The Manifesto Press Podcast

Get 15% off all manifestopress.coop books, merchandise and other products when you use REDSTAR15OFFRed Star Talks with Roger McKenzie - Ep.3 guest, Radhika DesaiRoger Mckenzie's titles on Manifesto Press:https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ...https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ...In this episode of Red Star Talks, host Roger McKenzie engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Radhika Desai, a political economist and professor at the University of Manitoba. They delve into Desai's academic journey, her critical perspectives on globalization, and the geopolitical economy. Desai emphasizes the importance of understanding the material basis of politics and critiques the notion of the dollar as a hegemonic currency, arguing that its dominance is crisis-ridden and unsustainable. The discussion also touches on the implications of recent geopolitical events, including the rise of alternative currencies and the complexities of international trade agreements, particularly between countries like India and Russia.Desai articulates her skepticism towards the current global financial system and the potential for a crash, suggesting that the elites in various countries remain heavily invested in the dollar system. The conversation culminates in a broader reflection on the need for a new understanding of international relations, one that moves beyond traditional cosmopolitan theories. Throughout the episode, Desai's insights challenge listeners to rethink the dynamics of power and economics in a rapidly changing world.Keywords#RedStarMedia #RedStarTalksWithRogerMcKenzie #RogerMcKenzie #ManifestoPress #RadhikaDesai, #geopoliticaleconomy, #dollarhegemony, #globalizationcritique, #internationaltrade #politicaleconomy #Marxism #BRICS #economictheoryChapters00:00 Introduction to Radhika Desai and the Podcast02:24 Radhika's Academic Journey and Marxist Influence08:25 Critique of Dollar Hegemony and Globalization14:14 The Future of International Trade and Currency Alternatives22:05 Understanding Trump's Tariffs and Economic Strategy27:39 Geopolitical Implications of U.S. Foreign Policy41:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Workwww.MorningStarOnline.co.ukwww.ManifestoPress.coop The new podcast, Red Star Talks with Roger McKenzie, brings together some of the most important activists and commentators to explore some of the most pressing issues facing the world.The talks do not pretend to be anything other than on the side of the working class and for radical and irreversible change in society. The discussions will not be some sort of academic exercise - we aim to spur the viewer to action.Roger McKenzie is a journalist and long time trade unionist and anti racist campaigner. Read his work in the worlds only socialist daily newspaper, the Morning Star at morningstaronline.co.uk You can find Roger at his Substack, the Red Star Dispatch: RogerMckenzie.substack.comX: @RogerAMck Bluesky: @rogermckenzie.bsky.social Instagram: Roger McKenzieWebsite: rogermckenzie.co.ukManifesto Press: manifestopress.coopRed Star Talks is a Red Star Media and Manifesto Press productionProduced by Rochelle Anne SwansonEdited and graphics by Corata GroupGet 15% off all manifestopress.coop books, merchandise and other products when you use REDSTAR15OFFRoger Mckenzie's titles on Manifesto Press:https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ...https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ...

Authoritarianism is on the rise. The United States is one expression of this with masked armed military on the streets carrying out raids to snatch anyone that “looks” to be an immigrant so they can be deported.But has the fightback started back in the US with the massive victory for Zohran Mamdani in New York City? Join me for my talk with US based journalist and activist Eugene Puryear to explore these issues.@EugenePuryear | breakthroughnews.orgThe new podcast, Red Star Talks with Roger McKenzie, brings together some of the most important activists and commentators to explore some of the most pressing issues facing the world.The talks do not pretend to be anything other than on the side of the working class and for radical and irreversible change in society. The discussions will not be some sort of academic exercise - we aim to spur the viewer to action.Roger McKenzie is a journalist and long time trade unionist and anti racist campaigner. Read his work in the worlds only socialist daily newspaper, the Morning Star at morningstaronline.co.uk You can find Roger at his Substack, the Red Star Dispatch: RogerMckenzie.substack.comX: @RogerAMck Bluesky: @rogermckenzie.bsky.social Instagram: Roger McKenzieWebsite: rogermckenzie.co.ukManifesto Press: manifestopress.coopRed Star Talks is a Red Star Media and Manifesto Press productionProduced by Rochelle Anne SwansonEdited and graphics by Corata Group

Thanks for tuning in to the Manifesto in Praxis podcast. In this episode Roger McKenzie (author of The Rebirth of the African Phoenix) talks with Molly Dhlamini In this conversation, Roger McKenzie and Molly Dhlamini discuss the themes of McKenzie's book, The Rebirth of the African Phoenix, focusing on the resurgence of Africa and its diaspora, the challenges of peace and security, the impact of the military-industrial complex, and the importance of solidarity and education in achieving liberation and development. They emphasize the need for African unity and the role of external support in fostering change. In this conversation, Molly Dhlamini discusses the impact of distorted religious beliefs on poverty in Africa, the psychological damage caused by apartheid and colonialism, and the unjust indebtedness of the continent. She emphasizes the need to reverse colonial infrastructure to foster African unity and control over resources. The discussion also touches on the Red Caravan initiative aimed at community engagement and solutions, and the importance of mourning the past to facilitate a rebirth of the African spirit and identity.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Rebirth of the African Phoenix02:53Exploring Pan-Africanism and Its Challenges05:48Peace and Security in Africa09:01The Impact of the Military-Industrial Complex11:52The Role of External Powers in African Conflicts15:13Solidarity and Support for African Liberation17:55Education and Skills Development for Peace20:47Advocacy and Multilateral Support23:47The Future of African Unity and Cooperation31:01The Impact of Distorted Religion on Poverty32:59Psychological Damage of Apartheid and Colonialism34:54The Unjust Indebtedness of Africa36:17Reversing Colonial Infrastructure for African Unity38:44The Quest for Resource Control and Equality39:59Challenging Manufactured Inferiority41:25The Red Caravan Initiative47:35Mourning and Rebirth of the African PhoenixThe Rebirth of the African Phoenix - A View from Babylon redefines Africa’s story, shifting our focus between continent and people—Africans reclaiming justice for slavery, whose labour sustains global industries, and whose diaspora fuels worldwide cultural, intellectual, and technological progress. Unflinching in its optimism, the book confronts colonialism’s scars while asserting collectivism, solidarity and renewal.  The second in a trilogy, The Rebirth of the African Phoenix is McKenzie’s deeply personal exploration of identity, tracing his ancestral odyssey and awakening as a subject of a fading colonial order. He has spent a life in struggle in the cockpit of British imperialism. A seasoned public servant, former trade union leader, and now international editor of the Morning Star, McKenzie is respected in Britain and beyond as a thinker and activist.  More than history, this is a call to action. McKenzie challenges the legacy of the enslavement of Africans, champions indigenous land ownership, debt justice, and collective solutions to climate change. He demands a radical restructuring of global governance—with Africa playing a central role.  Initially conceived as a personal reckoning, the book’s launch has struck a chord across continents, proving its universal urgency. The Rebirth of the African Phoenix is not just a study—it’s a manifesto for Africa’s rebirth.  Manifesto Press: Radical Reads for a Revolutionary Future For 30 years, we’ve published combative, unflinching books on class struggle, socialism, and liberation. We are worker-owned, movement-backed. Join us—arm the resistance.www.manifestopress.coop

This conversation explores the life and work of Hans Hess, focusing on his early life in Germany, the impact of the Weimar Republic, his intellectual development in Paris, his political awakening towards Marxism, and his contributions to the artistic community, particularly through the Bauhaus movement. The discussion also highlights his anti-fascist activities after moving to London.

In this conversation, Roger Mckenzie and Radhika Desai discuss the themes presented in Mckenzie's book, 'The Rebirth of the African Phoenix.' They explore the geopolitical significance of Africa, the role of the African diaspora, and the historical context of the third world. The discussion delves into personal experiences of identity and belonging, the impact of racism, and the necessity of creating communities of resistance against imperialism. They also touch on the complex issues of reparations and historical injustices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these themes in the fight for social justice. In this conversation, Radhika Desai and Roger Mckenzie discuss the complexities of reparations, the historical injustices faced by nations like India and Africa, and the importance of focusing on current generations' development. They explore the role of identity in the reparations debate, emphasizing the need for equality and non-discrimination. The discussion also highlights China's growing partnership with Africa, contrasting it with Western imperialist practices, and calls for a more nuanced understanding of international relations and development.

Roger McKenzie in conversation with Nick Wright, Christabel Gurney, Gordon Main and Molly Dhlamini.This podcast discusses the rise of authoritarianism globally, particularly in relation to South Africa and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. The speakers emphasises the importance of international solidarity, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the need for grassroots activism to combat oppression. They share insights from historical movements, the significance of community building, and actionable steps for listeners to engage in activism and support alternative media.

In this podcast, John Foster discusses his book 'Languages of Class Struggle', exploring key historical moments in British labor movements, particularly the revolutionary situations of 1842 and 1920. He emphasizes the importance of mass mobilization, language, and organization in the context of class struggle, drawing connections between past events and contemporary issues.

Prof. John Foster in conversation with Kenny Coyle: This conversation explores the languages of class struggle in Britain and Ireland, focusing on the significant events of 1919-20, particularly in Glasgow and Belfast. The discussion highlights the industrial centres' roles, the impact of shipbuilding on class mobilisation, the international context of the strikes, and the divisive nature of sectarianism. The speakers emphasise the importance of understanding these historical struggles to grasp the evolution of class consciousness and labor movements in the region.

This podcast episode delves into the life and legacy of Hans Hess, a Marxist art historian, through the insights of his daughter Anita Halpin. The conversation explores the rich artistic environment of the Hess household, the impact of historical events on Hans's perspectives, and the ongoing efforts to publish his selected writings. Anita shares personal anecdotes about her family's history, the significance of their guest book filled with notable artists, and the challenges faced in bringing Hans's work to a new generation.

This podcast discusses John Foster's book, 'Languages of Class Struggle', focusing on the theoretical debates within Marxism regarding language, communication, and mobilization in the context of class struggle. The conversation explores the historical significance of communication in mobilizing the working class, particularly through examples from the British and Irish labor movements. Key themes include the Marxist approach to communication, the role of Soviet theorists, the impact of Stalinism, and the practical struggles of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in overcoming sectarian divisions to unite workers against government policies.

This conversation explores the significant contributions of John Foster, a prominent Marxist theorist, to the understanding of language within Marxism. It delves into the historical context of Marx's ideas, the relationship between language and class struggle, and the role of the British working class in shaping Marxist thought. The discussion highlights the importance of literacy and cultural movements in the working class, as well as the evolution of Marxist perspectives on language over time. You can buy the book, What history is for: Essays in honour of Prof. John Foster, Manifesto Press 2024, via the Morning Star shop here

In this episode of our podcast series, Nigel Flanagan (author of Our Trade Unions) interviews Phil Katz about his new book. Yours For The Revolution: The Evolution of Tom Mann's Political Thought is an exploration of one of Britain's greatest trade unionists: Tom Mann. He remains Britain’s most accomplished trade unionist but each generation has to rediscover him. With the current union upsurge his time has come round again. Mann’s theory of socialism and class organisation was literally forged in the fiercest and most decisive union battles, extending over a fifty year period.  Yet little is known of his activity in the last two decades of his life, when he had his greatest impact and most enduring influence.  You can buy the book here: https://www.manifestopress.coop/product/preorder-yours-for-the-revolution-the-evolution-of-tom-mann-s-political-thought-by-phil-katz Please do support our fighting funds by checking out our new range of apparel at: apparel.manifestopress.coop

In this first episode of our new regular podcast series, Nick Wright (chair, Manifesto Press) sits down with Nigel Flanagan. Set against a rising strike wave, fierce battles over pay and public services Nigel Flanagan’s book ‘Our Trade Unions’, is flying off the shelves with meetings of trade unionists grabbing every copy. New revelations about class collaboration and corruption in the Western international trade union structure makes his call for rank and file power newly relevant. Now on its fifth printing. You can buy the book here: https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ... and in Epub format here: https://www.manifestopress.coop/produ... Please do support our fighting funds by checking out our new range of apparel at: apparel.manifestopress.coop