SpartTalk

Mansa is joined by Comrade Perrault to discuss what a revolutionary approach to trade union work looks like, and the challenges and pressures of such work as they bear down on both trade union militants, and left organisations. A day late in publishing this, we hope that listeners will nonetheless appreciate dwelling on these questions which are largely ignored by much of the left. Check out some of the articles on our work in the trade unions below:For revolutionary work in the trade unions Communist longshorewoman speaks - An interview with Emily Turnbull On Colorado meatpackers strike:Expand strike, win safety Colorado meatpacking workers - How to strengthen the strike The strike doesn't have to be over! BoeingHow we fought to escalate the Boeing strike Puerto RicoTo win - Let's strengthen the strike at UPR! (in Spanish)Workers - Join the UPR strike! BritainA challenge to the RMT - Organise the unorganised How to fight misogyny in schools Letter from a Unison rep - Repping against rot Germany IG Metall - Stop the jobs massacre in auto! (in German)For a strong IG Metall union at Tesla! South AfricaNUMSA & All trade unions - Defend Malema to defend yourselves! (United front to defend Malema) MexicoTornel Strike - A strategy to win (in Spanish)Unions! Defend the country! CanadaHow to lose a winning strike Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

We bring you a special episode with reports from the 16 April protest in KuGompo City, South Africa, where Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was sentenced to five years in prison on bogus gun-related charges. This is a clear attack by the Ramaphosa government which is bowing to Trump's targetting of Malema. Listeners will hear from members of the Socialist Party of Azania, the Solidarity Action Committee Collective, the Trotskyist Group of Greece, Spartacist South Africa, and members of the EFF.Malema sentenced to 5 years - Fight this racist outrage! Speech of our American comrades at an emergency protest following this racist sentencingCheck out AmaBolsheviki Amnyama on X @amaBolsheviki, or visit their website https://iclfi.org/zafGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in February 2026, before the Iran war. We postponed its publication to cover more urgent questions. Mansa is joined by Comrade John Masters to discuss South Korea, a country rarely discussed in the Western left. We talk about its strategic importance, how it's being squeezed as the US goes on a rampage, its relation to China, the tremendous potential of its proletariat, and as always, the problems of the South Korean left. An extremely educational discussion - I hope listeners enjoy it as much as I did. To follow our Korean social media and content, visit https://iclfi.org/ko or follow @SpartacistHng on XKCTU must break with Lee Jae-myung government! Other articles on South Korea:To defend democratic rights, break the US alliance! Elections after the coup - For a working-class anti-imperialist pole! Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on 28 March and therefore some of the references to events are now slightly dated.Mansa is joined by Comrades Anna, Lisa and Tom to discuss their trip to Cuba. They brought material aid under the banner of the Partisan Defence Committee to help Cuba in its hour of need, and they did this in conjunction with the Nuestra America Flotilla - a campaign by hundreds of leftists and activists to bring aid to Cuba. Comrades discuss their impressions on the situation, the contradictions of Cuba under siege, including why significant layers of younger generations don't immediately see the need to defend the Cuban Revolution. Listeners can still donate to the efforts of the PDC towards Cuba -- every little bit counts! Donate here https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2026-cuba-donateAid to Cuba - PDC fundraising campaignCuba under siege - An eyewitness reportBreak the blockade! Double the oil shipments to Cuba!US workers - Defend Cuba! Break the blockade! Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Vincent to discuss the latest on the Iran war, and probe why a huge majority of the left thinks Iran is winning, including why it was so positive about the ceasefire last week. We get into why simply cheering on the strategy of the IRGC ends up removing any role for socialists, whether on the question of the war, on against their own ruling classes in the West.Beware of US ceasefire swindleDon't underestimate US imperialismCan Iran defeat the U.S & Israel? Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Apologies for being a few days late! We have been busy producing the new issue of Women & Revolution which should be out soon.In this episode, Mansa sits down with Comrade Perrault to discuss a big debate on the left: why the world is not defined by an inter-imperialist rivalry, but by the breakdown of U.S. hegemony. We go into some of the arguments on the left for characterising China and Russia as imperialist powers, and what the problems with these are. Hint: revision of Marxism!The fallacy of the inter-imperialist analysisThe world at a turning pointU.S. imperialism turns the screwsThe class nature of ChinaWhy China is not imperialistWhy China is not capitalistGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Erica from Workers Vanguard, the newspaper of our comrades in the United States. We start off with the context in the country and the domestic response to Trump's war on Iran as well as his attacks at home. We then discuss the problem with the dominant strategies on offer--a repeat of the so-called general strike in Minneapolis, and No Kings--both of which lead back to the Democrats, and why class independence is the only way to stop Trump.Check out the latest Workers Vanguard here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1189Wars, deportations, inflation: What can stop Trump?Colorado Meatpackers: Expand strike, win safety (in English, French and Spanish)Check out other articles from their press at https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv and follow them on X and Insta @workersvanguard*Correction - The UAW worker who heckled Trump on Epstein was not actually fired. https://www.reuters.com/world/uaw-says-ford-worker-who-heckled-trump-kept-job-not-disciplined-2026-02-09/ Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Julia to discuss the rapidly worsening situation in Cuba and what is being done to help Cuba in its hour of need. Julia explains our fundraising efforts in the Partisan Defence Committee, which launched an international fundraising effort which has so far raised nearly £19,000 to donate to efforts to help Cuba, as well as our comrades who are bringing material aid to Cuba with Nuestra América Convoy.*I mistakenly use USD instead of pounds to refer to the amount of money we have raised.The PDC is taking urgent aid to Cuba!Donate to break the blockade here!Cuba under seige: An eyewitness report Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Perrault to look at why a lot of analysts and the left think the U.S. will emerge weaker out of the Iran war. There is a lot of fatuousness that the Iranian regime's strategy will lead it to victory, but we ask: what constitutes victory? Our starting point is that communists and anti-imperialists should approach this question from the point of view of which class force emerges strengthened out of this conflict. Will this war lead to a strengthening of the oppressed internationally, or no? U.S. imperialism turns the screwsThe world at a turning pointGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Elizabeth to discuss how the left finds itself divided and disoriented yet again on Iran. Whether it's the 12-day war, the Dey uprising, or now, the two trends persist and keep getting ever more polarised: denounce the regime for being repressive and therefore refuse to defend Iran from attack by the U.S. and Israel, or support the regime for being anti-imperialist. This binary is not new. We put forward a framework to resolve this and urge leftists to face reality, and draw the hard lessons, no matter how bitter and painful. Our recent propaganda on/relevant to Iran: Why leftists shouldn't celebrate Khamenei's death, by Mansa KaurStop U.S.-Israel rampage - Defend IranIran still needs to be defendedIran - The revolution must be anti-imperialistIran - Marxists who failed the testIran and the national questionWhy can't anyone stop Netanyahu?Previous SpartTalk episodes:Why workers should stand with Iran!Iran and the Marxists who failedGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Perrault to discuss the resumption of war against Iran by the U.S. and Israel. As we publish, there is news that they have murdered Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran. We discuss what this and the recent escalation on Iran means in terms of the balance of forces in the region, and as always, the problems with the left and what socialists should do.Check out our recent statements on Iran:Stop U.S./Israel Rampage, Defend Iran!Iran Still Needs to be Defended! Iran: The Revolution Must be Anti-Imperialist Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa and Cairo pick up their discussion from the previous episode on how liberalism destroyed the black struggle in the U.S. They begin with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the hyper-liberalism of the Clinton years to Obama's post-racial society which eventually gave us MAGA, only for the anti-Trump resistance to then give us Biden which brought Trump back with a vengeance. In all this, the black struggle in America was further weakened due to its liberal politics. "Liberalism destroyed the black struggle: How to rebuild it"Read the issue of Black History here: https://blackstruggle.org/27/Follow the work of our comrades in the US on X and Insta @workersvanguardGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Cairo Turner, editor of the newly relaunched Black History and the Class Struggle. We discuss how the current near non-existent state of the black movement is a result of decades of liberal politics. We start with the Civil Rights movement and how its massive potential was undermined by the likes of MLK Jr who hitched it to the progressive wing of the American ruling class, and how these politics paved the way for the backlash and reaction in the late 70s and 80s. Ultimately, the lesson from this period is that the struggle for black liberation must be tied to the struggle for the liberation of the working class - both go forward together or fall back separately."Liberalism destroyed the black struggle: How to rebuild it" Read the issue here: https://blackstruggle.org/27/Follow the work of our comrades in the US on X and Insta @workersvanguardGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

In a special episode, Mansa is joined by Comrades Bourchier and Edith from Australia to discuss the merger of their two organisations, the Spartacist League of Australia and the Revolutionary Communist Organisation, respectively. We discuss the basis for the merger, what led to this despite differences on some questions of analysis and programme, what this merger means for rebuilding the Australian left and lessons for the left internationally. The merged organisation will be relaunched as Communist Unity in May 2026.Reports on the RCO conference and RCO-SLA merger which give a somewhat different taste:Communist Unity's 2026 General Conference, by Anthony Furia and Christina Veselovskiy of the RCOFactions, nameswitching and unity, by Mia Volkova of the RCOSLA articles:Why we are joining the RCO, and you should too, by the SLACheck out the issues of Red Battler, the now-ceased paper of the Spartacists in Australia.For more from the RCO:The website of the RCO can be found here: https://revcomorg.info/Partisan! the official publication of the RCO, can be found here: https://partisanmagazine.org/articles/Follow RCO on Insta @rev_com_orgGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Jens from Autoarbeiter für eine kämpfende IG Metall (Autoworkers for a fighting IG Metall) and Steffen from Spartakist-Arbeiterpartei Deutschlands to discuss the attacks raining down on workers in the auto industry. As Germany's economy continues to reel from being cut-off from cheap Russian energy and increasing competition from China, the German auto bosses are seeking to cut their losses on the backs of autoworkers. Jens discusses what he and his co-workers have been doing to bring pressure to bear on the IG Metall, the largest union in auto, to fight against the massacre of jobs. Jetzt erst recht: Unterschreibt unsere Petition an die IG Metall! (now more than ever: Sign our petition to IG Metall!) Das Massaker an Industriearbeitsplatzen muss aufhoren! Stoppen wir es jetzt! Auch in Marienfelde! (The massacre of industrial jobs must stop! Let's stop it now! Including in Marienfelde!) Get in touch with Jens at [email protected] in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Anacleto from Mexico City to discuss how Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's decision to suspend oil shipments to Cuba is aiding the imperialist chokehold on the island and why communists must fight to break this blockade as a means of defending not just Cuba and the Cuban Revolution, but also to defend Mexico and the Mexican working class and peasantry from imperialist aggression. We discuss the challenges of building the anti-imperialist struggle in a context where Latin America is under attack but where there seems to be a growing right-ward shift. Break the blockade! Double the oil shipments to Cuba!Front page of El Antiimperialistia #5 - No resistir significa mas subordinacionThe world at a turning pointFollow our comrades in Mexico on X and Insta @gem_lciGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Jeremy from Minneapolis and Paula from Chicago to get the latest from the ground. We discuss what it's like on the ground, the fear and anger amongst people, what the 'general strike' of January 23 represented, and what's ahead. Although Trump seems to be moderating a little bit by reassigning ICE czar Greg Bovino and placing the killer ICE agents on leave, this does not mean that the anti-immigrant offensive has stopped. The urgent question still posed is why the union movement did not come out in force, and what it will take to make that happen. Listen to find out.Left, stop fronting; For real strike action on 1/23!Labour: Make ICE stand down!ICE kills Renee Nicole Good; Labour must act!Follow us on X and Insta @workersvanguardGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Ray to discuss why China is absent as the old world order is being torn up and the new emerges. We discuss why China is not resisting the U.S. as Trump goes on the offensive throughout the world, and why it's in China's interest to do so to as a means of defending the 1949 revolution and building the anti-imperialist struggle.China: Defend Venezuela, resist America! China: Do nothing, loseThe class nature of China: Not imperialist, not capitalistChinese Spartacist!Follow us on X in Chinese @sibadakepai or in English @SpartacistICLGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Edith and Ozan, members of Hospital Workers Building Union Power (HWBUP), to discuss the biggest nurses strike in New York history. We discuss what the strikes are about, the mood on the picket lines, what the problems are with the strategy of the union leaders, and what's holding back the strike from winning. Read the leaflets from HWBUP here: https://linktr.ee/hwbup_nycMeet them in person this Saturday, 24th January at the Holiday Appeal for Class War Prisoners, St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, 131 E. 10th St., ManhattanFollow them on Insta @hwbup_nyc Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Vincent to discuss the mass uprising in Iran and what communists should fight for. We in the International Communist League argue that for the struggle against the regime to succeed and lead to a progressive outcome for the masses, it must be based on an anti-imperialist and working class programme. We explain why this is necessary by putting it in the context of the flip-flop of the  left: uncritically cheer on the movement without drawing a line against imperialism, or denounce the movement as pro-imperialist and end up politically backing the Iranian regime. Get in touch with us with your agreements and disagreements on this burning question!Iran - The revolution must be anti-imperialistIran under attack - Marxists who failed the testAfter October 7, where are we now? Only anti-imperialism can unite the people's of SyriaGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Perrault for the official launch of Season 2 of SpartTalk. They dive right in by taking on the rising pressures facing militants and socialists in the face of crazy world events and an increasingly difficult political climate. We discuss the necessity to having a clear understanding of dynamics and forces driving big changes, how to deal with the isolation at work, how to combat the tendency towards demoralisation and despair, and more.See also: The World at a Turning PointIran: The revolution must be anti-imperialistDefend Venezuela, Release Maduro!China: Defend Venezuela, Resist America! --Subscribe to the show to get the latest episode and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or send us an email at [email protected] in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa kicks off season 2 of Spart Talk with an emergency episode following the US bombing of Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. The punchlines: workers and oppressed of the world, including in the US, must take a clear stand with Venezuela against US imperialist aggression, call for the release of Maduro, build an anti-imperialist united front in all of Latin America and the global South. We also point to the urgent need to call on the PRC to stand in defense of Venezuela and push back the US offensive."Defend Venezuela, Release Maduro!" https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2026-venezuela"US workers: Stand with Venezuela!" https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1188/venezuela"Defend Venezuela and Mexico against US imperialism!" https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1187/venezuelaFollow regular updates on X @SpartacistICLGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Vincent and Anna to wrap up 2025 - a turning point in the world situation. We talk about what this year represented, what this meant for the tasks of the left and discuss some of the work we did, and what's ahead. This episode marks the end of season 1 of Spart Talk. We will be back in January with more content, and wish our listeners a restful break and a happy new year. (Apologies to our listeners; after uploading we realised there were some technical issues with the sound after the 1:10:52 mark where Comrade Anna's sound dropped; we have re-uploaded the file, but unfortunately were unable to address the issue.)Please visit https://iclfi.org/en and browse around to look at our recent publications, the work of our comrades around the world, and our theoretical documents. Follow us on @SpartacistICL to stay up to date, and follow the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades from the Partisan Defence Committee - Comrade Jon from New York and Comrade Kat from London - to highlight some of the defence work they have done this year, why it's key to strengthening the struggle against the ruling class and imperialism, and how our listeners can help. Listen to them explain the cases of Eric Duprey who was murdered by the cooler-killer cop, pro-Palestinian activists, British nurse Lucy Letby, black nationalist group Uhuru, black nationalist and EFF leader Julius Malema, and former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. We are asking our listeners to consider becoming sustainers of this crucial work or make a one-off donation this holiday season! Information about holiday appeals in the U.S. can be found here: https://iclfi.org/events/enCheck out the work of the PDC in the U.S. here: http://partisandefense.org/An overview of the PDC's work in Britain: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/pdcHelp build the trail of cooler-killer cop who murdered Eric Duprey: https://iclfi.org/usa/events/2026-ny-duprey1Open all police archives! https://iclfi.org/pubs/slus/2023-08-28-police-archivesWhy all socialists and trade unions have a stake in defending Julius Malema: https://iclfi.org/pubs/ssa/2025-malema2For united class-struggle defence to free political prisoners in Pakistan: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-rci-pakistan-letterFree Umar Khalid! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1181/khalidAll out May 9! Defend Xolani Khoza! https://iclfi.org/pubs/slus/2025-pdc-khozaWhy we defend Lucy Letbyhttps://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/letbyProtest French state repression: https://iclfi.org/pubs/slus/2025-pdc-franceTo send donations to the PDC in Britain or to become a sustainer, send funds to: Partisan Defence Committee, Sort code 20-10-53, Account no 60521507, or get in touch at [email protected], or follow them on X @PDC Britain or Insta @partisandefencecommitteeTo do the same for the PDC in the U.S., contact [email protected] or follow them on X@partisandefenseGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Vincent from Workers Hammer to discuss whether Your Party has a future and if so, what does it look like? Short answer: yes, but it depends on its politics. Fresh from the conference, both dive into the context in Britain and the tasks it poses for the left in order to challenge the rightward shift, win the working class and bridge the divides between different segments of the oppressed.What next for your party? https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-yp-whose-partyWorkers Hammer pamphlet compiling all leaflets in the lead up to Your Party conference, titled "How to make your party work" https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-yp-pamphletCheck out Vincent & Eibhlin's videos on the conference and other things here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8-TI43Mp8&t=2103sFollow Workers Hammer on YouTube, X and Insta @WorkersHammerGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Julia and Leticia to discuss the state of Argentina after two years of Milei, who has just strengthened his position in the recent midterm elections. We discuss the basis of support for Milei, why the Peronists - the historic bourgeois nationalist force in Argentina - still remain attractive as the main vehicle to fight Milei, and the contradictions plaguing the Argentine Trotskyists. English articlesArgentina: The downward spiral continues, https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/argentinaArgentina: To defeat Milei, fight for national liberation! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/69/mileiWake up! Workers are being led to a historic defeat! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/69/wakeupTrotskyists in Argentina: Hot air and sectarianism, https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/69/argentinaSpanish articlesArgentina: La espiral descendente continua https://iclfi.org/spartacist/es/44/argentinaLos trotskistas en Argentina: Palabras al aire y sectarismo https://iclfi.org/spartacist/es/43/argentinaUn llamado al Frente de Izquierda: Para derrotar a Milei, ¡luchar por la liberación nacional! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/es/43/milei¡DESPIERTEN! Llevan a los trabajadores a una derrota histórica https://iclfi.org/spartacist/es/2024-05-07-argentinaFollow Spartacist on X @SpartacistICLGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Cassian and Natalie from the Just Break Already caucus in the DSA to discuss their work in the DSA now that the Mamdani era has begun. They touch on two main things that socialists in the DSA should be fighting to push Mamdani to do: ditch Tisch and the Taylor law! Check out their leaflet, "Try to hold Zohran accountable in action; ditch Tisch and the Taylor law!" https://www.instagram.com/p/DRTRdYmkd6v/?img_index=1And follow them on X @cleanbreaknow and Insta@dsa_justbreakalreadyGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Workers Vanguard editor Michael Davisson and Lital to discuss the meaning of Mamdani's victory. Since taking office, the Democratic Socialist that the left is fawning over, has declared points of agreement with Trump, retained hated NYPD police commissioner Jessica Tisch, and now endorsed pro-genocide Democrat Hakeem Jeffries. Where is the socialism in all this and what to do to hold Zohran accountable, and why. We discuss all this to update our listeners on what Mamdani's victory means.What Mamdani's victory really represents: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/2025-zohranListen to previous episodes of Spart Talk on Mamdani here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/sparttalkThe Third Rail - Mamdani mania and the working class, a podcast by Transit Workers for a Fighting Union https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTBLXbJE9FsFollow Workers Vanguard on X, Insta and Facebook @WorkersVanguardGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Regis and Elizabeth to discuss the fast moving events in the Philippines which has been rocked by a corruption scandal of huge proportions. Though the left has now called for the resignation of Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte and is raising the slogan for “transitional peoples’ councils”, they are hoping to build these in an alliance with the liberals and military generals.We discuss the dynamics on the ground and what all socialists on the ground should fight for in the lead up to Bonafacio Day: for a break with the liberals and military generals! Read what comrades have to say on the situation: For a BAYAN/PLM government of the masses! https://iclfi.org/pubs/tap-en/2025-bayan-plmFor a united front in Luneta https://iclfi.org/pubs/tap-en/2025-lunetaSubscribe to Talibang Anakpawis here: https://iclfi.org/phl or follow them on X @SpartacistPH or Facebook @SpartacistGroupPilipinas Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Comrade Eibhlin to discuss the hype behind Catherine Connolly, the new President of Ireland, and why the left is so cheery about it. We get into what this victory means, or rather what it doesn't mean, for the situation of the Irish working class, which has been slowly moving to the right. We get into what drove this process during the heyday of liberalism, the fortunes of Sinn Fein, and within this broader picture, make a case for why it's completely disorienting and unhelpful to place hopes on Connolly, a rubber-stamp figure, and propose some tasks for the left in Ireland today."For a united Irish workers republic!" https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/ireland"Enough waiting: Fight for a border poll! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/256/ireland-poll"Reviewing 'Theses on Ireland': https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/256/ireland-review"Marxists and the fight for a united Ireland": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mykTfuas3dI&t=6sFollow us on X @SpartacistICL, the work of our comrades in Britain can be followed on X, Insta and Youtube @WorkersHammerGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Oskar, editor of Red Battler, to discuss the dynamics and outcomes of the Gen Z uprising in late August. We try and place this explosion of anger of youth in the context of Indonesia's place in a changing world order, marked by shrinking room to manoeuvre between the U.S. and the China/BRICS bloc. We also go into the weakness of the organised working class and the left. In this context, Oskar proposes some outlines of a programme to pursue debate and discussion on the left for how to go forward from here. Towards 100% merdeka!You can read the article, Indonesia: Where to now? here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/rb/2025-indonesia The world at a turning point: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2025-worldIn defense of permanent revolution: For communist leadership of the anti-imperialist struggle! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/68/permrevFollow us on X @SpartacistICL and follow the podcast to get your weekly digest of Trotskyist politics! Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Vincent for a special episode to discuss some key lessons of the Russian Revolution for the struggles of the working class and oppressed today, and how these are crucial to addressing the crisis of the left. We focus on three: split with social chauvinism, communist leadership of the democratic tasks, and internationalism (or why the revolution degenerated). What is revolutionary leadership? https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/68/leadershipIn defense of permanent revolution https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/68/permrevThe fight for the Fourth International today: https://iclfi.org/pubs/pamphlets/lfi-debate/4th-intlTrotsky - In defence of Octoberhttps://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1932/11/oct.htm"An essential condition of the Bolsheviks' success," in Left-wing Communism: An infantile disorder: https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1920/lwc/ch02.htmFollow us on X @SpartacistICL and share the episode! Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Philipp and Jeanne from Tokyo to get educated on what's happening in Japan. There's a new Prime Minister in town, Sanae Takaichi, who has been nicknamed the Japanese Margaret Thatcher, the right is growing, attacks are on the horizon, yet the left is stuck in its old ways. Our comrades point to some lessons that the left needs to learn in order to go forward. Our discussion is based on the article "Japan in crisis, the left in disarray - Workers need to prepare for the coming attacks" can be read here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/icl-ja/5/elections (use google translate for English)Read the rest of the issue here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/icl-ja/5Follow our Japanese language social media on X @icl_nihonGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Victor from Mexico to discuss the war drive against Venezuela and the attempts to oust Maduro by Trump. We discuss the need for an anti-imperialist united front of the Latino masses and the American working class, how the propaganda about narco-terrorism is being used to undermine the sovereignty of Latin American countries, why the methods of Maduro and Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico are undermining the fight against Trump and US imperialism, and other challenges of building the anti-imperialist struggle. Defender a Venezuela y México! https://iclfi.org/pubs/ai/4/venezuelaThe same article can be read in English here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1187/venezuelaPuerto Rico: How to get the working class behind independence: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1187/puerto-ricoFollow the Grupo Espartaquista de México on X and Instagram @gem_lci and on Youtube @ElAntiimperialista-x6t Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Comrade Perrault to discuss all the things happening in the world, from uprisings in the Global South to military buildups, wars and broken ceasefires, the growing right wing and gigantic stock market bubbles. In a time where the news cycle is dizzying and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, or get swept away by the photos online showing the latest struggles across the world, and when the left is either busy chanting revolution, or proclaiming the arrival of fascism, Mansa and Perrault try to make sense of the direction of travel and arm workers and leftists with some basic lessons for coping. US imperialism turns the screws: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/screws The crisis of the Marxist left and the tasks of the ICL: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/crisis-leftPalestine - Kill the Deal! Sabra and Shatila must not be repeated! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2025-palestineAmerican Dystopia: Dig in, don't give up! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1187/dystopiaDefend Venezuela and Mexico against US imperialism: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1187/venezuela Italy: Weld the Palestine movement and working class struggles: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/2025-italyChina: Do nothing, lose! https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/chinaFollow us on X @SpartacistICL or get in touch by emailing us: [email protected] in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Jesse and Arthur from Johannesburg to discuss the latest bombshell in South African politics: EFF leader Julius Malema being found guilty of gun-related offences, a development which could potentially cripple this radical nationalist party. Comrades explain why this is a continuation of Trump's attacks against South Africa and why every worker and fighter against neo-apartheid and imperialism must defend Julius Malema. Comrades lay out how to take this struggle forward, and give our listeners an update on the successful defense campaign for Xolani Khoza. Check out the statement "Defend Julius Malema!" here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/aba/2025-malemaDonate to Xolani Khoza's legal fund here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/defend-xolani-khozaFollow them on Facebook @AmaBolsheviki Amnyama and X and insta @AmaBolshevikiGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Alexis and Sacramento from Ligue trotskyste de France to discuss the never-ending governmental crisis. Recorded two days before the resignation of PM Lecornu (who lasted less than a month) we discuss why the ground beneath Macron's feet is shrinking, why Le Pen continues to grow, the place of Jean-Luc Melenchon of La France Insoumise in the coming events, and the reasons why the far left is in the seventh heaven calling for general strikes when the working class is, in comrades' words, stuck in Dante's inferno. Tune in to get updated on the situation in France!The latest leaflet on the left in seventh heaven, in French, can be read here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/lb/2025-gouffre Vincent and Gab's episode on strikes in France and the problems with Revolution Permanente's approach:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB8EsA18_1wFollow Communist en Tabarnak! on X @Comm_en_TabAlexis' presentation at the latest Ligue Trotskyste forum in Paris can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez_xFZJ66ME Follow Ligue Trotskyste de France, or Le Bolchevik (their paper) on X, Insta and Youtube @leBolchevik_LTFGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrade Mauro from Italy to discuss the recent strikes by Italian unions in defense of the Sumud Flotilla. Following Israel's attack on the flotilla, the unions have now called for a general strike on Friday, 3 October. Mansa and Mauro discuss the potential for these events to reviltalise the workers' movement in Italy, as well as the obstacles to doing so, in the broader context of the Meloni government and the Atlanticism that shackles the Italian left. (This episode was recorded on 1st October.)Read the statement by the Lega Trotskista d'Italia on the recent events here:https://iclfi.org/pubs/spo/2025-palestina2The link to donate to the USB defense fund for pro-Palestinian activists:https://www.gofundme.com/f/cassa-di-resistenza-dei-lavoratori-contro-il-massacro-a-gazaFollow them on insta @spartaco_ltdiGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by comrades Michael Davisson and Erica from Workers Vanguard to talk about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We discuss why he should not have been killed, the coming backlash against the left, and most importantly, comrades try to answer some of Kirk's most notorious talking points. Ultimately, the death of Kirk does not mean that his ideas are dead, and the task of communists is to try and combat these politically in order to win over those layers of the working class drawn to them."Kirk still needs to be proved wrong," https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/2025-kirk"Where is the U.S going? Tasks for the workers movement" https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1183/us-tasks Follow Workers Vanguard on X or insta @WorkersVanguard or write to them at: [email protected] in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is back with Comrade Vincent to discuss what's shaking things up (in a bad way) for the left in Britain. We discuss the Tommy Robinson demonstration and why it was massive, the left's denial about the state of things, and why it needs to change course. On the other end, Corbyn and Sultana are on the verge of a split before their party is even official. With things as they are, all does not bode well for the working class. Mansa and Vincent implore the left to wake up and learn some lessons!Your Party: Ditch the liberals, win the workers! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/256/your-party 13 September London: A disaster for the left: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-sutr-disasterZarah Sultana's disastrous comment: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-yp-transYour Party: The politics behind the shit show: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2025-yp-shitshowStarmer Disaster: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/256/starmerHow NOT to fight the right: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/256/rightVideo debriefing on the Tommy Robinson demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Tva7tXHGs&t=824sFollow the work of our British comrades on Youtube, X and Insta @WorkersHammer and Mansa on insta @punjabibolshevikGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Comrade Perrault to discuss what is unfortunately not discussed and debated more in the left: the Ukraine war. We discuss the current situation on the battlefield, the diplomatic faff and imperialist aims, and most crucially, what are the tasks of communists regarding the Ukraine war. The short answer: to build unity between Russian and Ukranian workers and soldiers in opposition to their ruling classes and imperialism. Only on this basis can there be a progressive outcome - everything else spells disaster. Some of the ICL's key articles on the question include:Ukraine war: What strategy for Marxists? A debate between the Spartacist League and Bolshevik Tendency, https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/251/debate Ukraine war: Where do you stand now? https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1184/ukraineNATO/EU aggression provokes war in Ukraine, https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2022-ukraineStop arms shipments to Ukraine - The main enemy is at home! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/2023-tuc-ukraineFollow us on X @SpartacistICL for regular updatesGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

It's a full house at Spart Talk as Mansa is joined by Brianna, Edward and Jack from the Just Break Already (JBA) caucus in the DSA (Dem Socialists of America). We discuss what went down at the recent DSA convention at which Jack was a delegate, and the need to learn lessons from the AOC experience so that the left doesn't end up in another toxic situationship with the latest darling of the left, Zohran Mamdani. The JBA is putting forward a programme for conditional support to Mamdani - listen to find out what it is and why.How to avoid another AOC situationship, by Brianna (JBA) can be found here:https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1186/zohranCosmonaut version can be accessed here (https://cosmonautmag.com/2025/08/letter-how-to-avoid-another-aoc-situationship/)  but since the author bio was removed, you can contact Brianna on X @cleanbreaknow and Insta @dsa_justbreakalready, or follow them and join the campaign for conditional support!Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Anna Mili of the Trotskyist Group of Greece to discuss key questions for revolutionary strategy for the Global South, a burning question for the left as US imperialism turns the screws on the whole world, squeezing oppressed countries even further. Historically, the Marxist left has fallen into a trap of either supporting the national bourgeoisie against imperialism, or abstractly being for class war, denying that national oppression animates the masses. We argue that the task of revolutionaries is to fuse the national liberation struggle with the struggle for social emancipation, something that defined the Russian Revolution and later, Trotsky's struggle against Stalinism. I hope listeners have as much fun listening as I did in conducting this interview. In defense of permanent revolution, our conference document that lays out this view in more detail, can be found here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/68/permrevIn defense of the Second and Fourth Comintern Congresses, https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/68/comintern Our propaganda on Iran and the task of Marxists: "Iran under attack: Marxists who failed the test" https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2025-iran-left"Workers: Stand with Iran and Palestine!" https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2025-iran Anna debates Jan Norden of the Internationalist Group, on permanent revolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATxGhd5rwckDebates with the International Bolshevik Tendency on the national question, which revolve around the themes Anna and I discuss, can be read here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/spart-letters/2You can follow the press of the Trotskyist Group of Greece here: https://iclfi.org/grc, or follow them on X and Insta @toe_iclGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Jon Brule, longtime leader of the Spartacist League US and the ICL, to review the ICL's position on the Soviet intervention into Afghanistan in 1979 where we controversially raised the slogan "Hail Red Army!". We discuss the political situation leading to the PDPA takeover, known as the Saur Revolution, and the subsequent events which led to heightened imperialist pressure on Afghanistan and the USSR, precipitating Soviet military intervention. What were the tasks of revolutionaries in these events? And how did the failures of the PDPA and the Soviet bureaucracy lead to the rise of the Taliban? Jon's article which reviews our position can be found here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1185/afghanistanAnti-imperialism and women's liberation can be found here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wr/46/antiimperialismFollow Workers Vanguard on X and Insta @WorkersVanguard, or Mansa on insta @punjabibolshevikGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by comrades Maria and Emilio from the Trotskyist Group of Greece to discuss the lessons of the Tempi struggle. Tempi refers to the train crash resultant of pure EU-led austerity that led to the death of 57 students, unleashing a mass movement for justice. Maria and Emilio explain what the struggle for justice meant for the Greek masses and why ultimately it led to a defeat.The article we discuss can be found here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/obol/2025-machesSubscribe to the press of the Trotskyist Group of Greece here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/obol/subscribe Follow them on insta @toe_icl Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Comrades Kat and Kate from the Partisan Defence Committee to discuss the increase in political repression and its relation to the crisis of U.S. hegemony. Crucially, we try and understand why there isn't a united response in the left and the labour movement to fight back, and ways to break out of the status quo.You can follow PDC Britain on X@ PDCBritain, or in the US @PartisanDefenseGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is back with Ray Bishop, member of the editorial board of Spartacist, to discuss all things China, from how the CPC's strategy is undermining the defense of China, to the crazy Sparts writing an open letter to the very CPC they are criticising! To make sense of what's going on with China as Trump turns the screws, and what's going on with the Sparts and their crazy letter, tune in and check out the other relevant articles below. The article we are discussing is called "China: Do nothing, lose" and can be read here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/chinaOpen letter to the CPC: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/cpc-letterThe class nature of China: Not capitalist not imperialist: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/69/chinaLongform Youtube on the same article here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocQX9uBh5j0&t=368s - Part 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsK67oWwa3Y - Part 2Relevant correpsondence on China: https://iclfi.org/pubs/spart-letters/2025-icl-cpcNational oppression in Xi's China - A Trotskyist answer https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/china-natlUS imperialism turns the screws: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/screwsYou can read our newly launched Chinese Spartacist here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/zh/10 and read our other Chinese-language publications here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/zhFollow us on X @SpartacistICL, or Chinese Spartacist on X @sibadakepai Get in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa sits down with Michael Davisson, editor of Workers Vanguard, and Tom, a public transit worker, who recently came together in a workers' conference hosted by the Spartacist League U.S. which brought together workers from across the country and some from abroad. We discuss the state of labor and the mood amongst the working class half a year into the Trump presidency, the pressures this is having on class struggle militants, and how to combat these while trying to advance the situation of the working class at a juncture where there is little organized labor struggle and the dominant mood is fear, apathy or despair.Some of the articles we discussed or mentioned in the discussion can be accessed here:James P. Cannon, Our Aims and Tactics in the Trade Unions https://www.marxists.org/archive/cannon/works/1924/unions.htmWhere is the U.S. going? https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1183/us-tasksWorkers: Brace for impact! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1184/brace Why U.S. imperialism needs Trumpism https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/1184/trumpismUS imperialism turns the screws https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/screwsThe death of liberalism https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/2024-liberalismYou can subscribe to Workers Vanguard here: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wv/subscribe or follow them on X and Insta @WorkersVanguardGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is back with Vincent with the third instalment of their series on the world situation. We discuss the basic mechanics of the US empire going back to the end of WWII in order to understand the dynamics behind the rise of Trump, what's on the horizon economically, and what this means for the left and the workers movement politically. Our discussion is based on this article here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/70/screws Here is a 2-part video by Vincent right after the Trump election, titled "Where is the U.S. going?" https://iclfi.org/pubs/spartv/2025-trump Subscribe to Spartacist and our other press here: https://iclfi.org/spartacist/en/subscribeFollow us on X @SpartacistICL, Vincent on X @VincentD_10, or Mansa on insta @punjabibolshevikGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik

Mansa is joined by Comrades Eibhlin and Vincent from Spartacist League Britain to discuss the latest development on the British left: the announcement by Zarah Sultana that she will form a new left party with Corbyn. Since this announcement, there has been much clamour and excitement (as well as some disasters) but we focus here on the lessons of Corbynism and the key questions this party must confront if it is to become a successful vehicle to channel working class discontent, build unity amongst workers and the oppressed, and bridge the gap between the left and working class. Some of the key articles published by the Spartacist League Britain (SLB) on Corbynism, liberalism and the recent period are below:How London liberals fuel the far right: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/254/liberalsApathy, despair, right-wing reaction: How to fight back https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/reactionTo build a workers party.... you need workers: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/workersBritish far left in cloud cuckoo land: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/255/cuckoo Special supplement on the general election 2024: https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/253 Throw the Zionists out of Labour and TUC! https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/251/zionists The conference document of the Spartacist League on which we base our political work in the current period: In defense of the revolutionary programme (II): https://iclfi.org/pubs/wh/247/conferenceFollow Workers Hammer, account of the SLB on X and insta @WorkersHammer, Vincent on X @VincentD_10 and Mansa on insta @punjabibolshevikGet in touch!Like the episode and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on X @SpartacistICL, or follow Mansa on Insta @punjabibolshevik