It’s that time of year
The end of the year wouldn’t be complete without a list.
The rest of the blog
The end of the year wouldn’t be complete without a list.
Let’s be honest: most podcasts are fluff, background noise for the doomscroll. But every so often, you stumble across a few that feel vital, like they’re speaking directly to the part of you that knows something’s deeply off. These are the ones that respect the work of Peter Dale Scott, understand that the CIA has been playing dirty for decades, and quietly agree that Oliver Stone might have nailed it with JFK. From deep-state machinations and true crime to the gangsters, spies, and outright monsters shaping our unnerving present, these podcasts don’t just expose the cracks—they show you how deep they go.
In V13: Chronicle of a Trial, Emmanuel Carrère immerses readers in the unprecedented legal aftermath of the 2015 Paris terror attacks, illuminating the harrowing testimonies of survivors, the moral quandaries of justice, and the uneasy search for meaning amid almost unfathomable violence.
Picture a once-mighty empire, stripped to its underwear. Once hailed for its democratic values and global reach, the United States now staggers beneath the weight of its own contradictions—its institutions hollowed out, its alliances squandered, its climate left to burn. In the aftermath of a second Trump presidency, what was once dismissed as political theatre has morphed into a crisis so profound that even the most reluctant observers must confront the truth: the old order cannot endure.
In an interview with Posle Media, researcher and long-time activist Catherine Samary delves into the critical challenges facing the French left amidst a global rightward shift. She critiques the Macron-Barnier government’s austerity policies, rising xenophobia, and the growing influence of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, while advocating for grassroots mobilisation and international solidarity. Samary also addresses the complex dynamics of a left responses to the war in Ukraine, exploring the tensions between anti-imperialism and support for Ukraine’s resistance, and highlights the urgent need for a renewed internationalist strategy to counter neoliberalism, militarism, and environmental devastation. This wide-ranging discussion situates the French left’s struggles within broader global crises, offering a sobering yet hopeful call to action.
Richard Seymour’s “Dreaming of Downfall” provides a crucial analysis of the recent wave of racial violence across Britain, exposing the deep-rooted anxieties and deliberate provocations that have led to this disturbing moment in the nation’s history.
In a city of contrasts, “Fractured Requiem” and “Eclipsed Empire” present two sides of a narrative. The first explores the fragmented chaos of a postmodern cityscape, where a disjointed yet powerful insurgency defies definition and challenges the very foundations of an unjust society. The second delves into the world of the privileged elite, revealing their shifting perspectives and growing unease as they confront the reality of a city transformed by the powerful momentum of change. Together, these stories weave a compelling tale of revolution and its impact on both the oppressed and the oppressors.
As the global green arms race heats up, the UK is having a hard time getting to Net Zero and keeping up with other countries that are leading the way in the green industrial revolution.
For better or for worse, this trial is a moment of reckoning for the American people.
As the neoliberal order crumbles beneath the weight of its own contradictions, a chorus of global protests heralds the birth of a new era, forged by the indomitable spirit of a disillusioned generation.
As we journey through the shadows of a world ensnared by the grasp of capitalism, we discover the indomitable spirit of those who yearn for change.
Amidst the shifting sands of the United Arab Emirates, a paradox unfolds as the nation’s thirst for oil and gas expansion challenges its commitment to the global fight against climate change.
In his compelling article on Sidecar “The French Uprising,” Frédéric Lordon examines the current political and social unrest in France, suggesting that the nation may be on the brink of a revolutionary transformation. In this post I explore some of his ideas.
Discover how the innovative 15-minute city concept is transforming urban life, fostering healthier communities and combating climate change, all while debunking far right distortions and misinformation. Dive into a sustainable, people-centric urban vision that promises a brighter future for city dwellers worldwide.
In an apparently unwarranted display of political force, the Labour party finds itself entangled in internal power struggles, with Keir Starmer pursuing the undermining of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn.
In a Guardian article today, Matthew Goodwin, an academic on British politics, identifies three key hurdles that the Labour Party must overcome to regain electoral success: reconnecting with the working class, addressing concerns about immigration, and navigating the rise of populism. Goodwin’s opinions are particularly relevant as his new book, “Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics,” is set to be released on Thursday.