This week Eric welcomes to the show award-wining journalist Barrett Brown to discuss his recent and very public falling out with Julian Assange, his perspective on Wikileaks and the role of Assange within it, and his exciting new Pursuance Project. The first half of the conversation explores Brown’s work, his relationship to Assange/Wikileaks, and the circumstances that led to Brown’s serving four years in prison. Barrett explains how his conflict with Assange developed, and provides insights into some of the internal conflicts roiling Wikileaks now, and in the recent past. The second half of the show provides a detailed exploration of Pursuance: what the project is, why it’s critically important, and how it could fundamentally transform journalism, among other things, in the 21st Century. This is an explosive, jam-packed show…don’t miss it!

Music: The Coup – “Laugh/Love/Fuck”

Warning: this interview between Louisa Willcox and actress and activist Margot Kidder could change your life. Margot was a brilliant spokesperson for the underdog and the dispossessed, who cared deeply about wilderness and the fate of the planet. Margie was also my friend, and one of the most generous, hilarious, smart and beautiful people I have ever met. Margie enjoyed a successful career acting, known, in particular, for her role as Lois Lane in the Superman Series alongside Christopher Reeves.

This interview was done in December, 2016, shortly after Margie returned from unprecedented protests at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, aimed at stopping a pipeline from being built under the Missouri River. Within a week of this interview, the Trump administration ordered the razing of the protest site, forcible removal of all remaining protesters, and completion of the pipeline.

The time then did not seem ripe to publish this piece, but Margie passed in May, 2018, and I feel that others could be empowered and inspired by her perspectives and experience at the protest. She offers insights here that have not been covered in the press. Margie shares a powerful and clear vision for improving our relations with each other, and the importance of challenging the dominant role of the extractive energy industry and tackling perhaps the most important problem of our time: climate change.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show author and journalist Arun Gupta to discuss everything from being a journalist in the Trump era to immigration, trade wars, and the sorry state of analysis on the left today. The show begins with a discussion of the Trump news cycle, the importance of sticking to issues, and some banter about Russia and what is, or isn’t, important to our political reality. From there, Eric and Arun discuss Trump’s trade wars, and whether it’s a brilliant move from a position of strength, or a dangerous play that could harm his political fortunes. The second half of the show focuses on immigration, and how the Trump Administration has used immigration “enforcement” as a form of ethnic cleansing. Also, Eric and Arun explore the obsession in some quarters of the left with Obama, and the new mantra of whataboutism that Obama has come to represent. So much covered in this wide-ranging interview. Don’t miss it.

*Note: Some minor audio issues just before the break, which last a few minutes.

Music: Constantines – “Young Lions”

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and academic Stan Malinowitz to discuss the recent elections in Colombia, among other important developments. The conversation begins with a rundown and analysis of the elections, including a profile of the two main candidates from the left and far right. Eric and Stan then discuss the recent wave of political assassinations, and what this means for the incoming administration and the people of Colombia. Additionally, Stan explains how neoliberalism manifests in Colombia, and how the economic situation will likely evolve under a far right wing government. The second half of the show focuses on Colombia’s role in regional and international issues, including the news that Colombia will be an observer-member of NATO. Eric and Stan also compare and contrast the right wing victory in Colombia with the victory of left-populist AMLO in Mexico. From Venezuela and Brazil to Nicaragua and Mexico, Colombia is a central actor in nearly every regional issue, and as such, commands our attention this week.

Music: Nouvelle Vague – “Guns of Brixton”

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and academic Rob Larson to discuss his latest book “Capitalism vs. Freedom: The Toll Road to Serfdom” and the ideologies and politics that inspired it. Rob explains why he felt it was important to combat the pernicious influence of right wing economic ideas, and the discourse by which it is spread. Eric and Rob examine the origins of neoliberalism and modern far right economics, and how they were translated into policy, both domestically and internationally. The conversation explores ideas about the nature of freedom, the ruthless efficiency of capitalism and privatization, and the need for dictatorships to carry out right wing Friedmanite economic policies. The second half of the show discusses some contemporary political questions, whether the Trump administration is truly neoliberal, how anarcho-capitalists and neoliberals explain away the glaring holes in their theories, and so much more. Don’t miss this wide-ranging discussion.

Music: Max Romeo – “Socialism Is Love”

This week Eric welcomes to the show undocumented activist and organizer Aly Wane to discuss refugees and migration, the Trump Administration’s policies at the border, and the political trajectory that brought us here. Aly and Eric discuss everything from the horrific, fascistic enforcement policy of the Orange Beast to the complicity of Democrats and liberals in creating the infrastructure that Trump now employs. The conversation explores the connection between the refugee/migration issue and US imperialism, and how that understanding is critical to building a true resistance movement. Aly provides valuable insights from his many years of activism, urging listeners and aspiring activists to mobilize and show true solidarity with the victims of the deportation machine. This wide-ranging interview should be heard by everyone who truly wants to learn from the experiences of our brothers and sisters most affected by this.

Music: Linton Kwesi Johnson – “Fite Dem Back”

This time Eric welcomes to the show researcher and activist John Ackerman to discuss the upcoming Mexican elections, the issues at play, and the significance of these elections for the country and the region as a whole. The conversation begins with an in depth examination of the front-runner, left wing candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), his policy proposals, and the challenges he’ll face as president. Eric and John discuss where big capital fits into this, whether they’re united in their support of a candidate, and what a prospective AMLO presidency means for Mexico’s corporate elites. The second half of the show focuses on the regional political dynamics, and the importance of these elections for the whole of Latin America. From taming the dotard Trump to addressing endemic corruption, AMLO will have his hands full. And yet, he may very well be the hope of a resurgent left in Latin America. Don’t miss this informative discussion on CounterPunch Radio

Music: The Coup – “Ride the Fence”

This time Eric welcomes to the show scholar and activist Edna Bonhomme to discuss her research on Tunisia, and how that country – a flashpoint during the Arab Spring – has evolved since protests erupted in 2010. Edna explains how the country has undergone a process of militarization, and that the US and other western powers have been behind the military in its expansion. Eric and Edna touch on everything from the role of Tunisia in the migrant crisis, to the US AFRICOM initiative and how that manifests all over the African continent. The second half of the show explores the role of neoliberalism in Tunisia and North Africa, drawing historical parallels to other countries in the region including Egypt. Edna discusses some of the social gains made since 2010 as well forms of resistance emerging today and so much more. This wide-ranging discussion is well worth your time.

Music: The Coup – “Laugh/Love/Fuck”

This week Eric welcomes to the show UK-based Iranian exile Yassamine Mather to discuss the latest developments in Iran and the Middle East. Eric and Yassamine begin with an analysis of the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) and the decision by the Trump administration to violate the treaty. From there, the conversation explores some of the political, economic, and strategic context within which these latest events must be understood. Yassamine provides her perspective on the regional and global issues at play, especially against the backdrop of the war in Syria. The second half of the show explores the social unrest in Iran, and how the neocons and their allies would like to exploit it for regime change. Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Hezbollah, ISIS, Saudi Arabia, and many other players occupy a spot on the chessboard. CounterPunch Radio is here to make the game understandable.

Music: Blackalicious – “Black Diamonds and Pearls”