Anthologies

Media activist David Barsamian, dubbed the "Studs Terkel of our generation" by Howard Zinn, has been broadcasting voices of dissent from around the world for over a quarter of a century. Barsamian’s radical weekly radio program, "Alternative Radio" (or simply "AR" to his fans), has been a north star in the mass media wilder-ness for people across the country since 1986. Ralph Nader calls it "a ray of light in the media darkness, featuring voices of proposals to strengthen our democracy." Barsamian’s latest volume brings together over 20 interviews culled from The Progressive magazine. Here, he talks with luminaries of the left—activists, academics and progressive celebrities—about their areas of expertise, their hopes for the future and the biggest obstacles facing movements for radical change. With his well-informed questions and engaging manner, Barsamian encourages his subjects to reflect on their lives and the world. In turn, they open their hearts and minds to him, offering nuggets of both personal and political insight. Barsamian invites readers to listen in as he converses with some of the best minds of our time, and skillfully weaves their analyses and wisdom into a digest of the world’s most pressing issues. The lively and accessible conversations highlight the urgency of globalizing dissent, and remind readers of the power of dialog to inform and inspire. While the people interviewed for this book are a diverse group, they share a common understanding that political change must be fundamental, not cosmetic. All of these thinkers have dedicated their lives to organizing for progressive change. None has lost faith in the capacity of working and poor people to change society, even in the face of the rapidly expanding corporatization of the world. Perhaps this is the book’s most inspiring message; there’s still reason enough to hope.

The United States' military doctrine, as proclaimed by its Department of Defense, is to attain 'full-spectrum dominance… in the air, land, maritime and space domains and information environment… without effective opposition or prohibitive interference.' This is an agenda for global conquest – for an ever-expanding US empire. As America prepares for conflict with Russia and China, wars continue in the Middle East and North Africa, tens of millions are exiled from their homes whilst many more face famine. But there is not only hope for change in the air, there is active resistance. People all over the world are challenging the status quo by taking nonviolent action. Voices for Peace features some of the world's leading thinkers, journalists and activists, offering insight, inspiration and solutions to the world's most critical problems: nuclear war, environmental destruction and refugee flows. In the wealth of material presented here, Kathy Kelly talks about the Afghan Peace Volunteers and Standing Rock protesters in the USA, calling for global unity. Bruce K. Gagnon's piece on space weapons discusses South Korean activists' opposition to American weapons in their country. Brian Terrell challenges the legality of drone warfare and outlines the grassroots links being forged between US and Russian citizens. Noam Chomsky discusses US policies towards Russia and Syria, as well as South America, trade, ISIS and Ukraine. John Pilger talks about the Trump-Obama naval build-up around China and exposes Britain's 'deep state' connections to the Manchester terror attack. Former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney analyses the Charlie Hebdo attacks and the deep state in recent US history. Ilan Pappé offers an exclusive analysis of Israel's actions to ethnically cleanse Israel of Palestinians. Finally, Robin Ramsay exposes the unconditional support given to the USA by successive UK governments. Seeking to inform and educate, this penetrating anthology is edited and introduced by author T. J. Coles, who gives a broader framework and context to the individual articles.