The Return of the Third World (w/ Vijay Prashad)

During the middle of the 20th century, the Third World movement represented the desires of billions for agency and justice. As the old colonial empires collapsed and new power structures were emerging,  there was a brief moment of hope for a world in which the Global South stood strong, united and liberated.  This was until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the solidification of US-led liberal capitalist democracy as the dominant global system seemed to put an end to these hopes.However, things are now changing again. At the same time as China and other large economies are helping to shift the global centre of gravity away from North America, a new global movement has sprung up in support for Palestine against the genocidal campaign being waged by Israel. We speak to Indian Marxist historian, author and public intellectual Vijay Prashad about the newfound confidence of the nations in the Global South, and the potential for a new Third World political project. This is a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the history of colonialism, the politics of resistance and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Vijay also surprised us by having an extensive knowledge on the post-colonial history of Ireland, so we also speak about Ireland's role in the dynamics of this brave new world. Make sure to check out Vijay's books and follow him on Instagram at @possiblehistoryThe outro music is Ennio Morricone's 'Tema di Ali' from the 1966 film The Battle of Algiers. Support the show