Around the Horn - Internationalist News Update

Date: April 30, 2025

Host: Author and Historian - Dr. Gerald Horn

Key Topics Discussed:

1. US President Donald Trump's First 100 Days in Office

• Approval Rating: Approximates at 40%, lowest in 80 years for a first 100 days.
• Public Trust: Washington Post-ABC poll indicates 6 in 10 say Trump out of touch; 7 in 10 see Democrats similarly.
• Intersecting Crises:
  • Economic Crisis:
    • Termed "Annihilation Day" or "Liberation Day" on April 2, 2025, leading to a global economic downturn.
    • US economy hit hardest with impending layoffs and empty shelves.
  • Historical Decline:
    • Decline of North Atlantic dominance since 1492.
    • Rise of China, particularly the Chinese Communist Party.
    • Potentially global shift of power unlike post-1945.
• Foothills of Fascism:
  • Attacks on immigrants, media, universities.
  • Fear of Trump regime distracting focus with fascist tendencies.
  • Example: White House use of undocumented workers' crimes to fuel narratives.
• Critique of Political and Historical Narratives:
  • Misunderstanding of Trump's appeal as merely economic.
  • Issues of racism, white supremacy, and republicanism.

2. 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War

• Historical Significance:
  • War was extensive, impacting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
  • Heavy toll with millions killed; significant US losses memorialized in DC.
• Continuation of US-Asia Conflict:
  • Ongoing US-China tensions linked historically to conflicts in Asia.
  • Discussion on how US imperialism faces challenges in controlling global geopolitics.

3. Canadian Elections

• Mark Carney's Victory:
  • Defeated Conservative Pierre Poura.
  • Tensions with Trump's US over annexation threats.
• Analysis:
  • Conservative defeat is positive; concerns about Carney's capitalist ties.
  • Canadian sentiment against US annexation historical and strong.
  • Social Democrats' strategic support for Carney to counteract Trump.
  • Contrasts between Canada and US in terms of policies and societal issues.

4. Significance of May Day

• Historical Context:
  • Originated in the US, celebrated worldwide as International Workers Day.
  • Celebrates labor movements, notably the Haitian Revolution’s impact on labor rights.
• Modern Implications:
  • Importance of supporting Haiti and recognizing historical labor struggles.
  • May Day as a reminder to revitalize labor movements globally.

5. Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

• Recent Developments:
  • Described as a terrorist incident in Kashmir by New Delhi.
  • Escalating military tensions between nuclear powers.
  • Call for diplomatic intervention by allies like Russia to maintain peace.

Conclusion

Dr. Horn emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts and supporting revolutionary movements for global and social justice.