The Socialist Program

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss what really causes inflation as housing costs continue to spike, increasing six percent–triple the Federal Reserve’s target. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at  rdwolff.com . Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining o...

The Israeli state was born in 1948 when zionists colonized Palestine. What are the colonial roots of Israel and what role does Israel play in the pursuit of policies mirroring the interests of U.S. and western imperialism? Brian is joined by Richard Becker, the author of the newly updated book, "Palestine, Israel, and U.S. Empire," published by  1804 Books . Please make an urgently-neede...

As negotiations over the war in Gaza continue, Hamas delivered a three-part proposal that would end in a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli military from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the proposal, vowing to fight until “an absolute victory.” Is that possible for Israel? How will this genocidal war end? Brian Becker is joined by Mohammed Nabulsi, an organizer with...

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the humongous floods in California that have wreaked damage across Southern California. Just 52,400 homes and businesses are projected to be covered by insurance—less than 1% of the more than 7.7 million households in the affected area. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can f...

In an exclusive interview, Brian Becker spoke with Haytham Abdo, a representative of The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in Lebanon, about his perspective on the war in Gaza. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram . We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing...

The U.S. is amplifying its war on Yemen, in retaliation for Yemen’s protest against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice will rule on South Africa’s case against Israeli genocide. Brian Becker is joined by Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, Chief Editor of LeftWord Books, and a prolific author, most...

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian discusses the political reasons why Netanyahu will keep trying to expand the war in Gaza, why Biden is still supporting him, what it will take to stop the genocide, Russia and China’s role, the use of AI in warfare, an organized tax revolt as a tactic, and more. This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at...

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the dramatic new report from the IMF showing that 40 percent of all jobs in the world could be impacted by the introduction of Artificial Intelligence. Fears are deepening about mass unemployment, exploding inequality, and other potential consequences of the integration of this new technology into the world capitalist system. P...

While Israel is escalating its attacks on Palestine and its neighbors, it has still not achieved its proclaimed goals, and resistance to Israel’s genocide is growing around the world. Palestine’s allies in the region are not backing down, and in the U.S. another massive national march on Washington is planned for this Saturday. Brian Becker is joined by Yara Shoufani, a member of the Palestinian Y...

Prof. Marandi of the University of Tehran says Israel can’t win a wider war against Lebanon and Iran. But these countries will have to respond to the recent terror attacks—and Israel’s war against Palestine may expand into a regional conflict nonetheless. Israel bombed Lebanon, assassinating senior Hamas political leader Saleh al-Arouri, followed by a series of explosions at the memorial service f...

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the lies economists tell us—like the "soft landing" they're claiming the economy had in 2023, when workers nationwide are experiencing sky high prices and low wages. What lies will we need to look out for in 2024? Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can...

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian discusses the new U.S. alliance to counter Yemen's ships from preventing materials going to Israel while the genocide is ongoing, media censorship now and in past crises, the release of Alex Saab, the seizure of NewsClick funds in India, Israel and Ukraine's relationship, and more. This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the...

The U.S. Congress and elite colleges and universities are spinning the reality that students are protesting to stop a genocide against Palestinians into the clear fabrication that they’re promoting one against Jewish people—something students haven’t called for. Students are facing repression at campuses nationwide but continue to stand up for their principles. Brian Becker is joined by Dr. Nazia...

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit in Washington to procure more money for the war with Russia that keeps dragging on. While the lives of the American people are getting more expensive by the day, the political elite continue to prioritize weapons spending and war. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organ...

Israel is arresting thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank while it ramps up the campaign against Gaza. Since Israel’s military operation launched after October 7, it has arrested more than 3,640 Palestinians, including 41 journalists and more than 200 children. Brian Becker is joined by Tala Nasir, staff lawyer and spokesperson for the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Assoc...

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the UN COP28 climate summit where record numbers of fossil fuel lobbyists were given access, and the summit itself is presided over by the chief executive for an oil company. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently...

As the clock ticks down on the truce in Gaza, Israel has attacked and killed at least two children in Jenin, a city in the West Bank. Brian Becker is joined by Abby Martin, creator & host of the Empire Files and director and narrator of the documentary Gaza Fights for Freedom , at GazaFightsForFreedom.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patr...

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the role of corporate profit in rising prices and unaffordability. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistpr...

More than 14,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, and this week Israel and Palestine came to an agreement for a four-day pause in the war. Will the pause extend into a permanent ceasefire? How did this agreement come about when this deal has been available since October? Brian Becker is joined by Yara Shoufani, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement and a PhD student in Political...

On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the number of people in the U.S. living paycheck to paycheck and the level of disconnect the elites in government have from the working class. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Soci...

Israeli forces raided Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital, including the emergency department, the surgical department, and the maternity ward in their ongoing assault that has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians. On Friday, people all over the world are walking out, striking, and protesting the genocide—read more at shutitdown4palestine.org. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a popular educator...

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss how inflation is hitting our paychecks—despite financial reports stating good news. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesoci...

More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel as countries around the world withdraw their ambassadors from Israel. But when the one Palestinian member of Congress, Rashida Tlaib, speaks in support of the Palestinian people, she is censured by the House of Representatives. Brian Becker is joined by Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research...

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss why people all over the country are finding out at the checkout counter that their bank accounts aren't working. Banks are suddenly closing accounts—sometimes without any notice—in what bankers are calling "de-risking," despite the individuals, families, and small businesses that are hit not doing anything wrong. Professor...

After Israel bombed a refugee camp in Gaza for a second time, the global tide is turning against the genocidal campaign and apartheid state. Brian Becker is joined by Rania Khalek of BreakThrough’s own news show Dispatches. Rania is a journalist based in the Middle East, she hosts Dispatches, and she’s also the co-host of The Freedom Side Live, both of which you can find on YouTube at BreakThrough...