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理查德·大卫·沃尔夫 Richard David Wolff
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_D._Wolff
1942 年 4 月 1 日出生, 美国马克思主义经济学家，以其在经济方法论和阶级分析方面的工作而闻名。他是马萨诸塞大学阿默斯特分校经济学名誉教授，也是新学院国际事务研究生项目的客座教授。沃尔夫还在耶鲁大学、纽约城市大学、犹他大学、巴黎第一大学（索邦大学）和纽约市布莱希特论坛教授经济学。
1988 年，沃尔夫与他人共同创办了《重新思考马克思主义》杂志。2010 年，他出版了《资本主义大爆发：全球经济崩溃及其应对之策》，也以 DVD 形式发行。 2012 年，他出版了三本新书：《占领经济：挑战资本主义》（与大卫·巴萨米安合著，旧金山：城市之光出版社）、《竞争经济理论：新古典主义、凯恩斯主义和马克思主义》（与斯蒂芬·雷斯尼克合著，芝加哥：干草市场出版社）。2019 年，他出版了著作《理解马克思主义》。
沃尔夫主持每周 30 分钟的节目《经济更新》，该节目由他共同创办的非营利组织《民主在工作》制作。《经济更新》在 YouTube、FreeSpeech TV、纽约市 WBAI-FM（Pacifica Radio）、CUNY TV（WNYE-DT3）上播出，并可作为播客观看。沃尔夫经常出现在电视、印刷和网络媒体上。《纽约时报》杂志称他为“美国最杰出的马克思主义经济学家”。[9]沃尔夫与他的妻子兼长期合作者、执业心理治疗师哈丽特·弗拉德 (Harriet Fraad) 住在曼哈顿。
Richard David Wolff
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_D._Wolff
(born 1 April, 1942) is an American Marxian economist known for his work on economic methodology and class analysis. He is a professor emeritus of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a visiting professor in the graduate program in international affairs of the New School. Wolff has also taught economics at Yale University, City University of New York, University of Utah, University of Paris I (Sorbonne), and The Brecht Forum in New York City.
In 1988, Wolff co-founded the journal Rethinking Marxism. In 2010 he published Capitalism Hits the Fan: The Global Economic Meltdown and What to Do About It, also released on DVD. In 2012 he released three new books: Occupy the Economy: Challenging Capitalism, with David Barsamian (San Francisco: City Lights Books), Contending Economic Theories: Neoclassical, Keynesian, and Marxian, with Stephen Resnick, and Democracy at Work (Chicago: Haymarket Books). In 2019 he released his book Understanding Marxism.[8]
Wolff hosts the weekly 30-minute-long program, Economic Update, which is produced by the non-profit Democracy at Work, which he co-founded. Economic Update is on YouTube, FreeSpeech TV, WBAI-FM in New York City (Pacifica Radio), CUNY TV (WNYE-DT3), and available as a podcast. Wolff is featured regularly in television, print, and internet media. The New York Times Magazine has named him "America's most prominent Marxist economist".[9] Wolff lives in Manhattan with his wife and frequent collaborator, Harriet Fraad, a practicing psychotherapist.
美国经济学家：中国崛起给美国人民带来了希望
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b3fTyejuOc&t=31s
YouTube 2024年7月27日
沃尔夫教授向我们指出，西方和乌克兰已经输了战争掉了，俄罗斯赢了。他从美国历史的角度分析了为什么美国将中国崛起视为威胁。那么，谁将成为新的全球秩序的领导者呢？ 如果安排停火如果战争最终通过谈判达成最终，西方极有可能会加班加点地让俄罗斯成为邪恶的替罪羊，这将减轻中国的一些压力，中国人真正能做的就是真正认真地向世界说我们不想成为另一个随后崩溃的帝国，我们将努力在乌克兰建立一个真正的多极世界，战争已经结束，俄罗斯赢得了乌克兰，西方已经失去了，危险在于西方他们会因为这种损失而感到非常沮丧，以至于他们会冒着使用核武器的风险，然后我当然不知道这会将世界带向何方我甚至不想去想它，因为它太可怕了，但讽刺的是，如果达成停火协议，如果战争最终通过谈判结束，西方极有可能加班加点地让俄罗斯是邪恶的、应受谴责的替罪羊，这将减轻中国的压力，你们将开始看到，你们已经看到，美国和西欧正在竭力分裂中国和俄罗斯。这样他们就可以指责俄罗斯，让中国加入，或者至少置身事外。这一策略的问题在于，对于大多数美国人来说，他们从来没有看到过俄罗斯制造的东西。如果你去美国的一家商店，所有的东西都写着“中国制造”。我们买我的衬衫、我的电话，我桌子上的所有东西都是中国制造的，美国人都知道中国，他们知道电动汽车现在来自中国，他们知道太阳能可以让他们使用太阳能发电来自中国等，所以可以说中国是邪恶的，没有任何东西来自俄罗斯，美国人，我不知道从俄罗斯进口了什么但你从来没见过任何关于俄罗斯的东西，所以这会让事情变得更加困难，另一方面，他们把普京描绘成一个邪恶的战争贩子，你知道，他已经被逮捕，并被当作战犯，他们把普京变成了斯大林把斯大林复活为大恶魔，普京先生是现代斯大林，所以已经做了大量的工作，他们可能会继续这样做，但这将给中国带来压力，因为已经有美国领导人去中国告诉你不要发送货物，不与俄罗斯进行贸易，不购买俄罗斯的石油和天然气，我的意思是，你不听，中国不听，我知道俄罗斯人很感激，印度人也不听，他们购买俄罗斯的石油和天然气，这使得西方对俄罗斯的制裁变得毫无意义，改变了世界历史，但我猜这需要做很多工作，我希望中国人能做这项工作，因为这将使我们更有可能成功一个我们可以解决分歧而不是最终陷入战争的世界，因为如果你想要一个看看乌克兰或加沙，你就会明白战争会带来什么后果，战争解决不了任何问题，只会让一切变得更糟，这是我们的历史，答案永远是这样的，这是我们的历史，让我给你举个例子，当美国美国决定不再成为英国的殖民地，这就是英国人来到北美时进行种族清洗的原因，他们屠杀了住在这里的人们，大量美洲原住民被英国人杀害好吧，他们和来自欧洲的定居者建立了一个殖民地，然后在 1776 年的某个时候，这些人不想再成为殖民地了，他们对英国说，我们想要独立，当时英国是霸权国家，英国为了镇压独立而进行了两次战争，1776年的独立战争，几年后又发生了1812年的战争，这是英国第二次试图摧毁这个独立国家，所以这个国家是在与英国霸权帝国的斗争中诞生的，这就是为什么这就是方法它思考了 19 世纪的世界，在两次战争中击败英国后，它开始作为一个独立国家进行经济发展，它认为自己的使命是取代英国，而英国却不这么认为，他们认为世界就是这样运转的罗马帝国、希腊帝国、土耳其帝国、大英帝国，现在轮到我们了，我们有了美利坚帝国，所以他们预计它会永远存在，这有点幼稚，没有一个帝国能永远存在，每一个崛起的帝国也曾经衰落过，但他们不想考虑这一点，就像英国不想考虑他们的帝国的终结一样，所以二战后，美国发现自己处于一个非常独特的地位其他具有潜在竞争力的经济体被摧毁，英国、法国、德国、日本、俄罗斯、中国，许多人丧生，铁路和工厂遭到严重破坏，你知道，你知道整个美国的状况，除了珍珠港之外，没有炸弹落在这里，战争刚开始时，这里没有战斗，死亡的美国人数量比其他许多国家少得多，也没有破坏，事实上，美国在 20 世纪 30 年代走出了大萧条，战争使经济复苏，一半失业者得到了制服，参军了，另一半失业者在工厂找到了工作，制造枪支、子弹和参军人员使用的制服，具有讽刺意味的是，在 1945 年战争结束时，美国是绝对占主导地位的经济强国，欧洲的重建是美国人出钱的，美国人生产并运往德国、法国，设备、机器，一切，所以在过去的 75 年里，大约 1945 年到 2010 年 2015 年，美国占据绝对主导地位，历史上一个又一个帝国，包括他们自己的帝国假设这就是中国人将要做的事情，当他们看到中国竞争对手在一个又一个行业中取得越来越大的成功时，当他们意识到像马云这样的人已经能够与政府一起发展中国技术，以便与西方最先进的技术竞争时，他们就无法理解正在发生的事情，这就是为什么我之前对你说，中国人能做的真正原创的事情就是向世界真正而严肃地告诉世界，我们不想成为另一个崩溃的帝国，我们将努力发展一个真正的多极世界，如果中国人这样做，如果他们能成功地向美国人民展示这一点，这可能是说服美国人民不要让中国成为替罪羊，不要让他们为那些他们没有特别责任的事情负责，中国人确实提供了进入中国市场的劳动力，但他们这样做是为了换取技术和进入西方市场的机会，他们得到了这是一种交换，没有人拿枪指着别人的头，这是一种自愿的互利交流，如果中国人能够让大家明白，他们的目标不是取代美国，那么你就能得到一个完全不同的历史，但这并不容易做到，我敦促有兴趣的中国人致力于此，但要意识到历史意识形态障碍给我们所有人造成了这个问题
YouTube 美国经济学家：中国崛起给美国人民带来了希望
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b3fTyejuOc&t=31s
2024年7月27日
沃尔夫教授向我们指出，西方和乌克兰已经输掉了战争，俄罗斯赢了。他从美国历史的角度分析了为什么美国将中国崛起视为威胁。那么，谁将成为新全球秩序的领导者呢？
If a ceasefire is arranged if the war finally gets negotiated to an end it will be extremely likely that the West will work overtime to make Russia the evil blame worthy scapegoat and that will take some of the pressure off of China the really original thing that the Chinese can do is to say to the world really and seriously we don't want to be another Empire that then collapses we are going to try to develop a genuinely multi-polar World on the ground in Ukraine that war is already over Russia has won Ukraine and the West have lost the danger is that the West will be so upset by that loss that they will risk nuclear weapons and then of course I have no idea where that takes the world and I don't even want to think about it because it is so horrible but here's the ironic way it may help if a ceasefire is arranged if the war finally gets negotiated to an end it will be extremely likely that the West will work overtime to make Russia the evil blameworthy scapegoat and that will take some of the pressure off of China and what you'll begin to see and you're already seeing it is a desperate effort led by the United States and Western Europe to separate China from Russia to split to so that they can blame Russia and have China join or at least stay away the problem with that strategy is that for most Americans they never see anything made in Russia if you go to a store here in the United States everything says made in China everything we buy you know my shirt my telephone all the things here on my desk they're made in China everybody in America knows China right they know that the electric
cars are now coming from China and they know that the solar that allows them to use the Sun for electricity it comes from China etc., so they can be told China is the evil nothing comes from Russia Americans I don't know what is imported from Russia but you never see anything that says Russia so that will make it more difficult on the other hand they have portrayed Mr Putin as an evil warmonger you know there's a warrant out for his arrest as a war criminal they have they have turned Putin into Stalin they have resurrected Stalin as a great evil and Mr Putin is a modern uh Stalin so an enormous amount of work has been done and they may stay with that but that will put pressure on China as you already have American leaders go to China and tell you not to send Goods not to trade with Russia not not to buy Russian oil and gas I mean you don't China doesn't listen and and the Russians I know are grateful for that the Indians don't listen either and they buy the Russian oil and gas and and that made the Western sanctions against Russia useless has changed world history but my guess is it's going to take a lot of work and I hope the Chinese do that work because it'll make it more likely that we succeed in having a world where we work out our differences rather than end up in Warfare against one another because if you want to get an idea of where that leads just look at Ukraine or look at Gaza and you can see what Warfare will do it solves nothing and only makes everything much much worse it's our history it's always the answer it's our history let me give you an example when the United States decided it did not want anymore to be a colony of Great Britain which is how remember the British came to North America they ethnically clean that is they slaughtered the people who lived here the indigenous original American people were killed in huge numbers by the arriving British okay they set up a colony with settlers from Europe who came okay then at a certain point 1776 these people here didn't want to be a colony anymore and they said to England we want independence at that time England was the great hegemonic power the British fought two Wars to repress Independence the war of independence in 1776 and then a few years later what was called the War of 1812 the second time Britain tried to destroy the independent country so this country was born in a struggle against a hegemonic Empire Britain that's why this is the way it thinks about the world over the 19th century after the it had defeated Britain in both of those Wars it began to economically develop as an independent country and it saw its job as replacing Britain that they didn't they thought that's the way the world Works you've had the Roman Empire the Greek Empire the Turkish Empire the British Empire and now it's our turn we have the American Empire so they anticipated that it would last forever this is a little childish right no Empire has lasted forever every Empire that went up also fell down at some point but they didn't want to think about that just like the British didn't want to think about the end of their Empire so after World War II the United States discovered itself in an incredibly unique position all the other potentially competitive economies had been destroyed Britain France Germany Japan Russia China many people killed much destruction of railroads of factory you know you know the condition of all of the United States no bomb fell here with the exception of Pearl Harbor at the very beginning of the war there was no combat here the number of Americans killed much smaller than many other countries and no destruction in fact the United States came out of a Great Depression in the 1930s and the war picked the economy up half the unemployed people were given a uniform and put into the military and the other half of the unemployed people got jobs in factories making the guns and the bullets and the uniforms that the people who went into the army used so the irony was at the end of the war in 1945 the United States was the absolutely dominant economic power the rebuilding of Europe the Americans paid for that the Americans produced and literally shipped to Germany France the equipment the machines everything so the last 75 years roughly 1945 to roughly 2010 2015 have been the United States absolutely dominant and given their history of one Empire after another including their own their assumption is
that that's what the Chinese are going to do and as they watch Chinese competition becoming more and more sucuccessful in one industry after another when they realize that people like Jack maah and others have been able with the government to develop Chinese technology so that it competes with the most advanced technology in the west well then they they don't they can't understand anything else happening that's why I said to you earlier the really original thing that the Chinese can do is to say to the world really and seriously we don't want to be another Empire that then collapses we are going to try to develop a genuinely multi-polar world if the Chinese do that and if they can successfully show that to the American people that may be a very important way to convince the American people not to allow China to be scapegoated to be blamed for things that they have no particular uh blame for the Chinese offered true they offered Western capitalist Enterprises labor access to the Chinese market they did but they did that in exchange for technology and exchange for access to Western markets which they got this was an exchange nobody had a gun to anybody else's head it was a voluntary mutually profitable exchange if the Chinese can get that idea across if they can make it credible that their goal is not to be the heiman that replaces the United States then you could get a very different history but that that is not easy to do and I would urge those in China who are interested to be committed to this but to be aware of the historical ideological obstacles that create this problem for all of us.
The works of Richard Wolff
Richard Wolff: Resilience in a Time of Change
Don't miss Richard Wolff on WDRT 91.9fm as they cover various critical economic topics. Dr. Wolff discusses the changing global economic landscape, highlighting the rise of China as a major economic player. He emphasizes the need for resiliency in facing economic challenges and advises diversifying investments, including in gold. Dr. Wolff raises concerns about the declining American economy and its impact on job markets and trade. The interview concludes with insights on adapting to a shifting economic environment and the importance of being prepared for potential changes ahead.
read more
Trump and the Billionaires
Join Richard Wolff on The Socialist Program as they explore the impact of billionaires like Elon Musk endorsing and financially supporting political campaigns, such as Trump's, with a focus on the changing economic landscape and the tensions between old and new capitalists. They discuss the historical pattern of capitalism that shifts based on profitability, causing conflicts within capitalist groups who seek different government interventions in their favor. The conversation delves into how current political tendencies, like proposing extreme tariffs against China, signify a declining American empire unwilling to adapt to a changing global dynamic. Wolff argues that the U.S. lacks genuine representation for the working class, with both Democrats and Republicans maintaining a system that benefits the wealthy elite at the expense of the majority. The interview concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to acknowledge its declining status and to cooperatively engage with emerging global powers for a sustainable future.
read moreThe Critical Hour: Weekly News Wrap Up (20.07.2024)
On The Critical Hour, Richard Wolff offers perspectives on global political economic dynamics, emphasizing the misjudgments of the U.S. in its confrontations with China and the seizing of Russian assets. He critiques past strategies, such as Trump's tariffs and trade wars that failed to cripple China's economic growth, which continued at a pace three times that of the U.S. Wolff warns of the risks for foreign investments in the U.S. considering the potential for seized assets, suggesting any such deal by China under current circumstances would be ill-advised. He addresses the emergent multipolar world economic order where the BRICS countries are now an economic powerhouse surpassing the traditional dominance of the West. Finally, Wolff stresses the importance of recognizing the shifting balances of global power, signaling a decline in Western capitalism, as countries strategize to navigate between the opposing geopolitical tensions.
read moreJuly 22, 2024
China Dumps US Debt, Fearing a Capitalist Armageddon
Watch Richard Wolff on Thinkers Forum as they discuss the shifting landscape of global capitalism, highlighting the transition of economic growth from the West to the East, with BRICS countries surpassing the G7 in GDP. Wolff critiques the American capitalist system, underscoring how corporations and the rich avoid taxes while receiving government services, leading to a reliance on borrowing and growing national debt. He explains that governments borrow from the wealthy, who benefit from not paying taxes and instead lending money to the state with interest. Wolff suggests this unsustainable model favors the elite and can lead to crisis if the masses refuse to bear the burden of debt repayment. The interview also touches on historical capitalist movements, noting how industrial centers shift to maximize profits, with China emerging as a powerful economic influence at the expense of traditional Western hegemonies.
read moreJuly 22, 2024
China Has to Make a HUGE Decision Now
Join Richard Wolff on Thinkers Forum as they explore the consequences of neoliberalism and globalization on the American working class, with a critical look at the policies from roughly the 1970s to 2015. Wolff highlights how these policies helped corporations profit by outsourcing labor and accessing new markets, while resulting in significant job losses and economic downturn in the US, particularly impacting the manufacturing sector and cities like Detroit. Political scapegoats, such as immigrants and China, have been utilized to divert blame from corporate and political leaders for the decline in American worker conditions and the rise in economic challenges. The interview delves into the ways in which both major political parties in the US have contributed to this issue, with Republicans focusing more on anti-immigrant sentiment while Democrats place more emphasis on blaming China, despite corporate America's continued interest in globalization.
read moreJuly 22, 2024
Brutal Signs of a Collapsing Empire
Richard Wolff discusses on Dialogue Works his perspective that both Western political ideologies and capitalism are in decline, as evidenced by election outcomes like Emmanuel Macron's defeat in France. He notes that neither the political right nor the left propose viable solutions to the systemic issues facing capitalist societies. Wolff highlights the growing economic might of China and asserts that the West's failure to establish partnerships with emerging powers is a strategic mistake. He views the BRICS countries' initiative for a North-South transportation corridor as a future economic powerhouse, with Europe potentially losing out for not being more integrated. Wolff concludes by expressing disappointment over Western denial of their declining global economic influence and calls for a more honest assessment of global economic shifts.
read moreJuly 10, 2024
France Marches Left as Far Right Suffers Huge Setback
In this The Socialist Program episode, Richard Wolff and Brian Becker talk about the surprising victory of the left in France under the new popular front, challenging the Macron government and the far right. He criticizes the biased coverage of the elections in the United States, emphasizing the importance of the leftist victory as indicative of broader shifts in European politics. Wolff points out that young French voters mainly supported socialist candidates, signifying a potential sustained leftist presence in French politics. Addressing American politics, he highlights the comparative exclusion of socialism within the U.S. political system, where major media fails to present socialist perspectives, and meaningful choices are limited by the dominant parties. Finally, he discusses the potential impact of another Donald Trump presidency on American society, suggesting that it could signify a rightward shift enacted by Supreme Court decisions rather than reflecting the true will of the American people.
read moreJuly 10, 2024
The Critical Hour: Weekly News Wrap-Up: Biden Debate Debacle
On The Critical Hour, Richard Wolff offers perspectives on the recent US presidential debate, critiquing the state of American capitalism and leadership. He scrutinizes the economic systems of the United States and other Western countries, noting a shift in global financial power to the BRICS nations. Wolff dismisses the personal economic claims of both candidates as irrelevant to the systemic issues facing the country, emphasizing the deeper structural failures such as the inability to provide adequate housing. He highlights the US's recent military and geopolitical losses as indicative of a declining empire, urging a more introspective national assessment. Additionally, Wolff challenges the notion that either Trump’s or Biden’s administration could single-handedly shape the economy, pointing to the complexities of global economic dynamics and growth disparities.
read moreJuly 08, 2024
BRICS on the Rise, Countries Ditching the Dollar & U.S. Empire Declines
Don't miss Richard Wolff on Rachel Blevins show as they cover the state of the US economy, exploring the rising cost of living and Americans' dwindling optimism about the economic future. Wolff criticizes other economists and mainstream media for being out of touch with the average person's struggles, highlighting the inability of many Americans to afford housing and education costs. They discuss the global economic shift as the BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—surpasses the G7’s economic influence, reshaping world dynamics and lessening US power. With attention on the shift from dollar dependency and potential emergence of a collective global currency, Wolff proposes a future where instead of seeking dominance, leading countries like China might pursue a collective and more equitable global arrangement. Throughout the interview, both Wolff and Blevins emphasize a disconnect between government priorities and the needs of ordinary people, illustrated through domestic and international economic policies.
read moreJuly 01, 2024
Israel is Losing Significantly, and It's Only Getting Worse
Watch Richard Wolff on Dialogue Works as they discuss the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its repercussions in the United States, particularly in the context of student demonstrations and university responses. Wolff highlights the historical struggles between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the imbalanced power dynamic and the controversial Israeli military actions, which he argues have only worsened the crisis. He expresses deep concern that U.S. universities and police have suppressed student protests against U.S. foreign policy through force, possibly curtailing civil liberties and igniting a wider student movement. Wolff also discusses the shifting global sympathies towards Palestine, fearing that Israel's actions are damaging its position and amplifying support for Palestinians as victims. Lastly, Wolff stresses the potential long-term impacts of these events, forecasting an energized movement among students and faculty that could influence future American politics and foreign policy.
read moreJune 28, 2024
West's Colossal Failure: Peace Summit in Switzerland, US Decline, Rise of BRICS
On Dialogue Works, Richard Wolff covers the topic of global political dynamics, particularly focusing on the Ukraine conflict, the West's decline in influence, and the rise of China. He dissects the West's attempt to maintain control, despite the shifting economic balance towards Eastern powers like China and Russia, and criticizes the West's symbolic political gestures as ineffective. Wolff suggests that the efforts to break up Russia or isolate China are futile, as they form a strategic alliance with each other and with other nations turning away from Western alliances. He highlights the changing world order, where BRICS is expanding and the U.S. dollar's global role is waning, and describes the U.S. military spending and foreign policy rooted in a historical context of violence. Finally, Wolff argues that American politics is largely theatrical, failing to adapt to a world that no longer conforms to its narratives of dominance and seeing enemies everywhere.
read moreJune 24, 2024
Capitalist Speculators Drive the Dangerous Math Behind Nuclear Energy
Richard Wolff joins The Socialist Program to discuss the recent 233% surge in uranium prices over five years due to geopolitical tensions and a shift in energy demands. Wolff emphasizes that the price spike is being driven not only by increased interest in nuclear energy as an alternative to Russian fuels but also by speculators seeking capital gains. He critiques the capitalist system for prioritizing profit over environmental and public health, highlighting how massive subsidies for fossil fuels could be redirected to develop renewable energy. Wolff also touches on the pressures faced by countries like India and China, as they seek to develop while dealing with historical economic disparities. Ultimately, he underscores the need for mass movement and public engagement to overcome the capitalist interests dominating global energy policy decisions.
read moreJune 20, 2024
Economic Update: Labor Vs Capital Struggle in US Intensifies
In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff discusses The Washington Post's exposure of the corporate rich sponsoring police repression against student protests and how Boeing rewards CEOs while it exhibits the airlines' worst safety record. In addition, the UAW loses union election as German capitalists and southern governors join forces to intimidate workers with job threats. Finally, we highlight why mass public transport is a better alternative to gas-powered vehicles than electric vehicles.
read moreJune 11, 2024
U.S. Escalates ‘Nuclear’ Risk: World Stands On 'Edge' Of Destruction
On David Lin's show, Richard Wolff covers the topic of escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict and the potential descent into World War III not being adequately addressed in mainstream media. He outlines how Western powers, by potentially allowing Ukraine to conduct strikes inside Russia and discussing the use of Russia's seized assets to fund Ukraine's war efforts, have drastically escalated the situation. Wolff suggests that this confrontation is the most severe since the Cuban Missile Crisis, with the potential to broaden into a direct conflict involving the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, he touches on economic dimensions, criticizing U.S. sanctions against Russia as ineffective due to strengthening Russia-China ties, and he also presents his views on domestic economic policies, recommending alternatives to interest rate hikes for combating inflation. Lastly, Wolff advocates for workplace democracy, arguing that it could resolve economic dysfunctions and promote a broader democratic ethos.
read moreJune 03, 2024
U.S. Health System Fails Cancer Patients, But Wildly Successful for Investors
Richard Wolff provides insights on The Socialist Program regarding the problematic nature of profiteering in the American healthcare system, especially the impact on cancer patients. He criticizes the system's failure to provide essential services and the resultant medical bankruptcies that affect two-thirds of Americans. Wolff emphasizes the stark contrast between the U.S. healthcare model and universal healthcare systems in Europe and other countries, which manage to cover all citizens at a lower cost and with better health outcomes. Discussing the immense profits of insurance companies and pharmaceuticals, he sees a fundamental need for a systemic overhaul to achieve equitable healthcare access. Despite being achievable under capitalism, Wolff argues that entrenched interests make such health reforms difficult without significant political transformation.
read moreMay 29, 2024
The End of Financial Colonialism | Richard D. Wolff and Michael Hudson
Dialogue Works features Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson discussing the evolving geopolitical climate, specifically focusing on the shifts in global power dynamics involving Russia, China, and the West. He talks about the complex interplay between international trade, political ideologies, and the apparent failure of the U.S. to adapt to a multipolar world moving away from dollar hegemony. Both Wolff and his fellow speaker express doubts about the effectiveness of current U.S. foreign policies, criticizing their aggressive stance towards China and Russia. They predict worsening global relations unless there is a significant shift toward cooperation, and they highlight the potential for emerging economies to reset their financial and trade frameworks independent of the U.S. influence. Lastly, the interview touches on the diminishing impact of two-party political systems and the long-term implications of ongoing global conflicts.
read moreMay 29, 2024
The Critical Hour: Weekly News Wrap Up (25.05.2024)
Richard Wolff provides insights on The Critical Hour regarding the state of the U.S. labor market, dismissing the notion that low unemployment is a sign of strength when wages and purchasing power are not keeping pace with inflation. Wolff argues that the real measure of a strong labor market should include job security, adequate benefits, and living wages that can keep up with the cost of living. He criticizes the mainstream narrative that the economy is strong when many Americans are experiencing a deterioration in their economic conditions. Citing historical examples, Wolff suggests alternative measures to combat inflation, such as price controls, that don't rely solely on interest rate hikes which can exacerbate the problem. Lastly, he calls out the disconnect between official economic indicators and the reality faced by non-supervisory, working-class Americans.
read moreMay 28, 2024
Economic Update: New Energies Organizing Unions
In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff comments on US megabanks once again taking new off-the-books risks, Elon Musk endorsing right-wing undemocratic census proposals and Fossil Fuel industry executives bribe Trump with campaign donations. In addition, we highlight the many US and global labor unions and workers who have joined the movement in supporting of ending the Israeli military actions in Gaza.
read moreMay 28, 2024
Economic Update: Roots of a Surging US Labor Movement
In this week’s Economic Update, Professor Richard Wolff discusses the reasons why the official United States unemployment rate is currently low in comparison to historic rates; We also highlight why U.S. restaurants are losing business. We then turn to the hypocrisy of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in the face of repression of growing American protest movement against Israeli policy in Gaza. In addition, we discuss Gabriel Zuckman's report on the economic impact of the dramatic cuts in taxes on billionaires vs rising taxes on the poorer half of the U.S.
read moreMay 20, 2024
Lena Petrova: APWest’s Colossal Mistake: Us Decline, Rise of BRICS, Tariffs Damage US Economy
In this interview with Lena Petrova, Richard Wolff shares insights on the United States' waning dominance in the global economy, exacerbated by tariffs, sanctions, and a changing international power landscape. He highlights how U.S. external and internal economic policies are failing to adapt to the rise of competing economies, such as China, and the resultant shift to protectionism which may stoke further inflation. Wolff also critiques the growing national debt, which he connects to a mismatch between government spending demands and an aversion to raising taxes, leading to unsustainable borrowing. He foresees a generational shift as younger Americans question capitalism and propose more democratic workplace structures as a solution to inequality and systemic problems. Throughout, Wolff emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing deep-seated economic issues rather than relying on political posturing or short-term fixes.
read moreMay 20, 2024
Dialogue Works: Ukraine Collapsing, Russia-China Alliance Tightens, NATO in Decline
In this Dialogue Works Interview, Richard Wolff talks about the shifting global economic dynamics with the rise of BRICS nations challenging the longstanding dominance of the G7 countries. He argues that China's economic growth and strategic alliances have created a larger economic unit than the G7, compelling nations worldwide to realign their economic ties. Wolff highlights the risks of American decline and the importance of recognizing this shift, as illustrated by the United States' strategic missteps with Russia and the war in Ukraine. He suggests that internal economic systems and class struggles deeply influence global power dynamics, potentially overshadowing geopolitical conflicts. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the US policy responses, such as increased tariffs, as symptomatic of a failure to adapt to a changing world order where other nations are capitalizing on globalization more effectively.
read moreMay 20, 2024
The Socialist Program: Biden’s Tariff War on Clean Energy
Richard Wolff provides insights on The Socialist Program regarding the Biden administration's imposition of heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, particularly electric vehicles and green tech, as a protective measure for U.S. industries. Wolff argues that these tariffs are a response to American companies' failure to compete globally, particularly against China's advancements in electric vehicle production. The tariffs, he asserts, may lead to higher costs for American consumers and contribute to inflation, as it stifles competition and gives U.S. companies less incentive to innovate. Additionally, he criticizes the political motivations behind these tariffs, which are influenced by election politics and corporate lobbying rather than genuine concern for job creation or the climate crisis. Ultimately, Wolff suggests this protectionist strategy is indicative of a decline in American competitiveness and offers a critique of the capitalist system's approach to employment and environmental sustainability.
read moreMay 15, 2024
The Critical Hour: Weekly News Wrap Up (11.05.2024)
In this The Critical Hour interview, Richard Wolff talks about the false narrative presented by capitalism's proponents regarding its benefits and the historical struggle required for workers' advancements. He critiques the stagnant federal minimum wage in the U.S. and highlights the resistance of capitalist structures to improve workers' livelihood. Wolff also dismantles the notion that China's success is attributable to capitalism, crediting their socialist approach for lifting millions out of poverty. He further argues that criticisms of China's and Russia's political systems are rooted in their refusal to submit to Western hegemony, not their actual governance models. Lastly, Wolff insists that America's decline is the result of systemic economic issues rather than external factors, challenging listeners to critically assess the reality of global economic shifts.
read moreMay 15, 2024
Economic Update: Prospects for a Political Turn Left
This week’s Economic Update Professor Richard Wolff discusses the successful unionization drives that is sweeping across US universities (example: Boston University), We highlight the facts that disprove Biden's "great economy" claims and why inflation is much worse in the United States than in China. Finally we have an exclusive Interview with Jared Yates Sexton, writer and political analyst, on prospects for a left turn in US politics
read moreMay 13, 2024
Richard Wolff on Empowering Workplace Democracy: Address to Icelandic Labor Movement, April 18, 2024
In this address to Icelandic Labor Movement, Richard Wolff advocates for a radical reorganization of the workplace into worker cooperatives as a strategic solution to capitalism's deep-seated issues. He acknowledges the current unique struggles of American capitalism and the decline of the American empire, drawing parallels to Britain's historical economic descent. Wolff emphasizes that with capitalism in significant turmoil, there's an opportunity for strategic initiatives like worker co-ops, which are not a standalone solution but part of a broader goal for economic transformations. During the interview, Wolff also critiques capitalist strategies and highlights the increasing labor militancy in the United States as a response to systemic economic failures. Lastly, he suggests that the problems facing modern capitalism could be countered by government support of worker cooperatives, thus challenging the traditional profit-focused enterprise structure.
read moreMay 08, 2024
