Notes on Resistance

1. The US faces multiple crises: pandemic, climate, democracy, and nuclear threat

We are facing is often described as unprecedented. A pandemic, climate catastrophe, and always lurking off center stage, nuclear annihilation. Three of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Multiple overlapping crises. The United States is confronting a convergence of existential threats, including the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating climate change, erosion of democratic norms, and the ever-present danger of nuclear war. These crises are interconnected and mutually reinforcing:

• The pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing social inequalities
• Climate change threatens to cause mass displacement and resource conflicts
• Democratic backsliding undermines the ability to address other challenges
• Nuclear proliferation remains a sword of Damocles over humanity

The scale and urgency of these crises require a coordinated, systemic response. However, political polarization and institutional gridlock have hampered effective action.

2. Republican Party has become an extremist organization threatening democracy

The Republican Party has openly dedicated—it's not even concealed—to undermining what remains of American democracy.

Descent into authoritarianism. The GOP has embraced increasingly extreme positions and anti-democratic tactics:

• Voter suppression efforts targeting minorities and urban areas
• Gerrymandering to entrench minority rule
• Spreading disinformation about election fraud
• Attempting to overturn legitimate election results
• Condoning political violence like the January 6 insurrection

This shift threatens the foundations of American democracy. The party now functions more as an obstructionist force committed to minority rule than a normal political party in a democratic system. Its base has become radicalized, with a significant portion embracing conspiracy theories and rejecting basic facts about issues like climate change and COVID-19.

3. US foreign policy maintains global dominance through force and coercion

The United States is working very hard to prevent China's technological development and to prevent countries from using Chinese technology.

Hegemonic mindset. US foreign policy remains focused on maintaining global dominance and containing potential rivals:

• Military interventions and regime change operations
• Economic sanctions and coercion of allies
• Efforts to block China's technological and economic development
• Maintaining a global network of military bases
• Resisting international agreements that could constrain US power

This approach generates resentment, instability, and conflict. It also diverts resources from pressing domestic and global challenges. A shift toward multilateralism and cooperation on shared threats like climate change and pandemics is urgently needed.

4. Neoliberalism has led to extreme inequality and erosion of social safety net

There is a fairly careful estimate of what's called the transfer of wealth from the lower 90 percent of the population to the top 1 percent, actually, a fraction of them, during the four decades of this assault. A RAND Corporation study estimated it as close to $50 trillion.

Wealth concentration. Forty years of neoliberal policies have produced:

• Stagnant wages for most workers
• Erosion of labor unions and worker protections
• Financialization of the economy
• Tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthy
• Deregulation favoring corporate interests
• Privatization of public services

The result has been a massive upward redistribution of wealth and power. This extreme inequality undermines social cohesion, democratic governance, and economic stability. Reversing these trends will require a fundamental restructuring of the economy and strengthening of the social safety net.

5. Independent media and grassroots organizing are crucial for social change

What else is going to counter it? They are the ones who are holding up the hope that we'll be able to find ways to counter these highly harmful, destructive developments that we're discussing.

Building alternatives. In the face of corporate media dominance and political corruption, independent journalism and grassroots organizing are vital:

• Independent media provide critical analysis and amplify marginalized voices
• Labor unions and worker organizations fight for economic justice
• Social movements raise awareness and push for policy changes
• Community organizations build mutual aid networks and local power

These efforts create space for alternative narratives and mobilize people for collective action. They are essential for educating the public, shifting the Overton window of acceptable discourse, and ultimately forcing political and economic elites to make concessions.

6. Climate crisis requires urgent action within existing institutional framework

We have maybe ten or twenty years to overcome it. The means to overcome it are available. Robert Pollin, an economist at the University of Massachusetts, has done very detailed, careful studies. They're being implemented in some states and countries. There is very convincing evidence that, by investing maybe 2 percent to 3 percent of gross domestic product, we could bring all of this under control.

Feasible solutions exist. While the climate crisis is dire, there are achievable ways to mitigate its worst effects:

• Rapid transition to renewable energy sources
• Massive investments in energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure
• Just transition programs for fossil fuel workers
• Reforestation and ecosystem restoration
• International cooperation and technology transfer

These solutions are technically and economically viable. The main obstacles are political will and vested interests. Overcoming them requires sustained pressure from social movements and a reorientation of economic priorities.

7. China's rise challenges US hegemony but cooperation is necessary

China is not subordinate to the United States. It cannot be intimidated by the United States. It's not like Europe, and that's unacceptable. If you're the global dominant hegemon, the mafia don, basically you can't accept successful defiance.

Shifting global order. China's economic and technological rise is challenging US global dominance:

• Belt and Road Initiative expanding China's global influence
• Chinese companies competing in high-tech sectors
• China offering alternative development model to Global South

However, confrontation between the US and China risks catastrophic conflict. Cooperation on shared challenges like climate change, pandemic prevention, and nuclear non-proliferation is essential. A more multipolar world order may be inevitable and potentially stabilizing if managed carefully.

8. Optimism and activism are essential despite dire global circumstances

One thing that gives hope is that people are struggling hard under very severe circumstances, much more severe than we can imagine, to achieve rights and justice. They don't give up hope. Like the farmers in India. Or the people living in misery in Honduras. They don't give up, so we certainly can't.

Reasons for hope. Despite the gravity of global challenges, there are grounds for cautious optimism:

• Grassroots movements achieving victories against powerful interests
• Growing awareness of climate crisis and demand for action
• Advances in renewable energy and other green technologies
• Younger generations embracing progressive values and activism

Engaged citizenship and collective action remain the most powerful forces for positive change. Historical examples show that seemingly immovable systems can be transformed through persistent struggle. Maintaining hope and commitment in the face of adversity is both a moral imperative and a practical necessity for creating a more just and sustainable world.

Last updated: August 14, 2024