U.S. and International Political Analysis

Nov 7, 2024

Around the Horn - Internationalist News Update

Host: Gerald Horn

  • Morris Professor of History and African American Studies, University of Houston
  • Activist, scholar, lawyer, historian, author of 48 books
  • Latest book: Armed Struggle? Panthers and Communists, Black Nationalists, Liberals in Southern California through the 60s and 70s
  • Regular presence on Black Power 96 radio and KPFK 90.7 FM

Main Topics Covered

U.S. Elections Analysis

  • Class Collaborationism: Seen in the Trump coalition, involving elites and working-class settler descendants.
  • Continuity of Counterrevolution: Historical analysis of 1776, 1876, and 2024 as periods of counterrevolution by settler colonialism.
  • Third-Party Candidates: No specific details given.
  • International Implications:
    • BRICS Developments: Opportunities and challenges for taking advantage of geopolitical shifts.
    • Potential Deportations: Under Trump, potential mass deportations affecting agribusiness and construction sectors, particularly targeting Latino workers and Haitians.
    • U.S.-China Relations: Major focus with significant contradictions, including U.S. corporate interests in China.
    • Russia's Position: U.S. might make overtures to Russia amidst global tensions, facing domestic Russophobia.
  • NATO and Europe: Trump's approach might strain NATO relations, particularly involving South Korea, Japan, and Russia.

Domestic U.S. Issues

  • Republican Campaign Tactics: Anti-trans ads highlighted as a significant aspect in Texas.
  • Role of Media and Political Analysis:
    • Critique of MSNBC's approach to political alliances.
    • Labor movement's role in settler colonialism.

Southern Africa Elections

  • Botswana: New leadership ending nearly 60 years of BDP rule.
  • Mozambique: Fray Limo retains power amid violence and insurgency concerns.
  • Namibia: Upcoming elections; reparations claim against Germany for historical genocide.
  • South Africa and Zimbabwe: U.S. displeasure over South Africa's neutrality towards Zimbabwe.

Cultural and Historical References

  • Films and Documentaries: Several recommended, including Steve McQueen's works.
  • Historical Context: Emphasis on the importance of understanding class and international struggles historically.

Closing Thoughts

  • Gerald Horn emphasizes the need for revolutionary understanding rooted in historical determinism.
  • Encouragement for solidarity and recognizing geopolitical vulnerabilities and opportunities.