Analysis: The Far-right, Islamophobia and the Left
A roundup of Conter podcasts on recent events...
How the Establishment Rebuilt the Far Right, and How to Fight It
David Jamieson speaks to Chris Bambery, anti-fascist organiser of decades standing, about how the far-right has changed, its new ideology, political geography and contradictions. They discuss:
How decades of official Islamophobia morphed fascist ideology
How the decay of the old left paved the way for its re-emergence in small towns
Why its new format requires new approaches, both to combatting reactionary ideology and building a new socialist movement
How the conditions for the rise of the far right hold in Scotland as well as England
Far-right riots, Islamophobia and the Left
Roving mobs have attacked mosques, chanted racist slogans and assaulted people on the basis of their skin colour.
This is a serious development, and comes as part of a long build up of reactionary ideas transmitted through well resourced media outlets, politicians, far-right personalities, social media channels and the state itself.
To discuss this we spoke to Michael Lavalette, a socialist campaigner based in Preston. He stood in the general election as an independent candidate, winning over 20% of the vote. This put his campaign ahead of Reform, the Tories and the Lib Dems.
We explore:
The origins and impact of Islamophobia
Strategy and tactics in relation to the far-right
The role of the state and how socialists should respond
How we can build class unity
The importance of hope and leadership
Understanding France: Detailed Election Analysis
The volatility and fragmentation in French politics and society has deep roots. It is a complex situation, with array of moving parts. While the left in the form of the New Popular Front were returned as the largest party in the momentous snap election (against all predictions) there are huge challenges ahead.
To discuss this, we sought the insights of Olly Haynes. Olly is a writer and researcher, with extensive contacts and experience of French politics. His writing can be found in a variety of outlets, including The Guardian.
What is the shape of the French electorate?
How should we understand the underlying dynamics which contour the election result?
What is Macron's project?
Why can't the French state discipline citizens around a neoliberal agenda?
What is the nature of the French far-right?
What forces are involved in the New Popular Front?
From Paris to London - Left Populism Rides Again?
Conter co-editor David Jamieson speaks to James A Smith, host of the Popular Show and author of a new book defending experiments in left electoral populism: So You've Been Ideologically Discredited.
They discuss:
How Melenchon and the New Popular Front have shown there's life in Left Populism
Whether the such a project can revive in post-Corbynite Britain
The theoretical underpinnings of Left Populism - does it have a class problem?
The phenomenon of the charismatic leader - do we need them, aren't they a vulnerability?
2014-2024: Scottish Independence And The British State Ten Years On
Conter is co-sponsoring a conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the Scottish independence referendum. It will be held on September 14th, at Glasgow Caledonian University. The event will draw together leading thinkers and campaigners to discuss and debate Scottish independence and the British state ten years on from the referendum.
We are pleased to bring you an interview with Dr James Foley, a member of the Conter Editorial Board, to discuss this initiative. James has written numerous books and articles on the topic, and co-authored Scotland After Britain: The Two Souls of Scottish Independence.
Conference themes include:
• The 2014 Generation: Insurgents to Governing Class?
• Party Transformation: Sturgeon's SNP and its Aftermath
• Scotland: Class, Power and Capitalism in the Nationalist Era
• Independence From? Debating Britain, "Europe" and America
• Culture and Identity in an Era of Constitutional Angst
• Debate: Is Independence Over?
