contercast: Recent Episodes
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Cat Boyd and David Jamieson present a podcast, based in Scotland, but looking at global politics, economics and culture from a Marxist perspective. Love Karl Marx, John Knox and Pamela Anderson? Hate the Clintons, Remoaners and home-made placards? Then this is the pod for you!
This is part of a longer podcast for our subscribers. You can become a subscriber and find lots of podcasts like this at https://www.patreon.com/conterscot.Jonathon Shafi and David Jamieson discuss Lee Anderson's defection to the Reform party, and the wider phenomenon of the revival of Islamophobia.How dangerous is the new backlash, and does it improve the prospects for Britain's flagging far right?
The state's response to George Galloway's by-election victory has exposed an anti-democratic, anti-Muslim backlash. Those on the left most concerned to distance themselves from Rochdale's new MP are an unprincipled liability, argues David Jamieson.
The political systems of the west are visibly decomposing. Who could represent this more than Joe Biden - the exhausted avatar of a dying world?
Nicola Sturgeon was hailed as a hero during lockdown, despite there being no evidence of her supposedly benign regime. The cabin fever has now broken - but what did it all mean?
In a new podcast series, James Foley and Ewan Kerr will interview key players and experts in Scotland's Covid saga. Cutting through mythology and posturing, they will ask the big questions about democracy, governance, class and power so often obscured in recent years.In this first episode, James and Ewan speak to Neil Findlay, former Labour MP and arch critic of the Scottish Government's handling of the Covid pandemic. They discuss the insults levelled at Findlay in uncovered government Whatsapp chats, what light the Covid inquiry casts on Sturgeonism in general, and the scandal of Covid era deaths in Scottish care homes.
From Scotland and London to Washington, liberal defenders of good governance and equality are finally admitting what we all knew - they just want to defend US global power, no matter the cost in blood and destruction.
As bombs from Fife pound Yemen and Gaza, David Jamieson asks where Scots wish to stand in our changing world.
Co-editors David Jamieson and Jonathon Shafi review the year, thank subscribers for all their support in 2023, and look forward to big changes in the new year.
Chris and Sara speak to Kenny MacAskill about the birth of the Scottish working class and its movements for justice.- What was the impact of the French Revolution in Scotland?- Why were weavers so important among labouring classes in 19th century Scotland.- Who were the Scottish radicals, and how serious was their Insurrection of 1820?
From Ukraine to Gaza, Britain is once again following the US into a series of disasters. Is the UK hopelessly shackled to a zombie empire, facing its own long decline?Someone Else's Empire is a new book by Tom Stevenson, which buries the myth of 'global Britain', and exposes the extent of British subservience to US power. On this episode he discusses the past, present and future of British vassalage, and where it's leading us - from Eastern Europe and the Middle East to the South China Sea.
First for subscribers!On this edition of the People's History, Sara and Chris discuss capitalism, clearances and resistance in the Scottish Highlands.- Why did the emergence of capitalism promote the depopulation of the Scottish Highlands?- What form did resistance to the clearances take? Why was it not successful?- Did racism fuel the clearances?
Critics of the pro-Palestine left think they are injecting nuance into an over-heated debate. In fact they are retreating from the harshness and complexity of the world.
Sophie Johnson and Chris Bambery are joined by Scots writer Billy Kay to discuss Scotland's most famous literary figure - Robert Burns.Burns class background powerfully informed his worldview and art. Derided as sentimental and romantic by some, does Burns in fact speak through the centuries to our own time?
The US, UK, EU and Nato are showing their true colours in Gaza. Are they still on the side of angels in Ukraine?
Jonathon Shafi speaks to Matt Kennard of UK DeclassifiedSupport our work:https://www.patreon.com/conterscotLinks mentioned in the show:Control Room -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCgfMdvk2n8UK Declassified -https://www.declassifieduk.orgIndependence Captured -jonathonshafi.substack.com
With Home Secretary Suella Braverman ejected from office by the anti-war movement, Jonathon Shafi and David Jamieson take stock.How has the movement been able to place Britain's politicians in such a bind, and what does this tell us about the future of the foreign policy of a state that acts as vassal to the United States?
After the suppression of the 1745 Rebellion, a new Scotland is born. Edinburgh becomes a seat of the Enlightenment, and the countryside is transformed by new capitalist relations.- How did economic changes bring new social classes to Scotland?- How did workers begin to fight for their interests?- Why did Scottish intellectuals become world famous in this period?
Sara Bennett and Alice Kinghorn-Gray speak to Riya, an activist in Palestine, about the impact of the siege of Gaza, the Palestinian struggle for survival and resistance, and the tasks of the international movement against Israel's allies in the west.
On this episode of a People's History of Scotland, Chris Bambery and Sara Bennett are joined by renowned Scottish historian Chris Whatley, to discuss the Act of Union, resistance to it, and the social forces that made up the Jacobite cause.- Why did the act of Union happen? Who supported and who opposed it?- What did it mean for the mass of ordinary people in Scotland - their rights and living standards?- What were the Jacobites trying to achieve? From where did they draw support?
Starmer is steaming towards office, in a country that hates its leaders and especially their slavishly pro-US foreign policy. It could prove the greatest problem of his premiership.
Interview: Lindsey German On The Movement, the Middle East And War In The 21st Century by Conter Radio
As part of our People's History of Scotland series, we will investigate radical personalities through the nation's history.In our first Rebel Lives episode, we examine the life, ideas and actions of John Knox - the leader of the Scottish Reformation.Historian Chris Bambery and Conter editor David Jamieson discuss this complex figure, largely maligned and forgotten by modern Scotland. Was Knox a narrow minded misogynist who burdened Scotland with a legacy of religious sectarianism, or a radical opponent of authority in his own day who helped birth ideas of democracy?
In this episode we discuss chapter three of A People's History of Scotland, “Reformation and the War of the Three Kingdoms.”Charting developments in the 16th and 17th centuries, Sara and Chris are joined by Conter editor, David Jamieson, to guide you through three tumultuous moments in Scottish history: first, they analyze the Union of the Crowns, and the chain of events sparked by it. They explore the English revolution and Scotland’s role in it, asking why radical democratic movements like the Levellers emerged in England but no parallel appeared north of the border. Finally, they investigate how all of these stories are intertwined with the power of religion. As Scotland was transformed by the reformation, Sara, David and Chris discuss the Covenanters, the dual role of the church as an institution of social control and a site of democracy, and the imprints this era has left on modern Scotland
Israel, already bombing civilians in Gaza, is gearing up for a historic assault. What does a commitment to peace really involve for those of us living in the western patrons of the Israeli state?
From the US to Scotland, leading politicians are joining picket lines to protest the consequences of their own rule. Are they having their arms twisted by working class organisation, or are they using picket lines as their own platform?
In this episode we discuss chapter two of A People's History of Scotland, “The Wars of Independence.”Offering fresh perspectives on William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scotts, host Sara Bennett is joined by author Chris Bambery to explore one of the most tumultuous periods in Scottish history—the two wars of independence. Sara and Chris discuss how power was wielded in feudal Scotland, the experiences of the rural poor, and the machinations of Scotland’s ruling families as they vied for the crown. Scotland’s “game of thrones” is placed in the context of international alliances and the class dynamics of feudal society.Subscribe to the podcast on:Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conter-radio/id1477893155Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0upFgs1f3V03hLpJ0AJSrpSoundcloud https://soundcloud.com/user-657873398Get critical analysis of news and events in Scotland and internationally at: conter.scotJoin the Conter mailing list, and never miss out on the latest updates: https://conter.substack.com/This series is only possible because of support from listeners like you. If you'd like to help us make more shows like this, please become a Patreon, and get acess to exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/conterscot
Introducing a People's History of Scotland, a new Conter podcast.Music by Ewan McLennan, "Song of the Lower Classes" from the album "Stories Still Untold."
Some trade union leaders have always advanced pro-war politics. But now they also advance the foreign policy views of a new global middle class.
The Scottish Greens co-leader is an outspoken proponent of free trade, despite its decades-long record of global inequality and environmental destruction.
This week, David Jamieson reviews 'This is Only the Beginning' by Michael Chessum - a book that offers a window into the world of left-right syncretism, and the campaign that killed Corbynism.
The Ukrainian summer offensive has failed to launch, and the Nato powers are losing confidence. But how did some convince themselves of the fantasy of a war of good against fascism - and what will they think next?
We spoke to Tara McCormick, lecturer in international relations at the University of Leicester, about the emergence of humanitarian intervention after the Cold War. What are its origins and key ideas, and what does it suggest about class structure in modern society?
Further, we discuss how the doctrine somehow survived the failure of the war on terror, and rehabilitated itself in Ukraine.
We speak to Samuel McIlhagga, a writer and researcher on the economics and sociology of the British elite, about whether Britain is in decline.
Would decline point to the break-up, or reconsolidation of the state?
The return of New Labour's Scottish stalwarts tells us much about the morbidity of our politics.
With Spain’s snap election on the horizon, the left coalition government of centre-left PSOE and left-wing Podemos is at risk of defeat by the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox.
The Spanish left is also taking on a new form for this election, with Sumar displacing Podemos as the dominant force.
And for the Catalan independence movement, this election is also a litmus test of how strong its parties remain six years after the ‘wildcat’ referendum.
Alice and Ben are joined by Pedro Rey-Araujo and Ekaitz Cancela to discuss the state of left-wing politics in Spain in the context of the election this Sunday (23 July).
Read more from Pedro and Ekaitz: 'No Man’s Land' and 'Lessons Of the Podemos Experiment' at the New Left Review.
With Spain’s snap election on the horizon, the left coalition government of centre-left PSOE and left-wing Podemos is at risk of defeat by the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox.
The Spanish left is also taking on a new form for this election, with Sumar displacing Podemos as the dominant force.
And for the Catalan independence movement, this election is also a litmus test of how strong its parties remain six years after the ‘wildcat’ referendum.
Alice and Ben are joined by Pedro Rey-Araujo and Ekaitz Cancela to discuss the state of left-wing politics in Spain in the context of the election this Sunday (23 July).
Read more from Pedro and Ekaitz: No Man’s Land and Lessons Of the Podemos Experiment in New Left Review.
Cat and David discuss Mhairi Black, the rise and rise of the centrist bro podcast, and nostalgia.
We spoke to Branko Marcetic - one of the US' leading anti-war journalists - about the US establishment's proxy-war with Russia, its growing hostility to China, and why the liberal wing of the elites has become the most warlike.
After Brexit, does Britain still need to escape member-statehood? Have elites given up rule? Does the working class need to constitute a new nation before it can think about socialism?
We spoke to Philip Cunliffe, co-author of 'Taking Control: Sovereignty and Democracy After Brexit' about the democratic challenge to Global Britain.
For the full podcast, including debates about Ireland, Scotland and closing the Scottish Parliament, sign up to support us: https://www.patreon.com/conterscot
You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Taking-Control-Sovereignty-Democracy-Brexit/dp/1509553207
In Mhairi Black, SNP leaders cultivated an ersatz socialist to attract voters. But what are the real tenets of this socialism?
Caroline Lucas, who entered politics as a Eurosceptic opponent of globalisation, exited as a warrior for the status quo. Her journey has been shared by so many on the left. How do we explain this?
After Sturgeon's arrest, we don't know where operation Branchform will lead. But we do know that the myths of Devolution era Scotland as a land of liberal good governance and enlightened order are baseless.
After Sturgeon's arrest, we don't know where operation Branchform will lead. But we do know that the myths of Devolution era Scotland as a land of liberal good governance and enlightened order are baseless.
We are witnessing an historic turning point. The US can no longer pose its interests as universal, and is increasingly exposed as a self-interested actor, argues radical journalist and executive director of the Tricontinental Institute, Vijay Prashad.
Speaking to Alice Kinghorn-Grey and Ben Wray, he draws out key shifts from recent imperial controversies, and points towards a more contested global future, where the workers movement can break through.
Supporters called it speaking truth to power. Opponents called it fascist. But NatCon showed that the trivial obsessions of the culture war have polarised politics and demoted the big questions of our time.
We are joined by Michael Billeaux to discuss the stirring of the US Presidential election, and ask - why does US politics continue to be transfixed by Donald Trump?
Monarchism is being subculturalised. How long can it last with the support of the alienated and ideological?
Pete and James discuss the Coronation. - How much organic popular enthusiasm is there for Charles- Is The Firm still the standard bearer of British nationalism?- Who is the creepiest Royal? - Why does British republicanism remain so naff?
Sturgeon loyalists have begun alleging a state conspiracy to decapitate the nationalist movement and fend-off independence. But they aren't alone - around the world conspiracy theories are resurgent, and the political centre is the most paranoid of all.
Pete Ramand and James Foley speak to researcher and writer Gemma Milne, who specialises in the impact of tech on capitalist society, about artificial intelligence.- Will it usher in an abundant communist future- Will it plunge us into a dystopian capitalist hell of mass unemployment and censorship- Who are the new ideologues of artificial intelligence, and why does their enthusiasm for tech imply pessimism about humanity?
From Edinburgh to Washington, journalists are suspicious of unofficial information and eager for censorship. What's going on?
In the last year, simmering tensions between the west and China have threatened to erupt. The standoff over Taiwan, and the struggle for control of the South China Sea, are only one flashpoint.Alice Konghorn-Gray and Ben Wray speak to Ho-fung Hung, Wiesenfeld professor in political economy at Johns Hopkins University and author of several celebrated books on the Chinese model.They discuss:- What kind of power is China - and is the west heading to war with it in the future?- In what sense can we talk of China as the 'Germany' of the 21st century.- What internal contradictions does this emerging global power face?
A special Easter Sermon. Collapse has arrived for Scotland's once dominant power clique. But the analysis of events is miles from reality.
The new Scottish Government are estate agents, selling Scotland behind a façade of nation building.
Pete Ramand and James Foley are joined by Jonathon Shafi to discuss the politics and prospects of Scotland's new First Minister:- What does the closeness of the SNP leadership race imply about internal party cohesion? - What will Yousaf's pitch be on independence - can it cut through at the next election?- Yousaf says he is a socialist - but what does this mean, and are there any prospects of pressuring Yousaf from the left?
On this week's Sermon, David Jamieson steps back from the SNP leadership fray to investigate the failure of Scottish nationalist ideology to launch.You can support Conter, and get access to exclusive content and events, by becoming a Patron: www.patreon.com/conterscot
Pete Ramand and James Foley are joined by David Jamieson to discuss the SNP meltdown:- How much do we really know about what's happened at the top of the SNP and Scottish Government?- Is SNP decline now assured? What about the continuing weakness of the opposition parties?- Are their any prospects for the socialist left in this mess?
The lies, the cynicism, the intrigue, the contempt - it's all unwinding at the top of Scotland's dominant party. Enablers and courtiers in civil society are fleeing the scene. A reckoning is due.
Cat and David examine erstwhile liberal hero Kate Forbes, indy Da choice Ash Regan and spherical economy minister Lorna Slater. Plus, why SNP HQ need to sort out their membership bagua.
Chris Bambery speaks to Willy Maley, editor of a new book called 'Our Fathers Fought Franco' about the Scots who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War.You can purchase a copy of the book at https://www.luath.co.uk/product/our-fathers-fought-franco
Pete and James present an in-depth survey of the 3 candidates to be our next First Minister:- Why is the debate so low-quality, and how much responsibility does Nicola Sturgeon have for the party culture that produced it?- How did the theology of the Free Church of Scotland become such a feature of the race?- Do any of the candidates represent a way forward for independence?
With voting about to open in the SNP leadership election, the deepest controversy remains a law passed 9 years ago that none of the candidates voted for. Scottish liberalism is incapable of addressing the great questions of our time.
This week's sermon explores the dissipation of the SNP project. No one quite seems to grasp yet how much damage has been done...
We spoke to Leandros Fischer, Assistant Professor for International Studies at Alborg University, about the pro-war left, the geopolitics of Europe and German political tensions over Ukraine.How did the European liberal left learn to see the progressive applications of war, and where is this creed heading?
None of the contenders for Scotland's top political job can match Sturgeon. What's worse, she hollowed the party of the democratic culture and intellectual life necessary for a reset.
In this first of a two part examination of Tom Nairn's life and contribution to radical Scottish thought, Pete Ramand and James Foley talk to his long-time comrade and intellectual interlocuter George Kerevan.In Part 1- Why did he disdain the traditions of the British left?- How did Nairn use Italian ideas to challenge the British left?- What was his relationship to the great theorists of his time?
As MPs cheered and fawned over Zelensky in London, teenagers continued to die in the bloody ditches around Bakhmut.'Glory' they called it in Westminster Hall. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
The Greens are on the streets protesting against their own policies. How can they weather this absurd contradiction? The answer can be found in their class base.
We spoke to Jay Sutherland, final year student at Strathclyde University and writer on the relationship between identity politics and activism, about student politics on modern Scotland.- How has industrial unrest on campuses changed student politics?- How have campus identarians come into conflict with workers?- What kinds of political operatives will emerge from the modern university?
This week, David Jamieson examines the record of the new Czech President and former Nato military leader Petr Pavel.What does it mean that Europe's transnational apparats are rising to prominence in national politics?
We spoke to academic researcher and writer Anton Jager about the crisis of civil society and the decline of mass politics. Taking as a starting point the seminal study 'Bowling Alone', he explore the decades long unwinding of political, civic and voluntary organisation which explains so much of the volatility of contemporary politics.This is the first part of our discussion: the second part for our subscribers can be found at https://www.patreon.com/conterscotAnton's article, referenced in the podcast, can be found at: https://jacobin.com/2022/12/from-bowling-alone-to-posting-alone
In this week's sermon, David argues the latest constitutional crisis in Scotland only masks political convergence with Westminster.
Noam Chomsky spoke in a lecture co-sponsored by Conter and the Havens Wright Centre at UW-Madison, on the threats to human civilisation in the 21st century.Can we navigate environmental destruction, a crisis-prone capitalism and renewed militarism to establish an international order worth the name?
We speak to Dr Nick McKerrell, a constitutional law expert, about the Westminster government's use of Section 35 to block Gender Recognition Reform legislation passed at Holyrood.- On what grounds can/have they done this?- Is this an attack on devolution, or is it upholding devolution?- Does Holyrood produce bad legislation? Why is it so subject to legal challenge?- What are the politics behind the clash between Sunak and Sturgeon?
On this week's Sunday Sermon, David speculates that Nicola Sturgeon may be trying to kill-off her own 'de facto referendum' strategy.
This week, David surveys the latest celebrity spats - from Harry vs the Windsors to Greta Thunberg vs Andrew Tait. What do we want from the celebrity deathmatch, and why do we find ourselves such eager spectators?
On this edition of Conter International, Alice and Ben talk to Matt Huber professor of geography at Syracuse University and author of 'Climate Change as Class War: Building Socialism on a Warming Planet'.They discuss the professional and managerial basis for much 'degrowth' rhetoric, and query what a working class and socialist environmental politics might look like.
For this episode of Conter Capital, David and Gregor are joined by economist George Kerevan to take a look at the big picture of the crisis of 2022.What's driving inflation, how is it interacting with recession, and what does the future hold for global capitalism
In this weeks Sermon, David examines the decline of Christianity in the UK, compares it to the decline of socialism, and investigates the ideology that has replaced both.
In this weeks sermon, David explores the struggle for institutional power that defines the culture war.
Pete and James examine the life and works of Mike Davis, the great US Marxist writer, scholar, urban theorist and activist who died in October.They explore their favourite Davis books and the penetrating insights that make them landmark texts.
We spoke to Ben Wray and James Foley, co-authors with the late Neil Davidson of Scotland After Britain: The Two Souls of Scottish Independence, about the complex relationship between empires, nations and transnational institutions.
In this week's sermon, David argues against 'Yestalgia' - the cynical attempts by SNP leaders to manipulate those who remember the hope and camaraderie of 2014.
On this edition of Enemy Within, James and Pete are joined by Conter editor David Jamieson to discuss the Supreme Court's ruling against the Scottish Parliament's right to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.- Is it a democratic outrage, and does that really matter?- Is this the end of the line for indyref2? What is a de facto referendum?- Is this the end of a political cycle that opened in 2014? Where next for Scotland?
What was Scottish nationalism's relationship to the British empire, and what can it teach us today?
In the first half of an interview with Scottish historian Chris Bambery, we ask why SNP politicians keep returning to the Irish Free State of a hundred years ago as a model for an independent Scotland.
In the second half, we explore the pro-Empire politics of the founders of Scottish nationalism.
To gain access to exclusive content and events, and to support all our work, join our Patreon at patreon/conterscot.
David recalls those days of yore, about 6 months ago, when the Scottish Government was bragging of its war against public sector largess. It's a rather different story today.
This week Pete and James dig into the US midterm elections.
- Has US politics entered a new phase of even more heightened polarisation?
- Is Trump still odds-on to be the Republican Presidential candidate?
- Is there any way to escape the deathly embrace of culture war?
Cat and David catch up on 12 weeks of meltdown Britain, talk mukbang and Elon Musk's twitter takeover.
How did it come to pass that the liberal chatterati opposes peace protestors and supports Europe's far right? Only war creates quite so strange bedfellows, argues David Jamieson.
This is the first in a two-part interview with the Brazilian political analyst and writer Alex Hochuli about the elections in Brazil and their aftermath.
We discuss the rise and morphology of Lula da Silva, from working class syndicalist to defender of the Brazilian state from its own worst excesses, and look at the class tensions threatening to cleave the nation’s young democracy apart.
In the second part for our interview for subscribers, we examine the limitations of ‘Pink Tide 2.0’, how the far right governs without governing, and why anti-fascism misunderstands the problem of modern political reaction.
You can support our work and gain access to exclusive content and events by subscribing to our Patreon at patreon/conterscot.
We speak to Alberto Paloni, senior lecturer in Economics at the University of Glasgow about the SNP leadership's 'new' economic prospectus.
Why does Sterlingisation remain such a disaster, should EU membership be coveted, and what holds SNP leaders to such a rigid economic orthodoxy?
Like this? Why not subscribe to patreon.com/conterscot to support our work and get access to exclusive content and events.
This week, David examines the anti-democratic nature of the Tory leadership election, and how it reveals the essentially extra-parliamentary nature of capitalist rule.
We speak to Chris Bambery from the Westminster Parliament, and Jonathon Shafi in Glasgow about the crisis Liz Truss' resignation opens for the British state:
- How have deep splits in the Tories led us here?
- Can the Tories just manage this away?
- Do the SNP have a strategy to take advantage of the current mess?
Gregor and David examine the history and present of energy under capitalism.
- Why capitalism has always been a 'detritus dependent' system
- How energy markets and their political power are leading to spiralling prices
- How war is intensifying competition over energy.
On this week's Enemy Within, Pete and James talk Trussterfuck - the crumbling of Truss feeble government.
- Why did Kwarteng need to go?
- If the BoE and financial markets wielded the knife, should we be worried?
- Should we all just throw soup on fine art?
Like this? Why not subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/conterscot
We spoke to senior lecturer of law at Glasgow Caledonian University Dr Nick McKerrell about the Supreme Court case over whether Scotland can hold an independence referendum without Westminster consent:
- Are the Scottish Government likely to succeed?
- Is the Supreme Court a 'neutral' body?
- Should we place much stock in a 'de facto' referendum?
For the Glasgow Launch of Scotland After Britain: Two Souls of Scottish Independence, comedian Frankie Boyle hosts a discussion with co-authors (with the late Neil Davidson) Ben Wray and James Foley.
- With the economy and the Tory party in shambles, is Britian finished?
- Does Labour pose any serious opposition at a British or Scottish level?
- Have the SNP leadership squandered an opportunity for independence?
You can purchase a copy of the book at a discounted price here: https://www.versobooks.com/books/4007-scotland-after-britain
Like this, want more? Support our work by subscribing at: https://www.patreon.com/conterscot
This week, David Jamieson argues the SNP leadership's disinterest in an independence campaign is clear for all to see at the party's conference.
For subscribers, he looks at the Green's cynical abuse of the efforts of campaigners for tenants' rights.
This week on the enemy within, Pete Ramand and James Foley debate:
- Can Liz Truss survive her own party?
- Can Starmer make us party like it's 1997 if the economy is in the toilet?
- With the £ tumbling and Westminster drama eclipsing the SNP, what message do they take in a general election?
On this week's Sunday Sermon, David Jamieson looks at the growing network of interests between Britain's big industrialists and the Labour party.
For subscribers, he also looks at the growing tendency to use claims of national self-determination in war propaganda.
We spoke to Ben Wray and James Foley, co-authors with the late Neil Davidson of Scotland After Britain: The Two Souls of Scottish Independence, about contradictions of British capitalism.
Why do the authors think Scottish independence is the best response to the problem of Britain, rather than Labourism?
We’ve just launched Conter Radio. A raft of new, free podcasts examining international affairs, political economy, Scottish politics and much more are on their way.
To mark the occasion, we are publishing some podcasts that were previously behind a paywall.
With British capitalism in crisis and sliding down the international rankings, whatever happened to Scottish independence? In this episode, we spoke to Jonathon Shafi, author of the independence captured newsletter, about whether the SNP’s strategy represents the dead end of its gradualist approach over recent years.
In his first Sunday Sermon, David Jamieson talks the new Tory Tax regime, its impact in Scotland, and sanctions on Russia.
James Foley and Pete Ramand look back on the bizarre spectacle of national mourning.
- What does the Monarchy represent in British ideological life?
- Should strikes have been suspended?
- What does dislike of Meghan Markle mean?
We’ve just launched Conter Radio. A raft of new, free podcasts examining international affairs, political economy, Scottish politics and much more are on their way.
To mark the occasion, we are publishing some of podcasts that were previously behind a paywall.
In this episode, I speak to Paul O’Connell about Labourism – its lasting hold on the British left, how it has undermined the workers’ movement, and how it could be usurped by something more dynamic and radical
Conter Capital is a new podcast from David Jamieson and Gregor Clunie, exploring capitalist economics in a period of crisis and transformation.
In this first episode, they discuss the meaning of ‘socialism for the rich’. Why has Truss just bailed out the big corporations for the third time since 2008? How did capitalism end-up so dependent on state intervention to protect its swollen banks and monopolies?
Conter International is a new podcast from Alice Kinghorn-Gray and Ben Wray examining the condition of global capitalism, and the movements and ideas thrown up in response to it.
In their first outing they speak to Alfredo Saad-Filho, Professor of Political Economy and International Development at King's College London, about the struggle to oust Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and the future of this emerging regional power.
We’ve just launched Conter Radio. A raft of new, free podcasts examining international affairs, political economy, Scottish politics and much more are on their way.
To mark the occasion, we are publishing some podcasts that were previously behind a paywall.
In Scotland’s Chumocracy, James Foley talks to Jeanette Findlay, senior lecturer in economics at Glasgow University and chair of Call it Out, about the dirty business of Holyrood governance.
Is the Holyrood village uniquely susceptible to cronyism? Is Scotland's civil society too dependent on grant-funding and old-pal networks?
To hear more from us, why not subscribe to Conter Radio wherever you get your podcasts?
Conter.scot editor David Jamieson announcing our raft of new, free podcasts examining radically changed times.
- To avoid missing anything, simply subscribe to Conter Radio on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
-You can support our work and get access to exclusive content and events by joining our Patreon at Patreon.com/Conterscot
- Sign up to our newsletter at conter.substack.com
Cat and David talk about the new Elvis film, Class politics and the alleged referendum in 2023.
Cat and David talk about the future of the monarchy, the recent council elections and the ongoing war in Ukraine,
Cat and David examine the latest moral panic, and the continued mutation of establishment liberalism towards jingoism and authoritarianism.
Cat and David discuss vaccine virtue, the big NATO love-in and why women aren't having children...
Cat and David talk about the ongoing Tory crisis and whether indyref2 is actually going to happen in 2023...
Cat and David discuss the events at COP26, religious cults (again) and the lure of the selfie.
As COP26 colonises Glasgow, Cat and David ask if Nature is the new God, why politicians appeal to the wisdom of children, and why podcasts can't replace Catholic confession.
Cat and David talk about the NGO industrial complex, Afghanistan, the new Scottish coalition government, strong men, hard times, soft men and good times.
(ps. this is why I shouldn't footer with audio; glitches now fixed! also sorry I am swearing a lot. cat xx)
David and Cat talk reactionary culture, and Glasgow City Council's discovery of Ayn Rand.
Cat and David talk with George Hoare about his new book, written with his podcasting pals, Alex Hochuli and Phillip Cunliffe
Cat and David talk about Labour's misfortunes, the Unite's general secretary election and Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche's blistering essay on The Culture.
Cat and David's first pod in ages resurrect the usual themes; politics, god and the curse of modern life.
ConterCast co-host David Jamieson is joined by Conter editorial board members Sara Bennett and Gregor Clunie to discuss the Kenmure street victory, the situation in Palestine, and the aftermath of the Scottish elections.
David Jamieson of ConterCast talks to Bonny Prince Bob, who is standing in Edinburgh Central to highlight the problems of gentrification and political careerism
David Jamieson and James Foley talk to Professor Catherine Liu, author of ‘Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class’, about how the middle classes have warped left politics.
Cat and David talk about Scottish politics to a global audience at the end of the End of History.
See more about AufheBunga Bunga here: https://aufhebungabunga.podbean.com/
Cat and David talk to Darren McGarvey about his new show on social class, why Scottish politics is grim and how not to become a pin up of the PMC
Cat and David talk about the open sewer season in Scottish politics, not being ok and capitalism's impact on our psyche.
Cat and David talk about Peter Murrell's bizarre evidence session, try to explain rugby, defend politics in sport and reveal the revolutionary significance of Handforth Parish Council
Cat and David talk about Peter Murrell's bizarre evidence session, try to explain rugby, defend politics in sport and reveal the revolutionary significance of Handforth Parish Council
Conter editor David Jamieson and London based socialist activist Michael Doyle discuss the history of Labour's engagement with nationalism - and why Starmer's facile approach will yield few results.
cat and david talk about Biden's inauguration, American cultural decline, the Scottish Labour party and indyref2
cat and david talk to Jacobin editor Bhaskar Sunkara about what the hell is going on in amerikkka
Cat and David talk to Alex Hochuli of BUNGACAST about his article in Damage mag
www.damagemag.com/2020/06/17/the-triumph-of-american-idealism/
Cat and David talk to journalist Kevin McKenna about Scotland's media scene, the SNP, class politics and god, of course.
cat and david talk to labour MSP neil findlay about the lessons of corbynism, independence and brexit
cat and David talk about David's recent highland holiday and the US presidential debate
cat and david talk about local lockdown, the return of brexit and george galloway's latest project
cat and david talk to very special guest robert somyne about anti americanism, ayatollahs and alyn smith
Cat and David talk to George Kerevan about his popular new piece on Conter, the changes to the SNP and some of his experience and insight into Scotland's hegemonic party.
cat and david talk about the problem with privilege, marching season and winston churchill
cat and david talk about the BLM protests, woke capitalism and the liberal degeneracy of "good vs bad"
cat and david talk about dominic cummings' lies hot off the press, jodi dean's upcoming lecture and UBI's potential ptifalls.
How do we develop a left strategy to take power in our cities? And what strategic dilemmas will we face if we succeed? Activists in Jackson, Mississippi - a state dominated by the far right - did just this. They built a movement based on combining social movement activity, people's assemblies throughout the city, a network of workers coops, and a political strategy that won the Mayors office, electing Chokwee Lumumba, a radical black nationalist and socialist. In this process they had to take on a highly mobilized right, that undermined their efforts at every turn. There are many lessons that can be drawn from this incredible project, a project that people in Europe have heard far too little about. We are incredibly lucky to be joined by one of the leaders of this movement, Kali Akuno, who will discuss the strategic dilemmas involved in building left power in the city.
Bio: Kali Akuno is the co-director of Cooperation Jackson, a network of worker cooperatives in Jackson, Mississippi. He is a longtime organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and a member of the New Afrikan People's Organization. He served as the coordinator of special projects for Jackson Mississippi’s late radical Mayor, and former Black Panther Party lawyer, Chokwe Lumumba. He recently coauthored the book Jackson Rising: The Struggle for Economic Democracy and Black Self-Determination in Jackson, Mississippi.
Social Reproduction Theory has been championed by marxist feminists as a way of deepening our understanding of everyday life under capitalism. By analyzing issues such as child care, health care, education, family life and the roles of gender, race and sexuality, it disects the relationship between economic exploitation and social oppression. In this lecture, professor Thithi Bhattacharya will discuss this in the light of the corona virus pandemic, offering a way for feminists and the left to understand the impacts of the virus, and how we can organize to confront them.
Bio: Tithi Bhattacharya is a Marxist historian and activist, writing extensively on gender and the politics of Islamophobia. She has been active in movements for social justice throughout her life, spearheading campaigns across three continents. She is the Professor of South Asian History at Purdue University and the author of numerous books, including Social Reproduction Theory (2017) and Feminism for the 99% (2019). Her writing has been published in the The Guardian, Journal of Asian Studies, Electronic Intifada, International Socialist Review, Monthly Review, Jacobin, Salon and the New Left Review.
What is the relationship between racism and capitalism? How does Western imperialism impact racism, at the levels of the state and in everyday life? The left often talk about racism as a tool to divide a multiethnic working class. But can this explain the sheer pervasiveness and depth of racism in society? Professor Deepa Kumar discusses the dynamics of contemporary racism, offering tools for activists to understand how it works, and how to fight it.
Bio: Deepa Kumar is a professor of journalism and media studies at Rutgers University, where she is also the president of the lecturers union, AFT-AAUP. She is the author of many articles and books including Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire.
Cat and David talk about the ideology of clapping and Ben Wray's latest article on Conter
Audio track from the first Conter vs Corona lecture series with professor Costas Lapavitsas. For upcoming events visit conter.co.uk
Cat and David talk about Angela Merkel's covid rehabilitiation from the darkest depths of the quar
Cat and David talk to Marty Smith from China about the collective response to coronavirus and their own fragile sanity in day 4 lockdown Britain.
ps.sorry about the sound, the lad is dialling in fae china after all! improves as episode goes so stick with us pls xxx
ConterCast regulars Cat and David are joined by economics journalist Ben Wary and his co-author of a forthcoming work on Scottish politics and economy, James Foley, to discuss Coronavirus, the economic crisis it has prompted and the world that will never be the same again.
Cat and David talk about the looming threat of Coronavirus in an age of apocalyptic feeling, and reflect on a run-in with Alastair Campbell in Glasgow.
Cat and David are joined by special guest Jonathon Shafi to return to tartan neoliberalism, in the shadow of Coronavirus and Glasgow's forthcoming climate conference.
Cat and David use the awards season to get over the midwinter and mid-Labour leadership election blues.
Cat and David bemoan Scottish political culture and the rise of neoliberal 'Scodland' as the prospects of an independence referendum recede, and look over the water to Trump's week of triumph.
Cat and David talk the fires down-under, surveillance capitalism, neoliberalisms destruction of tradition, and the loss of the only prince with a decent head of hair.
Cat and David catch-up with the general election campaign, and discuss emerging forms of capitalism in South East Asia. And Roy Chubby Brown.
Cat and David have dressed up for Halloween as a clown and George Galloway to talk about the upcoming UK general election, witches and Jesus.
Cat and David catch up on the most boring SNP party conference ever, the arrest of a sprig of broccoli, violence on the morning commute, all time best Question Time freaks and look forward to RIC 2019.
cat and david review joker, the latest brexit crisis, extinction rebellion and dish out ill informed hot takes on all matters current affairs.
cat and david chat with artist, FK Alexander about riots, youtube stars, counterculture and the manic street preachers.
Cat and David talk Justin Trudeau's blackface, the rise of the sapiosexuals and why authoritarianism is popular again, from the political centre to the fringes.
Cat and David are jined by special guest pal Pete Ramand on this weeks journey down the left wing rabbit hole. Featuring the sexy fetishes of various political parties, memories of indy ref and the reality of door knocking.
Cat Boyd and David Jamieson on the Evil Clintons, the Ghost of Thatcher, Zombie Labourers and Marxist Vampires
Disorientated and depressed about the left, episode 2 of Contercast features Cat Boyd and David Jamieson talking about PC culture, Brexit, Mr Blobby and John Knox.