Yanis Varoufakis

Tactical Alliances and Political Strategy

- The discussion begins with the suggestion that the left might consider forming tactical alliances with small capitalists against larger corporations, drawing on historical precedents like Lenin's strategies.
- The speaker emphasizes the economic dynamics where small-scale capitalists, such as electric bicycle manufacturers, pay substantial fees to platforms like Amazon, which retains a significant portion of their sales revenue.
- The necessity for a political party to lead such an alliance is highlighted, noting the absence of a strong labor party in the current political landscape.
- The conversation acknowledges the radical shift within the UK labor party, now perceived as more right-leaning under current leadership, which imposes austerity measures despite past promises.

Bernie Sanders and the Left's Political Direction

- The dialogue shifts to Bernie Sanders, who is respected for his political stance, contrasting him with figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose political orientation is met with skepticism.
- The speakers reflect on Sanders' strategic decisions over the years, suggesting he should have risked forming a third party instead of aligning closely with the Democrats, who often fear losing centrist voters.
- Sanders' focus on addressing the needs of working-class voters, particularly those who might otherwise support Trump, is noted as a successful approach during his campaigns in Vermont.
- It is argued that the left should not shy away from forming a genuine leftist party that boldly articulates necessary changes, even if it means distancing from mainstream political narratives.

The Role of Trump in Political Discourse

- The speakers analyze Trump as a political figure, suggesting he embodies a symptom of broader systemic failures rather than merely a standalone issue, with roots tracing back to previous administrations.
- They discuss the idea that Trump effectively connects with disillusioned voters by acknowledging their struggles, despite failing to deliver on his promises.
- The conversation critiques the demonization of Trump by some factions, arguing that it distracts from addressing the real issues faced by the working class and the failures of the political elite.
- The importance of understanding the socio-economic context that allowed Trump to rise is highlighted, emphasizing that he is a product of the failures of the radical center in politics.

Analysis of Democratic Leadership and Policies

- The speakers critique the Democratic Party's leadership, particularly focusing on how figures like Obama and Biden have failed to address the systemic issues affecting the working class.
- Obama's presidency is scrutinized for prioritizing Wall Street interests over those of ordinary Americans, which contributed to the conditions that led to Trump's election.
- Biden's actions, while symbolically positive, are viewed as insufficient in addressing the broader economic crises impacting many Americans, particularly those facing healthcare bankruptcies.
- The discussion emphasizes the need for a political alternative that genuinely represents the working class, rather than settling for the lesser evil in elections.

Global Political Context and Critique of Militarism

- The conversation transitions to a critique of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding military interventions and the bipartisan consensus on aggression towards countries like China.
- The speakers express concern over the potential for increased global conflict under Democratic leadership, arguing that the party has embraced neoconservative militarism.
- They reflect on how Trump, despite his flaws, exhibited moments of restraint in foreign policy, contrasting with the Democrats' aggressive stance.
- The ongoing humanitarian crises, such as the situation in Palestine, are mentioned as critical issues that demand attention beyond partisan politics.

Conclusion and Future Political Directions

- The discussion concludes with a call for a reevaluation of political strategies, advocating for a genuine leftist movement that prioritizes the needs of the working class over the interests of the elite.
- The speakers emphasize the importance of collective action and the formation of a political identity that can effectively challenge the status quo.
- They argue for the necessity of addressing systemic injustices and creating a political landscape that genuinely represents the marginalized voices in society.
- The urgency of this movement is underscored by the current political climate, which they view as increasingly hostile to progressive change.

Join us for a captivating celebration of the life and thought of the rockstar philosopher and revolutionary, Slavoj Žižek! In this special event, Slavoj, known for his unique blend of dialectics, psychoanalysis, and humor, engages in a profound discussion that promises to be both erudite and entertaining.

At 75, Žižek shows no signs of toning down his provocative insights. Accompanied by Yanis Varoufakis, we will explore his extraordinary life story and intellectual journey—from his upbringing in the former Yugoslavia under Soviet rule, where even his master's thesis was deemed ‘not Marxist enough,’ to his efforts in democratizing Slovenia and advocating for human rights.

This is a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man dubbed ‘the most dangerous philosopher in the West’ and to hear his thoughts on pivotal issues facing our world today. In a sneak peek of his latest book, Against Progress, Slavoj tackles pressing questions: What are his views on AI and emerging technologies? Is there still hope for humanity amid the looming threats of climate change? And critically, is progress always a good thing? Join us for this intellectual deep dive as we uncover answers to these questions and more from one of today's most outrageous and maverick thinkers.

About: Welcome to the home of big thinking. The How To Academy Mindset channel shares inspirational ideas for thriving in the 21st century. From Jordan Peterson to Steven Pinker, Stephen Fry to Elizabeth Gilbert - from how to be creative to how to take control of your life, we explore the big questions with world-renowned psychologists, business leaders, authors and coaches.

Introduction and Context

- The event is held at the Royal Geographical Society and serves as a celebration of Slavoj Žižek's 75th birthday, emphasizing the significance of the venue in today's digital age.
- The speaker humorously contrasts Žižek's radical ideas with the more conservative tendencies of society, highlighting his unique position as a "living contradiction" in the philosophical landscape.
- The speaker acknowledges their personal relationship with Žižek, noting the depth of their friendship despite their philosophical disagreements.

Žižek's Philosophical Influence

- Žižek's work is characterized by a blend of audacity, political incorrectness, and profound insights, making him a compelling figure in contemporary philosophy.
- The speaker discusses Žižek's fixation on Hegel, suggesting that his philosophical approach embodies a complex relationship with contradiction and materialism.
- There is a critique of the academic neglect of Hegel in Anglo-Saxon philosophy, which tends to favor other philosophers while overlooking Hegel's contributions.

The Role of Hegel in Contemporary Thought

- The speaker posits that Hegel's philosophy is often misinterpreted as deterministic, arguing instead that Hegel embraces contingency and the openness of the future.
- Hegel's assertion that thought always comes too late emphasizes the retroactive nature of understanding history, where past events are reinterpreted in light of new developments.
- The discussion includes a comparison of Hegel's and Marx's views on history, with the speaker suggesting that Hegel's perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of social change.

Contingency and Historical Interpretation

- The speaker illustrates the concept of contingency through personal anecdotes, likening falling in love to historical events that are interpreted as inevitable after they occur.
- The discussion highlights how capitalism emerged as a contingent phenomenon, which could have unfolded differently, challenging deterministic views of economic history.
- The speaker emphasizes that understanding the past requires acknowledging the role of chance and the unpredictable nature of historical developments.

Critique of Political Power and Marxism

- The speaker critiques Marx's understanding of political power, suggesting that it lacks depth in explaining the complexities of state mechanisms.
- The discussion raises questions about the relevance of Lacanian psychoanalysis in understanding contemporary political figures like Donald Trump.
- The speaker argues that Trump's appeal lies in his perceived sincerity, contrasting it with the more rehearsed responses of political opponents.

The Intersection of Psychoanalysis and Politics

- The speaker explores the psychoanalytic dimensions of political behavior, suggesting that a deeper understanding of desire and repression is necessary for analyzing contemporary politics.
- Lacan's insights into desire and repression are presented as crucial for understanding the dynamics of power and the nature of political subjectivity.
- The speaker advocates for a nuanced approach to sexual liberation, warning against the potential for new forms of oppression arising from uncritical demands for freedom.

Reflections on Communism and Capitalism

- The speaker and Žižek engage in a dialogue about their shared communist ideals, acknowledging the contradictions inherent in their beliefs.
- There is a discussion on the implications of modern capitalism, particularly the role of mega-corporations and their influence on social structures.
- The need for social control over corporations is emphasized, suggesting a reevaluation of power dynamics in the context of contemporary capitalism.

Join us for a captivating celebration of the life and thought of the rockstar philosopher and revolutionary, Slavoj Žižek! In this special event, Slavoj, known for his unique blend of dialectics, psychoanalysis, and humor, engages in a profound discussion that promises to be both erudite and entertaining.

At 75, Žižek shows no signs of toning down his provocative insights. Accompanied by Yanis Varoufakis, we will explore his extraordinary life story and intellectual journey—from his upbringing in the former Yugoslavia under Soviet rule, where even his master's thesis was deemed ‘not Marxist enough,’ to his efforts in democratizing Slovenia and advocating for human rights.

This is a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man dubbed ‘the most dangerous philosopher in the West’ and to hear his thoughts on pivotal issues facing our world today. In a sneak peek of his latest book, Against Progress, Slavoj tackles pressing questions: What are his views on AI and emerging technologies? Is there still hope for humanity amid the looming threats of climate change? And critically, is progress always a good thing? Join us for this intellectual deep dive as we uncover answers to these questions and more from one of today's most outrageous and maverick thinkers.

About: Welcome to the home of big thinking. The How To Academy Mindset channel shares inspirational ideas for thriving in the 21st century. From Jordan Peterson to Steven Pinker, Stephen Fry to Elizabeth Gilbert - from how to be creative to how to take control of your life, we explore the big questions with world-renowned psychologists, business leaders, authors and coaches.

Introduction to the Debate

- The session begins with an introduction to the debate, likening the discussion to the renovation of a house that requires either a simple facelift or complete demolition and rebuilding.
- The speaker introduces two prominent figures, Martin Wolf and Yanis Varoufakis, highlighting their expertise and contributions to the discussion on democratic capitalism.
- Wolf is noted for his influential commentary in economics and his book titled "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism," while Varoufakis is recognized for his role as Greece's former Minister of Finance and his upcoming book "Technofeudalism."

Martin Wolf on Democratic Capitalism

- Martin Wolf argues that despite the crises affecting democratic capitalism, it remains the best political and economic system available today.
- He emphasizes the historical context, noting that two centuries ago, democracies were virtually nonexistent, whereas now many countries incorporate significant democratic elements.
- Wolf asserts that the evolution of democratic systems has been a natural outcome of market forces and that a decentralized economy is essential for political stability and citizen empowerment.
- He highlights improvements in quality of life over the past two centuries, such as increased life expectancy and reduced infant mortality, as evidence of the system's success.
- Wolf expresses a desire to enhance the functioning of democratic capitalism rather than abandon it, suggesting that the current issues should lead to constructive reforms.

Yanis Varoufakis's Response

- Yanis Varoufakis acknowledges the common ground shared with Wolf, particularly their mutual belief in democracy and decentralized market systems.
- He argues that while liberal democratic capitalism has been effective, it is also fundamentally flawed and requires significant reforms to address its shortcomings.
- Varoufakis draws a historical parallel to the decline of feudalism, suggesting that capitalism may also be on the verge of transformation due to emerging socioeconomic forces.
- He introduces the concept of "Cloud Capital," describing it as a new form of capital that prioritizes behavioral modification through algorithms and technology, which he believes undermines traditional capitalist structures.
- Varoufakis expresses concern about the implications of algorithm-driven platforms like Amazon, arguing they create a new form of feudalism where power and profits are concentrated in the hands of a few.

The Role of Technology in Capitalism

- Both speakers discuss the significant role of technology in shaping modern capitalism, with Varoufakis emphasizing the transformative impact of algorithmic systems on consumer behavior.
- Wolf counters by acknowledging the potential of technology to enhance productivity and economic growth, stressing that it is crucial to adapt political and economic frameworks to these advancements.
- Varoufakis warns that the increasing dominance of tech companies could lead to a situation where traditional market dynamics are disrupted, resulting in a lack of genuine competition.
- Wolf argues that while there are valid concerns regarding tech monopolies, there remains the possibility of reform and regulation to ensure that the benefits of technology are widely distributed.
- The conversation highlights the tension between the benefits of technological advancement and the risks of concentration of power and wealth in the digital age.

The Future of Democratic Capitalism

- The discussion shifts to the potential future of democratic capitalism, with Wolf cautioning against the rise of autocratic systems that could threaten democratic institutions.
- He points to historical examples where democratically elected leaders have undermined democratic processes, leading to authoritarian regimes.
- Varoufakis agrees that the current global landscape presents challenges, particularly with the rise of authoritarian capitalism exemplified by China's model.
- Both speakers express concern over the implications of a world where democratic capitalism may be overshadowed by systems that prioritize state control and economic efficiency over individual freedoms.
- They conclude that the future of democratic capitalism will depend on the ability to adapt to changing economic realities while preserving democratic values and institutions.

Martin Wolf is widely admired as one of the most influential economic commentators in the world. While he sees the flaws in the capitalist system he believes it is worth saving. Yanis Varoufakis is a globally renowned economist and a bestselling author. He rejects economic orthodoxies and advocates for a progressive post-capitalist new order. On February 2023 Wolf and Varoufakis came to the Intelligence Squared stage at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill to discuss and debate their competing views for a better world.

As Wolf argues in his new book, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, for all its recent failings – slowing growth, increasing inequality, widespread popular disillusion – democratic capitalism remains the best system we know for what Wolf calls human flourishing. And while progressives such as Varoufakis claim that democracy would function better without capitalism, Wolf believes that the two are complementary systems that need each other if either is to thrive.

Varoufakis by contrast believes that capitalism isn’t working for ordinary people. Political power is wielded by wealthy elites and tech overlords. As he sets out in his latest book Another Now, there could be a different way: one without banks, billionaires, tech giants or stock markets. In his alternative vision employees all have equal shares in companies, everyone is guaranteed a basic income and housing is socialised.

Should we admit that capitalism has had its day and strive for something new? Or can capitalism be made to work in a way that grants us all our fundamental freedoms?

About: Intelligence Squared is the world's premier forum for debate. Here you'll find the best of our past events.

The New Cold War Against China

- The discussion centers around the new cold war initiated by the United States against China, which is characterized as a unilateral decision by Washington rather than a shared responsibility.
- The roots of this cold war can be traced back to the Trump administration, with significant escalation occurring under President Biden.
- The speaker emphasizes the urgency of this issue, warning that it could lead to a nuclear confrontation, which the U.S. authorities are allegedly aware of and are making a real possibility.
- A critical examination of American and British journalists reveals a tendency to cite Taiwan as a primary reason for U.S. actions against China, despite historical context indicating that Taiwan has always been viewed by Beijing as a part of China.
- The speaker challenges the narrative that China's development of surveillance technology is a significant threat, arguing that the U.S. has a long history of extensive surveillance practices, including spying on foreign leaders.

The Geopolitical Landscape and U.S. Military Strategy

- The speaker critiques the realist perspective in American geopolitics, which advocates for the U.S. to be the most formidable power to ensure national survival and prosperity.
- This perspective has historically led to the elimination of potential threats, such as Imperial Japan and the Soviet Union, and now positions China as the next target for containment.
- The concept of the 'Thucydides Trap' is mentioned, which suggests that a rising power threatens an established power, leading to inevitable conflict.
- The speaker notes the existence of a deep state in the U.S., describing it as an oligarchy that operates under the guise of democracy, with a singular focus on maintaining hegemony through military might.
- The speaker points out that the U.S. strategy includes NATO expansion and military presence in Eastern Europe, which inadvertently strengthens alliances between U.S. adversaries like Russia and China.

Historical Context of U.S.-China Relations

- The discussion shifts to why previous administrations, such as Clinton and Bush, engaged positively with China, contrasting this with the current aggressive stance.
- The speaker argues that the U.S. leadership was aware of China's potential for growth and chose to engage rather than confront until around 2014, when a shift in policy occurred.
- The speaker emphasizes that Europe plays a secondary role in this new cold war, often following U.S. directives despite its own interests.
- The historical context reveals that the strategic thinking of past leaders like Kissinger was focused on maintaining U.S. hegemony amid changing economic circumstances.

Economic Factors and the U.S. Trade Deficit

- The discussion highlights the U.S. trade deficit as a critical factor in its economic strategy, with historical shifts impacting the nation's ability to maintain its global position.
- Kissinger's approach suggested that increasing the deficit could benefit the U.S. by creating demand for exports from other countries, which has led to the current economic landscape.
- The speaker notes that the dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency is essential for sustaining its economic power and trade practices.
- The rise of 'Cloud Capital' in the U.S. and China is discussed, emphasizing the economic implications of digital platforms and their potential to disrupt traditional financial systems.

Strategic Recommendations for China

- The speaker outlines four strategic recommendations for China to mitigate the impact of U.S. containment efforts.
- Firstly, China should reduce its dependency on the American trade deficit by boosting domestic demand and increasing the wage share for the working class.
- Secondly, engaging in soft power initiatives and building infrastructure in developing countries can foster positive relations and counter anti-Chinese sentiment.
- Thirdly, enhancing community relations in regions where Chinese investments are made is essential for building trust and support among local populations.
- Lastly, it is crucial to engage with progressive movements in the U.S. to de-escalate tensions and promote collaboration on global issues such as climate change.

In this more than 30-minute speech, former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis elaborated on his understanding of the nature of the current U.S.-China competition, as well as his suggestions on how China can counter U.S. efforts to contain it.

#usa #uschinarelations #china #coldwar #europe

America is going to the polls in a divisive election which will shape not only its only policies, but also global affairs.

Kamala Harris aims to uphold the course of the current administration, while Donald Trump eyes a return that could bring isolationism and a tougher stance on alliances. European leaders are watching closely, as the outcome will shape NATO, trade, and transatlantic security.

What are the implications of this election for Europe, the Middle East crisis, and beyond? How might Harris or Trump’s foreign policy reshape global events? And what could their campaigns reveal about America’s future—and the prospects for progressive causes worldwide?

Join Yanis Varoufakis, Rania Khalek (Lebanese-American writer, political activist and journalist at Breakthrough News), David Adler (Progressive International) and our host Mehran Khalili for this important discussion on the future of US politics. Tune in live and share your questions!

FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS

1. Mehran: https://x.com/mkhalili
2. Yanis: https://x.com/yanisvaroufakis
3. Rania Khalek: https://x.com/RaniaKhalek
4. David Adler: https://x.com/davidrkadler

The world-famous economist and former Greek Finance Minister joins Ash Sarkar to argue that capitalism is dead and present a game-changing new paradigm: technofeudalism. The owners of big tech have become the world's feudal overlords—replacing capitalism with a fundamentally new system that enslaves our minds, defies democracy, and rewrites the rules of global power. But as Varoufakis will also reveal, technofeudalism contains new opportunities to thwart and overturn it, bringing into focus more clearly than ever the revolution we need to escape our digital prison. Watch Ash and Yanis open your eyes to the new power that is reshaping our lives and the world

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 - Why is the United States Hegemonic
2. 01:35 - Breton Wood System
3. 02:40 - Monopoly
4. 10:02 - Audience Question

#capitalism #china #novaralive #yanis #bigtech

Yanis Varoufakis with a passionate speech about Julian Assange's release and a scathing criticism of those who sought to keep him behind bars for the crime of 'journalism'.

#JulianAssange #wikileaks #politics

Julian Assange has been released from Belmarsh prison after five years of incarceration over an extradition case to the United States. We speak to Yanis Varoufakis, a friend of the WikiLeaks founder who has been campaigning for his freedom.

With Michael Walker and Grace Blakeley

Julian Assange is free! Join us for this critical livestream to celebrate the release of Wikileaks founder and DiEM25 founding member, Julian Assange.

His freedom marks a significant triumph for press freedom and our collective mission. We'll explore the far-reaching implications of his release, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the imperative to continue our fight for the liberation of all political prisoners worldwide.

Tune in to learn how we can sustain the momentum for global justice.

Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Srećko Horvat, Karin De Rigo and Federico Dolce, investigate.

#JulianAssange #Wikileaks #pressfreedom

Yanis Varoufakis and his DiEM25 act on behalf of Vladimir Putin

Intelligence Squared is the world's premier forum for debate. Here you'll find the best of our past events.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/16732435

Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X], 4x bestselling author and host of the podcast Slo Mo.

Edit: removed extra dots '....'

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.