated workforce. He also argues that Iran is in a much more advantageous position to move away from its oil-export model, especially when compared to other oil-producing Gulf countries.
How Sanctions Work: Iran and the Impact of Economic Warfare – Djavad Salehi-Isfahani Pt. 1/2
U.S. President Trump has extended the aims of his first presidential term’s “maximum pressure campaign” by slapping additional sanctions on Iran. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Professor of Economics at Virginia Tech, describes the detrimental effects of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s economy and society. Salehi-Isfahani illustrates how the sanctions’ differentiated effects often result in them being “invisible” to certain segments of Iranian society, leaving some Iranians convinced that their government is solely to blame for the country’s economic woes. In addition, he asserts that the combined effects of U.S. sanctions and Iran’s policy choices continue to hollow out the Iranian middle class: while the government has assisted the poor with large direct cash transfer programs, it has largely ignored the demands of its middle class.
How South Africa’s Coal Exports to Israel Undermines Its Palestine Solidarity – Patrick Bond Pt. 2/2
In part two, political economist Patrick Bond outlines the activities of Glencore and other South African energy corporations which continue to ship coal to Israel’s electricity grid. Despite the historic efforts of South Africa to bring a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, as well as its involvement in the Hague Group to demand enforcement of international rulings on Israel’s unlawful occupation, Bond discusses South African policies and crony capitalist transactions which ultimately undermine these Palestine solidarity initiatives. With corporations such as India’s Adani Group heavily invested in Israel’s economy, Bond exposes the contradictions in BRICS’ stance towards Israel.
The Failure of Global Finance is Systemic
Jane D’Arista walks us through a comprehensive analysis of a global economy flooded with US dollar liabilities, economies bound to damaging export-led growth models, and vulnerable households piling up useless debts. She offers a rigorous template of policy and regulatory solutions encompassing reform of the US Federal Reserve and the International Payments System and calls to continue fighting to get ideas out. Produced by GPEnewsdocs.
How Capitalism Pillages the Planet and Creates Chaos – Patrick Bond Pt. 1/2
Following decades of ongoing mineral extraction, environmental plunder, and the subsidization of the fossil fuel industry, the second Trump administration’s aggressive pro-drilling agenda unapologetically seeks to seize as many foreign and domestic minerals and dirty energy sources as possible. Patrick Bond, political economist and Director of the Centre for Social Change in Johannesburg, discusses the mix of neoliberalism and paleo-conservatism undergirding Elon Musk’s corporate takeover of the US government. Bond also discusses the motivation behind US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the solidarity-equality-sustainability G20 in South Africa, and the implications of the US’ withdrawal from international climate agreements, slashing of emissions-reduction goals, and support for destructive carbon-intensive industries.
FDR’s Wartime Strategies Can Power a Just Transition Now – Martin Hart-Landsberg Pt. 2/2
In part two, economist Martin Hart-Landsberg underscores the importance of planning for a just transition and transformation of socio-economic relations. Hart-Landsberg examines FDR’s Defense Production Corporation and War Production Board which were established to coordinate the U.S. economy’s rapid conversion from civilian to military production. The entrepreneurial class largely opposed these changes, fearing cuts to their bottom line. Yet FDR’s government, through experimentation with different strategies, was able to successfully allocate resources towards wartime production and negotiate enough procurement contracts to drive the conversion. Hart-Landsberg’s historical analysis of the successes and challenges of FDR’s WWII production model lends important insights for solidaristic organizing and eco-socialist activism.
Asia | China | Economy & Work | USA
Debunking the IMF Myth: South Korea A ‘Free Market Miracle’? – Martin Hart-Landsberg Pt. 1/2
Despite being (mis)characterized by the IMF as a free-market “success story,” South Korea’s development model involved state planning and import controls for decades prior to the 1997 East Asia debt crisis. Economist Martin Hart-Landsberg, Professor Emeritus at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, explains how capitalist globalization materialized and morphed in East Asia, often to the detriment of its worker population. With Trump’s inauguration nearing, Hart-Landsberg sheds light on why contemporary U.S.-China hawks view China as a threat rather than a technological competitor.
How the Left Won Sri Lanka – Devaka Gunawardena Pt. 2/2
In part two, political economist Dr. Devaka Gunawardena outlines the political dynasties in Sri Lanka that governed the country until the National People Power’s (NPP) recent electoral victory. Gunawardena discusses how NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has garnered widespread support across different ethnic and class lines despite being a political outsider.
End of content
End of content
