Episode 65 - Making Sense of the Radical Right

Episode 65 - Making Sense of the Radical Right

Author: CUNY SLU February 28, 2026 Duration: 47:03
Radical right-wing politics is commonly understood as a cry of the “left behind” - working-class voters who lost out in the transition to a post-industrial, services-based, and globalized economy. Philip Rathgeb, a political economist at the University of Edinburgh, challenges this view in How the Radical Right Has Changed Capitalism and Welfare in Europe and the USA (Oxford University Press, 2024). Rathgeb joins Chris Maisano on the latest episode of the SLU podcast Reinventing Solidarity to talk about his book, what differentiates the Republican Party from its right-wing counterparts elsewhere, and how his research might inform the efforts of people working to reinvent solidarity in the current moment.

What does it mean to stand together in a world that often feels fragmented? Reinventing Solidarity, from CUNY SLU, digs into that question without easy answers. This isn't a lecture series, but a collection of grounded conversations exploring how connection and mutual support are being reimagined right now. You'll hear from organizers, artists, scholars, and community members who are actively building bridges across differences, examining both the triumphs and the stumbling blocks in contemporary collective action. Each episode focuses on real-world examples, from workplace organizing and neighborhood initiatives to cultural projects that challenge old narratives. The discussions are nuanced, avoiding simple slogans in favor of honest talk about the hard work of building lasting bonds in our communities and institutions. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the practical and philosophical sides of coming together. This podcast offers a necessary space to consider how solidarity isn't just a historical concept, but a living, evolving practice we all have a stake in shaping.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 66

Reinventing Solidarity
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