Richard Wolff joins Law and Disorder to discuss the parallels between the rise of fascism in early 20th-century Germany and the current political climate in the United States. He explains that the defeat of Germany in World War I triggered an economic collapse, hyperinflation, and desperation, creating fertile ground for Adolf Hitler’s ascent. Wolff compares this to the U.S., where stagnant wages and job losses since the 1970s have fueled discontent. He highlights how scapegoating played a role in both contexts: Jews in Germany, and immigrants and people of color in the U.S. Wolff warns that, like Hitler, Donald Trump is an effective demagogue capable of manipulating public sentiment, raising concerns about the rise of fascism in America today.

Letters and Politics interviews Richard Wolff on the subject of economics and the current election. Wolff discusses the false accusations of Kamala Harris being labeled a Marxist by Donald Trump. He explains the concept of tariffs, highlighting the misconception that tariffs are paid by the country imposing them, and emphasizes the negative impact of tariffs on American businesses and markets. Wolff also delves into the issue of price gouging, noting that while many states have laws against it, enforcement is often lacking. Lastly, Wolff criticizes the lack of focus on fundamental economic issues in the current political discourse and hints at the need for further discussions on these topics.

The evidence suggests that empires often react to periods of their own decline by over-extending their coping mechanisms. Military actions, infrastructure problems, and social welfare demands may then combine or clash, accumulating costs and backlash effects that the declining empire cannot manage. Policies aimed to strengthen empire—and that once did—now undermine it. Contemporary social changes inside and outside the empire can reinforce, slow, or reverse the decline. However, when decline leads leaders to deny its existence, it can become self-accelerating. In empires’ early years, leaders and the led may repress those among them who stress or merely even mention decline. Social problems may likewise be denied, minimized, or, if admitted, blamed on convenient scapegoats—immigrants, foreign powers, or ethnic minorities—rather than linked to imperial decline.

In this interview on KPFA's Letters and Politics, Richard Wolff discusses economic issues such as tariffs and price gouging. Tariffs are explained as taxes on imports paid by American importers, not by the countries of origin. He delves into how protectionist measures like tariffs can lead to negative consequences like higher prices and loss of market competitiveness. Wolff also delves into price gouging, highlighting how it reflects businesses charging what the market will bear, potentially impacting consumers during crises. Lastly, he touches on broader societal issues like the Lavender scare and current political rhetoric around communism and Marxism.

On the show, economist and professor Richard D. Wolff provides insights on the United States' economic decline and the global geopolitical landscape. Wolff discusses the complexities of assessing an economy and the misleading nature of cherry-picking data. He highlights the historical context of the United States as a post-World War II empire and delves into the changing dynamics of global powers, emphasizing the rise of China. Wolff urges for a shift towards multilateral cooperation and diplomacy to avoid escalating tensions and detrimental conflicts. He encourages listeners to explore his work through websites like democracyatwork.info and rdwolff.com and mentions the release of his book titled "Understanding Capitalism."

Labor Day is viewed as a significant holiday in the U.S.A. However, its celebration of the contribution of workers to our society has clearly waned since its establishment.  It is socially viewed now as the traditional “end of summer” and while this cultural attitude has not  changed significantly in recent years, the role of workers and Unions in our society is clearly on the rise.  The approval rating for Unions has been at 67% or higher for the past few years, its highest rating since 1965.

Don't miss Professor Richard Wolff on The Socialist Program as he discusses Europe's declining economic competitiveness with the US and China. Wolfe explains how historical imperialism and colonialism have shaped Europe's current situation under capitalism. The interview delves into the struggle for Europe to adapt to the shifting global power dynamics and outlines the potential consequences of increasing military spending. It highlights a shift towards scapegoating immigrants and prioritizing military solutions over addressing societal needs or offering reparations to oppressed nations. Wolfe emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to address the challenges of declining empires and the dangers of denial.

Join WaterWars Podcast as they explore the origins and implications of resource wars in the face of a changing climate and growing global population. From historical imperialism to modern-day struggles for resources like lithium, the interview questions the narrative of inevitable scarcity and competition for natural resources. Highlighting historical instances like the Spanish Empire's exploitation of Latin America and the 1943 Bengal famine, the conversation sheds light on how capitalist systems and imperialism fuel resource conflicts and inequality. Economist Amartya Sen's research on famines reveals that it is not absolute food scarcity but inequalities in access and distribution that lead to tragic outcomes. Ultimately, the interview advocates for a shift towards ecological and social justice, rejecting the narrative of unavoidable resource wars in favor of transformative societal change.

Don't miss Dr. Richard Wolf on Printsite's Global as he discusses his book "Understanding Capitalism" in an interview with Naomi. Dr. Wolf delves into why he chose to write the book, emphasizing the need for critical debate and analysis of the capitalist system. He highlights issues of democracy, inequality, and instability within capitalist enterprises, encouraging readers to question the norm. Dr. Wolf underscores the importance of workplace democracy and the impact of profit-focused systems on society, urging people to envision alternatives to capitalism. He concludes by directing listeners to the websites democracyatwork.info and rdwolf.com for more information on his work and the book.

On the Socialist program, Professor Richard Wolff covers the topic of automation and its impact on workers in the United States and China. He contrasts how automation is used to maximize profits in the U.S. but can be harnessed to benefit workers in China. The discussion highlights the potential of automation to either worsen income inequality or boost global growth and productivity. Wolff emphasizes the importance of redefining work and finding a balance between efficiency and meaningful employment in the face of advancing technology. The interview underscores how different economic systems approach automation and the consequential societal implications.