Abandon all hope ye who subscribe here. Varn Vlog is the pod of C. Derick Varn. We combine the conversation on philosophy, political economy, art, history, culture, anthropology, and geopolitics from a left-wing and culturally informed perspective. We approach the world from a historical lens with an eye for hard truths and structural analysis.
https://varnvlog.buzzsprout.com
episode 216: Exploring Bonapartism, Imperialism, and the Future of Socialism: A Discussion with Spencer Leonard
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration with our esteemed guest, Spencer Leonard, as we dissect the intricate connections between Bonapartism and Imperialism, using the French Revolution as the backdrop. We navigate through the complexities of the Bonaparte dynasty and Marx’s interpretations of this political era, drawing exciting parallels to modern politics. We also delve into the paradoxes of the old Tory gentry advocating for peace and commerce, while simultaneously analyzing the influential role of the press in the parliamentary showdown over the Chinese War.
As we journey through the 19th century, we shift our lens to Asia, examining Marx and Engels' perspectives on the tumultuous events of this period, such as the Anglo-Persian War and the Second Opium War. We also venture into the emergence of modern politics in Asia, the contradictory policies of Lord Palmerston, and how these historical events continue to shape our current political landscape. We promise, you will leave this discussion with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of international politics!
In the concluding part of our discussion, we look at the current state of socialism and left politics, with a particular focus on the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their resurgence in New York’s political machine. We explore the challenges facing millennials and the critical need for reflection on their own history. We also tackle the difficult conversations around the failures of the left, the ruin of socialism, and the possibilities for utopian ideals within the disintegration of capitalism. This is a discourse you won't want to miss! So, join us and Spencer Leonard in this enlightening exploration of Marx's theories and their implications in our world today.
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube