This time Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch Moscow-based historian, sociologist, and author Boris Kagarlitsky to discuss the situation in Russia more than 6 months after the invasion of Ukraine. Eric and Boris explore the economic and social reality for ordinary Russians in the wake of the sanctions and economic war. Boris explains why so much analysis from the western Left misses the mark, especially in understanding Russia’s motivations for the war, as well as the importance of recognizing the material interests of Russian elites in driving this war. The conversation also touches on everything from Russian poor and working class soldiers and the importance of Crimea in the strategic calculus to the possibility of regime change and “Putinism without Putin.” Don’t miss this important conversation with one of Russia’s leading political minds.

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This week labor journalist and organizer Kim Kelly joins CounterPunch Radio to discuss her important new book “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor.” Eric and Kelly discuss recent labor history in the neoliberal era and how the sustained attack on unions has helped radicalize a new generation of workers at Starbucks, Amazon, and other workplaces large and small. The conversation touches on Kim’s book and the idea of a labor history from below as well as the importance of learning about movements and individuals often forgotten or ignored by traditional labor history. Kim Kelly is one of America’s leading labor journalists, don’t miss this conversation only on CounterPunch!

This time Eric welcomes to the show author and activist Ray Acheson to discuss their brand new book “Abolishing State Violence: A World Without Bombs, Borders, and Cages” (Haymarket, 2022). Eric and Ray explore the nature of abolitionism, its historic roots, and the ways in which it is a framework emerging from the oppressed and marginalized. Ray discusses their anti-nuclear work and how the Left should respond to the growing calls for nuclear energy to tackle the climate crisis. The conversation also touches on the psychology of activism and the importance of seeing past perceived failures toward the larger goal. Ray is an incredible activist and organizer, and we are thankful that they chose to come to CounterPunch and discuss it all with us!

This time Eric welcomes back author and economist Michael Hudson to discuss his new book “The Destiny of Civilization: Finance Capitalism, Industrial Capitalism, or Socialism” available from CounterPunch. Eric and Michael discuss the nature of financialization, neoliberalism, and how these ideas form the basis of the modern global capitalist system. The discussion also explores the role of the US Dollar, the nature of debt as a weapon, US financial imperialism, and so much more.

This week Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch economist, author, and scholar Richard Wolff to discuss the state of the US and global economy. Prof. Wolff provides his analysis of the inflation issue and what banks, corporations, and the US Government can and should (but probably won’t) do. Eric and Richard also discuss unemployment, interest rates, the crypto collapse, the future of the US dollar as a global reserve currency, and much more. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio!

This time Eric welcomes back economic analyst and journalist Doug Henwood to discuss the economic situation in the US and globally. Doug provides his analysis of the causes and implications of the current rise in inflation, and how much of the Left has failed to properly analyze the situation. Eric and Doug also discuss issues ranging from “de-dollarization” and the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine to the political fallout for Democrats in coming elections and more. Don’t miss this week’s CounterPunch Radio.

This time Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch Radio author and historian Shalon van Tine for a discussion of the greatest Russian/Soviet films of all time. Eric and Shalon present their top 5 films and go back and forth discussing various aspects of these films and filmmakers. If you are a film nerd or just a student of history, this is an indispensable conversation for you exclusively at CounterPunch.

This time Eric chats with historian and author Doug Greene about his brand new book “A Failure of Vision: Michael Harrington and the Limits of Democratic Socialism.” Doug explains who Michael Harrington was, the role he played on the socialist left in the 60’s and beyond, and the Democratic Socialists of America, the organization he founded. Eric and Doug discuss the nature of democratic socialism and the historical conditions in the US that led to its prominence on the Left. This critical look at Harrington, DSA, and democratic socialism is essential reading for any socialist trying to make sense of the Left in the US today. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation on CounterPunch Radio!

This time Eric welcomes historian and author Marcus Rediker to CounterPunch Radio to discuss how the study of history can impact our politics today. Marcus explains what he means by studying “history from below” and how that perspective translates to our thinking of present day struggles. The conversation touches on the nature of slave resistance on the Atlantic, how and why that history has been suppressed, and the importance of unearthing it for future generations. Marcus also introduces the audience to the radical abolitionist Benjamin Lay and explains why Lay matters so much, even nearly 300 years after his death. So much important ground covered in this conversation with one of America’s leading historians and radical scholars. Don’t miss it!